“Do edibles make me poop?” It’s a question we know so many of you have, but not a lot of you are willing to talk about. We get it, it’s an awkward subject. But, it’s also an important one. And when you catch yourself glued to the toilet after a night filled with your favourite edible delights, we’re sure you’re wondering how and why they’re affecting your body in such a way.
It’s also worth noting that this question isn’t just reserved for those who are suffering from poop-related side-effects. Some people asking, “do edibles make me poop?” could also be curious as to how edibles can help them with constipation.
Edibles and diarrhea have long been synonymous for some people. Marijuana and diarrhea in general, for that matter. Although, don’t forget about the other end of the spectrum. For years, many users have relied on weed to give their bowels a helping hand. While we certainly don’t suggest relying completely on marijuana to relieve constipation, it can be used in some cases to get things moving.
The short answer here is, yes. Edibles can make you poop. Marijuana-infused food and drink interacts with your body differently than inhaling it. That’s because edibles are passed through your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a major role in ensuring a balanced gut microbiome. Research surrounding this subject is very limited, but there are undeniable correlations between CBD, THC and the gut that we’ll dive further into today.
Do Edibles Make Me Poop?
In many cases, yes, edibles can get your bowels moving and encourage you to poop. Marijuana effects more than just your cerebral sphere – there’s no coincidence that you need to poop after getting high. Some people even head to the toilet from just the thought of rolling a joint.
But how and why does this happen? While research is still underway for this topic, scientists do know that your body interacts with cannabinoids (THC and CBD) found inside
marijuana. For edibles in particular, your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is also involved. As stated by Jason Mitchell – co-founder and CEO of HempFusion Wellness and CEO of Probulin Probiotics – for Leafly,
“Endocannabinoid receptors in the gut help to regulate and support homeostasis with functions such as motility [movement of food through the gut], digestion, inflammatory response, and even immunological responses.”
This means that when edibles find their way to your gut, they interact with your ECS and can affect bowel movements. In some people this can mean diarrhea, and in others it can mean constipation. And then there’s those in the middle-ground who need to poop after eating edibles, but pass regular stool.
Some recent studies even confirmed the correlation between edibles and reducing constipation, where “recent MJ use was associated with a 30% decreased odds of constipation.”
Medical cannabis can especially cause loose stool for some users, with symptoms including:
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Bloating
- Nausea
On the other end of the spectrum, symptoms of marijuana constipation can include:
- Hard or lumpy stool
- Having fewer than three bowel movements a week
- Straining to express stool
- Feelings of being blocked
- Inability to empty stool from your rectum
If you’re experiencing either constant diarrhea or constipation caused by weed, then don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider.
Are Edibles Bad for Your Body?
When consumed properly, edibles are not bad for your body. It’s like anything in life – too much is never a good thing. Keep in mind that some people don’t react well to weed-infused food and drink, particularly if there are ingredients within the edibles that they might not tolerate. These can include things like gluten or lactose. Our best advice is to always read the ingredients, and start out slowly when you’re trying a new strain.
Something else to keep in mind is that edibles are actually better to consume than smoking marijuana. Smoking marijuana frequently and long-term can lead to some unwanted side-effects, especially on your lungs and throat. Marijuana smoke contains several toxins, irritants and carcinogens, plus the smoke in general can be harsh on your lungs.
Vaping also ranks below edibles in terms of effects on your health. “Vaping illness” is a rising problem for many vapers, with the first case reported in Quebec back in 2019.
Don’t let this put you off smoking or vaping weed, though. Sure, edibles are better for your health in terms of preventing damage caused by smoke. But smoking and vaping weed is still safe as long as you do so reasonably. Â
How Long Does it Take to Digest an Edible?
This answer directly depends on the type of edible you’re consuming, as well as the amount. As a general rule of thumb, weed-infused products take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes to digest and start taking effect.
Digesting an edible in relation to how it moves through your bowels is a little different. Let’s use weed-infused food as an example. On average, it takes around 6 to 8 hours to digest food. It will pass from your stomach down to your small intestines, before entering the large intestines.
All-up, your colon will process food completely in approximately 36 hours. You can use these timestamps to compare how long it would take for your body to digest marijuana-infused food. Of course, these numbers can vary depending on the person.
Final Thoughts
Do edibles make me poop? Yes, they most certainly can. But does that mean you should be worried? If you’re finding yourself running to the bathroom after every edible sesh, then we suggest having another think about your consumption.
Talk to your doctor if it’s getting quite chronic, but otherwise you can try reducing the dosage. Your body might not be able to handle the current dosage you’re using – we’re all different and metabolize things differently.
On the other hand, it could even be related to the edible strain you’re consuming. Chat to one of our experts at BC Weed Online, and we’ll help you discover new edible products that you can try out at home.
