Understanding Edibles
Edibles are a popular way of consuming cannabis. They can be found in various forms, including baked goods, candies, chocolates, and beverages. Edibles are made by infusing cannabis extracts into food products. The effects of edibles take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping cannabis because they have to be metabolized in the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.
How Edibles Work
When you consume an edible, the THC in the cannabis binds with the fat in the food, allowing it to be absorbed by the body. Once absorbed, THC is metabolized in the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a potent form of THC that can produce stronger and longer-lasting effects than smoking or vaping.
How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?
The onset of effects from edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on various factors such as body weight, metabolism, and the potency of the edible. The effects of edibles can last for up to 12 hours or more, making them a popular choice for those looking for longer-lasting relief.
Blood Work and Cannabis
Blood work is a medical test that analyzes a person’s blood sample for various indicators of health, such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and liver function. Blood work is often used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.
How Does Cannabis Affect Blood Work?
Cannabis use can have a temporary effect on certain blood markers, such as liver enzymes and blood sugar levels. THC can also temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, but these effects usually subside within a few hours. However, the long-term effects of cannabis on blood work are not well understood, and more research is needed to determine the full extent of its impact.
Consuming edibles can affect blood work in several ways. First, edibles can cause temporary changes in blood sugar levels, which can affect the results of tests such as glucose tolerance tests. Second, edibles can affect liver enzymes, which can impact tests that measure liver function. Finally, edibles can also affect cholesterol levels, which can impact tests that measure lipid levels.
Understanding the Risks
While edibles can be an effective way of consuming cannabis, there are also risks associated with their use. One of the main risks is the potential for accidental overdose. Because edibles take longer to kick in, users may consume more than they intended, leading to unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects.
How to Reduce the Risk of Overdose
To reduce the risk of accidental overdose, it is essential to start with a low dose of edibles and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more. It is also important to be aware of the potency of the edibles being consumed and to read the label carefully to ensure that the dose is appropriate.
Other Risks Associated with Edibles
In addition to the risk of overdose, edibles can also cause other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These side effects are usually temporary and subside within a few hours, but they can be unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Edibles are a popular way of consuming cannabis, but they can also have an impact on blood work. While the long-term effects of cannabis on blood markers are not well understood, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to use edibles responsibly. Starting with a low dose and waiting for the effects to kick in before consuming more can help reduce the risk of accidental overdose and other side effects.
