Understanding the Difference: Inhalation vs. Ingestion
In the realm of cannabis consumption, edibles stand out as a unique and increasingly popular method of experiencing the effects of THC. For newer users who are conservative or not smokers in general, it’s a good alternative to get their “high”. Unlike traditional inhalation methods such as smoking or vaping, where THC is rapidly absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream, edibles take a different route.
Inhalation: Fast and Intense
When cannabis is smoked or vaped, THC is swiftly delivered to the brain via the bloodstream, resulting in a rapid onset of effects. Users typically experience a peak high within 30 minutes of inhalation, followed by a gradual decline over a few hours. However, individual tolerance levels can significantly impact the duration and intensity of the high. Note that when you decide to burn your second joint, the effects of the second joint will just add to the effects of the first.
Ingestion: A Slow Burn
In contrast, consuming edible cannabis products involves ingesting THC orally, where it is metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This process takes time, usually around 30 minutes to an hour for the effects to kick in fully. As the THC is gradually released into the system, the high builds slowly and can last for several hours, often with increasing intensity over time. So it is important not to eat more edibles because you “don’t feel anything”. The first is edible and the second will hold hands and ruin your day. It truly is a compound effect. Whereas inhalation is more linear.
Navigating the Edible Experience
The Importance of Proper Dosing
One of the key challenges of edible consumption is dosing. Unlike smoking, where it’s easier to control the amount of THC ingested, edibles can be more unpredictable. It’s crucial for consumers to know the potency of the products they’re consuming and to start with a low dose, especially for those with a low tolerance or limited experience with cannabis. It can truly be to the detriment of your relationship with cannabis as a whole by ingesting more potent cannabis edibles than expected. And when we mean to start with a low dose, we are not saying eat don’t enjoy yourself, it’s simple to be mindful of your tolerance.
The Risks of Overconsumption
Overindulging in edibles can lead to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and overwhelming sedation. The slow onset of effects can catch users off guard, causing them to consume more than intended before feeling the full impact. Proper education and awareness are essential to avoid these negative experiences. Sleeping it off doesn’t work for everyone either… Some people actually will confess that the high simply hit pause, and when they woke up it was like nothing changed. They were still in space. Some have reported being high for days from overconsumption. Please try and avoid this.
The Evolution of Edibles
Advancements in Product Development
As the demand for edibles grows, so too does the innovation within the industry. Companies are investing in advanced extraction techniques and precise dosing methods to create products that offer consistent and reliable experiences. From gummies and chocolates to infused beverages and savoury snacks, the options for edible consumption continue to expand. What is the wildest edible you have had? I would like to know. Comment below.
The Quest for Quality and Taste
In addition to potency and consistency, taste plays a significant role in the edibles market. While some consumers enjoy the natural flavour of cannabis-infused products, others prefer options that mask the taste entirely. Companies are experimenting with various flavour profiles and ingredients to cater to diverse preferences and elevate the edible experience. Using distilled cannabis extract will produce an edible so clean that one would never even know that there is cannabis in it. The industry has come so far. From putting the cannabis straight into the muffin mix. Then we decarboxylated the cannabis and mixed it in the butter. We learnt that THC loves fat cells. To extract the cannabis in coconut oils and olive oils. Which still is used in the industry. It’s amazing how people have applied themselves.
Edibles offer a unique and exciting way to explore the effects of THC, providing a slower onset and longer-lasting high compared to inhalation methods. However, it’s essential to approach edible consumption with caution, paying attention to dosing and being mindful of individual tolerance levels. It can truly be a fun experience among friends and individually too. The fact that non-smokers get to enjoy cannabis too makes us the happiest around the edible Niche.
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