The (casual) science behind the edible

[Ptah]

What’s better? Smoking or eating an edible?

While the answer to that question can be deeply personal, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to the overall experiences that THC consumption provides. Edibles do not interact with the lungs and, in the process, can deliver a high that differs in intensity and longevity from smoking THC.

Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, bind with cannabinoid receptors in many ways, the effects of which are mainly dictated by the consumption method. When THC is smoked or vaped, cannabinoids are absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream, quickly entering the blood-brain barrier. As these cannabinoids travel to the brain, they bind with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), resulting in the feeling of being high. This means that THC’s effects are practically instant, which is attractive to many.

With an edible, however, the body must process the cannabinoids via the digestive tract and liver, where they are eventually absorbed into the bloodstream. This process results in a longer activation time, but it can be more potent and intense. The high from an edible is different from smoking THC, possibly because the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound is thought to be two to three times more potent than THC. Research regarding 11-hydroxy-THC is still relatively new, and there is much to still discover.

https://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/the-casual-science-behind-the-edible/Content?oid=34271145

[MiHale]

1. I like a good tincture...

Take it sublingually, under the tongue, first you receive the THC9 then when you swallow the remaining dose the edible effect happens.

Two, two, two highs in one!

[quaint]

2. How do you mitigate the yucky taste?

[ret5hd]

3. Doritos?

[quaint]

4. {{{giggle}}}

Thinking more like juice or smoked gouda on crisp apple slices.
Maybe tincture isn't as bitter as I imagine.

[MiHale]

9. Choice of alcohol is important...

Most tinctures are made with high proof alcohol so getting one that tastes good is the first choice.
Most instructions have you use Everclear, which alone tastes nasty or vodka which at high proofs isn’t much better. I like to use a high proof rum or brandy. A good 151 proof dark rum is very palatable.

[quaint]

10. Thanks. Like most things, know your chemist.

Mine became stardust seven years ago. Probably no trustworthy commercial tincture.
I had to quit growing two years ago due to the high cost of water.

[womanofthehills]

11. Or just put your tincture into a gummy made with fruit juice, gelatin and lots of honey

I make cookie edibles for my family & friends but am kind of allergic to bud & cookies. The only thing my body likes is tinctures.

[rsdsharp]

6. Maybe Wrigley can come out with one.

[MiHale]

8. Cannagum ...

“Chew yourself to new heights.”

[AZSkiffyGeek]

5. A friend has recommended capsules

Says they feel similar to gummies, but hit faster. Haven't tried them yet, my regular dispensary doesn't have CBN/THC ones, only CBD - and CBD gives me terrible headaches.

[Snarkoleptic]

7. I've been using a dry-herb vaporizer for a couple of years.

It heats the material and/or draws hot air over it, so there is no combustion.
It works at lower temps, so it's easy to handle, although I generally run it through a water piece.
Works great, the smell doesn't linger, and it uses much less herb.