Cannabis News
Holding In a Hit of Weed as Long as You Can Gets You Higher, True or False?
Numerous individuals may advise you to “HOLD IT, HOLD IT” when referring to cannabis smoke before exhaling, suggesting that doing so enhances the impact of your toke. This advice is rooted in the belief that holding the smoke in for a longer duration allows your body more time to absorb cannabinoids through the alveoli, the air sacs in your lungs.
However, despite the apparent logic behind this notion, scientific evidence does not substantiate the claim. Contrary to popular belief, the heightened effect you may experience when holding in smoke is unrelated to increased cannabinoid absorption.
Why Prolonged Cannabis Smoke Retention Doesn’t Heighten Your Experience
Some users argue that holding in cannabis smoke for an extended period enhances the overall impact, but the reality is that extended retention doesn’t intensify the high. Over 90% of THC is absorbed instantly upon inhalation, rendering the length of time you hold in the smoke irrelevant. The perceived heightened effect is not a result of increased cannabinoid absorption but is, in fact, due to oxygen deprivation to the brain.
Extended smoke retention can induce a lightheaded feeling by depriving the brain of oxygen. The carbon monoxide and toxins from smoking and prolonged retention exacerbate this sensation. The longer you hold the smoke, the higher your heart rate becomes, pumping blood faster to compensate for low oxygen levels, creating the illusion of an enhanced experience.
Prolonged smoke retention also leads to the absorption of unwanted smoke and tars. Using joints and bongs and holding in the smoke allows tar to adhere to the lungs more effectively. Contrary to popular belief, holding in cannabis smoke for an extended period does not result in increased cannabinoid absorption; three seconds is sufficient for optimal absorption by the alveoli and transportation of cannabinoids into the bloodstream.
So, why might you feel a more pronounced high?
Holding your breath gives your lungs additional time to absorb THC, thereby intensifying the high. Scientific research has debunked many misconceptions about cannabis, and in this case, evidence supports the impact of extended breath-holding on the experience.
As you hold your breath, your heart rate increases, and to compensate for low oxygen levels, blood is pumped more rapidly. This, coupled with the absence of oxygen, triggers the body to produce adrenaline, contributing to an enhanced “high.” The tingling sensation in the skin and face is a sign of oxygen depletion, often mistakenly associated with an increased high.
How to Experience a Greater High
If you seek an elevated high, the solution is straightforward: consume more cannabis. Opt for stronger strains, concentrates, or explore the realm of edibles for a different experience. However, exercise caution as edibles can be potent and affect you differently.
Consider vaping or dabbing concentrates, as these methods pose fewer health risks compared to traditional smoking. With no combustion, you avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, tar, and toxins. Vaping allows for a larger quantity of cannabis consumption without the negative effects of oxygen deprivation caused by carbon monoxide.
Concentrates, with their high THC levels, provide a more potent hit with the same volume of inhaled smoke, resulting in a stronger effect. Remember, in this context, “less is more”; the less time you hold the smoke in, the more opportunities you have to take additional hits.
In simple terms, the more hits you take, the higher you’ll get.
The Risks of Prolonged Smoke Retention
While the belief in the benefits of holding in cannabis smoke persists, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with this widely practiced but misunderstood technique. First and foremost, prolonged smoke retention can result in oxygen deprivation to the brain, inducing a lightheaded feeling. This discomfort stems from the body’s response to inadequate oxygen levels and serves as a signal that holding in smoke for extended durations may not be a harmless practice.
Another significant risk is the escalation of heart rate. Holding in smoke prompts the heart to pump blood more rapidly, attempting to compensate for the reduced oxygen supply. While this may contribute to the illusion of an enhanced experience, it poses potential dangers, particularly for individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions. The pursuit of a heightened high through extended smoke retention should be approached with caution, considering the potential cardiovascular implications of such a practice.
Moreover, the accumulation of harmful substances adds a layer of concern. Prolonged smoke retention allows not only cannabinoids but also unwanted smoke and tars to be absorbed by the lungs. This raises red flags regarding long-term respiratory health. Using joints and bongs and holding in the smoke increases the likelihood of these harmful substances adhering to the lungs, potentially contributing to respiratory issues over time. Recognizing these risks underscores the importance of informed and responsible cannabis consumption practices, steering individuals away from potentially detrimental habits in pursuit of an enhanced experience.
Elevating Your Experience – Beyond Smoke Retention
In the quest for an enhanced cannabis experience, it’s essential to explore alternative avenues that transcend the outdated practice of prolonged smoke retention. Embracing a holistic approach to cannabis consumption opens the door to a spectrum of possibilities that not only deliver a more robust high but also prioritize health and well-being.
One strategic move is opting for potent cannabis strains and concentrates. These options offer a higher concentration of THC, providing a more intense and immediate effect without the need for prolonged smoke retention. Additionally, the controlled and precise dosing inherent in these products allows users to tailor their experience to their preferences while minimizing potential health risks associated with traditional smoking methods.
Venturing into the realm of edibles offers another dimension to the cannabis experience. Edibles provide a unique and often more prolonged high compared to inhalation methods. However, it’s crucial to approach edibles with caution, understanding their potency and potential delayed onset to avoid overconsumption. This alternative not only diversifies the ways individuals can enjoy cannabis but also eliminates the need for extended smoke retention, promoting a safer and more enjoyable consumption experience.
For those prioritizing their respiratory health, considering vaping or dabbing concentrates proves to be a wise choice. These methods eliminate the combustion process, reducing the inhalation of harmful substances like carbon monoxide and tar. With a focus on harm reduction, vaping enables users to enjoy a larger quantity of cannabis without compromising oxygen levels, providing an alternative route to achieving a heightened high. In essence, embracing these alternatives not only enhances the overall cannabis experience but also aligns with contemporary approaches that prioritize both enjoyment and well-being.
Bottom Line
The common belief that holding in cannabis smoke intensifies the high by allowing for increased cannabinoid absorption is debunked by scientific evidence. Prolonged smoke retention poses risks such as oxygen deprivation, elevated heart rate, and the absorption of harmful substances. Embracing alternatives, such as potent strains, concentrates, and edibles, offers a safer and more enjoyable route to an enhanced cannabis experience. Vaping and dabbing concentrates provide a harm-reduction approach, eliminating the need for prolonged smoke retention and prioritizing respiratory health. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of consumption methods, coupled with responsible choices, leads to a more fulfilling and health-conscious cannabis journey.
INHALE CANNABIS AND HOLD IT? READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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