Consuming Cannabis: Ingestion
Cannabis provides various consumption methods, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Explore how ingesting cannabis can impact your body’s functioning. Ingestible cannabis products continually evolve, with this method affecting your body differently than others. Before experimenting with the latest beverage or soft chew, understand how cannabinoids are absorbed into your bloodstream, the timing of effects, and strategies to minimize risks.
Method Ingesting cannabis involves the cannabinoids travelling through your digestive system, metabolised by your liver before absorption into your bloodstream. Edible cannabis products, ranging from hard candies and soft chews to chocolates, baked goods, beverages, and sauces, come in various forms. Cannabis sprays, oils, or infusions can also be ingested directly or added to food.
Dosage Ingesting cannabis may affect you differently than smoking or vaping, hence the advice to “start low and go slow.” Health Canada suggests commencing with an edible cannabis product containing approximately 2.5 mg of THC. Record and monitor your reactions to understand the suitable cannabis edible dosage for your desired effect.
Timing Full effects of ingesting cannabis may be felt within 30 minutes to two hours, peaking around four hours after consumption. Some products are designed for faster onset, indicated by terms like “fast-acting” or “quick-onset.” These products often use nanoemulsion, breaking cannabinoids into microscopic molecules suspended in fat for quicker and more substantial travel to the bloodstream.
It’s crucial to recognize that different products affect individuals differently due to factors such as age, sex, overall health, and previous cannabis experience — these are guidelines, not strict rules.
Nanoemulsion A nanoemulsion involves breaking down cannabinoids into microscopic molecules suspended in fat, enhancing their bioavailability. Instead of gradual metabolism in the liver and stomach, these tiny cannabinoids move directly into the bloodstream, resulting in a faster onset of effects. Research into nanoemulsification and its potential effects is ongoing.
Reducing Risk Ingesting cannabis carries risks, with one common mistake being taking more while awaiting the effects of the initial dose, leading to overconsumption. Begin with a small portion, waiting several hours to gauge the full effects before considering an additional dose.
Given the resemblance of cannabis-infused edibles to regular candies, especially in unregulated packaging resembling popular brands, the risk of appeal to children is a concern. Proper labelling, child-resistant containers, and storage out of reach of children and pets are essential precautions.
