July 28, 2023 By Chris

What Happens if I Smoke After Taking an Edible?

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Smoking after taking an edible is a commonly asked question among people who use marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes. Edibles are food or drink products that contain THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Smoking is a method of inhalation that directly delivers THC to the bloodstream, while edibles must be digested to produce their effects.

Understanding the differences between the two consumption methods is essential for anyone interested in using marijuana safely and responsibly. This paper will discuss what happens when marijuana is consumed through both smoking and edibles and the potential risks associated with combining the two.

What is an Edible?

An edible is a food or drink product infused with THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. They come in many forms, including candy, baked goods, tea, and coffee. When consumed, the THC enters the bloodstream via the digestive system and produces a high that can last for several hours. Edibles are popular because they are discreet, easy to consume, and provide a longer-lasting high than smoking.

Effects of Smoking After Taking an Edible

When marijuana is smoked after consuming an edible, the THC is absorbed through the lungs and delivered to the bloodstream more quickly than if it were digested. This can cause an intense high that can last for several hours. It also increases the risk of experiencing negative side effects like paranoia, anxiety, and dizziness.

Smoking cannabis after taking an edible can be beneficial for certain medical conditions. For example, it can help relieve nausea, decrease inflammation, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Smoking cannabis also has analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain.

Effects on the Lungs

Smoking cannabis after taking an edible can affect the lungs. Smoking cannabis can irritate the airways, leading to inflammation, coughing, and wheezing. It can also increase the risk of chronic bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses.

Effects on Cognitive Function

Smoking cannabis after taking an edible can affect cognitive function. THC can impair short-term memory, judgment, and decision-making. It can also impair concentration and focus and lead to slow reaction times.

Effects on Mental Health

Smoking cannabis after taking an edible can also affect mental health. THC can increase anxiety and paranoia and lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. It can also lead to depression and impaired social functioning.

Potential Risks of Combining Smoking and Edibles

Combining smoking and edibles can increase the risk of experiencing adverse side effects. Because the THC is delivered to the bloodstream more quickly, it can cause an intense high lasting for several hours. Additionally, combining smoking and edibles can increase the risk of overdose, as the body is exposed to a higher drug concentration than if only consumed through one method. Furthermore, combining the two methods of consumption can increase the risk of developing tolerance to the drug, as the body is exposed to higher concentrations of THC than if only consumed through one method.

The metabolism of edibles is different than the metabolism of smoking cannabis. When cannabis is smoked, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, whereas when it is ingested, it is first metabolized by the liver into 11–hydroxy–THC, a more potent form that can last longer in the bloodstream.

Alternatives to Combining Smoking and Edibles

If you are looking for a way to experience the effects of marijuana without the risk of adverse side effects, there are alternatives to combining smoking and edibles. One option is to consume edibles on their own. This will allow you to experience the effects of THC without the risk of experiencing an intense high. Additionally, you can use a vaporizer, a device that produces a fine mist of cannabis oil that can be inhaled. Vaporizing is a safer alternative to smoking, as it reduces the amount of toxins that enter the body.

Benefits of Smoking After Taking an Edible

Smoking after taking an edible can provide several benefits. It can give a more intense, longer-lasting high than if the THC was only consumed through edibles. Additionally, smoking can be a more efficient way of delivering the drug to the body, as it bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream more quickly.