July 11, 2023 08:00 am ETEstimated Read Time: 5 Minutes
Often, we consume cannabis, either in a delectable cannabis-infused treat or through inhalation, and wait around for the mind-altering effects to unfold. We rarely ever stop to wonder how cannabis finds its way into our bloodstreams or how the magic that is “Cloud 9” really happens. But who cares, right? All that matters is that you get that high.
Well, you might care a little bit more if you knew that cannabis absorption does matter and that your euphoria could be enhanced by ingesting healthy fats. This piece aims to shed light on the cannabis absorption process and how healthy fats can elevate your edibles. Take a look!
Understanding Cannabis Absorption
Like other foods we ingest, edibles are absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive tract. It passes through the stomach and into the small intestine, where finger-like projections called villi absorb the nutrients, including the cannabinoids, into the bloodstream. But hold on tight; it is not as simple as it sounds.
Cannabis compounds are lipophilic—meaning they have an affinity to fat. What this means is for efficient absorption, cannabinoids often need to attach to fat molecules in the bloodstream. It’s like a cannabis carpool, with fat molecules acting as friendly drivers, shuttling the cannabinoids to their destinations. Once the cannabinoids have fully saturated the bloodstream, they begin interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, regulating moods and giving you the high you desire.
How Healthy Fats Boost Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the measure of how much of a substance, in this case, cannabinoids from edibles, actually enters our system and becomes available for our bodies to use. Thus, if you want to feel every ounce of the cannabis effect, you want to ensure that you achieve high bioavailability. And healthy fats might be your key to enjoying an amplified cannabis experience.
Healthy fats play a huge role in enhancing the effects of cannabis in edibles. They help cannabinoids travel through the body more effectively thanks to the process called “lipid solubility.” Essentially, the lipophilic nature of cannabinoids helps them dissolve more readily when in the presence of lipids. This results in a higher bioavailability allowing more cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream and deliver fantastic effects.
This does not mean that edibles do not work without fats. However, alone their effects may be stifled. But when they team up with healthy fats, they can easily navigate your body and hit their intended targets.
Healthy Fatty Foods That Can Enhance Cannabis Absorption
Veriheal has satisfied hundreds of thousands of patients nationwide
Get approved or your money back
Appointments available on-demand
Customer support available 24/7
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is notoriously one of the healthiest meal choices you can make. While they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and other essential nutrients, they also enhance the body’s absorption of CBD. Before taking your edibles, try herring, trout, mackerel, salmon, and sardines. They are famous for their healthy fat content.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolates are one way to satisfy your sweet tooth and also increase bioavailability. Cocoa butter found in dark chocolate is a fat extract from cocoa beans. It thus acts as a carrier for cannabinoids, helping you attain a full-spectrum high!
Avocados and Coconuts
Avocado and coconut are two fruits that contain healthy fats that can amplify your high. While avocado is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, Coconuts contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fats come in handy during absorption. You could spread some guacamole on bread, put a few slices of avocado in your fruit salad, or add coconut oil to your edibles, coffee, or any other cannabis creation.
Nuts and Seeds
When it comes to healthy fats, nuts and seeds are like a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. They are nutrient-rich powerhouses that offer a variety of supplements, including healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Eggs
Whether you consume cannabis for weight loss, relaxation, or to get high, you should consider complementing your edibles with eggs. They provide the body with healthy cholesterol, protein, and vitamins. Also, since cannabis tends to suppress the appetite, consuming a few eggs (preferably hard-boiled) before your edibles can help you stay full.
Tips & Tricks for Incorporating Healthy Fats Into Your Edibles
Consuming healthy fats to increase cannabis absorption does not have to be boring. There are so many creative ways to enhance the bioavailability of your cannabis without compromising on rich and delectable edibles. The first thing to do is to decarboxylate your cannabis. Try heating your herb at a low temperature for 30-45 minutes. It’ll help ensure that the cannabis is in its active form.
Next, try out fats with high smoke points, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee. These fat sources are not only ideal for infusing cannabinoids but also lend a delightful flavor profile to your creations. You could infuse them in brownies, cookies, cakes, and other edible pastries.
There is also the option of sprinkling healthy fat options in or on your edibles. Seeds & nuts, coconut oil, eggs, chocolates, and avocados are tasty and fatty edible additions.
Final Takeaway
Healthy fats are a great way to elevate your cannabis experience. Incorporating them into your edibles unlocks a world of enhanced absorption and elevated bliss. It also means consuming less cannabis since fat infusion allows for more bioavailability and a more potent effect. So whatever form of edibles you enjoy, remember that healthy fats are the key to a world of enhanced sensations and effects.
Mary Ekundayo is a passionate cannabis writer and entrepreneur with a love for all things literary. When she's not creating content, you can find Mary lost in the pages of a captivating book or meditating to set the tone for her day.
Suddenly, the world of magic mushrooms is almost as complicated as that of learning about cannabis. Shrooms or “magic” mushrooms have gained traction as a hallucinogenic therapeutic application for several different mental health circumstances such as depression and migraines—particularly when microdosing. It’s not just liberty caps anymore, folks. There are many different varieties and types…
As of now, 15 states have legalized adult use of med and rec, and when a state legalizes recreational use of cannabis, people tend to stop getting their mmj cards. But cannabis consumers who opt not to get a MMJ card are missing out on a bunch of benefits like paying lower costs, the ability…
Edibles are arguably one of the best means of recreational cannabis consumption—you get to eat a treat AND experience a long-lasting high. But it’s easy to end up dealing with some unwanted side effects due to the variability in the onset of these THC-packed goodies, which come in the form of brownies, cookies, gummies, chocolate,…
If you’re reading this, you are either a recreational cannabis veteran who has seen a handful of cannabis smokers passing out from puffing a joint and can’t seem to figure out why. Or, you are a newbie who wants to give recreational or medical cannabis a shot, and the burning question on your mind is,…
According to a new study published by the University of New Mexico (UNM) in the prestigious journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers have unveiled a significant correlation between the sensation of “feeling high” and the relief of medical symptoms among cannabis patients. This landmark study probes uncharted territories, challenging pre-existing assumptions and opening new avenues for…
We use our own as well as third party cookies to improve your site experience and the services we make available. You can learn more about our use of cookies in our Privacy Policy.
Content Disclamer
The statements made regarding cannabis products on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cannabis is not an FDA-approved substance and is still illegal under federal law. The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. We strongly recommend that you consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before using any cannabis products. The use of any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.