Cannabis edibles are increasing in popularity. This is partly due to a growing public acceptance of cannabis use. These edible cannabis products, such as cakes, gummies and drinks, offer an alternative method of consuming cannabis. It is a discreet way to enjoy cannabis. 

In Amsterdam, only cake products are allowed to be sold by the coffee shops. At The Border, you can therefore find delicious choco-spacecake. Read more about the different types of edibles, their effects, and legality.

Different types of cannabis edibles

Worldwide, the most popular types of edibles are cake, chocolate, gummies and drinks. In Amsterdam coffee shops, however, you can only legally obtain cake products. This is because in the Netherlands edibles may only be made with raw cannabis. Edibles made from THC or CBD extracts are prohibited. 

Baked goods

Cakes form a well-known category within the world of cannabis edibles. From cannabis biscuits to space cakes and brownies, many people love the taste and easy dosage. The earthy flavour of cannabis blends with the sweet taste of cake.

Cakes are additionally easy to make at home for those who like to bake their own cannabis creations. This makes it possible to experiment with flavours and the quantity of soft drugs that the cake contains.

Chocolate

Chocolate with cannabis is an alternative way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis plants. Unfortunately, you can’t just buy this treat in the coffee shop. What makes cannabis chocolate special as an edible is the combination of the creamy taste of chocolate with the influence of cannabis. These edibles look like regular chocolate and are therefore very discreet. 

Gummies

Cannabis gummies, also known as edibles in candy form, have particularly captured the cannabis market in the United States. Gummy bears are tasty, small, and quick to eat. With many different flavours available, there is plenty of choice when it comes to gummies.

Since people make gummies from cannabis extracts, you cannot legally buy them in the Netherlands. 

Drinks

Although cannabis drinks are not yet as popular as gummies, more and more people are opting for this kind of drink. Examples include soft drinks, tea and coffee infused with cannabinoids. However, it is not possible to buy these drinks in coffee shops. But you can, for instance, make your own cannabis tea at home.

What distinguishes cannabis drinks from edibles is their faster absorption time. As a result, you experience the effects of weed much faster than, say, eating a space cake. People often use cannabis drinks if they prefer not to smoke a joint and still want to feel the effects quickly.

Note that in the Netherlands, you can only buy cake products in coffee shops; other products are not yet legally available. It is still important to handle dosage and uptake time responsibly, regardless of the type of edible.

Composition and effects

The composition of cannabis edibles determines the effect you will experience. The two main cannabinoids, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are the focus of a good edible.

THC is known for its psychoactive properties. CBD, on the other hand, offers mainly therapeutic benefits without a psychoactive effect. The ratio of THC to CBD varies from edible to edible.

An edible with a higher THC concentration can lead to more intense psychoactive effects. An edible with a balanced THC/CBD ratio will give you a calming experience, with a lesser ‘high’.

Edibles vs. smoking: Which effect is stronger?

Eating edibles and smoking cannabis offer different effects. This is due to the way the body absorbs the active substances. When smoking or vaping, the cannabinoids quickly reach the bloodstream through the lungs. Therefore, the effect is almost immediate.

Unlike smoking, edibles have a longer absorption time. This is because they have to pass through the digestive system first. This can lead to a slower onset of effects. They usually only occur within 30 minutes to two hours after consumption.

Since it takes longer for the active substances to be absorbed into the body, it also often leads to longer-lasting effects and a more intense experience. Once ingested, the effects of edibles can last for several hours. The peak usually occurs in the first to third hour after consumption. This prolonged effect makes edibles attractive to those seeking a long-lasting, gradual experience.

It is not uncommon for users, underestimating the slow onset time, to consume more than necessary. This can lead to unpleasant side effects.

Do you choose edibles?

When choosing the right cannabis edible, it is necessary to consider your experience and the legal status of different types of edibles. Start with a low dose, especially if you are new to using edibles. This is the best way to avoid unintended side effects.

Spacecake is attractive as it can be bought in coffee shops and offers easy dosage. Learn from previous cannabis experiences and adjust the dosage based on your needs. Always choose reliable sources, such as coffee shop The Border, and keep in mind the slow absorption time of edibles.

Recipes and homemade edibles

Homemade cannabis edibles allow you to completely customise the product to your specific needs. You can add exactly the number of grams of cannabis that gives you the desired effect. A simple recipe makes baking and cooking with cannabis accessible to home chefs.

A common recipe starts by infusing butter with ground cannabis, resulting in cannabis butter. You can then add this cannabis butter as an ingredient to various recipes, such as batter for biscuits, brownies or space cake.

Types of cannabis edibles

What does the law have to say?

Possession of edibles for personal use is tolerated by the municipality. Nevertheless, there is a limit to this too. This regulation applies because responsible use of cannabis edibles is important for safety. 

In the Netherlands, cannabis edibles are subject to the Opium Act. This cannabis policy states that having products with too much THC is a criminal offence. With edibles, a maximum of 0.5 grams of cannabis per 100 grams of cake may be used. 

However, the commercial cultivation of cannabis for the illegal sale of cannabis edibles remains a criminal offence. The same, of course, applies to the sale of hard drugs or the illegal sale of cannabis in other forms. In such cases, the public prosecutor can prosecute you with fines, confiscation of plants or even imprisonment. 

When it comes to the legal sale of edibles, coffee shops are only allowed to sell one specific type: namely cake. In Amsterdam coffee shops, you can therefore find different kinds of space cake. At The Border, for instance, you can find delicious choco-spacecake!

Edibles at The Border

Increasingly, cannabis edibles are gaining momentum. These products, such as cakes, chocolates, gummies and drinks, offer a different way to consume cannabis. 

It is important to use edibles responsibly. Among other things, pay attention to their legality within the Netherlands and be careful with the dosage. Want to know exactly what dosage you take? Then make edibles yourself and follow a cannabis butter recipe, for example. That way, you can tailor the experience to your personal taste and preference.

Prefer to buy edibles ready-made? Amsterdam coffee shops are only allowed to sell cake products. Stop by Coffeeshop The Border on the edge of the Amsterdamse Bos for the tastiest choco-spacecake. See you soon!