While cannabis was legalized in Canada over a year ago, edible products have just now become available in Alberta.

Monday marked the first day for edible cannabis products chocolates, mintes, and gummies in storefronts in Alberta.

Foothills residents keen to try the newly available products may want to do some research before taking part, as concerns have been raised with monitoring the dosage of edible products as they can be slower to absorb into a person's system.

According to Chris Lozanski, Owner of Total Health Cannabis, there are some precautions to be considered when consuming edibles.

"What can happen is if you take it on an empty stomach you're going to feel close to the full effects. Where if you take it on a full stomach, you might not get the full (dose). What happens is people end up getting impatient, and then they take another gummy. And then the first gummy will kick in a little bit, and then the second gummy, and then you're having a bad night or maybe a bad couple days."

For those residents new to the consumption of edible products, Lozanski recommends the "start low and go slow" approach.

He says, although edibles take longer to absorb than smoking, vaping or ingesting oils, the effects can last much longer. Given the finicky nature of edibles, it can be difficult for users to know how much is too much.

Lozanski recommends taking the lowest available dosage to start, and waiting to see how you feel before taking more.

He says doctors he works with often prescribe CBD oils for patients because the dosage is easier to control, but some consumers prefer the edible products.

"If you have the gummys or the edibles in chocolate or tea, it (can be) a lot more enjoyable way of taking it too. A lot more social."

 

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