The Clock on Cloud Nine: Decoding the Duration of the Cannabis Edible High
Among the most beloved cannabis products are weed edibles. They are loved for their discreet nature, delicious taste, and powerful effects.
Speaking of the effects. How long does an edible last in your body? Well, that depends on various physiological factors, potency, and the type of edible.
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of cannabis edibles and explore the duration of the high they provide.
Understanding the length of the high is crucial for individuals who want to have a predictable and enjoyable cannabis experience.
Nonetheless, these cannabis-infused tasty treats provide a convenient and delightful way to consume medical cannabis.
And there’s no better and safer way to consume cannabis edibles in Utah than with a Medical Marijuana (MMJ) Card.
What are Medical Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles contain cannabinoids like THC and CBD that you eat or drink. Edibles are made from decarboxylated cannabinoids, cannabinoid acids converted to their orally bioactive form.
Cannabis edibles are the preferred method of consumption since their effects last longer.
Some of the cannabinoids found in medical cannabis include:
- THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes the “high” of marijuana.
The THC content in Utah cannabis products should be less than 0.03%. However, there’s a provision to consume synthetic derivatives like Delta-8-THC.
THC has potential medical benefits in dealing with chronic pain, loss of appetite, and depression
- CBD. Cannabidiol is an abundant but non-psychoactive compound in cannabis.
It’s a better-researched cannabinoid of cannabis and is known for its potential medical benefits in treating insomnia, anxiety, and low blood sugar in type 1 diabetes.
- CBN. Cannabinol is a mildly psychoactive compound with good sedative properties.
It helps with sleep orders and is preferred for its little to no side effects compared to conventional medicine.
- CBG. Cannabigerol is a less prevalent cannabis compound loved for its mood-regulating properties. Its other potential therapeutic benefits include neuroprotective, antibacterial, and antidepressant properties.
Edibles are infused with these cannabinoids to provide their unique therapeutic benefits. Each type of edible offers a unique benefit in terms of taste and effects.
Marijuana laws in Utah are strict regarding the types of edibles you can legally purchase.
Some of the cannabis edibles you can purchase with an MMJ card in Utah include:
- Gummies
Weed gummies are tasty treats containing a determined dosage of cannabinoids.
How long does the edible high last? Well, it has to bypass the digestive system to reach the bloodstream. Hence it may take longer to hit your system.
However, as digestion takes place, the effects may take longer as its being broken down.
Most gummies you can buy with a medical marijuana card in Utah are rectangular or rounded.
Nevertheless, weed dispensaries don’t compromise quality and taste to ensure a pleasurable cannabis experience.
- Liquid Suspensions
Liquid suspensions legally available in Utah include tinctures or beverage products.
Tinctures are cannabis concentrate (or extract) infused in a plant-based oil. They can be consumed as oil or mixed in food or beverage to mask cannabis’s harsh flavor.
As an oil, they are consumed sublingually by delivering a few drops under the tongue as prescribed. This consumption method provides a faster high compared to other edibles.
You can expect to feel the effects in about 15-30 minutes. Consuming sublingually provides a more direct route to the bloodstream.
Moreover, there are cannabis-infused beverage products, such as coffee or sodas mixed with activated cannabis concentrate. They are a delicious treat with all the benefits of cannabis.
- Tablets
Cannabis tablets are the easiest way to consume cannabis for medical purposes.
The tablets are accurately dosed; hence you can easily manage consumption according to your prescription.
Moreover, they are fast-acting for an edible bypassing your digestive tract.
In addition, marijuana dispensaries make the product palatable by adding flavors like mint, so you don’t have to contend with the harsh cannabis flavor.
- Capsules
Capsules are a clean and hassle-free method of consuming cannabis oil.
Like cannabis tablets, they provide precise dosing. Each capsule in a pack contains a particular dosage.
Their advantage is that they act faster than tablets; capsules have a higher bioavailability.
