According to a new study by RTI International, it seems that in states where recreational and medicinal marijuana are legal, some consumers are opting to eat the drug instead of smoke it.
Senior research public health analyst, Sheryl C. Cates, stated in an RTI press release, “Our findings suggest that some people prefer edibles to smoking marijuana because there is no smell from smoke and no secondhand smoke.”
“They also liked edibles over smoking for their convenience, discreetness, longer-lasting highs, and less intense highs,” she said.
Cates is also the lead author on the study.
She has said, that some participants even remarked that consuming the edibles provided better pain and anxiety relief compared to smoking.
“Importantly, the delayed high from edibles vs. smoking or vaping marijuana may contribute to consumers ingesting a greater than intended amount of the drug before they feel high,” explained Cates. “Informing the public on delayed activation, accidental ingestion, proper dosing and harmful effects will help consumers make better decisions and help protect public health.”
RTI research public health analyst, Jane A. Allen, commented, “Although this study did not examine whether edibles are used as a substitute for other drugs, a growing body of research suggests that greater availability of marijuana may reduce use of pain medications, and may reduce the frequency and amount of opioid consumption.”
There were 62 adults in eight focus groups as part of the study. In Denver, Colorado, Seattle, and Washington there were four each who were at least 21 years or older and met specific criteria for the study.
