What Happens in Your Body When You Consume Cannabis

How Cannabis Enters the Body

When you consume cannabis, the method you choose affects how quickly the effects begin and how long they last. Inhaled methods act faster, while ingestible products take more time but often last longer.

Smoking or vaping allows cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. This is why effects are usually felt within minutes.

Edibles move through the digestive system before being processed by the liver. This delayed process creates a slower onset but a longer-lasting experience.

Tinctures absorb under the tongue and typically produce effects faster than edibles. Topicals work locally and do not produce intoxicating effects.

Common consumption methods include:

• Smoking or vaping flower or concentrates
• Eating edibles such as gummies or baked goods
• Using tinctures or cannabis oils
• Applying topical creams or balms

Each method changes the experience, even when using the same product.

The Endocannabinoid System

Your body has a built-in system designed to interact with cannabis compounds. This system is known as the endocannabinoid system.

It helps regulate balance across many functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and stress response. Receptors connected to this system exist throughout the brain and body.

When cannabis is consumed, its compounds interact with these receptors. This interaction influences how you feel physically and mentally.

What THC Does in the Body

THC is the compound most commonly associated with feeling high. It binds directly to receptors in the brain that affect perception and mood.

This interaction can create feelings of relaxation, euphoria, or heightened sensory awareness. Some people may also experience changes in coordination or short-term memory.

The intensity of THC’s effects depends on dosage, tolerance, and individual body chemistry. Higher doses are more likely to produce noticeable psychoactive effects.

How CBD Works Differently

CBD interacts with the body in a more subtle way. It does not produce intoxicating effects or a traditional high.

Instead, CBD influences how receptors respond and helps support balance within the system. Many people choose CBD for daytime use or pair it with THC for a more controlled experience.

Why Edibles Feel Stronger

Edibles are processed differently than inhaled cannabis. After digestion, THC is converted by the liver into a compound that can feel more potent.

This process takes time, which is why edibles may take an hour or more to kick in. Because of this conversion, the effects often last longer.

What typically happens with edibles:

1. Cannabis is digested
2. THC is processed by the liver
3. Effects appear gradually
4. Effects last several hours

Starting with a low dose helps avoid overwhelming effects.

Why Cannabis Affects Everyone Differently

Cannabis does not feel the same for everyone. Body chemistry, metabolism, and tolerance all play a role.

Mindset and environment also influence how effects are perceived. The same product may feel calming to one person and intense to another.

How the Body Processes Cannabis

As the effects fade, the body begins breaking down cannabinoids. The liver processes these compounds over time.

Some cannabinoids are temporarily stored in fat cells. Others are eliminated naturally through the body’s systems.

This is why effects wear off before cannabis fully leaves the body.

Making Informed Cannabis Choices

Understanding how cannabis works in your body helps you choose products more confidently. Starting low, going slow, and paying attention to timing improves the experience.

Choosing products that fit your lifestyle makes cannabis more predictable and enjoyable. If you have questions or want help selecting the right products, The Herbalist team is ready to help.

Contact The Herbalist to get personalized guidance or learn more about fast, reliable cannabis delivery throughout the Inland Empire.

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