Have you ever wondered why consuming Delta 8 THC through edibles feels different than vaping it? The answer lies in bioavailability. Dive into the world of Delta 8 THC with us as we uncover the fascinating science behind its absorption in the human body through these two popular methods. You might be surprised at what you discover!

Delta 8 THC is a chemical found in cannabis, similar to the well-known CBD and Delta 9 THC. Nowadays, more people are curious about Delta 8 THC and CBD, as they look for new ways to relax or manage certain conditions.

It’s essential to know how much of Delta 8 THC actually enters your body when you eat it in a brownie or inhale it from a vape. This is called bioavailability. Understanding bioavailability helps people to choose the method that fits them best for the effects they want.

What is Bioavailability?

Bioavailability is a term that may sound complex, but it’s actually quite straightforward. It refers to the amount of a substance that enters your bloodstream when you take it, compared to the total amount you took. Imagine you eat a cookie with 10 mg of Delta 8 THC, but only 5 mg enters your bloodstream; then, the bioavailability is 50%.

Why is Understanding Bioavailability Important?

Knowing about bioavailability is crucial when it comes to substances like Delta 8 THC and CBD. Here’s why:

• Effectiveness: The effect you feel from Delta 8 THC or CBD depends on how much enters your bloodstream. High bioavailability means more of the substance reaches your bloodstream, likely leading to a stronger effect.
• Dosage Control: Understanding bioavailability helps with dosage control. For example, if you know vaping Delta 8 THC has high bioavailability, you might choose to vape a smaller amount than you would take in an edible form.
• Cost-Efficiency: Products containing Delta 8 THC and CBD can be pricey. Knowing the bioavailability of these substances helps you get the most bang for your buck. If one method of taking Delta 8 THC has higher bioavailability than another, it may be more cost-effective.
• Safety: Knowing how much of a substance enters your bloodstream can help avoid taking too much. This is particularly important with substances like Delta 8 THC which can have psychoactive effects.
• Individual Preference: Everyone is different. Some might prefer a method with lower bioavailability, so it’s less intense, while others might prefer a method with higher bioavailability for a stronger effect.

Delta 8 THC in Edibles

Edibles are a popular way to consume Delta 8 THC. They come in various forms such as gummies, cookies, brownies, and more. When you consume Delta 8 THC through an edible, it needs to go through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream.

Consuming Delta 8 THC Through Edibles

When you eat an edible, Delta 8 THC is not immediately available to your body. Instead, it must travel through your digestive tract where it gets broken down, before it can enter your bloodstream and then make its way to your brain to produce effects.

Digestion and Absorption of Delta 8 THC

The process of digestion begins in your stomach and continues in your intestines. As the edible is broken down, the Delta 8 THC is absorbed through the walls of your intestines into your bloodstream. However, before reaching the bloodstream, Delta 8 THC has to pass through the liver, where it gets modified. This process, known as the “first-pass metabolism,” can significantly reduce the amount of Delta 8 THC that eventually reaches your bloodstream.

Moreover, the speed at which Delta 8 THC gets absorbed can vary depending on a number of factors such as the specific edible, your metabolism, and whether your stomach is full or empty. As a result, it might take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours before you start feeling the effects, and these effects can last longer compared to other methods of consumption.

Comparing Bioavailability: Delta 8 THC and CBD in Edibles

Both Delta 8 THC and CBD have lower bioavailability when taken through edibles compared to other methods like vaping. The bioavailability of Delta 8 THC and CBD in edibles typically ranges from 6% to 20%. This is because a significant amount of Delta 8 THC and CBD gets lost during the digestion process and the first-pass metabolism in the liver.

• Effect Duration:
• Even though the bioavailability is lower, the effects of Delta 8 THC and CBD tend to last longer when consumed through edibles. This is because the slow digestion process prolongs the release of Delta 8 THC and CBD into your bloodstream.
• Dosage:
• Due to lower bioavailability, people might need to consume higher doses of edibles to achieve the desired effects compared to vaping.

Delta 8 THC in Vaping

Vaping is another popular method to consume Delta 8 THC. Unlike edibles, vaping introduces Delta 8 THC directly into the lungs, where it quickly enters the bloodstream. This method is favored by many due to its prompt effects and higher bioavailability.

Consuming Delta 8 THC Through Vaping

Vaping involves heating a liquid containing Delta 8 THC until it turns into vapor, which is then inhaled. The liquid – often called vape juice or e-liquid – comes in various flavors and concentrations, providing an array of options for consumers. Vaping devices, also known as e-cigarettes or vaporizers, come in many forms from sleek pens to larger, more sophisticated gadgets.

