All Types of Edibles: Differences & Similarities - How Cannabis & Shroom Edibles Compare

The world is getting more and more accepting of cannabis and other psychoactive substances. According to Grand View Research, the global legal marijuana market projects to grow at a 25.7% CAGR between 2024 and 2030, reaching USD 102.24 billion (1). This growth is driven by increased legalization, the adoption of cannabis for medical use, and the rise in new products, ranging from edibles and oils to waxes, vapes, concentrates, and lotions. 

 

Magic mushrooms have also seen a surge in popularity recently, mainly due to increased legal access and reported psychological and spiritual benefits. Research suggests that compounds in these mushrooms, such as psilocybin, may help treat mental health conditions like anxiety and depression (2).

 

While cannabis and mushroom-infused edibles often deliver reported benefits, you should understand the complexities of each before trying them for the first time.

 

What is an Edible? 

Edibles, in this context, is a term that refers to foodstuffs that have been infused with cannabis or psilocybin. Cannabis edibles and mushroom edibles have different effects and side effects. 

 

Cannabis-infused Edibles

Cannabis edibles are food or drink products infused with cannabis extracts, typically containing THC or CBD. They are popular due to their discreet consumption method, longer-lasting effects, and precise dosing options.

 

While THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in weed, CBD and many other minor cannabinoids have no mind-altering effects or a "high." Despite its lack of a high effect, CBD is known to have numerous therapeutic benefits (3), making the cannabinoid a popular choice for people looking to enjoy cannabis without getting high.

 

With a combination of cannabinoids offered in products, it is possible to find edibles with varying ratios of THC and CBD, with dosage options like 1:1, 5:1, 20:1 and various other dosages sold. With a 5:1, the edible will contain five times as much THC as CBD. Others have equal parts CBD and THC. 

 

CBG, CBN, and Delta 8 THC are other popular cannabinoids used to make weed edibles.

The types of edibles best suited for you depend on the specific effects you seek. With THC edibles, you may experience outcomes such as:

• Happy, giddy, and excited
• Talkative, sociable, and conversational
• Energized, motivated, and uplifted
• Relaxed, calm, and at peace
• Stress-free
• Hungry
• Sleepy, drowsy, and sedated

 

The intensity of these effects varies depending on factors such as: 

• Dosage consumed
• Potency
• Body mass index and metabolism rate
• Plant profile

Magic Mushroom Edibles

Mushroom edibles are food or drink products infused with extracts from psychedelic mushrooms, typically containing compounds like psilocybin. Mushroom products such as psilocybin-infused chocolate offer a convenient and discreet way to consume mushrooms.

 

Psilocybin is known to induce various visual and auditory hallucinations (4). Here are some of the effects you may encounter after consuming psilocybin-infused edibles:

• Altered perception of time and space
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Enhanced mood or emotional experiences
• Changes in thought patterns
• Nausea and dizziness

 

Like cannabis, the effects of mushrooms will vary based on dosage, individual physiology, and the environment.

 

If you'd like to enjoy the benefits of mushrooms but don't want to experience any psychoactive effects, you could opt for functional mushrooms instead. Functional mushrooms are non-psychoactive varieties known for their potential health benefits, often promoted for their adaptogenic properties, boosting energy, immunity, and overall well-being. 

 

Unlike psychedelic mushrooms, functional mushrooms do not contain compounds like psilocybin or psilocin and do not induce hallucinations or altered states of consciousness. Instead, they are consumed for their nutritional value and potential medicinal properties. 

While functional mushrooms are legal in the USA, psychedelic mushrooms remain banned federally. They are subject to varying laws on the state level.

 

Here are some of the most common functional mushroom strains used to make mushroom edibles: 

 

Reishi Mushrooms

Also known as the shroom of immortality, Reishi mushrooms may help regulate the immune system. In some countries, these strains are used to prepare edibles and supplements for people living with cancer and other ailments (5).

 

Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane is a functional mushroom strain that humans have used for years. This strain is known to aid in nerve regeneration and cognitive function (6).

 

Cordyceps Mushrooms

Another popular functional mushroom strain used to make edibles is the Cordyceps mushroom. This strain is said to enhance cardiovascular performance and is also loved for its antioxidant and immunomodulation properties (7).

 

Other common functional mushrooms include Chaga, Turkey Tail, and Shiitake shrooms. 

