Indulging in cannabis-infused treats like candy, cupcakes, or chocolate edibles seems delightful, but is it truly safer than smoking?

The metabolic journey of ingested cannabis differs significantly from that of inhaled cannabis. Let’s delve into how the effects of eating cannabis diverge from smoking it.

Why cannabis is smoked

Smoking weed holds deep cultural roots, often tied to rituals and ceremonies spanning centuries. The act of smoking, whether for spiritual connections or recreational purposes, has historical significance.

However, many individuals engage in smoking weed without any spiritual context:

• In areas where social or political restrictions are in place, smoking weed can symbolize a protest against limitations on personal freedom and a desire to explore realms of imagination.
• Individuals grappling with medical issues such as chronic pain, depression, or stress often turn to weed for symptom relief, sometimes replacing conventional medications.
• Some seek the psychoactive effects of weed to temporarily escape daily stressors, finding solace and relaxation in its mellowing effects.
• Creatives often attribute weed use to enhanced inspiration and expanded sensory experiences, aiding their artistic endeavours.
• Smoking may serve as a coping mechanism during times of stress, allowing individuals to relax and reflect calmly on their circumstances.
• Social factors also play a significant role, with some individuals smoking due to peer influence or as a complementary habit to cigarette smoking.
• For many, smoking weed is simply a means to unwind and enjoy oneself in a personal celebration of sorts.

In essence, the allure of smoking weed lies in its ability to provide a personal escape and a sense of euphoria.

Blueberry Diesel

The mechanism of smoking cannabis

Inhaling weed smoke initiates a rapid absorption of its key component, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), into the bloodstream via the lungs.

THC swiftly dilates blood vessels and elevates blood pressure as it travels to the brain. Within the body, natural cannabinoid receptors and endogenous cannabinoids play crucial roles in maintaining equilibrium.

These systems are intricately distributed throughout the brain, connective tissues, glands, immune cells, and organs, forming a vital intersection where physical and psychological stability converge.

At this nexus, the interplay between the brain and body becomes evident, wherein the disruption of one system can perturb the balance of the other.

The human body and brain continually strive for equilibrium, particularly when faced with stressors such as pain, illness, or emotional distress.

THC facilitates this restoration of balance by stimulating the production of additional endocannabinoids within human systems.

Users perceive this equilibrium restoration as a sense of bliss and euphoria. For smokers, the onset of these effects is rapid and can last for hours, contingent upon the potency of the cannabis strain.

Reasons for ingesting cannabis

In light of concerns surrounding smoking’s impact on lung health and its social stigma, many individuals seek alternative methods of cannabis consumption.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions or treatment regimens preclude smoking as a viable option.

Here are several reasons why individuals choose to ingest cannabis:

• Supplementing Smoking Pleasure: Some smokers incorporate cannabis-infused edibles into their routine to enhance their enjoyment during breaks from smoking.
• Medical Considerations: Chronically ill patients, particularly those with difficulty swallowing or requiring precise dosing, may find ingestion a more suitable method of administration.
• Respiratory Health: Individuals with chronic asthma or respiratory allergies may opt for ingestion to avoid exacerbating their conditions.
• Reduced Discomfort: Ingesting cannabis eliminates concerns associated with smoker’s debris, ashes, and lingering odours, offering a cleaner and more discreet consumption method.
• Efficiency and Economy: Cooking with cannabis can prove more efficient and cost-effective compared to purchasing strains and smoking paraphernalia.
• Personal Cultivation: Many individuals cultivate their cannabis at home, akin to growing kitchen herbs, ensuring a steady and reliable supply.
• Ease of Administration: Caregivers find edibles easier to administer and manage, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy or receiving palliative care.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that ingested cannabis interacts with the body and brain differently than smoking, necessitating caution to avoid potential misuse and associated problems.

High – 1000mg THC pineapple spray

The mechanism of ingesting cannabis

When individuals consume cannabis in the form of baked goods or hard candies, the onset of the “high” occurs at a delayed pace.

This delay stems from the digestive process initiated when THC enters the stomach, causing it to take approximately two hours for THC to enter the bloodstream.

Unlike water-soluble substances, THC undergoes metabolism in the liver. Consequently, less than 20 percent of the cannabinoids released ultimately reach the bloodstream. As a result, the intensity of the high manifests later and persists longer compared to smoking.

This delayed onset poses the risk of users misinterpreting the process and consequently consuming heavier and more frequent doses.

Furthermore, the challenge of accurately measuring dosage and predicting effects complicates the establishment of standards and safeguards. Even with state regulation of content, variations in individual needs and reactions among users remain a significant factor to consider.

High – 1000mg THC grape spray

The mechanism of ingesting cannabis

When individuals consume cannabis in the form of baked goods or hard candies, the onset of the “high” occurs more gradually. This delayed onset, typically taking around two hours, is due to the digestive process that commences when THC enters the stomach.

Because THC is not water-soluble, it undergoes metabolism in the liver. However, less than 20 percent of the cannabinoids released ultimately reach the bloodstream.

As a consequence, the intensity of the high is slower to manifest and tends to last longer compared to smoking.

This delayed and prolonged effect poses the risk of users misunderstanding the process and potentially resorting to heavier and more frequent doses.

The inherent challenge in accurately measuring dosage and predicting effects complicates the establishment of standards and safeguards.

Even in cases where state regulations govern content, the diverse needs and reactions of users present ongoing variability.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered cannabis endorsement. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.