The use of psychoactive substances, such as marijuana, has been the subject of interest and debate in various areas, from public health to politics. Ingested and smoked cannabis exerts significant effects on the central nervous system, which has generated interest in both its potential therapeutic benefits and its possible risks to mental health. In this article, we will explore the psychoactive properties of cannabis consumed in both forms, as well as their differences and similarities in terms of effects and metabolization.
Chemical composition of cannabis
Main cannabinoids present
The cannabis contains a variety of chemical compounds, but cannabinoids are mainly responsible for its psychoactive effects. The most studied are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which interact in a complex way in the human organism.
Differences between ingested and smoked cannabis
The method of cannabis consumption can influence the user's experience due to differences in the way cannabinoids enter the bloodstream. While smoking marijuana has rapid and potent effects, ingesting marijuana experiences a slower but prolonged onset of effects.
Psychoactive effects of ingested cannabis
Metabolization and absorption in the body
When a person consumes marijuana orally, either through edibles, capsules or tinctures, the cannabinoids present in the plant enter the gastrointestinal tract. From there, these compounds are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and pass into the bloodstream through the process of intestinal absorption.
Once in the bloodstream, cannabinoids circulate throughout the body, including the central nervous system, where they exert their psychoactive effects. However, before this occurs, ingested cannabinoids must be processed by the liver. Here, liver enzymes metabolize the cannabinoids, converting them into metabolites that may have different effects compared to the original compounds.
This process of hepatic metabolization may take longer compared to the inhalation of cannabisresulting in a delay in the onset of psychoactive effects. This delay is due to the time it takes for the body to absorb and metabolize cannabinoids before they reach sufficient concentrations in the bloodstream to produce noticeable effects.
Onset time and duration of effects
One of the distinctive aspects of oral cannabis use is the extended time it can take to begin to feel the effects. While when smoking cannabis the effects are usually felt within minutes, when consuming it orally it can take up to an hour or more for the effects to fully manifest. This delay in onset is due to the time required for gastrointestinal absorption and hepatic metabolization of the cannabinoids.
Once the effects begin, they tend to be longer lasting compared to inhalation. This is because metabolized cannabinoids circulate in the bloodstream for a longer period of time, which prolongs the overall duration of the psychoactive effects. The exact duration of effects may vary depending on the dose consumed, individual sensitivity and other factors related to each person's metabolism and physiology.
Dose-dependent variability of effects
The dose of cannabis ingested can significantly influence the intensity and nature of the psychoactive effects experienced. In general, higher doses of cannabis are observed to produce more pronounced effects, while lower doses may have more subtle or even therapeutic effects.
However, the relationship between dose and effects is not linear, and each individual's response to cannabis can vary considerably. Some people may experience strong psychoactive effects with relatively low doses, while others may require higher doses to achieve the same level of effects. This individual variability highlights the importance of starting with low doses when using cannabis orally and adjusting the dose according to individual response.
In addition, consuming too high doses of ingested cannabis can increase the risk of experiencing unwanted side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, tachycardia and nausea. Therefore, it is important for users to be aware of their own limits and take precautions when consuming cannabis orally to minimize the risk of experiencing adverse effects.
Psychoactive effects of smoked cannabis
Inhalation and pulmonary absorption
When smoking marijuanaThe cannabinoids present in the plant are released in the form of smoke. This smoke is inhaled through the lungs, where the cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed by the pulmonary alveoli and pass directly into the bloodstream. Inhalation allows the cannabinoids to reach the brain within seconds, resulting in a rapid onset of psychoactive effects. This route of administration is one of the reasons why smoking cannabis is considered the fastest method of experiencing its effects.
Fast action and short duration of effects
The effects of smoked cannabis tend to be very intense at onset, peaking within the first few minutes after inhalation. However, these effects diminish rapidly over time, and their overall duration is significantly shorter compared to ingested cannabis.
While the effects of smoked cannabis can last from one to three hours in general, most users experience a noticeable decrease in the intensity of the effects within the first hour. This short duration of effects may influence consumption patterns, as users may feel the need to smoke more frequently to maintain the desired effects.
Impact on sensory and cognitive perception.
Smoked cannabis use can have an acute impact on an individual's sensory and cognitive perception. Many users experience alterations in the perception of time, space and the senses, which can result in a heightened sense of relaxation or euphoria.
Smoked cannabis can affect cognition, memory and motor coordination, which may influence abilities to perform complex or dangerous tasks. Some users may also experience changes in heart rhythm, with transient increases in heart rate after smoking cannabis.
Final considerations on ingested and smoked cannabis
Cannabis use, whether ingested or smoked, poses a number of public health implications, including the risks of developing mental disorders and potential adverse side effects.
Ongoing clinical trials and epidemiological studies are essential to better understand the long-term effects of cannabis use and its relationship with other risk factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use, as well as to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.
In summary, cannabis use, whether smoked or ingested, exerts psychoactive effects on the human body that can vary in intensity and duration. Understanding these differences is crucial to informing public health policies and providing appropriate medical care to those who use this substance.
EN 
ES_ES 
DE 
IT 
FR 