What Happens When I Smoke Cannabis VS Eat Cannabis?
February 4, 2025
When we talk about using cannabis, whether for health reasons or just for fun, there’s a key concept you should know about bioavailability. This fancy word tells us how much of the cannabis gets into your system and can have an effect, whether it’s the buzz from THC or the healing powers of CBD.
Think of bioavailability like this: if you take medicine by getting a shot, your body uses 100% of it. That’s because it goes straight into your blood. But when you consume cannabis in other ways, your body might not use all of it. Bioavailability is about how much your body can use compared to if it was given directly into your blood.
All types of cannabis, from the kind with almost no THC (like in hemp) to the super strong kinds, have substances called cannabinoids. These are what interact with your body’s system to make you feel different effects. But the amount of cannabinoids isn’t the only thing that matters. How well your body can use them plays a big part, too. High bioavailability means you need less of the product to feel the effects, which shows you’re using a good quality product.
When you smoke cannabis, a lot of factors can change how much your body can use. Things like how much you put in your joint and the quality of the cannabis matter. Research shows that when you smoke, your body uses about 30% of the THC. So, if you’re smoking, it usually takes about 10 minutes to start feeling the effects.
Edibles can be tricky. Sometimes you might eat a cannabis cookie and feel a strong effect, and other times, you might not feel much at all. This happens because of something called the “first-pass effect” where your liver stops a lot of the active stuff from getting into your blood. But occasionally, an edible might hit you harder than expected, possibly because more of a stronger form of THC gets absorbed.
Even though studies often say edibles have a low bioavailability (around 4–20%), anyone who’s had a strong reaction to an edible knows that sometimes they can pack a punch.
Dropping CBD oil under your tongue might help your body use it better, skipping the liver’s filtering. The same goes for THC tinctures, which can give a quick and strong effect when used this way.
Cannabis-infused creams are all the rage for skin care and pain relief, but they won’t get you high. Your skin stops the cannabinoids from getting into your blood. However, many people use these products for their potential to soothe without the psychoactive effects.
Cannabis inhalers are a super clean way to get cannabinoids into your system. They work like inhalers for asthma, sending a mist into your lungs where it gets into your blood. They’re even cleaner than vaping because they don’t have the extra stuff that vape liquids do. Plus, they give a precise dose every time you use them.
Bioavailability is a big deal when it comes to using cannabis. It affects how much you need to use and how strong the effects will be. From smoking and edibles to tinctures and inhalers, each method has its bioavailability. Knowing this can help you choose the best way to use cannabis for what you need.
High Forest ReLeaf is your trusted partner in navigating the complex world of cannabis. Our team is dedicated to providing not just high-quality products, but also the knowledge you need to make informed choices. We understand the importance of bioavailability and how it affects your experience with cannabis.
We offer a curated selection of products, ensuring that you receive only the best, whether you’re seeking therapeutic benefits or recreational enjoyment. Let us guide you through the intricacies of cannabis, helping you find the perfect match for your needs with confidence and clarity. Give us a call today at (931) 253-1991 to learn more.
