Edible medical cannabis products come in a range of forms to help meet diverse patient needs. Doctors may prescribe edible products if patients have been unsuccessful with other treatments and their dosage method or prefer a more discrete method of consumption.
Why are there different edible medical cannabis products?
There are different edible medical cannabis products to cater to a wide range of patient preferences and treatment needs. When it comes to edible products, patients may have personal taste, texture, or consumption preferences that allow for comfortable dosage and treatment. For instance, some patients have difficulty swallowing capsules, while others may prefer the ease of chewing medicinal gummies. Unlike topicals, which are applied directly to the skin for targeted relief, edible cannabis products may provide more general relief, as prescribed by a doctor.
How do edible medical cannabis products work?
Edible cannabis products work similarly to other medicinal cannabis products – by interacting with your endocannabinoid system. Cannabis consumed via ingestion affects your body by passing through your digestive system and liver before entering your bloodstream. This means it may take longer to experience effects than other product types, such as flower inhalation. Edibles may contain varying amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The main difference between the two cannabinoids is cognitive impact. THC interacts slightly differently with your endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 cell receptors, resulting in a psychoactive effect. Patients undergoing treatment may experience varying levels of cognitive impairment, whereas CBD-only edibles deliver the effects of cannabis without a psychoactive component. Currently, in most parts of Australia, patients are restricted from driving with THC in their system. If the need to drive regularly is important, CBD-only alternatives can be discussed with a doctor.

Help is at Hand
Get free information and assistance quickly by filling out the contact form below.
Types of edible medical cannabis products
Edible medical cannabis products can include capsules, wafers, chewables, and lozenges, each boasting unique formulations and characteristics. Understanding the array of edible cannabis products in Australia empowers doctors to make well-informed decisions regarding their patients’ medical treatment.
Capsules
Cannabis capsules commonly contain refined cannabis extract infused into oil. Manufacturers may use a variety of different carrier oils to both dilute the cannabis extract and make it easier for the body to absorb. Common carrier oils include medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), coconut, and olive oils. Cannabis capsules may be suited for patients who dislike the taste of cannabis.
Wafers
Edible wafers are thin strips of cannabis, usually freeze-dried, which dissolve in the mouth. Cannabis wafers allow patients to access medicines quickly and easily without the need to swallow pills or capsules. Since wafers are taken sublingually like some oil medications, patients may experience effects faster than they would with other edibles, however, it may not suit patients who prefer not to taste the medicine.
Chewables
Chewable cannabis is typically associated with gummies (also known as pastilles), which are edible products commonly infused with CBD and/or THC cannabinoids. Chewables may also come in the form of chewing gum. Gummies are an alternative to traditional cannabis oils or capsules, and are bite-sized, available sometimes in a range of colours and flavours. Chewables are discrete and portable, suited for those who need access to medication on the go.
Lozenges
Cannabis lozenges operate in a very similar way to wafers, as they dissolve in the mouth. They are made by combining cannabis with ingredients like shea butter or honey-infused cannabis oil, then shaping and setting it into lozenges.

How are edible cannabis products made?
The way that edible cannabis products are made depends on their specific format. Edible cannabis capsules commonly contain cannabis oil within an edible shell, which can make the manufacturing process more straightforward. While, manufacturing products like edible cannabis lozenges involves infusing cannabis oil with shea butter or honey to help it take a certain shape, consistency and flavour.

How long do edible cannabis products take to start working?
The effects of edible cannabis products may generally take between thirty minutes and two hours in some people, depending on a variety of factors, such as an individual’s physiological characteristics, their tolerance and the specific form of edible cannabis product. The product’s dosage and concentration can also have an effect, with higher concentrations and greater dosages correlating to potentially faster onset of effect and therapeutic benefit. Edible cannabis products often take longer for people to feel the effect as they need to be digested. This delay can lead some individuals, especially first-time consumers, to mistakenly consume more than their prescribed dosage, assuming it’s ineffective. It’s crucial to follow a doctor’s advice on dosage and allow enough time for the body to digest the product.
How long do the effects of cannabis edibles last?
The exact length of time that the effects of cannabis edibles last depend on the concentration and dosage of the edible cannabis product, as well as the tolerance and individual physiological characteristics of the patient. After edible cannabis has been consumed and digested it can remain processing in an individual’s system for over 12 days. Driving with any detectable amount of THC in the body is an offence in all states except in Tasmania (if the product was obtained and administered lawfully, and the patient is not impaired), which is why it’s important to avoid driving when using THC -based edible cannabis products. Remember, never drive if impaired, just as with any other prescription medicine.
Contact Us For Free Assistance
"*" indicates required fields
Additional Cannabis Product Type information
Explore the range of legal medical cannabis products available in Australia, including oils, inhalers, topicals, and edibles. Learn how these different formulations address various patient needs and conditions.
Medical Cannabis Product TypesExplore different topical cannabis treatments like creams, balms, and patches. Learn how these products work and their potential medical uses in Australia.
Topical Medical Cannabis Products in AustraliaExplore medical cannabis vaporisers, their types, and how they work. Learn about dry herb and extract options available with a prescription in Australia.
Medical Cannabis Vaporisers in AustraliaUnderstand the legal landscape of medical cannabis products in Australia, including regulations for different product types and state-specific laws.
Medical Cannabis Product Legality in AustraliaLearn about the effects of different medical cannabis products in Australia, including oils, inhalants, and topicals. Understand how they interact with the body and their potential side effects.
Medical Cannabis Product Types Effects