This article explains how the human body reacts to cannabis when smoked or taken in foods or drinks. It is important to understand both ways to lower the risk of its harmful effects and maximize its benefits.
Cannabis Edibles vs. Smoked Effects
Cannabis use has been made legal in some states for both recreational and medicinal use. Medicinal uses include treatment of anxiety, depression, seizures, migraines, nausea, and stress. Several compounds are taken up in the body when cannabis is used. It is, therefore, important to be cautious about the type and quantity of cannabis one decides to use.
The compound is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which brings about psychological effects. The second compound is cannabidiol (CBD), which plays a medicinal role. Cannabis can be taken into the body by either smoking it or ingesting it in foods or drinks. Cannabis edibles vs. smoked effects are felt in the body in different ways.
Cannabis edibles
These include brownies, cookies, and chewable. The manufacturing methods of these edibles may vary, and each edible finally has varying potency. Edibles first get into the stomach, digested, and the THC gets absorbed into the bloodstream. THC then passes through the liver, where it is converted to its stronger form. It then goes to the general blood circulation, combines with original THC then goes to the brain.
The combination of converted THC with the original one gives an intense high. Getting a high also takes time due to the long process of taking it up in the body. In some cases, cannabis edible effects take up to 60 minutes to get into the brain. The onset of effects may be gradual, but they tend to be stronger and last longer.
Cannabis smoked
smoking cannabis is the most common way cannabis is taken up into the body, according to history. When inhaled, THC gets into the lungs and then passes from here and gets into the bloodstream. From here, THC gets into the brain.
The absorption of cannabis smoked into the body is almost immediately as it goes straight into the lungs. Therefore, the cannabis smoked effects are felt faster and may not last too long as experienced in cannabis edibles.
Cannabis edibles vs. smoked effects seem to mainly vary on time taken to feel the ‘high’ and how much long it takes to maintain it.
Conclusion
Cannabis edibles vs. cannabis smoked effects are all similar. The difference comes in the time taken for them to be fully felt by the cannabis user. The cannabis smoked effects are felt much faster as THC is taken into the lungs as soon as it is inhaled in the mouth. From here, its effect is felt almost immediately. On the other hand, cannabis edibles first need to get into the stomach. Its compounds are taken up into the bloodstream, through the liver, and finally to the brain. This process makes the effects take longer.
Whether smoked or in edible form, people should use it with precaution and in moderation.