The Science Behind Why Edibles Hit Differently

Edibles

If you have ever tried multiple types of cannabis, you may have quickly noticed that they hit differently. A weed edible tends to come on slower and last longer than smoking, which feels different than placing a tincture under your tongue. Why does your body respond this way? As it turns out, there’s a scientific reason for the different ways that various types of cannabis diffuse into your system; some of it is related to your genetics, but most of the variations come down to the molecules in the weed.

While you don’t need a degree in science to safely consume eddies, understanding the basics of how they work (and why) can help you select the right products. We’ve boiled down the basics behind why edibles hit differently, so you can know how to dose more accurately and curate your experience to fit within your specific tolerance levels and comfort.

Metabolism

One of the biggest differentiators in edible response is your metabolism. Edibles are processed in ways that cannabinoids from smoking are not. THC, one of the active ingredients in cannabis and the one responsible for the psychoactive effects, is converted in the liver when you consume an edible.

This process makes a significant difference because the liver will turn THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. This altered compound behaves differently from the THC that enters your body when you smoke, which is why consuming edibles is a distinct experience. You are actually (by proxy) partaking in a completely separate compound.

While everyone responds differently, research has shown that 11-hydroxy-THC can be more potent than the unconverted THC consumed in products such as prerolls.

Absorption

Another reason why edibles hit differently is because of the way they are absorbed. Smoking or using a tincture under the tongue transfers the THC and terpenes directly into the bloodstream because they are absorbed into blood vessels (either in the mouth or the lungs). This mechanism can produce a fast, potent high, since you’ll start feeling the effects as soon as cannabinoids begin circulating in your blood, which might happen as soon as two or three minutes after a hit. However, the body also processes these molecules just as quickly, and your high might not last all that long.

Compare this to edibles, which enter the stomach. In order for the THC in an edible to enter a usable state, it must be digested. Digestion moves the THC through the liver (causing the conversion to 11-hydroxy-THC mentioned above), but this process takes time. Once the cannabis is broken down during digestion, it is small enough to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Consumers can experience potent, long-lasting effects as a result.

Gradual Release

One of the first things you may have noticed when you tried edibles is that, while they take a while to kick in, they can also last for hours. This differs from inhaled cannabis because of the digestive component of eddies.

When you eat a sandwich, you do not expect that it will enter your stomach and disappear all at once. Instead, it will gradually come apart over several hours. This is what makes edibles last so long, too.

Digestion starts as soon as you eat an eddie. This kicks off the release of cannabinoids, which line up for processing in the liver. However, because digestion continues to gradually release more THC as the food item is broken down into pieces, you may continue to feel the effects for hours after your last bite.

How to Take Edibles the Right Way

The biology of edibles differs from the body’s response to smoking, vaping, and other forms of consumption. Knowing this can help you make smart choices about how to partake.

• Give it time: Remember that edibles might take longer to kick in than you expect (possibly up to three hours). They need to digest first.
• Dose it properly: You can always eat more, but you can’t un-eat an edible. Start with a small amount to see how it affects you, then add more if you need to.
• Do your research: Edibles have many more ingredients than items such as flower. Research the creator and dispensary to make sure you are purchasing something trustworthy, properly dosed, and lab-tested for your safety.

Enjoy High-Quality Edibles from Pure Oasis

Many people enjoy edibles because of their long-lasting effects and discreet form of consumption. However, making the right choice for your own preferences and goals requires understanding the science behind why edibles hit differently. Stop by Pure Oasis to see the range of edibles we offer, ask our budtenders for recommendations, or simply find some brands you would like to research on your own. We’re always happy to help you find the cannabis products that will fit your needs and goals!