What happens to THC in your digestive system?

Edibles are one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis today, but they can also be one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve ever wondered why an edible hits differently than a joint, or why it takes longer to feel the effects when you eat your THC, the answer lies in how THC travels through your digestive system and how your body processes it.

Let’s break it down in plain English — what happens when you eat THC, how it differs from smoking it, and why something called 11-hydroxy-THC is the real star of the show.

Inhaled vs. Ingested THC: What’s the Difference?

There are two main ways to consume THC: by inhaling (smoking or vaping) and by ingesting (edibles, tinctures, hybrid gummies, etc.). The big difference? The path THC takes to reach your brain, and how it gets processed along the way.

When you inhale THC, it travels quickly from your lungs to your bloodstream, reaching your brain in just a few minutes. That’s why you feel the effects almost immediately. But the high tends to peak quickly and wear off within 2–3 hours.

When you eat THC, the process is much slower and a bit more complex. It has to make its way through your digestive system before it reaches your bloodstream. But here’s the kicker: along the way, your liver transforms it into something even stronger.

How 11-Hydroxy-THC Affects Your Body

When you consume THC as an edible, like an indica gummy or tincture,  here’s what happens step by step:

1. It starts in your stomach, where digestion begins.
2. Most of the THC is absorbed in your small intestine, which acts like a gateway to your bloodstream.
3. From there, it travels to your liver, where the magic really happens.

Your liver metabolizes the THC and converts it into a new compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This version of THC is more potent and longer-lasting than the kind you get from smoking.

This entire process — digestion, absorption, liver metabolism — takes time. That’s why edibles take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. But once they do, the effects are stronger and last 6 to 12 hours, depending on your dose and metabolism.

Why 11-Hydroxy-THC Hits Harder

So, what makes 11-hydroxy-THC so powerful?

It’s more efficient at crossing the blood-brain barrier — the filter that protects your brain from certain chemicals in your blood. That means more of it reaches your brain, and it binds more strongly to cannabinoid receptors once it’s there.

The result? A deeper, more full-body high that many people describe as more intense than the high from smoking. That’s also why it can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared, especially if you take too much too soon.

Factors That Affect How THC Is Digested

No two edible experiences are the same, and there are a few good reasons for that. How THC affects you depends on several factors:

• Metabolism: Faster metabolisms absorb and eliminate THC more quickly, leading to shorter but possibly more intense highs. Slower metabolisms lead to longer-lasting effects.
• Food intake: Eating THC on an empty stomach usually means quicker onset but milder effects. Eating it with fatty foods, on the other hand, can enhance absorption (THC binds to fat) and result in a stronger high.
• Dosage and potency: Higher doses take longer to process and can lead to a much more intense experience.
• Product type: Gummies take longer to break down due to the sugar and gelatin. Chocolates are rich and fatty, which helps THC to be absorbed better. Beverages are often faster-acting but milder in effect.
• Individual tolerance: Your past experience with THC plays a huge role in how you react. What hits one person hard might barely affect another.

Common Edible Myths, Debunked

One of the most common things people say is, “Edibles don’t work for me.” But in many cases, that’s not true—they just didn’t wait long enough or took the wrong dose.

Here are a few myths to leave behind:

• “I didn’t feel anything, so I took more.” This is a classic rookie mistake. Edibles take time to work, so doubling up too soon can lead to an unexpectedly intense high later.
• “Smoking is always stronger.” Not necessarily. Inhaled THC kicks in faster but wears off quicker. Edibles offer a stronger, longer-lasting experience—if you’re patient.
• “There’s no way to control the effects.” You can absolutely control your experience with mindful dosing and good planning.

Tips for a Smooth Edible Experience

Want to have a good time and avoid getting overwhelmed? Here’s how to do it right:

• Start low, go slow: For beginners, 2–2.5 mg of THC is a good starting point. More experienced users might be fine with 5–10 mg.
• Wait before redosing: Set a timer for at least 2 hours after you take an edible. It might not kick in right away, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working.
• Eat something first: A small snack can help your body process the THC more smoothly, especially if it contains fat.
• Know your surroundings: Edibles can create a powerful high. Make sure you’re in a comfortable environment where you can relax and enjoy it.
• If you overdo it: Don’t panic. The effects will wear off. Drink water, listen to calming music, and try to distract yourself. You’ll be okay.

Why Quality Matters: Try TribeTokes

If you’re going to consume THC tinctures or gummies (be it live resin, indica, or hybrid) or tinctures, make sure it’s high quality. At TribeTokes, we’re all about crafting premium, lab-tested products that deliver consistent, clean results.

From Delta 8 gummies to tinctures, every item is carefully formulated for both safety and enjoyment. Whether you’re new to THC or a seasoned pro, TribeTokes offers products you can trust — designed to help you relax, feel good, and stay in control.