Why Does Cannabis Syrup Affect Us Differently?

Different methods of cannabis consumption work with our bodies in their own unique way. To be more specific, the effects of a consumable product are not identical to those of an inhalable one. It’s commonly known that eating something with cannabis in the recipe tends to be stronger and lasts longer than smoking or vaping it. But what makes it a fact, and what sets Penn Health’s syrup apart from other ingestibles in Pennsylvania?

The first is how your body absorbs THC. When smoking or vaping, the effects are noticeable within minutes, if not immediately. This is because THC can directly enter the bloodstream through the lungs. In contrast, when cannabis is ingested, it doesn’t have such a straight shot. Cannabis like anything else we eat must pass through the digestive system. The rate at which it is absorbed into the bloodstream is reliant on personal factors like metabolism, dosage, how full the stomach is, and what the other ingredients are. Rather than having a rapid onset, ingestible products can take approximately thirty minutes to two hours to work.

The second key factor is metabolism itself. When consumed, THC activates our first-pass metabolism, or a biotransformation that occurs when an orally administered drug passes through the liver. During this process, THC’s potential effects are intensified as it is converted to a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC. The enhanced potency and duration of time it might take to navigate your system typically makes the effects more sedating and longer lasting than when you exhale smoke or vapor. This is also why it’s so important for those who are new to cannabis to consume low and slow, meaning to start with a low dose and be patient while you learn how your body interacts with THC and other cannabinoids.

So, with this information in mind, what makes Penn Health syrups different from other ingestible options in Pennsylvania? You might be surprised to learn that it’s the sugar-water base’s ability to help hydrophobic cannabinoids metabolize by making them more water-soluble. Cannabinoids are emulsified into and encapsulated by the liquid in a way that makes them easier for our bodies to absorb. This means the potential effects may work a little faster depending on one’s metabolism or tolerance.

Ultimately, no matter what strain you consume, the effects will always be different between inhaling and ingesting cannabis. Factors such as the way it enters your system, our individual metabolisms, and what type of ingestible it is all influence the potential benefits. The onset, duration and potency are all impacted by those variables, which is why it’s important to dose low and slow when consuming.