The moment you indulge in a 10 mg edible, a harmonious and enjoyable journey begins within your body. Unlike smoking or vaping, where the effects are almost immediate, edibles offer a unique and gradual experience. The active compounds in cannabis, primarily THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), travel through your digestive system, ensuring a longer-lasting and more enjoyable effect. As you chew and swallow the edible, it moves through the oesophagus and into the stomach, where digestive enzymes and acids begin to break down the food matrix, including the cannabis compounds. This gradual release and absorption of THC into the bloodstream contribute to a smoother and more sustained experience.

Role of metabolism

The metabolism process plays a key role in how edibles are processed in your body, often associated with weight loss and energy expenditure. It’s responsible for transforming the THC into a form that interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are many receptors and neurotransmitters within the ECS, including those that affect mood, appetite, and pain perception.

During metabolism, the liver steps in as a key player. It transforms THC into 11-OH-THC, a more potent and psychoactive form. This conversion is essential as it enhances the effectiveness of THC in interacting with the ECS receptors. An edible’s intensity and duration are determined heavily by metabolic activity in the liver.

Factors influencing metabolism

Several factors influence how your body metabolizes a 10 mg edible, leading to variations in the onset and duration of effects. These factors include:

• Individual biochemistry – Each person’s unique biochemistry plays a significant role. Factors like body composition, metabolism rate, and enzyme activity impact how quickly THC is processed.
• Tolerance – Regular cannabis users may develop a tolerance, which affects the potency and duration of the edible’s effects.
• Stomach contents – The food in your stomach can influence absorption rates. A full stomach slows the absorption of edibles, whereas an empty stomach results in faster absorption.
• Liver function – The health and efficiency of your liver impact metabolism. Certain medications or health conditions may affect liver function, altering the way THC is processed.

Onset of effects – A gradual journey

Unlike the instant gratification of smoking, the effects of a 10 mg edible unfold gradually. It typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the initial effects to become noticeable. Mostly, this delay occurs as a result of digestion and THC metabolism. As the edible makes its way through your digestive system, the liver metabolizes the THC, and the 11-OH-THC enters your bloodstream. From there, it travels to the brain and interacts with the ECS receptors, leading to the characteristic high associated with cannabis.

When you have an understanding of how your body processes a 10 mg edible, you will be able to make an informed decision and fully embrace this journey. From ingestion to absorption, metabolism plays a crucial role in determining the unique experience each individual will have. By considering factors like individual biochemistry, tolerance, and stomach contents, you can optimize your edible experience. The gradual onset and balanced effects of a 10 mg edible offer a delightful and controlled adventure into the world of cannabis edibles.