There are two major ways to take marijuana: through inhalation or edibles. Although smoking remains the most common method of consuming marijuana, edibles are quickly gaining ground. Weed Edibles are more popular than ever, and for good reason: they deliver a more potent high that stays with you for longer. In this piece, we’ll examine why the effects of edibles are more potent and long-lasting than those of smoked cannabis.
Smoking Cannabis vs. Cannabis Edibles
So, here’s a tale you’ve undoubtedly heard before: Someone became high after consuming an edible. In one way or another, we can all relate to this. The chemical response between cannabis and the human body is different when consumed vs when smoked, explaining why the effects are distinct. First, let’s check out the research.
Weed Cannabinoids
A person’s reaction to cannabis can be influenced by several factors, including terpenes. But learning about cannabinoids is the most important thing to do before trying edibles. The two most prominent cannabinoids in cannabis that affect human biology are THC and CBD. The euphoric properties of THC are what make it so appealing to recreational consumers, while the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities of CBD are what has made it the go-to for medical marijuana.
Cannabinoids interact with several receptors in the human body, with the nature of the interaction largely determined by the route of administration. Taking a hit of THC is as simple as inhaling some cannabis flower or vaporizing some concentrates; the psychoactive compound is quickly absorbed into the circulation. Because of this, the benefits of inhaling cannabis through a vape or a joint are felt very instantly.
The Digestive System
Because they are ingested rather than inhaled, edibles tend to have a more potent effect. Digesting something edible, on the other hand, is a far more time-consuming process. Once an edible has been consumed, the digestive system is responsible for metabolizing the cannabinoids contained inside. When this happens, you’ll feel the edible’s effects.
When you eat cannabis, the THC travels through your digestive tract and ends up in your liver. However, the consequences will vary greatly depending on a wide variety of conditions.
If you’re dehydrated or eating nothing before consuming an edible, you may get too high too fast. However, the metabolism of edible THC is typically slowed when consumed after a meal. This is because it takes longer for food to be broken down properly, so it may be a few hours before you feel any effects, but once they do, they will be stronger and last longer.
Longer-Lasting High with Edibles
In addition to providing a higher initial effect, the effects from consuming edibles tend to linger for longer than those from inhalation. As was said above, your metabolism and whether or not the edible was consumed with other meals will determine how long the effects of the edible will last.
THC’s unique byproducts cause the effects of edibles to last for significantly longer than smoking the drug. Inhaling delta-9-THC causes it to enter the bloodstream unaltered and provides psychoactive effects. When taken orally, however, delta-9-THC is converted to 11-hydroxy THC, which is more potent. Edibles are converted into a more potent version of cannabis than would be produced by smoking.
Everybody knows the stories about folks who ate too many edibles and stayed high for days. Yes, 11-hydroxy-THC can stay in your system for a day or longer after ingestion, however, this will vary with the dose. Therefore, those who have never tried edible cannabis should ease into it gradually.
Reflections and Closing
Smoking cannabis is a risk-free activity, but ingesting it can have unintended consequences. Consumers with more experience know their tolerances and how much they need to take to achieve the desired effect from smoking, vaping, or ingesting. When trying edibles for the first time, it’s best to start slow, with a dose of 5-10 milligrams of THC. It takes time to learn how cannabis interacts with your body because its effects vary from person to person after ingestion.
Visit Bud Depot Dispensary and consult with our knowledgeable budtenders about which of our many cannabis edibles is best for first-time users.
