If you’ve tried edible a bunch of times and no matter how much you consume, you’ve had no luck, this is for you. BUT before you swear off all edibles for good, it helps to know that most people in this camp struggle specifically with traditional edibles. We’re talking gummies, chocolates, cookies, etc., anything that relies on digestion. Cannabis isn’t one-size-fits-all and there are so many factors that influence how your body processes and absorbs tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for your high.
Commons Reason Edibles Don’t Hit
Differing Liver Enzymes
After you eat a traditional edible, THC travels through your digestive system and is processed by the liver. During this process, THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound known for producing stronger and longer-lasting effects. How much of this compound your body makes depends largely on liver enzymes especially CYP2C9.
CYP2C9 is responsible for breaking down THC and helping convert it into 11-hydroxy-THC. The amount and efficiency of this enzyme varies from person to person due to genetics. Some people produce very active versions of CYP2C9 which means THC is converted efficiently and edibles feel strong even at lower doses. Others produce less active versions which can result in slower or incomplete conversion. In those cases, edibles may feel weak delayed or like they do nothing at all.
If your body produces less CYP2C9, the edible may feel weak or completely inactive. TLTR: low liver enzymes = low effects. This is one of the most common reasons people say edibles “don’t work” for them. This difference is genetic. It has nothing to do with experience level or tolerance alone.
Fast Metabolism
Metabolism affects how quickly THC moves through the body. People with faster metabolisms may process edibles so quickly that THC never builds up to noticeable levels. Others may experience very delayed effects that show up hours later. Because THC is fat-soluble, body composition can also play a role. In some cases, THC gets stored in fat cells instead of circulating right away, which can dull the experience.
Empty Stomach
Edibles are absorbed more effectively when taken with food, especially foods that contain fat. Taking a gummy on an empty stomach can reduce THC absorption and make the experience feel underwhelming.
More Cannabis Research
Frequent cannabis consumers often build higher tolerance, especially if they smoke, vape or dab frequently. That tolerance can make edibles feel underwhelming.
This does not mean edibles are off the table. It often means the product type or formulation matters more than the milligram number alone.
A Potential Game Changer?
Suffice it to say, the industry is hard at work trying to make sure everyone can enjoy ingestibles to the fullest. Right now, the most innovative product on the NJ cannabis market is The Highly Co-Labs’s solventless hash rosin powder, which skips digestion entirely. Instead of going through your stomach and liver, it is designed to be absorbed through the lymphatic system when dissolved in your mouth. Because of that delivery method, effects show up quickly. Most people feel it within five to fifteen minutes, closer to the timing of smoking or vaping than a traditional edible. The experience is smooth and controlled, without the long wait or sudden intensity that can come hours later with standard edibles.
The Highly Co-Labs also avoids many of the ingredients that can make edibles feel heavy or unpredictable. There are no sugars, dyes or artificial additives. The formula is made with coconut oil, coconut water, tapioca, vitamin B6 and amino acids. It is vegan, gluten-free and designed to feel clean in both onset and effects.
Visit Pure Blossom for Cannabis and Other Essentials
Explore Pure Blossom’s curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands and essential accessories. Whether you’re doing the old Google thing, searching for a dispensary near me or nearby dispensaries in New Jersey, Pure Blossom is a short, scenic, calming drive away, and our friendly guide-connoisseurs are excited to take you through our curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands (and other essentials). We’ll see you there!