Edibles are a popular form of cannabis consumption that offers a long-lasting and potent high. One common side effect of consuming edibles is feeling sleepy or tired. In this blog post, we will explore why edibles make you sleep, the factors that contribute to this effect, and how to manage it.
Why Do Edibles Make You Sleep?
The reason why edibles make you sleepy is due to the way THC interacts with the body. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling. When consumed, THC is metabolized by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form of THC that can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily.
11-hydroxy-THC has a sedative effect on the body, which can lead to feelings of drowsiness or sleepiness. When consuming edibles, the liver metabolizes the THC more slowly, resulting in a more gradual onset of effects. This slow release of THC can cause the sedative effect to last longer, which can make you feel sleepy or tired.
Factors That Contribute to Sleepiness
Several factors can contribute to the sleepiness caused by edibles. These include:
Dose – The higher the dose of THC consumed, the more likely it is to cause sedative effects.
Timing – Consuming edibles later in the day or at night can increase the likelihood of feeling sleepy.
Tolerance – Regular cannabis users may have a higher tolerance to THC and may not experience the sedative effects as strongly.
Genetics – Some people may be more susceptible to the sedative effects of THC due to their genetic makeup.
Other medications – Edibles can interact with other medications, which can increase the sedative effects.
How to Manage Sleepiness
If you find yourself feeling sleepy after consuming edibles, there are several things you can do to manage this effect.
Plan ahead – If you know that edibles make you sleepy, plan to consume them when you have time to relax or sleep.
Start with a low dose – Starting with a low dose of THC can help minimize the sedative effects.
Take breaks – If you are consuming edibles throughout the day, take breaks between doses to allow your body to metabolize the THC.
Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water can help counteract the sedative effects of THC.
Avoid other sedatives – Consuming other sedatives, such as alcohol or sleeping pills, can increase the sedative effects of edibles.
Conclusion
Edibles can be a great way to consume cannabis, but they can also cause sleepiness or drowsiness. This effect is caused by the way THC is metabolized by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. Several factors can contribute to this effect, including dose, timing, tolerance, genetics, and other medications.
If you find yourself feeling sleepy after consuming edibles, there are several things you can do to manage this effect, such as planning ahead, starting with a low dose, taking breaks, staying hydrated, and avoiding other sedatives. By understanding the factors that contribute to sleepiness caused by edibles, you can better manage this effect and enjoy the benefits of cannabis consumption.