Marijuana Edibles: How They Affect the Body?

Cannabis edibles offer a uniquely different experience compared to other forms of cannabis consumption. This divergence in experience is primarily due to the different ways our bodies process cannabis when ingested. But what exactly is going on behind the scenes? Let's delve deeper into the science of edibles and understand how they interact with our bodies.

The Foundations: Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System

To comprehend the effects of cannabis edibles, we must first understand the key components: cannabinoids. These are the active compounds found in cannabis, and the two most prominent are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is known for its psychoactive properties, causing the ‘high' associated with cannabis, while CBD is non-psychoactive and often praised for its potential therapeutic benefits.

These cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in maintaining bodily homeostasis. It's involved in regulating a wide range of functions and processes, including mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids (naturally produced in our body), receptors, and enzymes. When you consume cannabis, THC and CBD bind to these receptors, particularly CB1 receptors located in the brain, and thus bring about various effects.

The Odyssey of an Edible

The journey of a cannabis edible through our body is a fascinating process. Unlike inhalation, where cannabinoids enter the bloodstream almost immediately via the lungs, edibles must navigate the digestive system.

First, the edible is broken down in your stomach, and the cannabinoids, along with other nutrients, are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of your intestines. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on various factors such as your metabolism, body weight, and the contents of your stomach.

The Liver's Transformation: THC to 11-hydroxy-THC

This is where things start to get particularly interesting. Once the cannabinoids are absorbed, they don't immediately race off to the brain. Instead, they first take a detour to the liver.

In the liver, a significant portion of THC undergoes a transformation. An enzyme called cytochrome P450 converts THC into a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is particularly potent, even more so than THC itself, and is extremely effective at crossing the blood-brain barrier. This efficient crossing ability is one of the reasons why edibles often produce a more potent and longer-lasting high compared to other forms of cannabis consumption.

Onset, Peak, and Duration of Effects

The odyssey through the digestive system and the liver leads to a delayed onset of effects. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours before the effects of an edible start to manifest, with some reports of even longer waiting times. This delay can vary depending on individual factors, such as metabolism speed, body weight, and the contents of the stomach.

Once the effects kick in, they tend to be prolonged and more intense. The high from an edible can last from 6 to 8 hours, and in some cases even longer, with the peak effects occurring about 2 to 4 hours after consumption. This extended duration is due to the slow, steady release of cannabinoids as the edible continues to be digested.

The Individual Experience: Factors Influencing Effects

Despite the general process being the same, the experience of consuming edibles is highly individual and can vary widely from person to person. A multitude of factors can influence how your body processes and responds to edibles.

Firstly, your metabolism plays a significant role. A faster metabolism may mean quicker onset and shorter duration of effects, while a slower metabolism might mean a longer wait for the effects to kick in and a longer-lasting experience.

Body weight and composition also matter. People with higher body fat percentages may experience longer-lasting effects since THC is fat-soluble and can be stored in fat cells.

Your diet and whether you've eaten recently can also influence your experience. Consuming edibles on an empty stomach may lead to quicker absorption, while having food in your stomach can slow down the process.

Additionally, your tolerance to cannabis, determined by your usage frequency and quantity, can significantly affect your response to edibles. Regular cannabis users might require a higher dose to achieve the same effects as occasional users.

Moreover, genetic factors can also come into play. Some people may have more or less efficient versions of the enzymes that metabolize THC, which can impact the intensity and duration of the effects.

Finally, the specific strain of cannabis used in the edible, the method of infusion, and the other ingredients present can all impact the overall experience.

Conclusion

The journey of a cannabis edible through the body is a complex process involving digestion, metabolism, and interaction with our endocannabinoid system. The science behind it provides a fascinating glimpse into why edibles produce such unique and varied effects.

By understanding this process, we can better anticipate the potential effects and make informed decisions about cannabis consumption. Knowledge of the science behind edibles can help us approach them with respect, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

In the next article of our series, “Decoding Edible Labels: Understanding Dosage, Potency, and Ingredients,” we'll provide a comprehensive guide to interpreting edible packaging and making sense of the information they present. Stay tuned!