Eating weed can be quite the adventure if you’re not sure what to expect. Unlike smoking or vaping, eating cannabis (or “edibles”) introduces THC to your body in a completely different way. When you eat weed, it takes a bit longer to kick in, but trust me, the experience can be much more intense and longer-lasting. So, let’s break down what actually happens when you munch on some cannabis goodies.
What Is Edible Cannabis?
Edible cannabis is simply weed that’s been processed into foods or drinks you can eat or drink. Think of brownies, gummies, cookies, chocolates – the list goes on!
Understanding Cannabis Edibles
Cannabis edibles are any food or beverage that contains THC or CBD. These goodies are made by infusing cannabis extracts into oils or butters that are used for cooking. Unlike smoking, eating weed gives you a delayed but often stronger effect.
How Edibles Differ from Smoking Weed
When you smoke or vape weed, THC goes directly into your bloodstream through your lungs, and you feel it almost immediately. With edibles, the THC gets absorbed through your stomach, processed by your liver, and then enters your bloodstream. This process is what causes the slower, but often more intense, high.
Types of Cannabis Edibles
Edibles come in all shapes and sizes:
- Baked goods (brownies, cookies)
- Candies (gummies, lollipops)
- Drinks (teas, sodas)
- Savory snacks (chips, popcorn)
Each type can vary in how quickly and intensely you feel the effects.
How Does Eating Weed Affect the Body?
Eating weed introduces THC into your system differently than smoking, leading to a unique set of effects on the body.
The Digestion and Absorption Process
When you eat an edible, it passes through your stomach and then heads to the liver, where THC is transformed into 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound is much more potent than regular THC, and that’s why the high from edibles can hit you like a ton of bricks.
How THC Is Processed by the Liver
Your liver metabolizes THC into a more psychoactive form. During this process, carboxylic acid groups present in THCA are removed, converting it into the THC that gets you high. This process takes longer, which is why it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours before you start feeling the effects. But once they hit, they can last for several hours.
Differences in Effects Compared to Smoking
Smoking gives you a quick, short-lived high. Eating, on the other hand, offers a slower onset with effects that are more intense and last longer. This is why it’s super important to start with a low dose if you’re new to edibles.
How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects?
This is the big question most people have when they try edibles for the first time.
Onset Time for Edibles
Generally, it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects of an edible. Your metabolism plays a huge role in this. If you have a fast metabolism, you might feel it sooner, while a slower metabolism can delay things a bit.
Factors That Affect Onset Time (Metabolism, Full Stomach, etc.)
- Metabolism: A faster metabolism means you’ll likely feel the effects sooner.
- Stomach Contents: Eating edibles on an empty stomach usually results in a quicker onset, while a full stomach can slow down absorption.
- Edible Type: Liquid edibles like cannabis-infused drinks might hit faster than solid foods.
Duration of Effects After Consumption
The high from edibles can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Some people even report feeling lingering effects the next day, especially if they consumed a large dose.
What Are the Common Effects of Eating Weed?
Eating weed brings on a mix of physical and mental effects that can be both enjoyable and overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
Physical Effects (Euphoria, Relaxation, etc.)
Common physical effects include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Sensory enhancement (colors might seem brighter, food tastes amazing)
Mental and Cognitive Effects
Mentally, edibles can make you feel dreamy, creative, or a bit foggy. They might enhance your mood, but for some, they can also bring on paranoia or anxiety, especially if consumed in large quantities.
Potential Negative Side Effects (Paranoia, Anxiety, etc.)
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Dry mouth and eyes Overdoing it on edibles can lead to an uncomfortable experience, so it’s always best to start low and go slow.
How Much Weed Should You Eat?
Dosing edibles can be tricky, especially since the effects take a while to kick in.
Understanding Edible Dosages
A standard dose is usually around 10 mg of THC, but if you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with 2.5 to 5 mg. Remember, you can always take more, but you can’t “untake” what you’ve already consumed!
Importance of Starting Low and Going Slow
The golden rule with edibles is to start low and go slow. Take a small dose and wait at least an hour or two before deciding if you want more. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person who takes a second dose too soon and ends up on the couch for hours.
Risks of Overconsumption
Overeating weed can lead to an intense and unpleasant high, including anxiety, paranoia, nausea, and a racing heart. It’s not dangerous, but it’s definitely not fun.
Can You Overdose on Edible Weed?
Let’s clear this up: you can’t fatally overdose on cannabis, but you can certainly overdo it with edibles.
Symptoms of Edible Overconsumption
If you overdo it, you might experience:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Rapid heart rate
- Panic or paranoia
- Nausea
What to Do If You Consume Too Much
If you find yourself too high, don’t panic. Stay calm, find a comfortable spot to relax, drink water, and maybe take a nap. In time, the effects will pass.
Differences Between Overconsumption and a Lethal Overdose
Overconsumption leads to an unpleasant experience, but it’s not life-threatening. Unlike substances like alcohol or opioids, THC does not cause fatal overdoses.
Are There Benefits to Eating Weed?
Despite the occasional horror stories, there are plenty of benefits to consuming edibles.
Medicinal Uses of Cannabis Edibles
Edibles are great for medical users because they provide long-lasting relief from symptoms like chronic pain, inflammation, and insomnia.
Longer-lasting Relief Compared to Smoking
The effects of edibles last much longer than smoking, which is great for those needing prolonged symptom relief without having to dose frequently.
Potential Health Risks
While edibles are generally safe, overconsumption can lead to unpleasant side effects. Additionally, some might experience gastrointestinal issues, especially with certain ingredients in edibles.
What happens if you eat raw weed?
Eating raw weed won’t get you high because THC needs to be activated through heat. Raw weed contains THCA, which hasn’t been converted to THC. You might still get some nutritional benefits, but no psychoactive effects.
How long does it take for edibles to kick in?
Usually 30 minutes to 2 hours. The exact time depends on factors like metabolism and whether you’ve eaten beforehand.
How long do edibles stay in your system?
THC from edibles can stay in your system for several days to weeks, depending on your body and how often you consume cannabis.
Can eating weed make you sick?
Yes, eating too much weed can lead to nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Always start with a low dose to avoid overconsumption.
Is eating weed stronger than smoking it?
Yes, eating weed often leads to a more intense and longer-lasting high due to how the liver processes THC.
Eating weed can be a fun and intense experience if you know what you’re getting into. The effects are slower to kick in but pack a much bigger punch compared to smoking. Always start with a low dose, be patient, and enjoy the ride.
