the chemical doesn't have to be active for it to get absorbed into your bloodstream. if that were true then some important vitamins and minerals would never get absorbed. and your saliva/stomach acid aren't water based so it'll get taken out of the Marijuana plant and into your bloodstream eventually. Last but not least, heat isn't a factor. just because the THC is below the boiling point doesn't mean it can't be absorbed. what do you think happens when you use an ice bong?