Oral ingestion of marijuana, typically through edibles like gummies, brownies, or tinctures, has become a popular alternative to smoking or vaping. This method involves consuming marijuana-infused food or drink, allowing the active compounds, mainly THC and CBD, to be absorbed through the digestive system.
Benefits of Oral Ingestion:
- Longer-lasting Effects: When marijuana is ingested, it is processed by the liver, converting THC into a more potent form. This results in longer-lasting effects, often lasting 6-8 hours or more, compared to smoking or vaping.
- No Respiratory Harm: Oral ingestion eliminates the risks associated with inhaling smoke or vapor, making it a safer option for users concerned about lung health.
- Discreet and Convenient: Edibles are easy to consume discreetly, and they don’t have the strong odor associated with smoking or vaping marijuana.
Risks of Oral Ingestion:
- Delayed Onset: It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the effects of marijuana edibles to kick in, making it easy for users to overconsume while waiting for the high. This can lead to unpleasant side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, or nausea.
- Difficulty in Dosage Control: Edibles often have varying concentrations of THC, and it can be challenging to determine the appropriate dosage. Consuming too much can result in intense, uncomfortable effects that last longer than expected.
- Unintentional Overconsumption: Due to their appearance and taste, edibles can sometimes be mistaken for regular snacks, leading to accidental ingestion, especially by children or pets.
In summary, oral ingestion of marijuana offers a smoke-free and longer-lasting alternative to other consumption methods. However, it requires careful dosage control and patience due to the delayed onset of effects. Users should start with low doses and wait before consuming more to avoid negative experiences.
