Educational Articles

THC: The Difference Between Inhaling and Ingestion

Posted on by Mike Robinson
19
Jul

There's a big difference in the action of THC when it's ingested vs. inhaled

In terms of the metabolic pathway that THC takes through the body. Most are aware that the liver breaks down the main psychoactive ingredient delta-9-THC into other molecules. First, enzymes turn delta-9-THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC which is very psychoactive, and then into 11-Carboxy-THC which is minimally psychoactive as it's the last stage of metabolism.

When we inhale cannabis this action occurs much more quickly than it does when we ingest. For some this makes ingestion the opportune route for long term pain management and other type of therapeutic use for health reasons as it will last longer in the system, but the ultimate therapy for most patients comes when the delivery methods are combined - both ingestion and inhalation.

There's science behind the reason why.

While inhalation offers cannabis patients quick relief due to the nearly instantaneous metabolism of THC, ingestion gives a long lasting relief to the many ailments in which high THC cannabis and it's extracts offer -especially the analgesic effects that reduce opioid and other pharmaceutical consumption or will often replace some pharmaceutical medications for responsible patients.

When THC/cannabis is smoked or vaporized, delta-9-THC enters the bloodstream via absorption through the lungs. Once in the bloodstream, the delta-9-THC travels straight to the heart, and the heart then pumps it through the entire body, but it's concentrated into the Brain and central nervous systems cannabinoid receptors, mainly the CB1 where it will bind to cannabinoid receptors.
 
The psychologically experienced high or medicated felling of inhaling cannabis kicks in as the THC molecules pass the blood-brain barrier and bind to receptors in the brain. The metabolism to the 11-Hydroxy is almost immediate and much more short lived than ingestion. As well, the conversion to 11-Carboxy, the more sedating and far less psychoactive metabolite of THC, occurs much more rapidly - generally within 2 hours. This is why the feeling of inhaled cannabis with high THC will give a person a 'head rush' or quickly medicate the medicinal patient. It's also why that medicated feeling doesn't last as long as ingested THC, as well as why many will smoke or vape throughout the day or multiple times in the day or evening.
 
For many cannabis patients inhalation remains to be the primary source of intake, likely due to the immediate effects as well as the access to extracts that's much more limited than access to the actual plant. As patients learn that ingestion gives 8-10 hours of therapeutic relief they quickly turn to ingestable cannabinoids from extracted oils to the very basics like homemade cannabis butter that's used in baking edibles. With ingestion the metabolite stages of THC are extended by up to 400% over inhalation.

When THC/Cannabis is ingested, delta-9-THC slowly enters the bloodstream through the walls of the stomach and intestines, often taking anywhere from 30 mins. on up to an hour to metabolize and give the user the feeling of being medicated. When THC is absorbed through a gastrointestinal or ingested delivery, delta-9-THC travels first to the liver where, depending on the unique physiology of the user, either some or even much of it is eliminated or metabolized before it has ever had a chance to activate a receptor in our brain. Ingestion of THC is much more prone to activate the CB-2 Cannabinoid Receptors throughout our bodies than it is to activate CB1 in the brain. After the first pass through the liver, the remaining delta-9-THC and both its metabolites get to the heart and from there into circulation. Delta-9-THC and 11-Hydroxy-THC reach the brain simultaneously but in a much more subtle way than when inhaled. Quickly the benefits of ingestion are understood as well as the benefits of inhalation as they both offer a patient a different type of therapy.
 

Breaking the stigma of smoking and inhalation

By using both routes of medicating it also breaks the cycle of pain which is the goal in my own case after ceasing 24 years of strong pharmaceutical opioid use.

There's two distinctly separate metabolic actions that occur within our endocannabinoid system and I'm looking for both of them. Inhalation is a short term solution where ingestion gives a much longer period of relief. Sometimes with pain we need immediate analgesic effects and that's not going to happen by ingestion alone for most of us. There are other routes of delivery including topical, sublingual, trans dermal, and rectal - all of which are very effective as well depending on the type of therapy needed. Trans-dermal patches allow a trickle effect of delivery much like any other patch that comes from the pharmaceutical industry.

The use of suppositories by cancer and other cannabis patients has increased over the years as the knowledge spreads in regards to the first pass of the liver, as well as knowledge that by using this route of delivery causes more of the cannabinoids to make their way into the Endocannabinoid System without being metabolized like they are with ingestion.

Ultimately the route of delivery is determined by the patient and what they're most comfortable with. As the role of the physician in cannabinoid medicine advances, it's of high hopes that patients will learn more from trusted sources instead of following the direction of a friend on the internet. 

Mike Robinson

Mike Robinson, the founder of the Global Cannabinoid Research Center in Santa Barbara California, is a multiple Cancer survivor that’s used cannabis oils and CBD extensively as well for Severe epilepsy, Chronic Lyme Disease, PTSD, and in pain management. Over the last 6 years Mike has shared his journey and analytics on cannabinoid medicine research globally while assisting patients and helping to teach clinicians globally. Mike is the former Director of Consumer Affairs and Communications at The American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine. His post grad education, however is not in cannabis or cannabinoid medicine, rather it's focus was on International Relations and Diplomacy. An extensive background includes being an effective leader of a large Cannabis compassion program providing to the disadvantaged that treated countless medicinal cannabis consumers with various alternative protocol treatments, published journalist and international cannabinoid research specialist, former Registered Ca. State Lobbyist 1997, Pro bono non-attorney representative for children with disabilities nationwide for over 2 decades, a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers and Sisters, the founder of multiple nonprofits that advocate/advocated for the rights of disabled children. Most important Mike is well known for taking on one of his compassion patients, a child with severe autism and epilepsy that received precious oils from his program, is now his own daughter.

3 thoughts on “THC: The Difference Between Inhaling and Ingestion”

  1. Cheryl Gargasz says:

    Great article Mike Robinson! Thank you! Your shared knowledge about THC – Inhalation and Ingestion is appreciated! It really eases the way we medicate properly, and aides to help us better understand medicating with THC, so we can achieve the best benefits to manage our pain! Thanks again and God bless you and your family ⚕️

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