- Our personal experience helps us identify the effects produced by marijuana-based products and confirms that these effects vary from one person to another.
- The effect produced by cannabis can be significantly different depending on whether you ingest it or smoke it.
- Here we explain what those differences are so you can choose the administration method most suited to your needs.
Phytocannabinoid metabolization
Those who have tried this know that eating something made with cannabis provides a more potent and long-lasting effect than when it is smoked. This has a physiological explanation: when you ingest cannabis edibles, THC is metabolized in the liver, which then transforms it into 11-hydroxy-THC. This is an active metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier much more effectively, and which in turn produces a more intense effect.
THC inhaled with smoke entails a different metabolization process: instead of reaching the stomach and then the liver, the THC goes directly to the brain. This is why the effect of smoked marijuana is more immediate but lasts less time.
Due caution
It is essential to be cautious when eating marijuana-based foods and to do so in low dosages. The effect arrives between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingestion, and can last for several hours.
This is why the intensity of the effect produced by cannabis varies according to the dosage, and you need to be patient in between doses (in average between 45 minutes and 1 hour). If you do not follow these guidelines, you risk having an unpleasant experience, whereas being cautious and ingesting only a moderate amount will provide you with much more pleasurable feelings.
Cannabis edibles produce more intense effects, even though the cannabinoid concentration in the blood is lower.
The ingestion of cannabis-based products limits the absorption of THC and other cannabinoids into the bloodstream to a rate between 10 to 20%; whereas in the case of inhaled marijuana the amount absorbed is between 50 and 60%.
When you smoke marijuana the metabolization process is much quicker, and that's why its effects reach their peak after 10 or 15 minutes, and usually drop in the following 30 to 60 minutes.
The key is in the dosage
Determining the correct THC dosage of high-quality cannabis-based food is a complex matter. It is not an easy task even for experts because it is difficult to accurately define recipes, and to know their exact cannabinoid concentration.
The main issue is that consumers often become impatient if they don't feel any immediate effects, so they then decide to take another dose too soon after the first. This normally results in the effects kicking in with greater intensity and in the experience becoming unpleasant and uncomfortable.
It is important to consider that these effects may be misleading. For regular cannabis smokers the effects are almost immediately noticeable, which shows that it is just a matter of getting used to consuming ingested marijuana.
For instance, 10 mg of THC is considered a standard dose that produces fairly light effects. On the other hand, an edible containing 70-80 mg will cause really powerful effects, and it will need to be divided into several doses to be ingested separately.
Nonetheless, a high dosage should not have any extreme consequences for the user, although it is unlikely that someone who has had a bad experience will be willing to try again. The memory of a bad trip is a lesson not easily forgotten. Patience and responsible use are both key to enjoying a wonderful experience. Always with a careful balance!
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Eating cannabis edibles on an empty stomach: Is it a good idea?
Variations in the active principle content of a given food product
The steady wave of legalisation established in the U.S. in the last few years has been accompanied by a considerable number of mishaps and overdosing after ingesting some of the marijuana products available on the market. This has forced the authorities to check and modify the dosage of the active ingredients (i.e. THC) of some of these products.
Don't let your guard down and be cautious even if you eat marijuana edibles regularly, as the active ingredient content may vary from one batch to the next.
Nowadays this type of situation has been reduced considerably thanks to the current legislation regarding the maximum THC level allowed in these products. However, it does not hurt to be careful with the emerging markets where the lack of knowledge or experience might lead to unwanted situations.
Marijuana edibles: a good smoke-free option to consume cannabis
Many people want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis through the use of cannabis-based food products.
The consumption of food products that contain marijuana is a great option to avoid the harmful effects of smoking. Although vaping is a less toxic inhalation method than smoking, and is often recommended, edibles are by far the healthiest option for all users.
The great advantage of ingesting cannabis is that the range of products available on the market is very extensive: you can find cakes, biscuits, drinks, sweets, and a great range of savoury dishes. There is something for everyone, and with a little experience you can prepare delicious treats according to your individual preference.
The most important thing is to act cautiously and prepare recipes responsibly so you can share pleasurable experiences.
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