If you're new to the world of cannabis, you might be wondering if it's possible to eat weed raw. The answer is yes, however, there are a few things you should know before consuming cannabis in its raw form. Here's everything you need to know about eating weed raw!
Will Eating Raw Weed Get Me High?
Sure, you can eat weed raw - but you might not experience the cannabinoid benefits that many people are normally looking for. This is because raw cannabis doesn't contain enough of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC to create any sort of psychoactive effects that smoking cannabis will produce.
Why Raw Weed Won’t Get You High
As stated above, raw weed does not contain the component THC that gets a user high. Instead, it contains an inactive form of THC called THCA. THCA is the raw and non-psychoactive molecular precursor to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and is not converted into THC unless it is heated up.
THCA is present in large amounts when marijuana flowers are initially harvested, but requires exposure to heat via smoking or baking to transform into THC - the compound responsible for the euphoric and relaxed high we associate with cannabis consumption. So if you want that great weed feeling, stick to smoking or baking, and save your lettuce wraps for something else.
Benefits of Eating Raw Weed
Eating raw weed may not be currently considered a "traditional" meal, but the potential health benefits of doing so are definitely worth considering. The active compounds found in cannabis—primarily cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes—all provide beneficial components when consumed in their natural form.
Studies have shown that eating raw weed can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain naturally; some users have even compared it to an alternative form of over-the-counter medication. Sure it may not be your favorite thing to snack on, but if you're looking for something that's good for you…you can't go wrong with raw weed!
Risks Associated with Eating Raw Weed
While eating raw weed can provide health benefits such as improved digestion, increased energy and enhanced mental functioning, there are unfortunately some risks associated with doing so. For starters, it can cause gastrointestinal issues like an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. If a person already suffers from gastrointestinal sensitivity or allergies, these symptoms could be even worse.
As if that wasn't enough of a red flag, consuming raw cannabis also has the potential to expose someone to dangerous levels of mold due to the higher moisture content than when it's processed in other forms. To avoid potential mold exposure consumers should make sure they are buying from trusted sources, as well as examine their cannabis for any powdery mildew spots. It's important to be aware of these potential risks before you decide to upgrade your salad with a little “extra” something.
To Eat or Not to Eat
While it is technically possible to eat raw weed, it may not produce the results you are looking for. Raw weed contains THCA, which is the compound that turns into THC when heated. THCA itself isn't psychoactive, so eating raw weed won't produce the same high as smoking cannabis or eating an edible.
There are some potential benefits to eating raw weed, including reducing inflammation and pain relief. However, there are also some risks associated with eating raw weed, including gastrointestinal issues and increased risk of mold exposure.
If you’re looking for a way to consume flower without the psychoactive effects, check out E1011 Labs’ CBD products. They offer all the benefits of eating raw cannabis, without any of the risk factors.
