Edibles are a category of foods and drinks infused with cannabis. These products come in various forms, such as baked goods, gummies, and soda.
Eating these treats has become one of the most common cannabis consumption methods, and baking them has become a popular hobby.
If you are an edible consumer and appreciate the snack, keep reading to gain some knowledge on the history of edibles.
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Marijuana Throughout the Centuries
Researchers have found that cannabis consumption dates as far back as 2,800 BC; however, the plant was likely used by humans as soon as it was discovered.
The earliest evidence of marijuana use was in China, used by Emperor Shen Nung. He used the plant to treat gout, malaria, rheumatism, and constipation.
Research shows that from 1,500 BC- 700 BC, India, Greece, and Rome, were using cannabis for medical, religious, and recreational purposes as well.
During the middle ages, cannabis was losing its popularity in European countries but growing in Asia and North Africa. The 16th century was when Spanish explorers introduced North and South America to the medicinal plant, which eventually spread to European settlers.
Although still quite popular for its health benefits and recreational uses, the 19th century is when cannabis began to receive a bad rap. The 19th and 20th century is also when edibles became a popular treat.
The First Official Edible Recipe
Naturally, one could only assume that different types of edibles had been concocted throughout all of history in the form of teas, baked goods, and oils.
However, The first “official” recipe for cannabis edibles was published in 1960 in the “Alice B. Toklas Cook Book.”
The 1960s is known for being a time of peace, love, and heaps of marijuana consumption. So, when Alice published her recipe for hash brownies, America went wild.
Soon, cannabis was being tinkered with and baked into tons of recipes. Marijuana consumers began adding cannabutter, hash, and oils to rice crispy treats, cookies, brownies, pastries, and any other sweet treat they could think of. More “experienced” consumers began taking a step further by adding the plant to every meal. No foods were discriminated against and pot roasts, soups, eggs, and even plain toast were created with the incorporation of cannabis.
Edibles in the 20th Century
The 20th century is when law enforcement began to really crack down on marijuana use, making it much more difficult to consume edibles. Of course, this did not stop cannabis lovers from smoking, and preparing psychoactive treats; they were just more secretive about it.
If you lived during and remember the cannabis community in the 2000s, you know that this is when edibles began getting fancy. Candies, infused teas, tinctures, and tonics were popping up everywhere. The few states and countries that allowed recreational use could be found serving cannabis-infused foods in restaurants and bars.
The Cannabis Edibles of Today
Today, cannabis edibles are not too different from how they started; however, they are typically much more potent and come in many more options.
Today’s most popular edibles include:
- Gummies- Gummies are considered the modern version of edibles. These chewy treats come in various shapes, sizes, flavors, and cannabinoid contents. The most popular gummies are the typical gummy bear and peach rings.
- Capsules- Some may not characterize capsules as edibles, but it is in fact on the list. Capsules, like many other pills, are flavorless and straight to the point. Many consumers take a capsule if they don’t -like the earthy flavor of other cannabis treats.
- Beverages- Beverages are one of the newest and most fun ways to consume edibles. Marijuana beverages come in various types and flavors. Root beer, cola, tea, alcohol, sparkling water, and lemonade are a few examples.
- Savory snacks- Savory edible snacks are more popular among the cannabis crowd that doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth. These edibles are harder to get your hands on, but when you do come across them at the dispensary, you will see items like popcorn and potato chips.
- Baked goods- Baked goods are the classic edible option and are most often found in the form of cookies or brownies. Many manufacturers pair baked goods recipes with strains according to terpene profile. For example, a lemon cookie might contain a strain with a lot of limonene in the bud.
The Benefits of Eating Edibles
Like marijuana flower, edibles provide various mental and physical health benefits.
Edibles are great for relaxation, anxiety relief, pain management, and much more.
Individuals using cannabis medically might be treating conditions like epilepsy, PTSD, IBS, or multiple sclerosis.
Different cannabinoids, potency levels, and strains will produce varying effects. If you plan to use edibles for the first time, be sure to do some research on the dosage you should eat for your tolerance or condition.
