EDIBLES VS SMOKING

Ever been curious about how to change up your high? Want to make the effect of your smoke session last even longer? Edibles are a great way to explore a different high, with longer-lasting effects. 

What Are Edibles?

What really makes an edible, an edible? Any food that is infused with cannabis is considered an “edible”, this means that you can find edibles in many different forms such as chocolates, gummies, baked goods, or even oils and tinctures. You might believe that you are familiar with cannabis, but if you’ve never had an edible before you might be surprised by its effects! When eaten, the liver transforms THC into 11-hydroxy-THC which is then dispersed into the bloodstream. This process takes time, so while the effects of smoking flower can be felt immediately, the effects of an edible may not be felt for over an hour, and can have you feeling great for up to 8 hours! There are a couple of explanations for this process but these vary depending on what strain is consumed. When speaking about 11-hydroxy-THC, Jeff Raber, CEO of The Werc Shop said:

“THAT METABOLITE HAS FIVE TIMES THE ACTIVITY AT THE CB1 RECEPTOR, THE PSYCHOACTIVE ONE, AS THC ITSELF”

How Do Edibles Make You Feel vs. Smoking

11-hydroxy-THC can cross the blood-brain barrier faster than THC, which means that it can access the CB1 receptors, the receptors that create that euphoric, psychoactive feeling, more effectively. Since you can feel the metabolized THC more intensely than smoking or vaping, it's important that newbies to edibles start with a low dosage and work up to one that is comfortable but not overwhelming for yourself. We recommend starting with a dose as low as 2.5mg of THC and waiting up to two hours for the effects of the edible, then we suggest that you gradually increase the dosage and wait longer for further effects. When you find the appropriate dose for yourself, edibles can provide a long-lasting high and be an alternative to smoking or vaping. 

For those who want fast-acting effects, smoking or vaping cannabis allows the THC to skip being metabolized by the liver, and instead goes straight into the bloodstream. You can also bypass the liver metabolizing THC by taking THC oil or tinctures sublingually (or under the tongue). 

What About CBD Edibles? (What Does CBD Oil Feel Like?)

While metabolized THC activates those psychoactive CB1 receptors, cannabidiol or CBD does the opposite and inhibits the activity in those receptors. A strain that has a combination of some THC and higher CBD can be great for first-time users. CBD actually binds to at least 12 different receptors in the brain, affecting and creating multiple pathways, which is why it’s promoted for its therapeutic effects. If you are using CBD for medical purposes, please consult with your doctor ahead of time as you would for any medication. Many consumers of CBD claim that the most noticeable effect is the feeling of relaxation and calmness. This can, of course, vary per individual, as well as per type and dosage of CBD. Different CBD products may benefit each individual differently depending upon how it is consumed. CBD edibles will create a longer-lasting feeling of calm over the whole body, while CBD topicals may treat specific areas on the body that are in pain. 

It’s important to do your research on the type of CBD used in your edible, if possible, to ensure you are receiving the maximum effect. There are a few different types of CBD but the main difference is where the CBD is sourced from and how. Full spectrum CBD oil is sourced from a cannabis plant and contains the terpenes and cannabinoids from the plant as well as low to moderate levels of THC. Broad spectrum CBD oil is derived from hemp plants and contains little to no THC but still has all the effects of CBD. In a study conducted in 2016, it was found that a combination of THC and CBD was more efficient at treating chronic pain symptoms from MS. The evidence for using a combination of THC and CBD together to treat pain or any other chronic illness symptom has been studied and echoed by many researchers over the past five years, ultimately leading to legalization in many countries. With that said, many medical cannabis patients choose to use strains that are very low in the compound THC, and rich in the compound CBD during the day, in order to manage their symptoms, without feeling ‘high’.

Conclusion

There are many different ways to treat yourself to a different type of high, now it’s time to find one that fits for you! One of the knowledgeable Budtenders at Oakridge Cannabis will be happy to assist you. As always, please ensure that you are consuming your cannabis in a responsible way and have fun with it!