An important thing to consider when trying Cannabis is the method of use. Different methods of consumption result in different rates of bioavailability. Essentially, this is how much of a compound is available for use after it enters the bloodstream.
How Long Does it Take to Feel Effects?
With dried cannabis flower and vaped concentrates, bioavailability is relatively high. Cannabinoids enter the bloodstream very fast when inhaled. They move through the alveoli in the lungs and become available for the body to use. It’s one of the reasons users notice such immediate effects from smoked and vaped cannabis. If someone is vaping , they don’t need to eat to maximize the absorption of cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids in tincture form, are recommended to be taken sublingually, or under the tongue. When taken in this method, effects can be achieved within 10-15 minutes. The amount of dose percentage absorbed is also higher than other oral methods. That is because the sublingual gland processes compounds differently.
Oral ingestion cannabinoids takes a lot longer to take effect. This is because the cannabinoids have to be processed through the digestive system. When someone takes a capsule, the cannabinoids have to go through the liver before entering the bloodstream. That’s part of the reason why it takes so long for edibles and capsules to take effect.
There’s another issue, though, and it has to do with how cannabinoids are digested.
Oral Absorption Rates are Low
When cannabis is eaten or swallowed, not all of the cannabinoids make it into the bloodstream. The digestive process breaks cannabinoids down, resulting in a much lower absorption rate. The absorption rate for cannabinoids taken orally is somewhere between 13 and 19 percent.
That means for every 30 mg of cannabinoids taken, only about 4 to 6 mg make it into the bloodstream. The majority of it is broken down and removed from the body. So, how can you increase the absorption rate of cannabinoids?
Medical marijuana aka cannabis should be used under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider. This site is intended for adults and legal medical marijuana patients. This site contains links to products we sell on our marketplace.
How does Heally work?
Creating an account is easy, free, and safe in our HIPAA compliant platform. Visit with a doctor from the comfort of your home or on the go using your cell phone or computer. No appointment is necessary. If the physician thinks cannabis is right for your health and wellness goals, they will discuss treatment options and will grant you a downloadable certification document. Heally’s Telehealth platform currently serves California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio with medical recommendations. Please note there’s no charge if the doctor doesn’t believe the video visit meets her or his standard of care. If you do not live in a medically legal state and would like access to CBD products, visit the CBD Marketplace. We ship CBD products nationwide without a doctor’s recommendation. Questions? Contact us at support@getheally.com
