Edibles v. smoking cannabis

Ask anyone who has tried an edible, and you're likely to hear about a bad experience. Most first-time users do not know their tolerance and tend to overdo.

So, what makes edibles unpredictable?

There are dozens of stories of taking an edible, feeling nothing, then taking more. Of course, when it finally does kick in, it can be a scary and overwhelming experience.

Smoking doesn’t send people spiraling in quite the same way as an edible can but smoking can cause paranoia and increased heart rate.

The reason is that eating cannabis produces metabolites which are technically a different drug from THC.

The main metabolite that edibles produce is called 11-OH-THC. Even though it has THC in its name, 11-OH-THC is technically a different drug. Both drugs will get you stoned, but 11-OH-THC is estimated to be about four times as potent as THC. The high also lasts longer and can be more sedating.

The reason edibles feel different is because they are literally different drugs involved. Knowing this, makes it easier to use edibles in a way that won't cause a bad experience.

Here are some tips: When purchasing cannabis, check the package for how much is contained and what ratio of cannabinoids are present. Some products will contain just THC, others include THC and CBD, or other "minor" cannabinoids like CBN or CBG. These cannabinoids have different properties. A standard dose of THC is considered 5 mg, but its effects will vary based on personal tolerance and presence of other cannabinoids.

Beginners are advised to start low and go slow to avoid adverse side effects. Dosing for beginner users ranges from 1 to 2.5 mg of THC.

Second, respect the process. Give it time for the edible to kick in. You can always eat more, but you can't eat less. Be careful and use responsibly.

It is recommended to wait one to two hours for the effects to kick in. If no effect is felt after two hours, another low dose can be taken.

Unfortunately, easy access to hemp-derived cannabinoids have made the entire cannabis industry a little more unpredictable thanks to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp. Since then, many companies are selling synthetic blends of THC including HHC, THCP and THC-O acetate,  some of these are synthetically derived and have been recently banned by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Many of these THC synthetics have a higher potency than THC, meaning they can make someone feel more intoxicated. There is less anxiety associated with delta-8 products. It's associated with a little less discomfort or anxiety.

The chemistry of cannabis can be complex and even slight changes to these molecules can change how the body reacts. Delta-8 occurs naturally in cannabis plants, only at much lower levels. The problem isn't this particular cannabinoid, but how it's derived.

As a cannabis consultant, I advise my patients to beware of  synthetic products and only to use home-grown cannabis tested products from state-licensed dispensaries. Since there is little to no oversight or regulation of the manufacturing process of the synthetic cannabinoids, contaminants such as heavy metals and other impurities are a major concern in addition to the unknown safety profile.

Cannabis chemistry is complex, better regulation and education, are  critical.

Bottomline, seek guidance, get educated. When visiting a local dispensary, ask questions. To have a good experience takes time and it is a learning curve. Learn your limits and be a responsible user.

Hilda Luz Chavez, ND is a Naturopathic doctor with over 40 years of experience serving the Las Cruces /El Passo communities.