As cannabis becomes more popular for both recreational and medical use, there are now more options than ever to enjoy it. Two of the most popular cannabis consumption methods are through edibles and smoking, each offering a unique experience.
In this guide, we compare edibles vs smoking in terms of benefits, onset times, and potential drawbacks, so you can make the right choice for your needs.
Edibles: A Tasty Way To Experience Cannabis
Cannabis use has evolved over the years, offering various methods to suit different preferences. One popular option is edibles — cannabis-infused food and beverage products designed for consumption rather than inhalation.
- Variety of Options
Edibles come in diverse shapes and forms, catering to various tastes and consumption styles. These include:
- Pastries — Whether you go for brownies, cookies, muffins, or cakes, baked goods offer a delicious way to experience marijuana.
- Chewy Candies — Cannabis-infused gummies, fruity chews, or sour strips are loved for their variety of shapes and bold flavors.
- Hard Candies — Discreet and tasty, hard candies like mints and lollipops provide a slow, steady release of effects.
- Beverages — Cannabis-infused drinks, including juices, coffee, tea, and flavored sparkling water, offer a refreshing alternative to solid edibles.
- Savory Snacks — Pretzels, crackers, popcorn, and trail mix provide a welcome change for those who prefer something salty or savory.
- Cooking Oils — Cannabis-infused olive oil, coconut oil, or clarified butter lets you craft your own dishes at home, tailoring recipes and dosages to your personal taste.
- Discreet Consumption
One of the standout benefits of edibles is the level of discretion they offer. Edibles look and feel just like regular snacks or drinks, so you can consume them in social settings or public spaces without drawing attention. They can also be easily carried in a bag or packed away like any other food item.
- Onset and Duration
How you consume cannabis shapes its journey through the body and directly influences the type, strength, and duration of its effects.
When cannabinoids (chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant) like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are consumed in an edible, they take a longer path through the body than smoking. First, THC is absorbed through the digestive system and then processed by the liver, where it’s transformed into a potent, psychoactive metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier.
This unique path explains why edibles usually take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. However, this delayed onset often results in effects that can last up to six hours, offering a longer-lasting and more intense high. That said, your experience with edibles can vary based on the dosage, the contents of your stomach and your personal cannabis tolerance.
- Potential Risks
While generally well-tolerated, edibles can lead to potentially harmful side effects like confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance.
Additionally, the delayed onset of edibles can lead to accidental overconsumption. Some people may take extra doses, not realizing that the initial dose is still processing. This may lead to heightened effects and prolonged discomfort.
To minimize possible risks, start at a low dose and go slow, especially if you’re new to edibles. Avoid taking additional doses too soon, and allow at least one to two hours to fully feel the effects before deciding if you need more.
Smoking: A Classic Way To Enjoy Cannabis
Smoking is still the most common cannabis consumption method. Here are some popular ways to smoke and inhale marijuana:
- Joints — Rolled with cannabis flower in paper, joints are portable and easy to make.
- Pipes — Pipes come in different materials, including glass, wood, and metal, each offering a slightly different smoking experience.
- Bongs — Bongs use water to cool the smoke, creating a smoother inhale. They’re popular among those who want a cooler, potentially less irritating experience for the throat and lungs.
- Blunts — Rolled with cannabis in tobacco or hemp wraps, blunts offer a longer-lasting smoking session with the added effects of the wrap.
- Vaporizers — Although technically different from smoking, vaping involves heating cannabis flowers or concentrates to release cannabinoids without combustion.
- Immediate Effects
One of the key benefits of smoking cannabis is the rapid onset of effects. Typically, you’ll begin to feel the impact within two to 10 minutes, as cannabinoids quickly enter the bloodstream through the lungs and straight to the brain. While the primary effects of smoking cannabis generally last one to three hours, some residual sensations may linger for up to eight hours, depending on factors like potency, dosage, and individual tolerance.
- Easier Dosage Control
Since the effects of smoking cannabis set in quickly, you can better gauge your intake, allowing for precise control over how much you consume in a single session.
- Possible Health Risks
Although not as carcinogenic as tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke shares some harmful components with tobacco smoke, including various carcinogens, toxins, and irritants. As a result, regular marijuana smoking has been shown to cause both visible and microscopic damage to the larger airways, potentially triggering symptoms of chronic bronchitis such as persistent coughing and mucus production.
Both smoked marijuana and THC have also been found to increase heart rate, sometimes elevating it by 20% to 100% above normal. Additionally, both smoked and ingested forms of marijuana can intensify the drop in blood pressure that happens when a person stands up after lying down, occasionally causing dizziness or even fainting.
Smoking vs Eating Cannabis: Which Is Better?
Ultimately, choosing between edibles vs smoking depends on your personal preferences, health considerations, and desired effects.
The effects of smoking cannabis are felt almost immediately, making it a go-to if you want quick relief or instant results. On the other hand, edibles offer a subtle option that’s perfect if you’re seeking extended relief without frequent dosing.
Whichever method you choose, taking a thoughtful approach to cannabis consumption can help ensure a safe, pleasurable, and beneficial experience.
Tips for Safe and Satisfying Cannabis Use
1. Know Your Pace
Everyone’s tolerance to cannabis varies based on experience, body weight, and metabolism. It’s important to know your limits and not push beyond them. If you feel yourself becoming uncomfortable or overwhelmed by the effects, take a break, stay hydrated, and allow your body to recover.
2. Use in a Safe Environment
Using cannabis in a comfortable and familiar setting helps you feel relaxed and reduces the risk of anxiety. Be in a space where you can sit back and savor the effects without needing to be alert for any responsibilities.
3. Stay Within Legal Boundaries
Cannabis laws differ by state and country. Always check your local regulations to keep yourself and others safe.
4. Practice Mindful Consumption
Mindful cannabis use means being aware of why you’re using it and how much you’re consuming. Ask yourself if you’re using cannabis recreationally or medicinally, and ensure you’re not over-relying on it to manage stress, anxiety, or sleep issues. Excessive consumption can lead to dependence, so it’s crucial to evaluate your relationship with cannabis regularly and make adjustments as needed.
5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider
If you’re thinking about using cannabis for medical purposes, it’s essential to consult your doctor first. They can help determine if cannabis is suitable for your specific condition and advise on possible interactions with other medications.
Discover Your Ideal Cannabis Products at Shango
Explore Shango’s premium cannabis collection, including top-quality flowers, edibles, topicals, oils, concentrates, and more. Order online or visit one of our locations and bask in the delightful sights and scents of our products.
New to marijuana? We’re here to guide you every step of the way. From explaining the role of terpenes to differentiating between CBD and THC, our team is ready to help. Reach out to us today.
