Let's Talk About Consumption Methods
I've organized these off of my off my own personal knowledge. I will continue to add and update as new studies come out and I have the opportunity to learn about them. Understand that these serve as a collection of my anecdotal, personal and studied knowledge of Cannabinoids over the last 7 years. As such understand that the descriptions below will undoubtedly change and grow with time. Thank you for reading.
ORAL / INGESTION
Bioavailability
4%-12%
Low bioavailability due to crucial first pass metabolism. Depends on conversion of D9 THC to Hydroxy-11-THC. This has roughly 10x the potency of D9 THC. This means that for example, if we do a conversion from a 50mg edible then use the mean 8% bioavailability that gives us 50 x 0.08 then multiply the result by 10 to correct for potency differences between D9 THC and Hydroxy-11-THC we get roughly 40mg potency equivalent once the edible is processed. Now understanding that this ranges from 4% to 12% is crucial. The same dose with someone with a higher intake level comes to a potency equivalent of (50 x 0.12) x 10 = 60mg.
This makes the reality that one edible can vastly affect patients differently depending on their own body chemistry, metabolism, weight and many more potentials. This is why we should always start on the lower end of strength and work up. Most patients do not have an understanding of how THC is processed in their body beyond the base level of mg strength.
SUBLINGUAL
Bioavailability
12%-40%
Moderate to moderate-high bioavailability due to partially bypassing first pass metabolism. More direct to bloodstream and more dependent on D9 THC to produce psychoactive effects.
INHALATION
Bioavailability
30%-50%
Moderate-high to high bioavailability due to fulling bypassing first pass metabolism. Enters directly into the bloodstream through the alveoli in the lungs. Relies almost fully on D9 THC to product psychoactive effects. This also provides the highest intake of beneficial terpenes and is optimum to produce the entourage effect.
Though smoking in and of itself will never be a truly healthy way to consume, we can find many routes to achieve similar highs and effects that are produced from flower. For example, carts with well though out terpene profiles catered to a specific goal as opposed to a specific flavor.