Generally, the effects of edibles will depend on the active compound present (either psilocybin, THC, or CBD), its concentration, and your tolerance. When comparing cannabis and mushrooms, keep the following in mind for a base of information to two complex organisms.

• Magic mushrooms induce hallucinations and altered perceptions, offering intense psychedelic experiences. 
• Functional mushrooms provide health benefits without psychoactive effects, promoting energy, immunity, and overall well-being. 
• THC edibles from marijuana produce psychoactive effects like euphoria and relaxation. 
• Hemp-derived edibles, with mainly CBD and minimal THC, offer relaxation and potential pain relief without intoxication.

How Do Edibles Work? 

When you smoke weed, the THC in the smoke is absorbed right into your lungs, taking a swift effect in just a few minutes or less. This isn't the case when you consume edibles. 

With cannabis edibles, you'll wait 30 minutes or longer, up to two hours in some cases, before you start feeling the desired effects. Mushrooms typically take between 20 and 90 minutes.

 

The prolonged onset time happens because the edible must pass through the digestion process before the active compounds (psilocybin for shrooms and THC for cannabis edibles) become metabolized.

 

Now, can you get high from eating raw marijuana? Good question, but the answer is no. The THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) present in dried flowers must be converted into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to elicit the desired effects. This is caused by heating the flower through a process called decarboxylation.

 

Popular Edible Consumption Types

New weed edibles are being introduced to the market every day. It's, therefore, impossible to list all types of cannabis edibles here. However, most popular cannabis edible products fall into one of the following categories:

 

Gummies and Chews

These tasty, chewy traits are infused with THC or CBD. They come in various flavors and potencies, making them popular for people seeking precise dosing options.

 

Baked Goods

These include pastries such as cookies, cakes, brownies, biscuits, donuts, and more. 

 

Beverages and Drink Mixes

What about getting high while quenching your thirst?

From infused sodas and teas to powdered drink mixes, cannabis beverages provide a refreshing alternative to smoking cannabis.

 

Mints and Candies

These small, portable treats offer a subtle and convenient way to enjoy weed on the go. Enjoy sweet candy flavors and the potent effects of THC and other cannabinoids.

 

Infused Butters and Baking Oils

If you'd like to be more adventurous and make some sweet edibles at home, THC-infused cooking and baking oils are your ideal choice.

Magic mushrooms are similar to weed in the sense that they, too, can be consumed in a variety of ways. 

 

While you can eat mushrooms on their own, both magic and functional mushrooms can be used to make different types of edibles, including chocolates, beverages, brownies, and crushed powder to add to drinks like tea, coffee, and water.

 

Potential Edible Benefits

Healthier Alternative

Weed edibles are often considered healthier than vaping or smoking because they eliminate the potential risks associated with inhaling smoke or vapor (8).

 

Portable

Edibles come in light, portable packaging, making it easy to carry them anywhere. 

 

High Potency

Edibles have longer-lasting effects, with effects unrivaled by many, if any, products.

 

Microdosing Ease

It's easy to microdose using edibles with most products dosed by single serving.

 

Potential Edibles Drawbacks

The most common drawback to using edibles is waiting so long for the desired effects to kick in. This prompts many people, especially beginners, to take a second dose too early, increasing the potential for overdose. 

 

You also run the risk of exposing your family, friends, or even pets to THC if you have some weed edibles at home. Make sure your edibles are clearly labeled and are safely locked away in a secure place when not in use.

 

Cannabis Edibles FAQ

Are edibles legal?

Cannabis edibles are legal in all the states where marijuana is legal. If you live in a recreational state, you can easily order weed edibles from an online dispensary. Thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp-derived products, including edibles, are now legally sold in many state markets.

 

Am I going to trip?

THC and shroom edibles will make you experience an intoxicating effect that may be called a "high" or "trip"

 

How long do the effects last?

Depending on the substance consumed and dosage, effects can last between 2 to 12 hours, with some rare cases lasting longer periods.

 

Are all cannabis edibles made from THC?

No. It is possible to buy weed edibles made using CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta 8, and other non-psychoactive compounds present in cannabis and hemp plants.

 

How can I keep my edibles fresh for the longest period?

Proper storage is the only way to ensure your edibles remain potent, tasty, and fresh. Ensure your gummies are stored in a cool, dark, airtight container, ideally in a UV-protected casing.