Marijuana Edibles Science | Source: Unsplash
We’ve all heard of “Puff, Puff, Pass,” but have you tried “Munch, Munch, Pass?” Marijuana edibles have been growing in popularity, and for good reason. They offer a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis, and they’re often touted for their potent effects.
Have you ever tried an edible only to not feel anything for 20 minutes? So you eat more… then BAM! You’re stoned as a rock. Yeah, a lot of us have been there. Edibles, other than dabs, are notorious for being the strongest method of consuming cannabis.
Consuming marijuana edibles has a much more potent psychoactive effect once it passes through our liver. Aside from the fact that you can consume a lot more THC in one sitting, something else happens when you eat cannabis. So, let’s explore the ins and outs of Marijuana edibles and what makes them so potent!
The Art & Science Behind Marijuana Edibles
So, what are marijuana edibles, you ask? Well, simply put, they are food products that are infused with cannabis. This can include anything from brownies and gummies to drinks and even savory snacks.
But here’s the thing – unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, edibles take a little longer to kick in. When you smoke or vape, the THC (the chemical in cannabis that gets you high) goes straight to your bloodstream and you feel the effects almost instantly. However, when you eat an edible, your body has to digest it first. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on a variety of factors such as your metabolism and what you ate before consuming the edible.
Don’t let the delayed onset fool you – once the effects do kick in, they can be much more intense and last longer than smoking or vaping. This is because when you eat an edible, the THC is converted into a different compound that is more potent and has a stronger psychoactive effect.
How Can Edibles Differ in Effects from Smoking?
Edibles vs Smoking | Source: Everyday Health
When you smoke cannabis, the effects are almost immediate. Within minutes, you can feel the high as THC enters your bloodstream and reaches your brain.
Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to kick in. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for the effects to be felt, as the THC is metabolized by the liver and converted into a more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC. The high can last longer, too, up to six hours or more in some cases.
The difference in onset time and duration means that the experience of consuming edibles can be quite different from smoking. Some people find the effects of edibles to be more intense, with a heavier body high and a stronger sense of euphoria. Others may experience more sedation and relaxation, with less of the psychoactive effects associated with smoking. It’s important to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis, so your experience may vary.
Why Edibles Hit Harder Than Smoking
Edibles don’t play by the rules of smoking or vaping – they take the scenic route through your liver, delivering a knockout high that’ll have you seeing stars!
While edibles can be a tasty and convenient way to get your cannabis fix, they’re also known for being incredibly potent. But why is that? Let’s take a closer look at why marijuana edibles pack such a powerful punch.
The Liver Factor
When you smoke or vape cannabis, the THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) goes straight to your lungs and then to your bloodstream, which then distributes it to your brain and other parts of your body. This process is quick and efficient, which is why smoking or vaping can produce an immediate and intense high.
However, when you ingest cannabis through edibles, the THC takes a different route. And guess what?! There’s actually less THC absorbed. In fact, according to a National Institutes of Health study, “oral THC bioavailability is only 6% -10%”. Low water-solubility, digestion in the stomach and saliva are the reasons why lot of the THC passes straight through your body. So how does it work? And why do edibles hit you like a MACK truck?
It first passes through your digestive system, where it gets absorbed into your bloodstream and then processed by your liver. This is where things get interesting.
The liver breaks down the THC into a more potent and psychoactive form called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is then released into your bloodstream and sent to your brain. This conversion process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on various factors such as the amount of food in your stomach and your metabolism.
Once the 11-hydroxy-THC reaches your brain, it can produce a more intense and longer-lasting high compared to smoking or vaping. The effects can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the dosage and your tolerance level.
Dosage Control
Another factor that contributes to the potency of edibles is dosage control. Unlike smoking or vaping, where you can easily control the amount of cannabis you’re consuming, edibles can be more difficult to dose accurately. The potency of edibles can vary greatly depending on the type of product, the amount of THC in the product, and how it was made.
It’s important to start with a low dose when consuming edibles and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more. This can help prevent unpleasant experiences such as anxiety, paranoia, or nausea.
The Delicious World of Cannabis-Infused Edibles
Gummies | Source: Unsplash
You know what the best part of edibles is?! They come in a variety of forms, flavors, and potency levels. Wanna eat them as gummies? Go for it! Chocolates? Bring it on! And so many other forms…
Gummies Rule!!!
Gummies are one of the most popular types of marijuana edibles, and for good reason. They’re delicious, easy to dose, and come in a variety of flavors and shapes.
Whether you prefer sweet or sour, fruity or tangy, there’s a gummy out there for you. Most gummies contain a moderate dose of THC, ranging from 5 to 25 milligrams per piece. However, be sure to read the label carefully, as some gummies may be more potent than others.
Chocolates, Chocolates & More Chocolates
Who doesn’t love chocolate? From chocolate bars to truffles and even hot cocoa, there’s a cannabis-infused chocolate treat for everyone.
Chocolate edibles typically come in smaller doses than gummies, with each piece containing around 5 to 10 milligrams of THC. But beware, chocolate edibles can take longer to take effect, so be patient and don’t overdo it.
Sweet Baked Goods
If you’re a fan of baked goods, then you’ll love cannabis-infused brownies, cookies, and cakes.
These classics have been a staple of the marijuana edibles market for years, and for good reason. They’re easy to make at home or purchase from a dispensary, and they offer a tasty and discreet way to consume cannabis.
Baked goods can be more potent than gummies or chocolates, so be sure to start with a small dose and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more.
Chug The Edibles
For those who prefer to drink their cannabis, there are a variety of cannabis-infused beverages available.
From sodas and juices to teas and coffees, there’s a drink for every taste. Cannabis-infused beverages are a great option for those who want a discreet way to consume marijuana, as they can easily be consumed on the go or at home.
What Can You Do To Maximizing the Edible Experience?
Once you’ve found your sweet spot for dosage, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your edible experience. One is to eat a light meal before consuming the edible. This can help to increase the absorption rate and reduce the risk of nausea or other digestive issues.
Another tip is to consume the edible with a source of fat, such as nuts, cheese, or avocado. THC is fat-soluble, meaning it binds to fat molecules and is absorbed more easily into the bloodstream. Consuming your edible with a source of fat can help to increase the potency and speed up the onset time.
It’s important to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for your edible experience. Set aside a few hours where you can relax and enjoy the high without any distractions or stress. Put on some music, watch a movie, or simply lie back and enjoy the ride.
Key Takeaways!
The next time you get laid out by an edible, just remember; it’s not only Delta 9 THC. The extra potency is from some advanced science happening.
● Edibles take the scenic route through your liver, resulting in a more potent and longer-lasting high.
● The liver converts THC into a more psychoactive form, which can produce a more intense and enjoyable experience.
● Dosage control is key when consuming edibles – start with a low dose and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more.
● With the right approach, edibles can be a fun and enjoyable way to experience the benefits of cannabis.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cannabis user or a newbie, edibles are definitely worth a try – just be prepared for a wild ride! Come back to The Happy Campers for all your latest cannabis news and findings.