What’s all the hullabaloo about?
Cannabis “edibles” often possess unpredictable strength. Unlike smoking which introduces the cannabinoids into the bloodstream and into cannabinoid receptors in the brain, edibles are introduced through the gastrointestinal tract and processed by the liver before it can reach the bloodstream.
Then what happens?
The liver transforms the THC into a more potent 11-hyrdoxy-THC. In a study by the National Institute of Health, this transformed THC causes much more varied responses to the psyche. In another study by the Oxford Journal of Medicine, the hydroxylated metabolite of THC was found to decrease in concentrations of blood and plasma approximately 50% slower rates than THC over an extended period of time.
What does all this mean?
Edibles tend to have a longer more sedative effect even when applied containing similar amounts of dosage to THC – this is beneficial for medical marijuana patients who require a sustained effect of 6 to 10 hours as prescribed by their doctor. However, the combination of slow onset and exaggerated potency can lead to an individual feeling the need to eat more.
Where can I learn more?
Want to learn more about marijuana or test your knowledge? Come join us for fun facts, free snacks and 50 NASD fast passes as DAPA presents Marijuana Trivia Night on Thursday, April 17th from 8-10pm in the Queen’s Head Pub!
What does this look like?
Here’s how one may feel before eating edibles (as performed by our DAPA intern, Cookie Monster):
Cookie Monster genuinely can't believe how delicious that brownie was:
Cookie Monster waiting for that high to kick in:
Cookie Monster may decide to eat some more cause he still doesn’t feel anything:
But then things may start to get out of Cookie Monster’s control...