Much of the past year was spent in eager anticipation of Legalization 2.0 and the arrival of edibles, extracts, vapes and topicals to dispensary store shelves. But with the joyous date arriving late in the year (Oct. 17) — and Health Canada requiring licence holders to give 60 days’ notice before selling new products — only a fraction of the country was left with a good taste in its mouth by the year’s end.

The new year will no doubt bring with it a cavalcade of tasty new THC concoctions but in the meantime, Canadians have been content to read all about it online.

Fittingly, the most popular edibles story on The GrowthOp in 2019 was one that tells you everything you need to know about the new products. From the importance of dosing guidelines to the dangers (or joys!) of consuming on an empty stomach to finding your comfort zone, there’s something here for cannabis users of all experience levels. Stay calm and you’ll be fine.

Excitement for the new products was tempered with apprehension, as highlighted in a TGO story about a study that found Canadian interest in edibles had waned since the legalization of the drug for recreational purposes in October, 2018. The finding, which surprised the researchers, may be attributable to a rash of stories at the time that painted edibles in a poor light — including a police raid that confiscated super-strong edibles designed to look like Lego. An RCMP statement said the 500 mg products could be fatal for children, before later retracting the claim.

Canadians who are perhaps a little too at ease with edibles were also interested in reading about whether or not police sniffer dogs can smell the THC in the baked goods in their luggage. This widely-read article concludes that yes, certain super sniffer breeds are capable of detecting edibles (and should probably lose the ‘man’s best friend’ label).

Another popular story in 2019 was one Canadians can relate to with wildly increasing frequency these days: Sharing your cannabis habits (if not your stash) with your parents or adult children. In a scene playing out in living rooms across the country, columnist Rebecca Eckler relates her experiences opening up to a strait-laced parent. We all get there sooner or later, might as well do some research ahead of time.

For a good look at the sort of silliness one can expect after consuming certain edibles, readers were interested in seeing popular YouTuber Brandi Fernandez put on makeup after getting high. With close to a million followers, and a very pro-pot attitude (“When you’re downie, eat a brownie”), Fernandez is a hit with her followers and our readers alike. The entertainment gets better as it goes — and the brownies kick in — so sit back, and maybe have something of your own, before watching.

Speaking of indulging, readers also (wisely) wanted to know how to figure out how much THC is in their edibles and this simple guide was there to help. From what to expect from

varying strains to managing your high, it’s a useful resource for those still making our own edibles in this new era of point and click delivery.

And what would 2019 be without a little fear-mongering? The annual tradition of worrying that cannabis will make it into the Halloween candy supply made for a popular story, but, as noted, nobody is giving away their edibles for free, no matter the date. Better luck next year.

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