How Are Edibles Processed Through Your Body Vs. Smoking?

As cannabis legalization spreads, consumers are becoming more curious. 

They’re beginning to consider different ways to ingest weed and which methods are safer, healthier, or even stronger. 

For the seasoned user who doesn’t react to smoking weed like they used to, edibles may be a great alternative to switch things up and feel a different high. 

But why does the high from edibles feel different than the high from smoking? It all starts with how your body processes these two methods of ingestion. 

Smoking and vaping is the fastest way to feel the effects.

After you inhale, the cannabinoids in your cannabis (THC, CBD) travel directly into the bloodstream.

The cannabinoids then travel to the brain and make their last stop at the liver. Your liver helps break down cannabinoids which are later excreted through urine and feces.

The path THC takes in your digestive system is a tad different. This is also why edibles take longer to kick in. 

After swallowing orally, a cannabis product will first break down in the stomach. Your surrounding organs and intestines then absorb THC, making its way into the bloodstream. 

Different kinds of edibles can kick in quickly or slowly. Fat-soluble edibles are the industry norm. 

When ingested, it goes through the process noted above that’s absorbed by the digestive organs. However, edibles that produce effects faster are usually water-soluble edibles. 

These kinds of cannabis products use THC but in a water-based form, which travels directly into the bloodstream to produce a quicker high. 

The path THC takes in your digestive system is a tad different. This is also why edibles take longer to kick in. 

After swallowing orally, a cannabis product will first break down in the stomach. Your surrounding organs and intestines then absorb THC, making its way into the bloodstream. 

Different kinds of edibles can kick in quickly or slowly. Fat-soluble edibles are the industry norm. 

When ingested, it goes through the process noted above that’s absorbed by the digestive organs. However, edibles that produce effects faster are usually water-soluble edibles. 

These kinds of cannabis products use THC but in a water-based form, which travels directly into the bloodstream to produce a quicker high.