Why Do Edibles Give You a Different High Than Smoking?

Edibles are any food or beverage that has been infused with cannabis. Edibles can include goodies such as gummies, chocolate bars, teas, or hard candies, as well as any at home recipe like infused oatmeal or breakfast shakes.

HOW DO EDIBLES INTERACT WITH YOUR BODY?

Under the overarching edible umbrella, there are three main categories that explain the way in which edibles interact with our bodies- gastrointestinal uptake, oral update and hybrid.

Brownies and cookies fall under the gastrointestinal uptake category. Cannabinoids, such as THC, are absorbed in the stomach. Because your body has to digest and process the edible, it typically take longer for you to feel the effects (sometimes up to 90 minutes), but the effects can linger for up to 8 hours.

Products that are in the oral update category, such as tinctures and suckers, provide an almost immediate onset of effects. The downside to oral uptake edibles is the effects tend to wear off within two to three hours.

Products that fall under the hybrid category are those that are absorbed both in the mouth and the stomach, such as drinks or chocolate bars. Hybrids are fast acting and the effects usually last at least four hours.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INGESTING AND INHALING CANNABIS

Now that we understand what edibles are, what’s the difference between eating and inhaling? It’s all cannabis right? Not quite. The way in which THC interacts with our bodies is quite different depending on the way in which you enjoy it.

Absorption

When cannabis is consumed, no matter the uptake method, THC is metabolized by the liver and able to break the blood-brain barrier quite easily. In contrast, when we inhale THC, it goes straight to our brain, bypassing our stomach and liver. This is why we feel the effects so much quicker with smoking, but why the effects only last a relatively short period of time.

Onset of Effects

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, when it comes to edibles, start low and go slow. This is especially true if you are new to the world of indigestibles. Since edibles have to be metabolized in the liver before we feel their effects, the onset can take up to 90 minutes. The body high we experience from edibles can last up to eight hours and if we take more than our bodies can comfortably handle, it can be a very long eight hours. On the other hand, when we inhale THC, we feel the effects right away and they quickly dissipate over the next hour.

Health Implications

For those who are worried about the health implications of smoking or vaping, edibles have proven an effective alternative. Individuals seeking prolonged relief of chronic pain may find better relief from edibles than they would from inhaling. As we learn more about the way cannabis interacts with our bodies, it has opened up a whole new world of edibles. You can now easily incorporate cannabis into everyday dishes through the use of tincture, infused butter or infused oil.

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT

When it comes to deciding what products are right for you, everyone is different. Understanding the way in which THC interacts with your body is crucial when deciding what products meet your needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for edibles, a great place to start is HERE. We have one of the largest selections of edibles available, so whether you’re looking for organic, vegan, gluten free, high potency or sugar free, we have you covered. Not sure which to try? Our Amazing Weekly Edibles Special will give you a great sampling!

If inhalation is your preferred method, check out our vape pens HERE, our flower HERE, or our 420 Package HERE, which consists of 4 grams of premium BC Bud and 20 of our premium pre-rolls.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at info@thehealingcowellness.com or message us on Instagram! We’re always happy to help.