My Scary THC Edible Experience: Lessons Learned

 

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What started out as a lovely Memorial Day weekend turned into a chilling experience. A night I won’t forget anytime soon…

One of my Cousins had been raving about how THC edibles have helped her manage pain and allowed her to stop taking her medications. Intrigued and hopeful, I decided to give them a try. What followed was a harrowing experience that taught me some valuable lessons about the power of THC and the importance of caution.

The Night It All Went Wrong

My Cousin’s positive experience with edibles encouraged me to try a small piece of a snicker doodle edible she bought with 100% THC. I barely consumed 25% of but, but it hit me hard. I fell asleep until some more of my Cousins came around for a visit. We were getting together for a barbecue for the long holiday weekend. I didn’t think anything of it. I should have stopped there.

It wasn’t until later on in the evening that I had decided to try a chocolate caramel edible with 20mg of THC mixed in with a shot of a 100% THC-infused drink, which made matters worse. This combination led to what is commonly referred to as the “weed shakes.” The THC was too strong for my body, and I began to experience tremors.

I struggled to sleep, plagued by heartburn, tremors, and a parched mouth. My heart was beating erratically, and I felt as though I was trapped in a waking nightmare, unable to distinguish between reality and a dream. I was in a state of psychosis and paranoia, unsure if I should call 911. In my desperation, I called on Jesus for help, and eventually, I managed to sleep off some of the effects that, for the most part, led into the next day.

What Went Wrong?

Reflecting on the experience, several mistakes became clear:

1. Underestimating THC Potency: Despite only having a small amount of the edible, the THC content was too high for my body.
2. Mixing Products: Consuming multiple THC products — an edible, a drink, and chocolate — compounded the effects.
3. Lack of Experience: I had never used THC in this form before, and my past experiences with smoking did not prepare me for the intensity of ingesting edibles.

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Lessons Learned

Here are the key takeaways from my experience to help others avoid a similar ordeal:

1. Start Low and Go Slow:

• Begin with a Small Dose: If you’re new to THC, start with a very low dose (2.5–5 mg) and wait at least two hours before consuming more. Edibles are much stronger and longer-lasting than smoking or vaping.

2. Avoid Mixing Products:

• Stick to One Product: Mixing different types of THC products can intensify the effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions.

3. Know Your Product:

• Read Labels Carefully: Understand the THC content in the products you’re consuming. Ensure they are clearly labeled and know the recommended dosage.

4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished:

• Hydrate: Have plenty of water or herbal tea to combat dry mouth and stay hydrated.
• Eat Light: Having a light snack can help mitigate nausea and stomach discomfort.

5. Create a Safe Environment:

• Comfortable Setting: Use THC in a familiar, safe, and comfortable environment. In this case, I was at my Cousin’s house. Thank God, I was in a safe and familiar environment.
• Trusted Company: Have someone you trust with you who can help if you start to feel anxious or unwell. While my other cousins had fell asleep for the night, their daughter was up after coming home from a late shift. It was around midnight that she said I came to visit her and told her how I was feeling. I was concerned for my welfare, and she recommended I sleep it off. So, that’s what I did.

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Immediate Actions if You Have a Bad Trip

If you find yourself in a situation similar to mine, here’s what you can do:

1. Stay Calm: Remind yourself that the effects are temporary. Deep breathing and grounding techniques can help calm your anxiety.
2. Hydrate: Drink water or herbal tea.
3. Rest in a Safe Spot: Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down.
4. Seek Support: Reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support.
5. Consider CBD: If available, CBD can sometimes counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.

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My bad trip was a stark reminder that THC edibles are potent and should be approached with caution, especially for first-timers. By starting with a low dose, avoiding mixing products, and being in a safe environment, you can reduce the risk of an unpleasant experience. If you do find yourself feeling unwell, remember that the effects are temporary and that support is available.

I’m feeling much better now after a good night’s sleep. I’ve learned my lesson and will be much more cautious in the future. I hope my story helps you make informed and safe choices with THC.

Stay safe and informed, and may your experiences with THC be positive and enjoyable.

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Cannabis Use: State and Federal Perspectives

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With the recent changes in cannabis laws in Missouri and Illinois, dispensaries are popping up everywhere. It’s becoming easier to access cannabis products, and many people, like my cousins, are taking advantage of the convenience of a local dispensary just down the street. However, my recent experience with THC edibles has taught me some crucial lessons that I’d like to share with anyone new to the world of cannabis.

