Cannabis edibles are processed by the body differently than inhaled forms. When ingested, the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) must pass through the digestive system and liver before entering the bloodstream. This slower, indirect route is why the effects are delayed and feel more intense and longer-lasting than smoking or vaping. Body weight and composition play a substantial role in determining how a person experiences an edible, influencing both the intensity and duration of the effects.
How Body Mass Affects Compound Concentration
A person’s total body mass determines the overall volume across which ingested THC is distributed. When the same dose is consumed by individuals of different weights, the compound is effectively diluted across a larger volume in the heavier person. This pharmacokinetic principle means the concentration of THC reaching the central nervous system will be lower in a larger individual consuming an identical dose. Lower circulating THC concentrations translate to a less intense psychoactive experience, which is the basic reason why a standard dose may feel potent to one person but mild to another.
The Role of Body Fat in THC Storage and Release
Beyond total mass, the percentage of body fat impacts the experience because THC is a highly fat-soluble (lipophilic) molecule. Once absorbed, THC rapidly distributes and is sequestered into adipose tissue, where its concentration can be much greater than in other tissues. This process pulls the psychoactive compound out of general circulation, acting as a temporary storage reservoir. A higher body fat percentage can lead to a delayed onset and prolonged duration as the body slowly releases the stored THC back into the bloodstream. This sequestration can smooth peak intensity but extend the effects for many hours, and factors like fasting or strenuous exercise can mobilize stored THC, potentially causing an unexpected return of effects.
Metabolism and the Conversion of THC
The unpredictability of edibles stems from first-pass metabolism, which occurs when ingested THC passes through the liver before circulating. Within the liver, specialized Cytochrome P450 enzymes (like CYP2C9 and CYP3A4) chemically convert delta-9-THC. This conversion creates the metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), a compound that is more potent and can more easily cross the blood-brain barrier than the original THC. Individual differences in the activity of these liver enzymes, influenced by genetics and health, dictate the speed and efficiency of this conversion. A person with a highly active metabolic pathway will produce 11-OH-THC quickly, leading to a stronger experience from the same dose compared to someone with slower enzyme activity.
Practical Guide to Initial Dosing
Given the wide range of physiological variables, including body mass, fat composition, and metabolic rate, a cautious approach is necessary for anyone trying edibles. The safest strategy is to begin with a low dose to establish personal sensitivity; 2.5 milligrams (mg) of THC or less is widely recommended for beginners. It is crucial to wait at least two hours after initial consumption before considering taking any more, as the onset of effects is delayed. Peak effects can take up to four hours to manifest, and re-dosing too early is the most common cause of an overwhelming experience. Weight is only one variable, and factors like recent food intake, tolerance, and individual genetics also play a large role in the final effect.