Some people don't feel the effects of edibles and science doesn't know why.

The edibles are often considered one of the best ways to experience the effects of cannabis over time, sometimes at the risk of experiencing its potency too. Consuming THC through food can produce a very intense state of euphoria that can last from 6 to 8 hours, or even longer, depending on the dosage of the edible product.

However, some people do not experience these effects with edibles. They can easily get stoned while smoking a joint, but feel nothing when they are consume food cannabis-infused. This phenomenon, known as «ediblocked», is more common than we think and is linked to our physiological make-up.

Variability in the effects of cannabis

Cannabis has different effects for different people. While some can become high with a small amount, others need a much larger quantity. A 2021 interview with Al McDonald, a cannabis grower from Ontario, Canada, highlights this problem. Mr. McDonald recounted how, despite consuming a significant amount of THC in the form of edibles, he felt nothing while his friends were visibly stoned. It wasn't until he had consumed around 700 mg of THC that he began to feel the effects, a dose much higher than the standard starting point of 5 mg.

Similar stories reveal immunity to edibles despite the consumption of extremely potent cannabis products. This immunity is not only disappointing for recreational users; it also complicates the dosage of edibles. medical marijuana whose precise effects are crucial to treatment.

Scientific investigations

Scientists and physicians continue to explore the reasons for this phenomenon. Dr. Staci Gruber, Director of Cannabis Research in the Neuroscience Discovery Programs at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts, suggests that some people may possess a variant of a specific liver enzyme that makes them «too efficient» at metabolizing THC when ingested. THC is then converted into an active metabolite which is rapidly transformed into an inactive form, preventing the euphoric effect.

The enzyme CYP2C9 plays a crucial role in the way THC is metabolized. This gene is responsible for converting THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC, the main active THC metabolite formed in the body after consumption, which is then broken down into THC-COOH. People with certain subtypes of this gene may have difficulty metabolizing THC efficiently.

«It's a bit like skipping the intermediate step,» explains Dr. Gruber.

The role of the liver and genetics

Genetics have a considerable influence on how you react to cannabis. The liver, with its enzymes that help metabolize drugs and other substances, plays a central role. The liver's P-450 enzymes are responsible for the primary metabolism of drugs, and also help to metabolize the cannabinoids present in cannabis. However, this process depends on how variants of the CYP2C9 gene are expressed, already used to anticipate THC reaction or determine your cannabis compatibility.

Many other factors affect THC metabolism in the human body. Fat metabolism, body fat, age, genetics, frequency of use and body weight are all factors that influence the time it takes for THC to be metabolized. feel the effects of THC.

Although a low tolerance to cannabis may be beneficial in many ways, there is still much to be learned about why some people are ediblocated. Research is underway to understand whether there are ways of altering gene expression to enable people to feel the effects of cannabis with less THC.

In the meantime, those who find no interest in edibles can, where cannabis is legal, Consider experimenting with other forms of cannabis. Smoking or using concentrates can be more effective in this respect.