The Inhalation and Absorption Process

When you inhale the vapor, tiny particles of Delta 8 THC are absorbed by the small air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli. These sacs have a vast surface area and are surrounded by tiny blood vessels that pick up the Delta 8 THC molecules and transport them into the bloodstream. This process is nearly instantaneous, allowing the effects of Delta 8 THC to be felt within minutes, if not seconds.

The lack of a “first-pass” through the liver, like with edibles, means more Delta 8 THC reaches the bloodstream. This direct route to the bloodstream allows for higher bioavailability and faster effects compared to consuming Delta 8 THC through edibles.

Comparing Bioavailability: Delta 8 THC and CBD When Vaped

The bioavailability of Delta 8 THC and CBD is significantly higher when vaped as compared to when taken through edibles. While the bioavailability of these compounds can range between 6% to 20% in edibles, it can soar to between 34% to 56% or higher when vaped. Here’s a closer look:

• Immediate Effects:
• The immediate transition of Delta 8 THC from the lungs to the bloodstream means faster onset of effects, which can be beneficial for people seeking quick relief.
• Dosage Control:
• Higher bioavailability also translates to better dosage control. You can feel the effects quickly and decide whether you need more or have had enough.
• Efficiency:
• Vaping is more efficient as more Delta 8 THC reaches the bloodstream. This might also be a more economical choice in the long run as less product is needed to achieve the desired effects.
• Experience:
• Individuals might find vaping to provide a different kind of experience, often described as more intense due to the higher bioavailability of Delta 8 THC.

Vaping Delta 8 THC offers a more direct, effective, and controllable experience compared to edibles. While the idea of inhaling vapor may not appeal to everyone, those looking for quick effects and higher bioavailability might find vaping to be a superior method. Plus, with the diverse range of vaping devices and e-liquid flavors available, individuals can tailor their vaping experience to their personal preferences and desired outcomes.

Comparing the Effects and Efficiency

When diving into the world of Delta 8 THC, understanding the way your body interacts with this compound through different methods of consumption is crucial. Both edibles and vaping offer unique experiences with varying levels of bioavailability.

Bioavailability: Edibles vs. Vaping

The bioavailability of Delta 8 THC varies significantly between edibles and vaping. With edibles, Delta 8 THC must trudge through the digestive system and liver before entering the bloodstream, leading to a lower bioavailability ranging from 6% to 20%. On the other hand, vaping bypasses this lengthy journey, offering a bioavailability of around 34% to 56%, as Delta 8 THC swiftly enters the bloodstream through the lungs.

Effectiveness of Each Method

When it comes to effectiveness, vaping holds a higher ground due to its higher bioavailability. The effects are not only felt quicker but are often described as more intense. This immediacy and intensity might be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking rapid relief or a stronger experience.

Edibles, despite their lower bioavailability, provide a prolonged release of Delta 8 THC, leading to longer-lasting effects. This slow release can be desirable for individuals looking for extended relief or a more gradual experience.

Personal Preferences and Suitability

The choice between edibles and vaping can largely depend on personal preferences and particular situations:

• Taste and Discretion:
• Some individuals prefer the taste and discretion that comes with edibles. They’re easy to consume without drawing attention, and the variety of edible products available can make them a fun and tasty choice.
• Ease of Use:
• Vaping requires some level of familiarity with the vaping devices, while edibles are as simple as eating a piece of candy.
• Duration of Effects:
• If you’re after long-lasting effects, edibles might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer quick, intense effects, vaping could be more up your alley.
• Health Considerations:
• Individuals with respiratory issues may want to avoid vaping and opt for edibles instead. Conversely, those with digestive issues might find vaping to be a more comfortable option.
• Social Situations:
• Vaping can be more socially acceptable in some situations, whereas edibles can be consumed discreetly almost anywhere.

Every individual’s circumstances and preferences are unique. Some might appreciate the quick, potent effects provided by vaping, while others might lean towards the longer-lasting, milder effects of edibles. By weighing the efficiency, effectiveness, and personal comfort with each method, individuals can make an informed decision that aligns with their preferences and the situations they find themselves in.

Wrapping Up: 

We explored how Delta 8 THC’s effects can vary greatly between edibles and vaping due to differences in bioavailability. Vaping gives quicker, stronger effects, while edibles offer a longer-lasting, gentler experience.

It’s essential to consider your own likes, dislikes, and situations when choosing how to consume Delta 8 THC.

With ongoing research, our understanding of Delta 8 THC and CBD bioavailability is growing, helping us make informed choices for a better experience.