Despite cannabis remaining illegal in the UK for now, it’s fair to say that most leafie readers will have experienced its effects – whether through discreet experimentation at home, obtaining a medical cannabis prescription or while visiting countries with more progressive legislation. Those who’ve dabbled with cannabis edibles will know that eating weed produces a markedly different experience compared to smoking or vaporising it.
If you’re new to edibles, you might be wondering why they deliver a much stronger punch. Eating a decarboxylated (heated and activated) cannabis treat, like a brownie, can produce a very, very strong high because of the presence of THC (the psychoactive compound) and the unique conversion it goes through when digested.
Many cannabis users report that edibles produce effects that are:
- More intense and longer-lasting than smoking
- More physical and full-body in sensation
- Often more sedating and potentially overwhelming
- Slower to onset but much more potent when they arrive
Even experienced cannabis consumers are often caught off guard by the strength of edibles. But what exactly makes them so much stronger than other consumption methods?
Introducing: 11-hydroxy-THC
When people talk about the psychoactivity of the cannabis plant, they’ll usually refer to ‘THC’, but there are several forms of THC with different actions:
- THCA is present in raw cannabis and doesn’t get you high. It does have a variety of medicinal benefits though, such as being neuroprotective, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative. When heated, this converts into THCV, Delta-8 THC, and Delta-9 THC
- THCV is not so intoxicating as the others and is unlikely to make you feel high at low doses. There’s promise here for its use in treating Diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and even helping with weight loss.
- Delta-8 THC has gained some media attention recently as being in a sort of ‘grey area’ when it comes to legality, especially in the UK. It’s not as potent (in terms of intoxication) as Delta-9 THC and is created when Delta-9 ages.
- Delta-9 THC is the compound most commonly referred to as THC. It’s the main psychoactive part of cannabis and has many health benefits. It’s produced when cannabis is heated and binds to ECS receptors in the brain and body.
But there’s one more: 11-hydroxy-THC, which comes about purely as a result of cannabis being metabolised when eaten, and it’s this compound that makes edibles so strong.
The science behind edible potency
When smoking or vaping cannabis, Delta-9 THC is quickly absorbed through the lungs and enters the bloodstream. However, when we eat cannabis that has been gently heated (decarboxylated), such as during baking with cannabutter, the THC takes a different route through the gastrointestinal system. When it reaches the liver, Delta-9 THC is broken down into a metabolite (11-hydroxy-THC) that’s not a natural part of the cannabis plant but rather the result of processing within the body.
Research has shown that 11-hydroxy-THC is significantly more potent than Delta-9 THC. Some studies suggest it may be up to 5-10 times stronger in its psychoactive effects. This metabolic transformation is the primary reason why edibles hit differently – and often much harder – than smoking or vaping cannabis.
Why are cannabis edibles so potent?
This transformation creates a compound with unique properties that dramatically affects our experience.
When we smoke, vape, or use cannabis oil, we lose a significant portion of the available cannabinoids. This is because cannabinoids (after decarboxylation) are lipids, meaning they are oil soluble and don’t absorb, travel or disperse well in water – which is largely what our blood is made of.
When Delta-9 THC changes into 11-hydroxy-THC, it’s able to cross the blood-brain barrier with much greater ease than THC consumed via any other method. This results in a much more potent high.
Additionally, the bioavailability – how much of a substance actually reaches systemic circulation – works differently with edibles. While smoking may deliver THC to your bloodstream more quickly, much of it is lost in the combustion process or exhaled. With edibles, a higher percentage of the THC is eventually converted to 11-hydroxy-THC and utilized by the body, contributing to the enhanced potency.
Cannabis edibles take a while to get going
Because of the journey cannabis needs to take when being digested, it can take a while to kick in. How long this actually takes varies depending on individual metabolism of cannabinoids, but it can take up to 2 hours! And this is where some experiences go wrong. People keep topping up, thinking that their baked good or gummy isn’t having the desired effect. Then, suddenly, it all hits – and you’re off into the stratosphere! The intensity can be overwhelming, even if it is mostly harmless.
Why use edibles?
It is possible to enjoy edible cannabis without getting completely overwhelmed, you just need to go very slow because the potency is less predictable and will vary depending on your own unique metabolism of different cannabinoids. Contrary to popular belief, using cannabis edibles may actually be beneficial to people using cannabis to treat chronic conditions, as the medicinal effects appear to last longer.
Some people simply enjoy the novelty of cannabis edibles, some like to experience the intense experience you can’t get from inhalation, thanks to increased bioavailability, and others use edibles for a longer-lasting, more potent effect on a wide range of conditions.
Can edibles be prescribed to medical cannabis patients in the UK?
Yes! Cannabis edibles are available to medical cannabis patients in the UK, but supply is limited to just one producer, Curaleaf, at the time of publication.
Medical edibles come in the form of pastilles, small gummy style sweets, and come in four varieties. Two products contain a balanced ratio of THC and CBD, and two varieties contain just THC.
For UK medical cannabis patients, edibles offer several advantages:
- Extended duration of relief: While the effects of smoked cannabis typically last 2-3 hours, edible effects can last 6-8 hours or longer, providing sustained symptom relief.
- Discreet medication: No smoke, vapour, or cannabis odour makes edibles a more private way to medicate.
- Lung health: Patients with respiratory concerns can avoid the potential irritation from inhalation.
- Precise dosing: With properly prepared commercial products, patients can receive consistent, measurable doses (though this remains challenging in the UK’s current regulatory environment).
- Whole-body effects: The full-body effects of edibles may provide better relief for certain conditions like chronic pain, inflammation, and sleep disorders.
How to get started with edibles safely
If you’re thinking of trying edibles, the best advice is to start slowly! The potency of edibles varies, as does your metabolism, and as we now know, the psychoactive compound is actually different from what you might be used to smoking or vaporising.
Dosing recommendations
- First-time users: Start with no more than 2.5mg THC
- Occasional users: 2.5-5mg THC per session
- Regular users: 5-10mg THC may be appropriate
- Experienced users: 10-15mg THC or higher
Remember that these are general guidelines and individual responses vary significantly.
Best practices for trying edibles
- Wait at least 2 hours before taking more, even if you feel nothing
- Keep edibles labeled and secured away from children and pets
- Never mix edibles with alcohol or other drugs
- Have CBD on hand – it can help moderate intense THC effects
- Create a comfortable environment before consuming edibles
- Have a trusted friend present if you’re trying a new product or dose
By starting with low doses, waiting patiently, and being mindful of your individual response patterns (including whether you’re among those who process edibles differently), you can enjoy the benefits of edibles while minimizing the risk of uncomfortable experiences.
Whether you’re seeking longer-lasting relief from medical symptoms or exploring cannabis in regions with more progressive legislation, edibles offer a unique option in the cannabis consumption landscape – just remember that their strength comes from your own body’s metabolic magic.
