Introduction: Same active ingredient, different route – different effect

Whether cannabis is dissolved in butter, oil, sugar, or alcohol makes a huge difference. The route THC and other cannabinoids take through the body determines how quickly, how strong, and how long they take effect. While edibles pass through the digestive tract, tinctures or lozenges often enter the bloodstream directly through the oral mucosa—partially bypassing the liver. The result: a different effect profile.

Fat, alcohol or sugar – what's the difference?

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fat-soluble , not water-soluble. For the body to absorb them, they must be bound to a suitable carrier medium – e.g., fat or (in solutions) alcohol; in the case of syrups/candies, oral absorption also plays a role.

Fat-based intake (butter, oil, cream)

With traditional edibles, absorption occurs via the gastrointestinal tract. The THC is absorbed, reaches the liver , and is converted there to 11-hydroxy-THC – which often has a stronger and longer-lasting effect on the body.

• Advantages: Long-lasting, stable effect
• Disadvantages: Delayed onset of action (30–120 minutes)
• Typical examples: CannaButter, CannaCoconut Oil, Brownies, Cookies

Ideal for long-term effects, medical use, or nighttime relaxation.

Alcohol-based intake (tinctures & sprays)

Ethanol serves as the solvent in cannabis tinctures . When administered sublingually (drips placed under the tongue), some of the active ingredient can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membrane – bypassing the stomach and liver. This results in a faster onset of action and often easier dosage control.

• Advantages: Fast onset of action (5–20 minutes)
• Disadvantages: Shorter duration of effect, burning possible
• Typical: tinctures, sprays, essences

Safer Use: THC and drinking alcohol are not team players – this is about ethanol as a carrier, not about “mixing for partying”.

Sugar and syrup-based intake (mouth + oral)

In syrups, candies, or lollipops, some of the cannabinoids can be absorbed through the oral mucosa , while the rest, after swallowing, is absorbed through the stomach and liver, similar to a traditional edible. This often results in a two-part effect : a rapid onset followed by a longer duration of action.

• Advantages: Combination of fast and long-lasting effect
• Disadvantages: Re-dosing quickly becomes "too easy" (sucking → more → even more comes later)
• Typical items: Gummies, lollipops, syrup, sugar cubes

Sublingual absorption: The shortcut to the bloodstream

The oral mucosa is receptive and can partially bypass the so-called "first-pass" effect (first passage through the liver). This allows Δ9-THC to enter the bloodstream more quickly – often with a clearer, sometimes milder, and above all, more predictable effect.

• Onset of effect: 5–20 minutes
• Profile: faster, often "clearer"
• Dosage: tends to be reproducible

Comparison of recording methods

Practical examples: When which method is appropriate

• For fast action: Sublingual (tincture/spray) or vape
• For a long evening: Fat-based edibles
• For "both": syrup/lollipop (mouth + later oral)
• For routine medical use: sublingual drops (planned administration) or standardized capsules

Tip for edible fans: Combined recording

A common trick is " mouth first, then stomach ": Hold the syrup or candy slowly in your mouth and then swallow. This way, the effect starts sooner, while the second wave arrives later via the liver.

Conclusion: The journey determines the high

How cannabis works depends not only on the dose, but also on how it enters the body . Fat delays and prolongs its effects, sublingual administration accelerates them, and sugary products can combine both. Understanding this route allows for much more precise control over the effects and their duration.

Further information: How to properly dose THC – find your personal dose · Edibles vs. Joint · The science behind edibles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)