Can You Eat Weed?

While contemplating consuming cannabis, people often think about smoking or consuming through other products like edibles or vapes. Some might even be curious if we can eat the plant raw. Well, if you are one of them, then explore the idea of how cannabis can be eaten raw and what effects it might or might not have.

The experience of consuming raw cannabis is not the same as smoking it or eating edibles. This is because raw cannabis does not contain the psychoactive compound called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC; rather, it consists of an inactive compound named THCa. In this article, we will discuss the possibilities of consuming raw cannabis and its effects.

What’s Inside Raw Cannabis?

Before we jump to a conclusion, let us first understand the chemistry behind the plant’s composition.

Cannabis and Its Natural Composition

Although there are numerous sugars, non-cannabinoid compounds, glycoproteins, and amino acids present in the raw plant, the major ones are the C21 group of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds are responsible for the typical results, fragrance, and effects of the cannabis plant.

Cannabinoids: Raw Form

There are two types of cannabinoids used by people for recreational, medical, and synthetic purposes. These include delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). According to researchers, there are about 80-100 cannabinoids found in the plant. The most commonly used psychoactive cannabinoid is THC.

Nutrition Profile

According to research studies, the leaves, buds and flowers of raw cannabis have one of the most nutrient-dense profiles on the planet. They contain essential fatty acids, nine essential amino acids, dietary fiber, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenes, and phytocannabinoid acids, all of which have the potential to benefit health.

The flowering tops and leaves of the female cannabis plant contain significantly greater quantities of phytocannabinoid acids than do the stalks or stems, and the seeds of the hemp plant contain more protein and omega-3 fatty acids than the stalks or stems.

Terpenes and Flavonoids

Terpenes are a group of aromatic compounds found in many plants. You can differentiate them based on their isopyrene units. If you have ever walked through a forest, you would have sometimes gotten a whiff of a sweet or musky scent. It is due to the terpenes present in those plants. In the same way, they also give the different variants of cannabis their distinct scent. Each species has its own blend of terpenes, which imparts a unique fragrance. Sometimes they smell like cloves, lavender, musk, sweet, or even citrusy.

Flavonoids, on the other hand, are responsible for their color. The more spectacular colors exhibited by some cannabis strains, like blue, red, purple, and pink, are due to a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. They are affected by PH and are also responsible for the blue and red hues of berries and grapes.

Also Read: Understanding Blue Dream Cannabis Strain

Raw Cannabis Doesn’t Get You High: THCA VS THC

One of the greatest confusions, yet to be unravelled by new customers, is the distinction between THCa and THC.

THCa/Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid

THCa is the non-intoxicating cannabinoid present in raw cannabis. It is the chemical precursor of THC, which is slightly different due to its arrangement of atoms. THCa contains a carboxylic acid group (COOH) attached to its molecular structure. This is the reason behind THCA’s lack of psychoactive nature.

THC/Tetrahydrocannabinol

Whereas THC, which also standsfordelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound produced when cannabis is exposed to heat. Due to the decarboxylation reaction, the compound forms a benzopyran moiety, which makes it the main psychotropic ingredient in cannabis. The neurological effects of THC are mediated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body. This gives you the euphoric feeling when you consume cannabis or cannabis-infused products.

So, this explains why you do not feel euphoric while eating raw cannabis compared to consuming it through smoking or edibles.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Cannabis Flower?

The Science Behind Activating Cannabis Compounds

The science behind activating the ‘secret ingredient’ is simple. The process occurs naturally when cannabis is baked, vaped, or smoked.

As discussed earlier, the main component in raw cannabis is THCa, which is an acid. When this compound is heated, carbon dioxide is removed, a process called decarboxylation. Due to this, THCa loses the -COOH group, forming THC.

The newly formed compound, THC, has psychoactive properties. It effectively binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which signal the ECS in our body, resulting in a euphoric sensation.

Thus, when you consume cannabis in a way in which it is exposed to heat, you get ‘high’. While smoking or vaping shows an instant result due to exposure to high heat or burning, baking and cooking cannabis can result in a delayed reaction due to lower exposure to heat.

Also Read:How to Reset Your Cannabis Tolerance?

What are the Benefits of Eating Raw Cannabis?

Although consuming raw cannabis does not have the same effect as smoking or baking it, it can still affect your body in subtle ways.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

According to research studies, THC can inhibit the production of prostaglandins. These are compounds released in the body that cause inflammation. Further studies done in 2011 showed that mice with liver infection, when treated with THC, showed a great reduction in liver inflammation.

Neuroprotective Properties

Due to the neuroprotective or brain-protective properties of THC, it may help prevent and treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.

Anti-nausea Properties

Research studies have shown that THC has had a positive impact on chemotherapy-induced nausea. It has also been said to increase appetite. However, more studies are needed to confirm this claim.

Side Effects

Although cannabis is mostly used for recreational purposes, it is recommended that you do not consume it in unregulated doses. Doing so may have some side effects. These could be long-term or short-term effects.

Short-term effects of Cannabis include altered senses, impaired memory, disorientation, dizziness, coordination issues, and slowed reaction time. On the other hand, long-term effects include increased heart rate, hallucinations, psychosis, and delusions.

How to Consume Cannabis Safely?

Understanding safe ways to consume raw cannabis or cannabis products is essential for consumers to avoid long-term effects. The key to this is ‘no over-consumption’! You can consume cannabis in low doses according to your tolerance and metabolism.

There are several creative ways of consuming cannabis. These include:

• Add them to your morning smoothies or juices. When mixed with vegetables and fruits, it masks the earthy flavour while keeping the THCA and CBA content intact.
• In case you are looking for the psychoactive results of cannabis, try consuming it in the form of Cannabis Edibles available in the market. These are made by infusing oil extracted from the plant.
• For medicinal purposes, use them only after being prescribed by the doctor and consume them accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion to the main question, yes, you can consume raw cannabis leaves or flowers. This is recommended to be done in moderation. Since raw cannabis is rich in chemical compounds like THCA, CBDA, terpenes, and flavonoids, it can offer wellness benefits. This is until the cannabis leaves or flowers are exposed to heat. After this, as the psychoactive compound is released through the process of decarboxylation, it starts to give psychoactive effects.

Those of you looking to explore the potential of cannabis, raw forms like juices, smoothies, or salads could be a safe option to start with. If you are in search of more potent results, cannabis infused products like edibles, capsules, and oils could be a good option. However, remember to buy these products from trusted brands or get them prescribed if you need them to relieve muscle pain or help induce sleep.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I eat weed directly?

You can consume weed directly. It won’t provide any psychoactive reaction since it has THC, which is the inactive form of THC. THCa is converted to THC only when heat is applied.

Q. Will eating raw weed make me high?

No, eating raw weed will not make you high, because it does not consist of psychoactive compounds that usually cause that effect.

Q. Is it safe to eat cannabis?

Eating cannabis is safe when done in moderation. Although raw cannabis has nutrients, cannabinoids, and antioxidants, it’s still better to source them from pesticide-free plants to avoid any kind of contamination.

Q. What will happen if I consume the weed when it is decarboxylated?

Since decarboxylation of weed converts THCa (inactive) into THC (active), you will feel ‘high’ or intoxicated. Effects could be delayed depending on your method of intake; thus, it is recommended to consume in regulated doses.