Ingestible products infused with medical marijuana support a discreet and long-lasting consumption experience. For many consumers, ingestibles provide a way to feel better over the course of a day or through the night. Read on to learn about how ingestibles work, these products’ benefits and drawbacks, and determine whether or not an ingestible might be the right product for you.
What’s considered an ingestible?
Ingestibles are products infused with medical marijuana that go through the digestion process. A wide array of products are available, but capsules and tablets are two popular examples you’ll see in Ethos dispensaries across Pennsylvania.
Ingestibles begin by infusing a fatty substance like butter or oil with phytocannabinoids, which are fat-soluble. To “activate” the medical marijuana, manufacturers first decarboxylate it, which transforms the acidic form of the cannabinoids in the plant into the active form that interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). Once complete, the infusion is strained of plant material and prepped for use in the final product.
Importantly, not all seemingly ingestible products are technically ingestibles. Products like Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) and tinctures are consumed orally, but are mainly absorbed through membranes in your mouth. This method of consumption is called “sublingual,” which prompts effects much more quickly than digesting an indigestible because it skips the digestion process. In some cases, particularly with tinctures, a little bit is swallowed and digested. This is
called a biphasic effect, in which you’ll feel the effects through both methods
Why do ingestibles work differently than other products?
Unlike other methods like inhalation which directly enter the bloodstream, ingestibles make
their way through the digestive system like anything else you consume orally. This means it
could take up to an hour or more to feel the effects of ingestibles, and the effects could last as
long as six to eight hours, with peak THC levels occurring around three hours after
consumption.
You might notice that ingestibles feel stronger than other medical marijuana products. That’s
because the delta-9-THC in medical marijuana converts to significant amounts of 11-HydroxyTHC, a more potent form of THC, once ingested. Researchers have observed that 11-
Hydroxy-THC takes effect more quickly and provides a more intense experience than its
counterpart. While 11-Hydroxy-THC is produced when inhaling medical marijuana as well, far
more is produced when THC is ingested, which could explain why ingestibles affect some
people more strongly than others.
Why try a medical marijuana-infused ingestible product?
Medical marijuana ingestibles have several distinct advantages that some consumers may find desirable. Here are some of the most common reasons people prefer ingestibles to other product types:
• Discretion: Ingestibles do not have the same signature smell or immediately recognizable appearance as medical marijuana flower. They also look like regular capsules. While it can be difficult to inhale medical marijuana discreetly, ingestibles make it simple to keep your consumption private.
• Longer duration: A steady amount of phytocannabinoids enter your bloodstream over the course of several hours as your digestive system processes
the edible. This makes ingestibles a great choice for long-term effects, such as for pain relief or if you have difficulty sleeping as a result of a qualifying condition.
• No inhalation: You may find inhalation to be harsh or uncomfortable. Ingestibles offer an alternative way to consume.
• Simple to consume: There’s nothing to prepare or clean up when it comes to ingestibles: open the package and consume your desired amount.
Ingestibles may not be the right option for everyone. You may want to choose a different medical marijuana product if these factors are of concern to you:
• Unpredictability: Tolerance, weight, diet, and metabolism all play a role in your ingestibles experience. That also means that these products can be wildly
unpredictable once eaten. This can trigger an uncomfortable experience, even for folks who prefer ingestibles.
• They can be difficult to gauge. If you’re new to ingestibles, you may be tempted to eat more if you don’t feel the effects right away. It’s crucial to remember to start with a small amount and be patient as the product makes its way through your body. Wait one hour or more before deciding if you need to take another capsule.
What are your options at the dispensary?
At Ethos dispensaries in Pennsylvania, we carry several forms of ingestible products that help patients achieve desired results. When you search our menu, you’ll find capsules, tablets, RSO, and tinctures. These products are available in varying cannabinoid ratios, so you can find products that contain high levels of CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids in premeasured proportions alongside THC. You’ll also find ingestibles with select terpenes, which can influence your experience.
You’ll also find products that have the same cannabinoid and terpene profile as the cultivar from which they came. These ingestibles are a great option if you benefit from the effects of a particular cultivar but you want to try it in ingestible form.
How do you consume ingestibles?
Ingestibles are taken orally. Depending on the product, you may take it a little differently.
• Capsules and tablets are swallowed with a beverage.
• Tinctures are held in your mouth for approximately 30-60 seconds before swallowing.
• RSO is held under your tongue before swallowing.
Remember, ingestibles have a longer duration than other methods of consumption. Ensure that you avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for the duration of your experience. Only consume in safe and legal ways.
Explore your ingestibles options with Ethos
Ingestible products can be a great choice if you need long-lasting relief from pain, alleviating GI symptoms, or addressing the symptoms that can keep you up at night. Their discreet form also makes them an exceptional choice for keeping your consumption private. Whatever your goals, the variety of ingestibles available ensure you have a range of choice based on your personal preferences.
If you are interested in trying an ingestible product but aren’t sure which is right for you, Ethos associates are ready to help guide your decision. We’re dedicated to sharing our knowledge with you so you can make the best choice to meet your needs.
