If you know Green Goods at all, you know we love to share the latest news on cutting-edge cannabis products like oral solutions, tablets, tinctures and soft gels. And without doubt, one of our customers’ favorites is the cannabis edible.
Whether in the form of rich chocolates, tangy gummies, or any of the other countless forms available, THC edibles are among the most popular of all cannabis products and since legalization came into effect earlier this year, cannabis-derived THC edibles are legal in Minnesota. Where can you buy them? In today’s post, we’ll answer this question and others still, including:
- Are THC edibles in MN actually legal?
- How do cannabis edibles work in the body?
- How long do THC edibles last?
- What are some of the most popular types of edibles?
- Where can I buy THC edibles in Minnesota?
Come along on this “guided tour” of the cannabis edible and you’ll learn everything you need to know about this popular method of accessing all the benefits of cannabis.
Are Edibles Legal in MN? Where to Buy Them
Still confused about cannabis laws in Minnesota? You’re not alone! The road to decriminalization has been a winding one, and it wasn’t until mid-2022 that state lawmakers quietly passed legislation allowing the sale of low-THC edibles in Minnesota containing 5mg of hemp-derived THC per serving.
Since then, with full legalization of cannabis having gone into effect in August 2023, adults age 21 and older may possess or transport up to 800 milligrams of edible THC product (including low-potency hemp-derived THC edibles). But even with the gains made from full legalization, many observers worry that unlicensed businesses may be selling untested and unregulated THC edibles.
This is just one of the many reasons we urge anyone interested in higher potency cannabis edibles to only purchase products from reputable, licensed dispensaries such as Green Goods. Because each and every cannabis product we sell is rigorously tested for purity and potency, you can be sure the cannabis you’re consuming is as wholesome and safe as it can possibly be. Currently, Green Goods can only sell to registered medical patients, and later in this post we’ll share details on how to register as a medical cannabis patient in Minnesota.
If you have further questions about legal cannabis in Minnesota, visit our FAQ Page for more details.
THC Edibles: Understanding How They Work
It’s not hard to see why THC edibles are so popular. On top of the nearly limitless variety of formats and flavors edibles come in, they’re great for delivering a precise amount of cannabinoids in each serving. From crunchy chocolate-chip cookies to zingy mints to refreshing lemonades and tangy gummies, accessing cannabinoids through edibles is a great way to enjoy cannabis in a fun, discreet, and long-lasting format.
Like all cannabis and hemp products, edibles deliver natural compounds called cannabinoids. This large family of plant-based chemicals includes a couple you’ve probably heard of: THC and CBD. Many of these plants’ most noticeable effects—including the characteristic euphoric “high”— come from THC.
On top of this, THC acts as an anti-inflammatory, a pain-killer, and an anti-nausea medication, among others. CBD, on the other hand, may help to relieve anxiety and stress, help us manage certain types of seizures, and help foster deeper, more restorative sleep, among other very useful effects.
When we consume cannabis orally as opposed to smoking it, the cannabinoids are processed in the stomach and the liver as opposed to the lungs. As a result, the cannabis takes much longer to take effect, but the effects also last longer.
How much longer? The average onset time for these products is 90 minutes, and the average duration from 5 – 12 hours. While these times are influenced by factors such as the patient’s age, cannabis experience, diet and other medications, it’s important to note here that no matter what, the effects of taking a cannabis edible will probably last far longer than they do after smoking.
Popular Types of THC Edibles in Minnesota
Let’s turn now to the good stuff: A survey of some of the fun styles of THC edibles legally available for purchase here in Minnesota at your local Green Goods:
- Gummies: Gummies are among the most popular cannabis edibles, and it’s no mystery why: It’s tough to find someone who doesn’t love these tangy, chewy treats! Here in Minnesota, we’re excited to offer the HiCOLOR line from Vireo Health, a leading national cannabis company. Because they take advantage of cutting-edge molecular nanotechnology, these products have a much faster onset time than traditional edibles, often taking effect within fifteen to thirty minutes.
- Tablets: Easy and intuitive to use, these cannabis edibles get right down to business, delivering potent dosages of cannabinoids in a simple, no-nonsense package. Great for those on the go, or who want to use cannabis discreetly.
- Beverages: That’s right, you can infuse sodas, teas, and even beer with edible cannabinoids just as easily as gummies or tablets. At Green Goods’ Minnesota locations, we currently offer beverages infused with CBD and CBN—a medically impactful minor cannabinoid—from Wyld, one of the nation’s leading cannabis edibles brands.
THC Edibles in Minnesota: Consumption Tips
When purchasing cannabis-derived edibles from a licensed medical dispensary such as Green Goods, you’ll find they typically contain higher doses of THC than the hemp-derived drinks and edibles you can purchase at local bars, restaurants and grocery stores.
While THC edibles are a fun and intuitive way to access cannabis, there are some helpful hints to keep in mind. As we shared a moment ago, their effects last significantly longer than smoked or vaped cannabis. And their subjective effect—that is, the high—tends to be much stronger compared with smoking.
Why? The answer may be connected with a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, a by-product created by the breakdown of THC. In one study, when test subjects were given 11-hydroxy-THC, the psychoactive effects were rated as more intense than with regular THC. That’s one reason we always recommend that if you feel you’re not getting the effects you want from an edible, wait at least two hours before taking another dose.
Especially if you’re new to THC edibles, be sure to consume a little food and plenty of water beforehand, and take a lower dosage than you might be tempted to. Remember: You can always take more cannabis, but you can’t take less.
Where to Buy Edibles Minnesota: Becoming a Medical Patient
If you can’t tell, we’re thrilled to be able to offer our Minnesota customers THC edibles in a variety of styles and flavors. If you’d like to try them for yourself, you’ll need to register with Minnesota’s medical marijuana program. If you’d like to register as a cannabis patient, the first step is to determine whether you suffer from one or more of the qualifying conditions recognized by the State.
Next, you’ll need a medical certification from a doctor, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse licensed to recommend cannabis medicine in Minnesota. Because the state doesn’t make public the list of care providers registered with the program, you’ll have to find one on your own, or using a third-party site such as this one.
Once you’ve received a written certification for medical cannabis, the next step is to register with the state. Once your application is approved and your annual patient fee of $200 processed, you’ll be free to visit any of the state’s Cannabis Patient Centers.
If you’d like to learn about the process in detail, visit our Guide to Becoming a Patient in Minnesota.
Explore Minnesota’s Best THC Edibles with Green Goods
If you’re interested in learning more about THC edibles—or any other cannabis-related questions—we’d love to help! Start with our cannabis science blog for tips and know-how, and if you have specific questions about cannabis use, don’t hesitate to ask us. We’re always here to help.
You can also find the Green Goods location closest to you and browse our lineup of cannabis edibles any time. We hope to see you soon!
