Are Edibles for Everyone?
One of the most intense and obtainable forms of consuming cannabis is by eating it. Edibles have been ingrained in cannabis culture for a long time, gaining an unprecedented amount of popularity during the 60s and 70s. However, are edibles even safe? How are they 'better' than smoking?
How Edibles Differ from Smoking
Smoking is undoubtedly the most traditional way to get high associated with cannabis. Humanity has been ingesting cannabis a la smoke for millennia. This high can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours after the THC attaches itself to the body's Endocannabinoid System. However, the delivery method of smoking cannabis is still the favorite by the masses. Mostly for its nostalgia as well as its long-lasting effects. As the name implies, consumers get the effects of THC and other cannabinoids utilizing smoking and inhalation.
Conversely, some individuals despise the idea of smoking and would much instead indulge in an edible. Undoubtedly the second-most popular way of acquiring the effects of cannabis and additional cannabinoids is Edibles. Consuming edibles has been a way of getting medicated for as long as humanity has smoked it. People are getting the effects of THC and CBD chocolates, pies, cakes, sodas, and even full five-course meals. Cannabis consumers will tell you that edibles are bittersweet. This is because it takes longer to obtain an edible high versus smoking. It's because the edibles being broken down and digested. This is the only way the cannabinoids can effectively interact with our endocannabinoid system or ECS. This means that obtaining the edible high will take as long as it takes to effectively digest a typical brownie, smoothie, or even hearty meal.
However, the high associated with consuming edibles are extremely more intense than its smoking counterpart. Hence why cannabis consumers are stoned after ingesting just a single square piece of that 15 pieces THC-infused chocolate bar. This is due to the decarboxylation process when the edibles are made. This will convert the THC into THCA, which in turn will boost the effects of the infused food or beverage. If intense cannabinoid effects are desired, one should consider the edible high.
How Metabolism Affects THC and CBD Consumption
Similar to medication, your metabolism drastically affects your THC and CBD consumption. Every individual has a different speed of metabolism. This means that some people will begin to experience the effects of edibles in as little as 15 minutes, and some individuals will be waiting up to 45 minutes even to feel the slightest effects often associated with edibles. Outside of consuming edibles, there are a few ways to boost your metabolism by means such as exercise, a healthy and timely diet (i.e., eating 4-5 small meals a day), and even vitamins and antioxidants. When consuming edibles in a group setting, do not be discouraged if your friend begins to feel the effects of the metabolized THC before your body does. Don't worry; your turn is coming!
How Edibles Interact with Other Medication
Similar to most medications, edibles have the ability to interact with other medications. This is due to how edibles are ingested and broken down by the body. Just like a prescribed pill from your physician, edibles need to be digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. Considering a patient indulges in an edible in conjunction with their prescribed medications, the interaction between the edible and the drug can be unpleasant. Although there is no direct evidence of fatal effects from an edible-medication cocktail, your stomach will not be pleased. Ingesting your medications in conjunction with an edible could cause nausea or even vomiting yielding the edible, as well as the drug, futile. If you are uncertain about consuming the two too close together, you have two options: (a) space out the consumption of the two or (b) consult your physician on the interaction of THC-infused edibles and your prescribed medication.