Edibles 101

The market for edibles has exploded and sometimes the shelf containing your choices starts to look like the chip aisle at the grocery store! So then, how do you wade through all the options and find the right product that offers the right effect for you? In Edibles 101, we’ll give you a quick overview of cannabis edibles as a category and then list some of our herbal consultant favorites!

What’s an edible?

Cannabis edibles are products made and infused with cannabinoids from the plant and are consumed orally. With this consumption method, edibles are swallowed, ingested, and digested while traveling to both the stomach and liver, such as with any food, before entering the bloodstream. Because of this, the onset and effects of edibles may differ compared to other forms of cannabis – like consuming concentrate oil or smoking flower.

How much of an edible should I take?

If you are a seasoned cannabis user, then you’ll likely be able to enjoy a larger dose than someone who is new to cannabis. Each consumer is different, one’s cannabis tolerance, experience, or metabolism are factors at play. A safe bet is to explain your situation to one of our Aptos or Watsonville dispensary herbal consultants and let them advise you on what dose they consider most suitable for you.

Doses are listed on edibles in milligrams (mg) and can range from 10 mg to hundreds of milligrams. Regardless of the suggested dose, most edibles are incredibly easy to split, so you can refine the dosage to meet your needs and desired experience.

How much of an edible should I take the first time?

Whether you’re trying a new brand or type of edibles, or experiencing it for the first time in general – one of the best practices for dosing edibles is to start slow and low. Starting off with a low dose and slowly increasing to your desired amount and effects helps you stay in better control of your cannabis edibles experience.

How long do cannabis edibles take to kick in?

The fact that edibles must be digested and then processed through the gastrointestinal tract before entering the bloodstream means that they can take a while to kick in. Plus, you must consider when you last ate because that can impact the onset and timing of when you experience effects.

A general rule of thumb is that you can anticipate effects anytime between 30 and 90 minutes after consuming the edibles, with effects gently growing over time until reaching a peak. With that said, it’s important to not consume more of a dose until you have experienced the initial effects.

What are the effects of cannabis edibles?

We find cannabis edibles to be a more intense experience and last longer than other forms of cannabis consumption. This may be because of the way it is ingested and interacting with our body, compared to smoking flower.

From a purely experiential standpoint, the sensation can manifest both physically and emotionally, and the range of sensations depends on your body type, how much was consumed, and the strain composition. We encourage you to explore a range of edibles to find the one that suits the goals you’re trying to achieve.

What are the most common types of edibles?

At our California cannabis dispensary, you’ll find a wide array of innovative cannabis brands bringing you delicious edibles to satisfy any appetite! 

At our Santa Cruz dispensary, no cannabis edible option is left behind! Some of the most common types of edibles include fresh baked goods, decadent chocolate bars, fizzy infused drinks, dissolvable tabs, and ultra-potent gummies for all ailments.

What are the dose options for edibles products?

With these ingredients and food, snack, or beverage options, these common edible types also have an assortment of cannabinoids and doses to choose from. You can choose from microdose options or 1:1 THC/CBD ratios for balance and comfort throughout the day. Some single-dose edibles may be as simple as 1mg per edible, and larger baked or infused goods ranging from 15mg - 50mg per treat. For those seeking a larger edibles dose with strong effects, infused shots or drinks can be macro-dosed up to 500mg.

What are some of the best edibles in Santa Cruz?

So now you know a bit more about edibles, but you’re still faced with that overwhelming chip aisle! However, unlike choosing a bag of chips, cannabis edibles are often curated with specific cannabinoids or ingredients for certain wellness features, such as for energy or sleep. 

Our knowledgeable herbal consultant team has put together a list of their favorite edibles, ranging from beverages to baked goods and everything in between.

Where can I buy edibles?

Both our Aptos dispensary and Watsonville dispensary location offer a wide range of cannabis edibles in all doses and forms! No matter your desired effect or craving, come by our Santa Cruz dispensary to speak with an herbal consultant about the edibles options available. 

Santa Cruz Naturals aims to deliver local, fresh, and affordable cannabis edibles and products to the Watsonville and Aptos communities. For the best, low-cost cannabis in California, browse our dispensary menu and order cannabis edibles for pickup or delivery today. 

Santa Cruz Naturals: Aptos & Watsonville Cannabis Delivery

With free cannabis delivery on all $40 minimum purchases – we proudly offer the best cannabis deal on edibles in Santa Cruz!

Whether you love visiting either of our gorgeous dispensary locations or enjoy utilizing our exclusive cannabis delivery service in your Santa Cruz neighborhood, shop Santa Cruz Naturals for all your cannabis edible cravings! 

Both Santa Cruz Naturals Aptos & Watsonville locations are currently offering great deals on some of our herbal consultant’s favorite cannabis edible brands: Wyld gummies & Kwik Ease infused beverages! Check out our Specials Page to learn more.


Stay tuned on the Blog page for more cannabis education and Santa Cruz culture. Sign up for the loyalty program to get weekly dispensary deals and discounts on your favorite edibles and cannabis products!

Colin Disheroon