Are there health differences between eating and smoking marijuana?

Dear Reader, 

How should you take your marijuana? In a brownie, in a joint, in a pod, or in its natural form? As products containing marijuana become increasingly more available, so has the range of products available for purchase. When it comes to choosing which marijuana products are best for you, it’s crucial to consider the different effects, including the risks of each. It’s worth noting that the body processes tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the “high” feeling, differently when ingested versus inhaled. Each route of consumption results in chemicals moving through a different pathway in the body. If your curiosity is instead about the effects of eating raw marijuana itself, the research shows that ingesting the plant raw won’t result in a “high”. This is because it hasn’t been exposed to heat through baking or smoking and therefore doesn’t contain THC. Continue reading to learn more about how the body processes THC and the risks of each method.  

When marijuana is inhaled through vaping or smoking, THC travels to the lungs and then directly enters the bloodstream and subsequently the brain. Because of this direct pathway from blood to brain, the effects are felt within seconds or minutes of inhalation, with the full effects of the drug peaking around the 30-minute mark. The effects from inhalation may last up to six hours and residual effects may last 24 hours. In contrast, when edible marijuana is ingested, THC first travels from the stomach to the liver. The liver converts THC into a more potent form before it reaches the bloodstream and the brain. The extra steps in this pathway explain why the effects take longer to present themselves and why they are stronger (when compared to the effects of inhalation). Generally, effects are felt between 30 minutes to two hours after ingestion, with full effects peaking within four hours. Effects could last up to twelve hours and residual effects may last up to 24 hours after use. 

As for risks or drawbacks, some research suggests that females (terminology used in the study) may be more prone to experiencing adverse effects from marijuana use. However, this link requires further research to confirm. That said, some of the risks of marijuana use include an impact on: 

• Mental health: Research shows that marijuana use is linked to depression and anxiety (including suicide planning) as well as psychotic episodes. It’s important to note that it hasn’t been proven that use of the drug causes these conditions and states. Instead, it’s possible that these states already exist among users and the symptoms are heightened with marijuana use.  
• Brain health: Use of the drug may lead to permanent intelligence quotient (IQ) loss. Exposure and use at a young age can lead to up to eight points being lost, with no way of recovering them. 
• Coordination: Both driving and athletic performance can be largely impacted by marijuana use. A person’s reaction time and movement can be negatively affected while under the influence of the drug and after long-term use. 
• Fetal health: When used during pregnancy, marijuana may lead to difficulties concerning fetal growth, brain development, premature birth, or stillbirth. Additionally, THC, as well as other chemicals in marijuana, can be passed to a baby through breast milk, resulting in more developmental deficits. 

List adapted from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

When it comes to smoking marijuana specifically, some of the risks include: 

• Exposure to toxins: Some of these toxins include hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (also found in cigarette smoke). Exposure to these toxins is related to lung damage and increased risk of contracting illness. 
• Lung damage: Smoking may lead to both bronchitis and lung inflammation 

List adapted from Healthline  

While the potential lung-damaging effects of smoking marijuana aren’t associated with eating edibles, the “high” effects of edibles are often more unpredictable. To avoid over-consumption of edible marijuana products, it’s recommended that you pay close attention to the THC concentration. For those who are new to using marijuana, you may consider starting small. This could mean both choosing an item with a loser dose of THC as well as minimizing the amount of the item you consume. It’s important to remember that you can always have more, but you can never have less after you’ve consumed it.   

Whichever method (or methods) you choose, it may be beneficial to purchase from a certified dispensary. Speaking with the sellers may provide you with more insight into the effects associated with particular strains of marijuana. Before introducing a new substance to your body—or continuing to use a familiar substance—thinking about any adverse health effects may be beneficial. It’s also recommended that you avoid mixing any form of marijuana with alcohol or medications. If you’re taking medication and you’re concerned about how they may interact with marijuana, talk with a health care provider.  

Best,