Legal cannabis sales will exceed $23 billion in the US alone this year, and analysts estimate that will double within five years.
For the uninitiated, the selection of edibles at a dispensary can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve traveled over state lines for the experience.
I’m looking at you, Idaho.
A dedicated budtender will certainly be there to help you out, but I know you want to go in with a little knowledge.
So here are seven you’ll want to consider next time you’re ready to browse.
Top THC Treats to Try Next Time You’re at a Dispensary
Check these out! You won’t be disappointed.
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
Coffee drinkers love the caffeine jolt you get from popping a few micro-roasted espresso beans covered in delectable, artisan dark chocolate.
You get a mix of shifting sensations between jolt and chill. You can find them at a Spokane dispensary.
Lemon Mini Cookies
For many, lemon cookies offer a sense of nostalgia. You may have enjoyed them when visiting grandma or relatives or on a road trip as a kid.
Now, combine that nostalgia with THC, and you have perhaps the perfect cookie.
These are a fan favorite of edible connoisseurs for a good reason.
THC Teas
Tea is, by definition, tea leaves in hot water.
Whether it’s green tea or dandelion, the heated water releases antioxidants and other beneficial substances.
The same can be said for THC-infused teas, which may be made from a combination of leaves loaded with beneficial plant substances like CBD, chlorophyll, terpenes, flavonoids, and antioxidants, along with buds for the THC to give the right kick to your cup.
You can find teas that pick you up and teas to settle down with at night with other organic ingredients like licorice, sweet orange, lavender, or other beneficial essential oils.
Chocolate Banana Bar
One bar can have up to 200mg of THC, a powerful punch, so consume with caution if you’re new to edibles.
But it’s hard to find a much better combination than chocolate and banana for your cannabis experience.
For those who’ve developed a bit of a tolerance for THC, you won’t be disappointed.
What about pumpkin pie to complement? You can probably find that too.
Cold Brew Coffee
Who doesn’t love an iced coffee? Let a budtender spice up your next one with a cannabis infusion for a different kind of morning pick-me-up.
This is perfect for people who want to consume micro-style from the moment they wake up and throughout the day for an even experience.
Chili Mango Gummies
Those who can get enough spicy hot, chili mango gummies are a fan fave, often loaded with as much as 100mg THC per bag.
Fruity Pieces Treat
While you’re exploring taste sensations, don’t overlook this classic fruity candy that melts in your mouth for a slow release. You can even enjoy them as a sublingual.
What to Look for in THC Treats
Flavor
Edibles should taste good. They should be a delectable treat. Otherwise, why consume them vs. THC isolate drops.
You’ll probably notice that subtle cannabis flavor hanging out in the background, but it shouldn’t seem overwhelming.
Go for a flavor you already enjoy. But a variety to find your favorites and then go back for more.
How It’s Made
This determines the quality, taste, and texture. So you want to look at the package or talk to the budtender to determine:
- Source
- Post-harvest processing and extraction…Some extraction methods will reduce the cannabis flavor.
- Manufacturing
- Quality and consistency testing for the label
Eco-friendly packaging, methods, and delivery, as well as fair employment practices, are always a nice bonus.
Culinary and Marketing Creativity
Let’s face it. Creativity and presentation can impact perceived taste and enjoyment. If it’s pretty and creative, consider giving it a try. If the packaging is also clever, you’ll likely be delighted.
Costs
Edibles aren’t typically priced outrageously.
They’re priced to allow you to experience a variety of edibles. You might splurge on some of the more expensive ones if they’re highly creative, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to explore edibles.
You can get a whole bag of gummies containing around 100 mg of THC for about $10. That fits into almost anyone’s budget.
Extraction Method
Some extraction methods can leave behind chemical residues that aren’t particularly harmful in small quantities, but you really don’t want to ingest them. Others leave minimal or no undesirable by-products.
Look for these for the purest products:
- Supercritical CO2
- Nanoemulsion
- Distillation
Testing Procedures and Label
Labeling is critical for THC and CBD products. Mislabeling can lead to unintended consumption of high doses, which, while not necessarily dangerous, can make you feel sick.
The company should be testing for:
- Potency
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Other toxins