Edibles are a form of consuming cannabis that has become increasingly popular in recent years. As public opinion about marijuana shifts and smoking becomes less and less common, the demand for alternative ways to consume cannabinoids has skyrocketed.
Cannabis edibles can come in all forms: gummies, brownies, cookies, and even popcorn. In addition to being healthier than joints and smokables, edibles offer a different experience to the user and can provide more potent effects.
What Happens When You Use An Edible
Unlike smoking, edibles must be digested before their effects can be felt. Cannabinoids like THC are fat-soluble, meaning the fat used in making the edible (the cannabis-infused butter used in the cookies, for example) acts as an agent that breaks down the active substance.
The THC is absorbed through the digestive system and sent to the liver, where it is metabolized into a different chemical known as 11-hydroxy-THC. This process takes a while to be completed, during which time, users cannot feel any effects. Therefore, it is important for newbies to wait for at least 1-2 hours before increasing the dose. 11-hydroxy-THC is more potent than THC and is what produces the strong, long-lasting effects associated with edibles.
Difference Between Edibles And Smoking
The reason for this difference in effects is related to how THC, the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, is absorbed by the body. When combusted and inhaled (smoking), THC is absorbed through the lungs and enters the bloodstream almost immediately, causing a fast-acting high.
When you eat an edible, it is absorbed through the stomach and intestines, and the effects can take up to two hours to kick in. The effects from edibles also last much longer than smoking, often up to six hours, and can be significantly more potent.
How To Use Edibles For The First Time
As we mentioned above, it is important to note that edibles can be much more potent than smoking, and it is recommended that people new to edibles start with a low dose and wait at least two hours to feel the effects before consuming more. If you’re trying edibles for the first time, it’s important to start slow. Always make sure you read the label before ingesting edibles.
If its your first time ingesting an edible or you are not familiar to THC, start with no more than 2.5 mg of THC and wait to feel the effects before taking more. Do not be fooled by the big dropoff between ingesting them and feeling the “high,” as this is the most common (and meme-worthy) newbie mistake.
How Long Do Edibles Last?
Edibles typically last for a few hours, though the exact length of time depends on several factors. The amount consumed, the user’s metabolism and the type of edible can all influence how long edibles take to be processed and felt by the user. Generally, edible effects can last anywhere from 4-8 hours. Some users even report effects lasting up to 12 hours.
Many people find that they experience greater effects from edibles than they do from smoking, and the effects tend to last longer as well. The effects of edibles can also be more intense than those from smoking. It is important to remember that everyone’s body chemistry is different, so the effects of edibles may vary from person to person.
Conclusion
Overall, edibles are becoming an increasingly popular way to consume cannabis. They offer a different experience than smoking and can provide more potent effects, but it is important to understand how they work in the body and start with a low dose. With the right knowledge and understanding, edibles can be a great way to enjoy cannabis.