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Recent Cannabis Legislation in Missouri and Illinois

Missouri

Missouri has undergone significant changes in its cannabis laws over the past decade:

1. Medical Cannabis: In November 2018, Missouri voters approved a ballot measure to legalize medical cannabis. This allowed qualified patients to grow up to six cannabis plants and purchase up to four ounces of cannabis per month. The measure also imposed a 4% sales tax on medical cannabis sales, with the proceeds funding services for military veterans​ (Wikipedia)​.
2. Recreational Cannabis: In November 2022, Missouri voters passed Amendment 3, which legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over. This amendment permits individuals to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and allows home cultivation of up to six flowering plants, six nonflowering plants, and six clones. The law also established a 6% sales tax on cannabis sales, with revenue allocated to various public services, including expunging non-violent cannabis offenses and providing healthcare for veterans. The first licensed sales of recreational cannabis began on February 3, 2023​ (Wikipedia)​.

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Illinois

Illinois has also seen substantial progress in its cannabis legislation:

1. Medical Cannabis: Illinois legalized medical cannabis in 2013 through the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. This act established a regulatory framework for the medical use of cannabis for qualified patients​ (Illinois Cannabis Information Portal)​.
2. Recreational Cannabis: The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, signed into law in 2019, legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over, effective January 1, 2020. This law allows adults to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis and established a legal market for the sale and taxation of recreational cannabis​ (Illinois Cannabis Information Portal)​.
3. Recent Developments: In early 2023, the Illinois Senate passed two bills aimed at further decriminalizing cannabis use. Senate Bill 125 prevents law enforcement from using the smell of cannabis as the sole probable cause for searching a vehicle. Senate Bill 1886 ensures that individuals on probation or other legal supervision can use cannabis unless involved in specific intoxication-related crimes or courts handling substance abuse or mental health cases​ (Illinois Cannabis Information Portal)​.

Despite state laws legalizing cannabis, it remains a federal offense to possess, distribute, or use cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use under federal law.

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Federal vs. State Law

1. Controlled Substances Act: Under the Controlled Substances Act, cannabis is illegal at the federal level. This means that federal law enforcement agencies, such as the DEA, can arrest individuals for cannabis possession, even in states where it is legal​ (Illinois Cannabis Information Portal)​.
2. State Laws: Many states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, creating a complex legal landscape. State laws permit activities that are still federally illegal, leading to potential legal conflicts.

Implications

1. Interstate Transport: Transporting cannabis across state lines, even between states where it is legal, is a federal offense. This is because interstate transport falls under federal jurisdiction.
2. Federal Property: Possession of cannabis on federal property, such as national parks, federal buildings, and military bases, is prohibited. This can result in federal charges regardless of state laws.
3. Employment: Federal employees and contractors, as well as employees in federally regulated industries (e.g., transportation), are subject to federal drug testing regulations and can be penalized for cannabis use.
4. Banking: Cannabis businesses face significant challenges with banking, as federal regulations make it difficult for them to access traditional banking services. Many operate on a cash-only basis due to these restrictions.
5. Legal Proceedings: Cannabis-related activities that are legal under state law can still be prosecuted federally. This creates uncertainty and potential legal risks for individuals and businesses involved in the cannabis industry.

Current Federal Policies

1. Cole Memorandum: Issued in 2013, this DOJ memo provided guidance to federal prosecutors to deprioritize enforcement of federal cannabis laws in states where it is legal, focusing instead on specific priorities such as preventing distribution to minors and cartel activity. However, this memo was rescinded in 2018, leading to increased uncertainty​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Illinois Cannabis Information Portal)​.
2. MORE Act: The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act seeks to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level, expunge past convictions, and remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. While it has passed the House of Representatives, it has not yet become law​ (Illinois Cannabis Information Portal)​.

In conclusion, while state laws may permit the use and possession of cannabis, it is essential to remember that these activities remain illegal under federal law. Individuals and businesses must navigate this legal complexity carefully to avoid federal penalties.

References

1. Missouri Medical and Recreational Cannabis Laws:

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: Provides comprehensive information on the state’s medical cannabis program and recent legalization of recreational use. Missouri DHSS — Medical Marijuana
• Amendment 3 Overview: Detailed information on the amendment that legalized recreational cannabis in Missouri. Ballotpedia — Missouri Amendment 3

2. Illinois Cannabis Laws:

• Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act: Full text and details of the act legalizing recreational cannabis in Illinois. Illinois General Assembly — Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: Provides updates and regulations on cannabis businesses and consumer guidelines. IDFPR — Cannabis

3. Federal Cannabis Laws:

• Controlled Substances Act: The federal law under which cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance. DEA — Controlled Substances Act
• Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act:Information on the proposed federal legislation to decriminalize cannabis. Congress.gov — MORE Act

4. General Cannabis Information:

• NORML: An organization providing extensive resources on cannabis laws, advocacy, and education. NORML
• Leafly: A popular resource for information on cannabis strains, products, and laws. Leafly

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