With the legalization of marijuana spreading across North America, many people are exploring edibles as a potentially healthier alternative to smoking. However, consuming marijuana in edible form offers a distinct experience. Let’s delve into how edibles work and whether they are truly a better option for you.
When cannabis is heated, its chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, undergo changes. Smoking cannabis involves heating it to about 800 degrees Celsius, which transforms THC-A into Delta-9 THC. This compound binds to receptors in the brain, enhancing thoughts and perceptions, making them feel more significant. Because the THC enters the bloodstream directly from the lungs, the effects are felt within minutes and typically last for two to three hours.
In contrast, making edibles involves heating cannabis to around 150 degrees Celsius. This lower temperature preserves more of the plant and reduces carcinogens. THC is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fats rather than water, so it must be infused into a fatty substance like oil or butter. Once consumed, the onset of the high is delayed as the THC is absorbed more slowly through the digestive system. However, this high can last from four to eight hours, and many users report more intense effects compared to smoking.
The difference in experience is due to how THC is processed in the body. When you consume edibles, the THC is first metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. During this process, Delta-9 THC is converted into 11-OH-THC, a compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier more quickly and is more potent. As a result, the same amount of marijuana can produce a stronger high with edibles, as both Delta-9 THC and 11-OH-THC are present.
One of the advantages of edibles is that they eliminate the harmful chemicals associated with smoking, such as carbon monoxide and bronchial irritants. Smoking involves inhaling cancer-causing molecules, so consuming marijuana in edible form can be healthier for your lungs and overall health.
Despite the benefits, edibles come with challenges. It is more difficult to control the intensity of the high, as it can take one to two hours to feel the full effects, and the dosage can vary widely. This makes it harder to modulate the effects, or titrate, which can lead to consuming more than intended. Fortunately, unlike excessive alcohol or opioid use, there is no serious long-term harm or risk of lethal overdose from consuming too much edible marijuana.
If you’re curious about why marijuana gives you the munchies, check out our video that explains the science behind it. Subscribe for more weekly science videos every Thursday!
Research and present a short paper on the chemical transformation of THC-A into Delta-9 THC and 11-OH-THC. Focus on the differences in their effects on the brain and body. This will help you understand the chemical processes involved in both smoking and consuming edibles.
Conduct a mock experiment where you design a recipe for a cannabis-infused edible. Calculate the potential dosage of THC per serving, considering factors like the type of fat used for infusion. This will give you practical insight into how edibles are made and the importance of dosage control.
Participate in a debate on whether edibles are a healthier alternative to smoking marijuana. Use scientific evidence to support your arguments, considering both the benefits and challenges of edibles. This will enhance your critical thinking and ability to evaluate health-related claims.
Create a simulation or role-play scenario to demonstrate the delayed onset and prolonged effects of edibles. Discuss strategies for responsible consumption and how to manage unexpected reactions. This activity will help you understand the practical implications of consuming edibles.
Watch the suggested video on why marijuana causes the munchies and write a reflection on how this phenomenon relates to the consumption of edibles. Consider the physiological and psychological aspects discussed in the video. This will deepen your understanding of the broader effects of marijuana.
As marijuana becomes legalized throughout North America, many are trying edibles for the first time as a potentially healthier option. However, edible marijuana provides a different experience than smoking. So, how does it work, and is consuming marijuana in edible form actually better for you?
When cannabis is heated, the chemical makeup of its compounds, known as cannabinoids, changes. Smoking heats cannabis to around 800 degrees Celsius, converting THC-A to Delta-9 THC, which binds to receptors in the brain. This interaction can amplify thoughts and perceptions, making every thought feel significant. Because the substance travels directly from the lungs into the bloodstream, the effects are felt within minutes and typically last about two to three hours.
In contrast, when making edibles, the cannabis is heated to around 150 degrees Celsius, which burns less of the plant and minimizes carcinogens. THC is lipophilic, meaning it is not water-soluble, so the activated THC must be dissolved in a fatty substance like oil or butter. Once consumed, the onset of the high is delayed as the drug is absorbed more slowly through the digestive system. However, this high usually lasts four to eight hours, and many report feeling more intense effects compared to smoking.
This difference in experience occurs because, when you consume edible marijuana, the THC is first metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. During this process, Delta-9 THC is converted into 11-OH-THC, which crosses the blood-brain barrier more rapidly and is a more potent compound. As a result, using the same amount of marijuana can lead to a stronger high with edibles, as both Delta-9 THC and 11-OH-THC are produced.
Additionally, consuming edibles allows you to avoid the toxic chemicals associated with smoking, such as carbon monoxide and bronchial irritants. Smoking anything involves inhaling cancer-causing molecules, so consuming marijuana in edible form can be healthier for your lungs and overall body.
However, there are downsides. It is much harder to control the high you will experience, as it can take one to two hours to feel the full effects, and the dosage can vary significantly. Modulating the effects, or titrating, is more challenging, which can lead to consuming more than intended. Fortunately, unlike with excessive alcohol or opioid consumption, there is no serious long-term harm or lethal overdose risk associated with consuming too much edible marijuana.
If you’ve ever wondered why marijuana gives you the munchies, check out our video that breaks down the science behind that. Subscribe for more weekly science videos every Thursday!
Cannabinoids – Compounds found in cannabis plants that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, influencing various physiological processes. – Researchers are studying how cannabinoids can be used to treat chronic pain and inflammation.
THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, responsible for the “high” sensation. – The concentration of THC in marijuana can affect its potency and the intensity of its psychoactive effects.
Liver – A vital organ in the human body responsible for detoxifying chemicals, metabolizing drugs, and producing proteins important for blood clotting. – The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing cannabinoids after they enter the bloodstream.
Bloodstream – The flowing blood within the circulatory system that transports nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body. – Once absorbed, THC enters the bloodstream and is distributed to various tissues, including the brain.
Digestive – Relating to the process of breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. – The digestive system can influence the onset and intensity of effects when cannabinoids are consumed orally.
Metabolism – The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy, build cellular structures, and eliminate waste products. – Individual differences in metabolism can affect how quickly THC is broken down and eliminated from the body.
High – A state of altered consciousness and perception often associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances like THC. – The high experienced from marijuana use can vary depending on the strain and method of consumption.
Effects – The changes or impacts on the body or mind resulting from a particular substance or action. – The effects of cannabinoids on the human body are still being extensively researched to understand their therapeutic potential.
Health – The overall condition of an organism at a given time, including physical, mental, and social well-being. – Studies are ongoing to determine the long-term health implications of regular marijuana use.
Marijuana – A psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant, used for medicinal or recreational purposes. – The legalization of marijuana in several regions has prompted increased research into its medical applications and effects.
