Maintaining a balanced lifestyle full of purposeful activity is key to safeguarding years of hard work in recovery. Idleness leaves space for obsessive thoughts and triggers to take hold if not filled positively. Volunteering provides a sense of meaning beyond oneself while benefiting the community. Regular exercise has profoundly healing effects on both physical and mental health when done consistently. Creative hobbies allow channeling energy into skills building and self-expression and discovering new talents along the journey. Making time for relaxation, nature, spiritual practice and quality relationships with loved ones also nurtures well-being. Recovery is a lifelong process remaining vigilant about needs and limiting potential risks. Table of Contents What Are Edibles? Edibles are food or drinks infused with marijuana. Cannabis edibles contain THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. Unlike smoking or vaping marijuana where the effects are felt almost immediately, edibles take longer to kick in since THC must pass through the liver before entering the bloodstream. This process produces a longer-lasting, more intense high compared to other forms of cannabis consumption. Types of Edibles Some popular types of edibles include: – Brownies or cookies -Baked goods are a classic edible and easy way to consume cannabis. Be careful of uneven THC distribution which can lead to accidentally eating too much. – Gummies or candy – THC-infused gummies or sweets provide a discreet way to consume cannabis. However, their small, discreet size also increases the risk of accidental overconsumption. – Beverages – Cannabis-infused iced tea, lemonade, or alcohol-free beer lets you feel the effects of THC through drinking. Onset may be a bit slower compared to eating an edible. – Chocolates – Dark or milk chocolate is commonly infused with THC for an enjoyable edible experience. The fat content in chocolate helps the body absorb THC more effectively. – Savory snacks – Popcorn, chips, nuts, and jerky can also be infused with cannabis oil or butter for an edible option more like an enjoyable meal than a sweet treat.
How Edibles Work in the Body When consumed orally, THC from edibles is processed through the liver before entering the bloodstream. This results in THC being broken down and metabolized into a more potent psychoactive compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. The Onset and Duration of Edibles Vs. Inhaled Cannabis Smoking or vaping cannabis allows THC to enter the bloodstream quickly via the lungs, with peak effects within 30 minutes. However, with edibles it can take 1-3 hours to feel the full effects since THC must pass through the digestive system first. The high from edibles also tends to last much longer, typically 6-10 hours compared to 2-4 hours from smoking. This longer duration means the effects are more difficult to gauge and can lead to accidental overconsumption if re-dosing too early. Factors That Influence How Long Edibles Stay in Your System Several individual factors impact how long THC metabolites from edibles remain detectable in hair, including: – Metabolism – People with a faster metabolism typically process and eliminate THC from the body faster than those with a slower metabolism. – Body fat percentage – THC is soluble in fat. Those with a higher body fat content provide more areas for THC to sequester, prolonging detection times. – Dosage – Higher doses of THC through edibles result in more THC in the system and longer detection periods. – Frequency of use – Regular, heavy use maintains a constant pool of THC in the body compared to occasional consumption. – Hydration – Staying hydrated supports the kidneys’ ability to metabolize and eliminate THC and its byproducts more efficiently.