The capsule’s high bioavailability means more cannabinoid content enters your bloodstream. This means faster delivery for more sustained effects.
Furthermore, the capsule shell protects you from the unfavourable cannabis flavor.
How Do Edibles Affect the Body?
One of the distinctive aspects of consuming cannabis edibles is the longer duration of the high compared to other consumption methods.
When cannabis is smoked or vaped, cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. This effect leads to a quick onset effect.
Edibles, on the other hand, require digestion and liver metabolism before the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream and produce their desired effects.
With edibles, It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the effects to be felt, depending on various factors.
One factor that tops the list is the process of digestion and metabolism that the cannabinoids undergo before entering the bloodstream.
On the brighter side, the effects last longer than most other consumptions for extended hours.
How Long Does an Edible Last in Your System?
Now, let’s answer a fundamental question: how long does an edible high last? The high from edibles can extend for several hours, often lasting between 4 to 8 hours or even longer in some cases.
Some research shows that the half-life of CBD in the body may range from one hour to 5 days. CBD stays in the system for an extended time providing the user with sustained medical effects.
However, the research also showed only 13-19% of CBD is absorbed through oral consumption.
Nonetheless, there are a few factors you can track to ensure better effects and more bioavailability of CBD edibles.
1. Dosage: Higher doses generally result in more potent effects that can last longer. This is important in consuming CBD, considering its low bioavailability.
2. Metabolism: Metabolism is how quickly the body processes and eliminates cannabinoids. How long does an edible last, considering the metabolism rate?
Individuals with faster metabolisms may experience a shorter duration of the high, while those with slower metabolisms may have a more prolonged effect.
3. Individual Tolerance: Regular cannabis users may develop tolerance over time, resulting in shorter durations of effects. Conversely, occasional or first-time users may experience a longer high due to their lower tolerance levels.
4. Body Weight and Fat Percentage: CBD is fat soluble hence it can be stored in fat cells.
How long does an edible last in your system with high body fat?
Individuals with higher body fat percentages may experience a longer-lasting high. CBD is released more slowly from fat cells into the bloodstream to ensure sustained bodily effects.
Body weight can generally influence the distribution and elimination of cannabinoids in the body.
5. Diet: Some recent research suggests water-soluble CBD products are better absorbed in the body when consumed with food.
Moreover, the research suggests a water-soluble CBD product is generally absorbed better than a fat-soluble product.
Then again, there are foods you can add to your diet to increase CBD bioavailability for fat-soluble CBD products. Some healthy foods you can consider include dark chocolate, nuts, fatty fish, and avocados.
Consuming Medical Marijuana Edibles in Utah
Unlike other US states where recreational and medical cannabis is legalized, Utah has only legalized low-THC CBD oil for medical use.
To become a medical marijuana patient, you must be a resident of Utah with a qualifying condition. In the case of a minor, the guardian or parent can petition the compassionate use board to access cannabis medication.
Moreover, you have to meet with a qualified medical professional (QMP) to certify your eligibility for a medical card. Once the QMP gives you a recommendation, you are to apply to the Utah Department of Health to receive the card.
The Medical card lets you buy medical marijuana from a licensed weed dispensary or pharmacy.
On possession limits, a patient can legally purchase only one month’s supply of the prescribed dosage at a time. The same can be translated to 4 ounces of cannabis flower or 20 grams of THC.
The cannabis edibles purchased have also to be in the forms described in the law.
Buy Medical Marijuana Edibles in Utah With Green Team Doctors
Book an appointment with us at Green Team Doctors to get approved for a medical marijuana card in Utah.
Consulting with a Utah Green Team Doctor helps you understand the Utah Medical Marijuana program. We walk with you through the entire process and even submit your QMP recommendation on your behalf.
As long as you meet the state requirements, you will be well on your way to purchasing medical cannabis edibles from any dispensary in Utah.
Schedule your appointment with one of our QMPs today and get your MMJ card within two weeks or less.
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