Marijuana edibles and smoking effects vary considerably, from how quickly a high hits to its intensity of experience. Smoking disseminates cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream via inhalation; this creates a swifter high which may appeal to those looking for quick relief of pain or other symptoms. Edibles take time to digest in the stomach and liver before entering bloodstream, producing a slower but more subtle high that may take several minutes before it kicks in; unfortunately this delayed effect could prove dangerous as some users consume too much before drug kicks in; potentially leading to overdosise or even overdose!
A key difference between edibles and smoking lies in how quickly their bodies metabolize THC, the main psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. Smoking releases THC directly into the bloodstream through inhalation and it quickly enters brain tissue; with edibles however, THC is processed through digestion before being released back into bloodstream; according to research published in 2015 in Addiction Biology this can delay its effects and make them less intense than with inhaled THC.
Even though edibles take longer to take effect than smoking cannabis, their effect may still be more potency since liver-produced metabolites tend to be stronger and last longer. 11-OH-THC (the full name being 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), for instance, may produce four times as potency than THC, producing an intoxicating and long-lasting high.
One reason people often consume too much THC is its difficulty to gauge, especially with homemade and dispensary-bought edibles where dosage may be difficult to pinpoint. Legally produced edibles may contain more THC, particularly if the product was designed to deliver its effects quickly – some manufacturers use special ingredients designed to increase bioavailability such as nanoemulsified oil-in-water droplets that allow users to absorb cannabinoids more readily; this makes ingesting too much harder!
People new to edibles may have difficulty accurately estimating their dosage, while experienced users who take too much may be unaware that THC won’t take effect as quickly, leading to an “overdose,” leading to severe anxiety, panic attacks, uncontrollable shaking and hallucinations.
Bottom line, edibles should only be consumed in moderation and within legal confines, where cannabis is tested, regulated, and sold by trained professionals. Therefore, it’s wise to consult a dispensary associate about what ingredients an edible contains before purchasing it, as well as reading labels before trying homemade or illegal edibles which may vary in terms of both quality and quantity of THC content.