As society starts to appreciate marijuana more in its medical applications and begins to cultivate a tolerance towards its consumption, it becomes very important to know how the body absorbs cannabinoids, which are the topmost constituents of marijuana. The absorption of cannabinoids affects the rate of onset of and duration of the effects of cannabis and also the effectiveness of the substance. Regardless of whether for medicinal or enjoyment purposes, it's crucial to understand the understanding of the mechanism of cannabinoid absorption, which influences the choice of techniques and amounts to be used.
Do Cannabinoids Occur Naturally in the Body?
Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds commonly found in cannabis plants that have been shown to activate receptors within the human endocannabinoid system.
Although tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is amongst the distinguished phytocannabinoids that induce psychoactivity, the element responsible for most treatment of conditions without euphoria is called Cannabidiol (CBD).
Other cannabinoids include CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), and even CBG (cannabichromene), which are found in lesser quantities, though some of these compounds still enhance the effects of the bud.
How Do Cannabinoids Work in the Body?
Cannabinoid absorption is the process where these compounds of cannabinoids enter the bloodstream and circulate in the endocannabinoid, a system that, among other things, controls mood and food intake, eases pain, and brings down inflammation.
The endocannabinoid system consists of three components: endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors, the first being CB1, which is found primarily in the central nervous system, and the second, CB2, that is found chiefly throughout the body and is primarily associated with the immune system.
Endocannabinoids are substances that are synthesized in the body and act like neurotransmitters, and which include anandamide and 2-AG. Once the endocannabinoids have activated the receptors, this is followed by a quick enzymatic degradation, e.g., fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH).
How Do Endocannabinoids Activate Cannabinoid Receptors?
Endocannabinoids achieve their physiological activity by activating the two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. The endocannabinoid has the potential pharmacologic activity to influence moods, memories, and pain perception through the binding of CB1 receptors in the brain.
In contrast, the bonding to CB2 receptors may alter the immune responses as well as the inflammation process. This particular mechanism of signaling is important for the actions of cannabinoids since it facilitates a coordinated alteration of multiple processes in the body.
The Role of THC and CBD in Signaling
Two important cannabinoids that have been the focus of research are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), taken from the marijuana plant. This is because THC is an agonist towards the CB1 receptors. This receptor agonism is responsible for the psychotropic actions of THC.
On the contrary, CBD is a weak agonist of these receptors and, therefore, does not have intoxication effects. Instead, CBD has been reported as a potential adjunct to THC in promoting its beneficial effects by lowering anxiety and inflammation.
What Factors Influence the Uptake of Cannabinoids in the Body?
The absorption of the cannabinoids will be influenced by several aspects, such as the method of consumption, solubility of the cannabinoids, their metabolism, and the individual’s biological factors.
Method of Consumption: The rates as well as the efficiency for the absorption of the cannabinoids in the body vary upon the various ways chosen to administer the cannabis. The method you choose will determine the speed at which cannabinoids are absorbed into the blood and the duration of the effects.- Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping): The systemic absorption of cannabinoids occurs with quick efficiency as the active substances are delivered into the blood through the lungs (aerosol or smoking). Inhalation of cannabis avoids first-pass absorption, which causes a faster initiation of effects, mostly within minutes. Peak blood levels are generally reached in some ten minutes, while the effects can take about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the doses and individual tolerance levels.
- Oral Consumption (Edibles, Capsules, Tinctures): Edible forms of cannabinoids are orally ingested as foodstuff and thereby follow the same route as food from the mouth and stomach to the intestines and finally to the bloodstream via the liver. The concept behind this is called first-pass metabolism and alters the bioavailability as well as the formulation in which the cannabinoids enter the systemic circulation. This means that, when ingested, the THC gets converted to 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and lasts longer. Nevertheless, the effects take longer to kick in (between 30 minutes and two hours) and may last for 4 to 8 hours.
- Sublingual Consumption (Under the Tongue): This tincture or concentrated cannabis spray acts by virtue of bureaucratic administration beneath the tongue, where the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream without dialogue with the gastrointestinal tract. The onset is quicker than that of edible cannabis (after about fifteen to thirty minutes) but less instantaneous than inhalation.
- Topical Application: Any cannabis-infused lotion, balm or patch is meant for external use and is absorbed through the skin. Cannabinoids have been known to be delivered topically to bond with the peripheral sites and not invade the circulatory system. Topicals then become effective for pains on the surface without causing intoxication.
- Inhalation: The bioavailability of the inhaled cannabinoid is about 10-35%, which means a large part of the cannabinoids in the smoke/vapor reaches the blood volume after being inhaled.
- Oral Consumption: The absorption of orally ingested cannabinoids through the bloodstream is, however low, in the range of 4 to 20% due to the first-pass metabolism in the liver. This is the reason why higher doses of edibles are always needed to exert the same effects as compared to breathing them in.
- Sublinguals: Sublinguals also exert more than edibles, about 15-35 %, because cannabinoids avoid the hepatic first-pass metabolism.
- Topicals: Topical application has poor absorption because the cannabinoids are not intended to be absorbed into the systemic circulation at all. Instead, they act on the receptors present in the skin and muscle tissue.
What is Cannabinoid Metabolism and the First-Pass Effect?
Ingested cannabinoids have to go to the liver when they are administered or orally consumed. Here, intoxicating substances undergo a ‘first-pass effect’, also known as ‘first-pass metabolism’. During this effect, metabolites are formed from cannabinoids in the liver and the nutrients are then freely released into the bloodstream.
For instance, delta-9-THC is changed to 11-hydroxy-THC as a result of first-pass metabolism. This is one of the metabolites that actually is stronger than THC and yields even more and longer lasting psychoactive activities, which is the reason why edibles are observed to be more effective and their effect felt much later relative to when one inhales or smokes the product.
CBD also experiences first-pass metabolism, but its metabolic fate is milder compared to THC. Because of this, oral CBD health supplements are practically less absorbed compared to sublingual or inhaled deliveries.
How Long Does Cannabinoids Stay in the Body?
How long cannabinoids remain in the body can actually depend on many things, such as the mode of consumption, quantity consumed, and individual metabolism. THC, for instance, is kept in fat cells and can be traced in the body days and weeks after it was used, depending on how frequent the use is.
- Inhaled THC: Its effects peak for a short 1 to 3 hours but become controllable in the blood and urine for up to about 72 hours following a single legal ingestion of cannabis.
- THC administered through the mouth: The intense sedation effects of edibles last much longer due to the slow release of the THC into the bloodstream from the fat depots. THC in the urine can be found for approximately up to 30 days in case of chronic use.
How Can You Maximize the Absorption Potential of Cannabinoids?
If you want to fully benefit from the cannabinoids, here are some practices you may follow:
- Combine cannabinoids with fats: When taking edible forms, such as edibles, you should eat rich food in fats, which aids in better absorption.
- Sublingual application: If you need fast relief with improved absorption, then sublingual tinctures or sprays are helpful.
- Select the appropriate mode of consumption: According to the required effects (quick or prolonged), an appropriate mode should be adopted, say smokable for instant relief, while edibles for prolonged effects.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the science of absorption of cannabinoids to be able to make appropriate choices concerning the consumption of cannabis. Whether you want a quick hit or sustained relieving effects, understanding how the different cannabinoids are absorbed and processed within the body will assist you in optimizing your experience for both therapeutic and fun activities. However, as cannabis research continues to develop, so will its use among users who will learn how to use the medicinal properties of the plant to fit their needs.