Edible THC products, such as gummies, chocolates, and baked goods, have become a popular way to consume cannabis. Often just called "edibles," this term refers to cannabis-infused food and sometimes drink products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, or more simple terms, the chemical that puts you in that happy, dreamy state.

Unlike smoking or vaping, which deliver THC directly into the bloodstream through the lungs, edibles are ingested and subsequently processed through the digestive system. This process results in different effects and experiences compared to other consumption methods.

When you eat an edible, the THC is metabolized by the liver, which converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that's a little more potent and a little longer-lasting than THC absorbed through smoking or vaping. The onset of effects from edibles typically takes between 30 minutes to two hours before you notice anything, depending on a number of factors including your metabolism and how much you have in your stomach. The effects will last anywhere from four to eight hours on average.

Edible THC products offer a wide range of benefits that a lot of folks prefer to the more traditional delivery methods you'd find in a documentary about the 60s. Here are some key advantages of consuming THC in edible form:

It makes precise dosing possible: All of Sherpa's edible THC products typically come with clearly labeled dosages, allowing you to control your intake accurately. Each serving contains a specific amount of THC — we test and retest for accuracy — which makes it easier to get to where you want to go without overdoing it. This precision is great for users needing consistent medical or therapeutic dosing.

They have longer-lasting effects: Unlike smoking or vaping, which give you a relatively short-lived high, edible THC provides a longer-lasting experience. Once ingested, the THC has to be metabolized by the liver. Once that's done, it will produce effects lasting four to eight hours or more. This makes edibles ideal for folks who need prolonged symptom relief or who want a more sustained recreational experience. No sneaking out of Dune halfway through to hit the pen in the bathroom.

You can consume them discreetly: Our edibles give you a discreet way to consume THC since they resemble ordinary food and do not produce the smell associated with smoking. Who hasn't needed a little mood boost during the family holiday celebration, you know?

There's no negative impact on your respiratory system: No matter how you slice it, smoke shouldn't really go in lungs. Consuming edibles, though, eliminates the need for inhalation, so you're not going to exacerbate any existing respiratory conditions or contribute to their development.

They offer consistent, repeatable effects: A lot of people don't like smoking cannabis because they're unsure of what the effects will be. The effects of edible THC are a lot more predictable. With Sherpa edibles, you know exactly how it's going to feel every time, making it a lot easier to dial in your experience.

At this point, you might be asking yourself how any of this is even legal. Totally fair question, so let's break it down. At the end of the day, though, it all has to do with where the THC in your edible came from.

The cornerstone of what makes edibles legal in the United States is the 2018 Farm Bill. This piece of legislation legalized the cultivation and production of hemp at the federal level and clearly defined the difference between hemp and its stonier cousin, marijuana. Put simply, if a cannabis plant contains less than 0.3 percent THC, it's hemp, and it's perfectly legal. If it's over 0.3 percent, it's marijuana, and it's still federally illegal. All of Sherpa's products are derived from hemp, meaning they are perfectly legal to possess and consume in all 50 states. And we think that's pretty cool.

Cannabis is a hugely versatile and complex plant with a rich history of use for both medicinal and recreational purposes going back millennia. To fully appreciate its applications, you need to understand its fundamental components and how they interact with the human body.

The first things you need to grasp are cannabinoids. The cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, with the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD. THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" that you know and love. THC interacts with the brain's endocannabinoid system to produce those effects, including euphoria, slightly skewed perception, and overall relaxation. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and is mostly used for therapeutic purposes like alleviating anxiety, reducing pain, and lowering inflammation without the intoxicating effects of THC.

Terpenes are next on our educational list. These are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. If you know what essential oils are, that's what we're talking about. These contribute to the plant's distinct smell and flavor and may influence its effects.

Common terpenes in cannabis plants include myrcene, which has mild sedative effects; limonene, which is associated with mood enhancement; and pinene, which studies are showing might aid in memory retention. Terpenes work together with cannabinoids, a phenomenon sometimes called the "entourage effect," that tweaks the overall impact of the cannabis plant. If you've heard people talk about "indicas" or "sativas," they're really talking about terpenes.

Cannabis has been used for thousands and thousands of years for its medicinal properties, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anti-nausea effects. In modern times, it has gained recognition for its potential in treating various conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Recreationally, we like using cannabis for its pleasant psychoactive effects, relaxation, mood enhancement, and as a way to elevate our day-to-day lives.

Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned professional, selecting the right THC edible can significantly enhance your cannabis experience. Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for the ideal THC edible.

Check the THC concentration: Probably the most important factor in selecting an edible is the THC concentration. All of our products are typically labeled with the amount of THC per serving in milligrams. We recommend that beginners should start with a lower dose, around 5 to 12 mg of THC. For more experienced users, higher doses may be more appropriate. Just make sure the dosage matches your needs and experience level. No need to blast off into outer space when you really just want to chill with your cat on the porch.

Determine your desired effects: Are you looking for something to help you sleep? Maybe something to help with your carpal tunnel syndrome? Heck, maybe you just want to lay in your backyard and giggle at the clouds. It's important to remember that different THC edibles are going to produce different effects depending on their formulation and dosage. Some of our edibles are designed to help with relaxation and stress relief, while others are for pain relief and improving your mood. Consider your goals and shop accordingly.

Review ingredients and additives: We'd encourage you to examine the ingredients list for any additional components that might affect your decision. Some of our edibles are made with natural and organic ingredients, while others contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. If you have dietary restrictions or sensitivities, make sure the product meets your requirements. We’d also point out that some of our edibles include other beneficial ingredients like different cannabinoids or terpenes, which will enhance the overall benefits and change your overall experience.

Check for Lab Testing and Quality: Our super high-quality edibles are tested in house and retested by a third-party lab for potency and purity. This lab testing ensures that all of our products contain the advertised amount of THC and that they're free from harmful contaminants.

While all of our products are outstanding, there are a few that we always like to highlight.

If you're looking for something on the mellower side, we'd recommend our 10 mg Relax gummy. Both of these are formulated specifically for winding down and chilling out.

If you want something a little more pronounced, our 25 mg Gummies will get you where you're looking to go. The former is a discrete, easy way to have an all-day high, and the latter is a decadent way to get to the moon and back. We also offer our 100 mg gummy for the experienced traveler, but we do recommend splitting that guy up into four pieces.

Need an edible that's going to help you sleep? What about one that'll help you deal with pain? Are you trying to microdose and focus during your day? Check, check, and check again.

And we didn't forget about your four-legged friends, either. Our high-quality CBD pet treats are a great option if Fluffy or Fido is dealing with separation anxiety or needs a little help managing their arthritis. Just make sure you check with your vet before giving these treats to your little furballs.