Marijuana edibles have a public perception of being a good jumping off point for inexperienced consumers to try out Colorado’s legal highs. However, it is quite easy to bite off more than you can chew, as it were, and turn a relaxing experience into a stressful and scary one.
Edibles have undergone much legal scrutiny since the legalization of marijuana. Warning labels on edibles were standardized this past February to mark the treats in increments of 10 or fewer milligrams of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), and researchers are hard at work on uniform lab testing standards for THC content. Despite these advances and increased educational efforts by the state, there is still a big problem of convincing users not to eat too much or too quickly.
Are Edibles Stronger than Smoked Marijuana?
Contrary to the quick effects of smoked or vaporized marijuana, ingested marijuana has a slow absorption rate and creates a longer, often more intense experience. The slow effect can create an impetus for impatient or impulsive users to eat too much THC. High doses of the drug can lead to panic, paranoia or acute psychosis in individuals with diagnosed psychiatric conditions.
The slow burn of edible marijuana also presents a danger on the road. If consumed before driving, even an hour or two before, the edible could bring on the peak of the high while you are driving down the highway. The negative symptoms of edible overindulgence could manifest as anxiety attacks on the road, which presents a danger to the driver as well as anyone else nearby.
If you have been arrested for driving after consuming a marijuana edible, you could benefit from the advice of a drugged driving attorney. In the below video, Attorney Jake Johnson discusses the services a skilled attorney could provide you in fighting your DUI charges.
DUI Matters – Denver Drugged Driving Lawyers
Source: http://www.thecannabist.co/2015/04/12/colorado-marijuana-edibles-lab-testing-public-safety/33038/2/ Irresponsible Marijuana Edible use is a Rising Safety Concern in Colorado
In the wake of Colorado’s legalization of recreational marijuana, marijuana-infused edibles have gained popularity. These treats offer a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis, but they also come with some unique risks. Despite efforts to standardize warning labels and lab testing for THC content, there remains a challenge in educating consumers about responsible consumption.
One significant difference between edibles and smoked or vaporized marijuana is the absorption rate in the body. When you smoke or vape cannabis, the effects are felt relatively quickly, allowing users to gauge their tolerance and adjust accordingly. In contrast, edibles take longer to take effect, which can lead to impatience or impulsivity among users who may consume too much too soon.
This delayed onset can result in intense and prolonged experiences, potentially leading to adverse reactions such as panic, paranoia, or acute psychosis, particularly in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions. Additionally, the slow absorption rate presents a unique risk for drivers.
Suppose someone consumes an edible before getting behind the wheel. In that case, the peak of the high may occur while driving, leading to impaired judgment and potentially causing anxiety attacks or other negative symptoms. This poses a danger not only to the driver but also to others on the road.
In situations where someone is arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana edibles, seeking legal counsel from a skilled, drugged driving attorney can be invaluable. Attorney Jake Johnson, in the accompanying video, discusses how an experienced attorney can help individuals facing DUI charges related to marijuana edibles.
It’s crucial for both consumers and law enforcement to be aware of the challenges associated with marijuana edibles and to prioritize responsible use to ensure the safety of all Colorado residents on the road. If you find yourself in a legal situation related to marijuana impairment, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from professionals like those at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, who specialize in alcohol and drug-related driving offenses in Colorado.
Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.