Does Eating Cannabis Get You High?

Ever wondered why people don’t just eat raw cannabis instead of smoking or vaping it? When it comes to getting high, most people turn to smoking, vaping, or dabbing, but what about eating it?  

If you’re exploring different ways to experience cannabis, you might be wondering, does eating cannabis get you high? The answer depends on the form. Eating raw cannabis won’t get you high because it contains THCA, a non-psychoactive compound.  

However, when cannabis is heated through a process called decarboxylation, THCA converts into THC, the compound responsible for the high. And that’s why eating decarboxylated cannabis or edibles can produce noticeable, often stronger effects. If you’re curious about how this works and what to expect, this guide breaks it all down.

3 Reasons Why Eating Raw Cannabis Doesn't Get You High

At first glance, it might seem like eating raw cannabis flower should produce the same effects as smoking or vaping it. But raw cannabis works very differently inside your body, and that’s why it won’t get you high in its natural form. 

The reason comes down to how cannabinoids exist before they’re exposed to heat and how your body processes them. To understand this better, let’s break down the three key reasons why eating raw cannabis doesn’t produce psychoactive effects as follows.

THC Isn’t Active in Raw Cannabis

One of the main reasons eating raw cannabis doesn’t get you high is because it doesn’t actually contain active THC. Instead, fresh cannabis naturally contains THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which is a non-psychoactive precursor to THC. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, in this raw form, THCA does not bind effectively to the receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system that are responsible for producing the high. So, even if you eat cannabis flower, you won’t experience the euphoric or intoxicating effects typically associated with THC. 

For THC to become active, THCA needs to be exposed to heat through the decarboxylation process. Without this step, the compound remains inactive, which is why raw cannabis won’t have the same effects as smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis edibles.

No Decarboxylation Occurs

Another key reason raw cannabis won’t get you high is that it hasn’t gone through decarboxylation. This is the process where heat transforms THCA into THC, the compound responsible for psychoactive effects. 

When cannabis is smoked, vaped, or cooked into edibles, it’s exposed to high temperatures that trigger this chemical change. But when you eat cannabis raw, no heat is applied, so THCA remains in its inactive form. 

Without decarboxylation, there’s no conversion to THC, and without THC, there’s no high. That’s why simply eating raw cannabis flower won’t produce the same effects as consuming properly heated or infused cannabis products like pre-rolls or concentrates.

Your Body Doesn’t Convert THCA to THC

Even after you eat raw cannabis, your body doesn’t naturally convert THCA into THC. Unlike some compounds that change form during digestion, THCA remains largely unchanged as it passes through your system. 

This means that without prior heating, the inactive THCA won’t transform into the psychoactive THC inside your body. As a result, you won’t experience the high typically associated with cannabis. 

Simply put, if the cannabis buds haven’t been decarboxylated before consumption, your body won’t do the conversion for you, so the psychoactive effects never kick in.

Will Eating Decarboxylated Cannabis Flower Get You High?

Yes, once cannabis has been properly decarboxylated, eating it can get you high. When heat is applied, THCA converts into THC, the psychoactive compound that interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system and produces the familiar euphoric effects. 

However, eating decarboxylated cannabis isn’t exactly the same as smoking it. According to ScienceDirect, when you ingest THC, it’s processed through your digestive system and metabolized by the liver, where it’s converted into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC.  

This is why the effects from edibles or any ingested cannabis can feel stronger and last much longer. While smoking cannabis typically produces effects that last 1 to 2 hours, eating decarboxylated cannabis can keep you high for 4 to 6 hours, sometimes up to 12 hours, with mild residual effects lingering longer.

Eating Raw Cannabis vs Edibles   

If you’re exploring different ways to consume cannabis, it’s important to understand that eating raw cannabis is very different from consuming edibles. Raw cannabis won’t produce a high and isn’t particularly palatable, as the buds are dry, fibrous, and difficult to chew. 

On the other hand, cannabis edibles are specifically prepared to deliver both flavor and effects. They contain decarboxylated cannabis or infused concentrates, allowing THC to be absorbed effectively and produce noticeable psychoactive effects. 

To make the differences clearer, here’s a side-by-side comparison of eating raw cannabis versus consuming edibles.

Can You Buy Weed Edibles from a Cannabis Store?

Yes, you can buy cannabis edibles from licensed dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal. Most dispensaries carry a wide range of options, including gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages, all infused with measured amounts of THC. 

When purchasing edibles, it’s important to choose a reputable dispensary that clearly labels THC content and dosage. This helps you understand potency and avoid overconsumption, especially if you’re new to edibles. 

If you’re located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can explore our dispensary’s edibles menu to find a variety of high-quality options. Whether you prefer shopping in-store or using curbside pickup, you’ll find convenient ways to get started with cannabis edibles.

Why Shouldn’t You Eat Raw Cannabis Flower?

By now, you already know that eating raw cannabis won’t get you high. But if you’re still curious about trying it anyway, there are a few practical reasons why it’s not the best way to consume cannabis. 

• No psychoactive effects: Raw cannabis contains THCA, not THC, so you won’t experience a high. 
• Poor taste and texture: The buds are dry, fibrous, and often taste bitter and grassy, making them unpleasant to chew or swallow. 
• Low absorption: Without proper preparation, cannabinoids aren’t efficiently absorbed by your body. 
• Hard on digestion: Eating raw flower in larger amounts can feel heavy on the stomach and may cause discomfort like bloating or stomach cramps due to its dense plant material. 
• May be contaminated: Raw cannabis can contain pesticides, bacteria, or other impurities if it hasn’t been properly tested and handled.

Final Thoughts: So, Does Eating Cannabis Get You High?

So, does eating cannabis get you high? The answer comes down to how it’s prepared. Eating raw cannabis won’t produce any psychoactive effects because it contains THCA, not THC. But once cannabis is decarboxylated and consumed, especially in the form of edibles it can deliver a much stronger and longer-lasting high. 

If your goal is to experience the effects of cannabis, simply eating raw flower isn’t the way to go. Instead, properly prepared options like edibles, infused oils, or other cannabis products are designed to provide both effectiveness and a more enjoyable experience. 

Ultimately, it’s all about understanding how cannabis works and choosing the method that fits your preferences. While eating raw cannabis isn’t harmful in small amounts, it’s not an effective or enjoyable way to experience its effects compared to properly prepared options like edibles and tinctures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does eating cannabis do to your body?

Eating cannabis affects your body differently depending on how it’s prepared. Raw cannabis won’t get you high because it contains non-psychoactive THCA. However, decarboxylated cannabis or edibles activate THC, leading to stronger, longer-lasting effects like euphoria and relaxation, with a slower onset.

Can you get high from swallowing cannabis without cooking it?

Swallowing raw cannabis won’t get you high because it contains THCA, a non-psychoactive compound that hasn’t been converted into THC. Without heat (decarboxylation), THCA remains inactive, so your body won’t experience the usual psychoactive effects.

Can eating too much cannabis be harmful?

Eating too much cannabis can cause discomfort, depending on how it’s consumed. Raw cannabis may lead to digestive issues like bloating or stomach cramps, while too many edibles or decarboxylated cannabis can cause anxiety, dizziness, nausea, or an overwhelming high. These effects are usually temporary, so it’s best to start with a low dose and increase gradually.

What does cannabis taste and smell like?

Cannabis typically has an earthy, herbal aroma with notes that can range from sweet and citrusy to skunky or pungent, depending on the strain. In its raw form, it often tastes bitter and grassy. When infused into edibles, the flavor is usually mild and masked by other ingredients like chocolate, fruit, or baked goods.