Meet Dr. Markus Roggen, PhD. He has a doctorate in Chemistry. He is the founder and CEO of Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures LTD, a licensed cannabis research laboratory. Somehow, we managed to talk this guy into letting us ask him anything about weed. Recognizing such a rare and golden opportunity, we decided to share it with you, our viewers. We’ve asked you to share your curiosities about cannabis and so far, you have been kind enough to oblige us. It’s a good thing too because we never could have come up with some of these questions… They are way too ridiculous. Welcome to the Ask an Expert – Episode 2!
Episode 2 – You asked and Dr. Markus Roggen answered!
What are the differences in the effects of eating cannabis and smoking cannabis?
Dr. Markus Roggen explains: Basically there are two aspects that come into play, the time to onset and peak height of the effect. Smoking cannabis has an onset time of 30 secs to a minute, thus, you can regulate your dose. Edible cannabis needs to be digested and processed through the liver before entering the bloodstream; this takes longer than inhalation, making it harder to dose. Plus, when THC enters the liver, it is broken down by enzymes and ultimately converted into a much stronger compound, 11-Hydroxy-THC. This is the main metabolite of THC, intensifying the psychoactivity.
Stoner Translation: Edibles take longer to hit but they’ll get you more baked.
How long should you wait before smoking weed after a tooth extraction?
So, Dr. Markus Roggen doesn’t really give an answer. First, he asks the question; with an open wound in your mouth, doesn’t it hurt to inhale hot smoke? Then, Dr. Markus Roggen goes on to say that while cannabis is great for treating chronic pain, it’s not the best for acute. Nothing more.
Stoner translation: According to this guy, smoking weed isn’t going to do anything for your pain but cause you more of it.
Author’s note: I’ve had dry sockets and it’s not so bad. It’s definitely better than not being baked while healing from your wisdom teeth extractions… then again, that’s just my opinion.
Which is healthier, vaping marijuana herb or marijuana concentrate?
Dr. Markus Roggen says: Tough to answer or generalize. Vaporizing is a process that doesn’t involve burning, thus, no carcinogens are produced. However, there are variables that can alter the cannabinoids and terpenes, turning them into carcinogenic compounds. Temperature is a factor for anything vaporized but what works for one cannabinoid doesn’t necessarily work for all of them. When it comes to the broad spectrum of molecules in flower, it’s hard to ensure you are inhaling good compounds and avoiding bad ones. Concentrates don’t have this issue but there are other concerns. What solvent was used? How was it was made? But most importantly, are there residuals present? At the end of the day, the only answer is simply that vaporizing is healthier than combustion.
Stoner translation: If you want to be healthy by vaping bud or concentrates, focus on set up, as well as what and how you’re smoking.
Does weed make you poop better?
For this Dr. Markus Roggen say that if you have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s Disease, yes, cannabis can help with symptoms. For everyone else, it won’t do anything to your digestion.
Stoner translation: If you have stomach problems yes but otherwise no.
What does weed tincture start to lose its effects when I leave it mixed with water for a few days and how can I keep it from happening?
Don’t mix it with water. Why would you even do that? It’s THC and oil. Water and oil don’t mix. Why?
No translation is necessary.
My weed went through the laundry, should it still be good?
If you are desperate but don’t expect there to be any THC. The cannabis flower is coated with trichome heads and this where the cannabinoid oils are stored. When you put it in an agitated water bath, such as a washing machine, the trichomes separate; THC and other cannabinoids are not water-soluble, thus, you can collect the remnants, aka ice water hash. However, laundry soap is designed to dissolve oils such as THC so that they can be removed with the water. So, that weed out of the laundry won’t have any more THC than your front lawn.
Stoner translation: Nope. She’s done for.