The Science Behind Edibles: Why They Feel Different
If you’ve ever tried cannabis edibles, you may have noticed that the experience feels different from smoking or vaping. It’s not just your imagination—there’s some fascinating science behind why edibles produce a distinct, often more intense, and longer-lasting high.
How Edibles Work in Your Body
When you consume edibles, your body processes cannabis in a completely different way compared to inhaling it. Instead of entering your bloodstream through your lungs, edibles are absorbed through your digestive system. Once digested, the THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) is metabolized by the liver into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This is key because 11-hydroxy-THC is more potent than THC and crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, resulting in a more powerful and longer-lasting high.
Why It Takes Longer to Feel the Effects
The biggest difference between edibles and smoking is the onset time. When smoking or vaping, the effects are felt almost immediately, whereas with edibles, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. This delayed onset happens because the body needs time to digest and metabolize the THC. This is why it’s crucial to be patient with edibles—taking more before the effects have kicked in could lead to an unexpectedly intense high.
Why the High Lasts Longer
Edible highs are not only stronger for some people but also last much longer. The effects of smoking or vaping cannabis usually last for 1-3 hours, while edibles can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours (or even longer, depending on the dosage). This extended duration is due to the slower rate at which your body metabolizes the THC in edibles.
Pro Tips for Enjoying Edibles
1. Start Low, Go Slow: If you’re new to edibles, start with a low dose (around 5 mg of THC or less) and wait at least two hours before considering more.
2. Eat Something Before: Eating edibles on an empty stomach can intensify the effects. It’s always a good idea to have a light snack first.
3. Hydrate: Keep water handy, as edibles can sometimes make you feel a bit more dehydrated than other forms of cannabis consumption.
Different Edibles, Different Experiences
Not all edibles are created equal! The type of edible—whether it’s a brownie, gummy, or even a drink—can influence the effects. For example, gummies and candies are absorbed a bit faster than baked goods, but all edibles will ultimately provide that unique, body-centered high.
