Smoking Vs Consuming Cannabis Leave a comment
Cannabis Edibles vs. Smoking: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to enjoying cannabis, there are two main ways to go about it: smoking and edibles. Both have their own unique qualities, but they affect your body in different ways. So, if you’re trying to figure out which one’s best for you, here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from each.
How They Work
Smoking: When you smoke cannabis, the active compounds like THC are absorbed directly into your bloodstream through your lungs. This means the effects are pretty quick—you’ll feel the high within minutes, and it usually peaks after a short while before wearing off within a couple of hours.
Edibles: With edibles, it’s a bit of a waiting game. After you eat something infused with cannabis, it passes through your digestive system, where your liver breaks down the THC into a stronger form called 11-hydroxy-THC. This makes the high from edibles feel a lot more intense and long-lasting. You might not feel anything right away, but after about 30 minutes to 2 hours, the effects will start to kick in—and they can last for 4 to 8 hours or more.
Why Edibles Feel Stronger
The reason edibles often feel stronger than smoking is all about how your body processes the THC. When you eat cannabis, your liver turns it into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is much more potent than the THC you inhale when you smoke. As a result, the high from edibles tends to last longer and can be a bit more intense. If you’re new to edibles, it’s important to start with a small dose—like 5-10mg of THC—and give it time to kick in before you eat more. The slower onset can sometimes make it tempting to take more, but that can lead to a much stronger high than you were expecting.
The Effects: Quick vs. Long-lasting
Smoking: When you smoke, the high comes on fast and tends to be more of a head buzz. It’s great if you’re looking for something quick and relatively short-lived. The effects typically last 1-3 hours, so it’s a good option if you want to enjoy cannabis for a couple of hours without committing to a longer experience.
Edibles: The high from edibles, on the other hand, can feel more like a full-body experience, with effects that can last much longer—sometimes up to 8 hours or more. The high might come on slower, but once it kicks in, it can be more intense and last throughout the day or evening, depending on the dose. Some people enjoy this longer-lasting high because it gives them more time to relax and unwind.
Dangers of Edibles: Take It Slow
While edibles are a fun option, they come with some risks if you’re not careful. One of the main dangers is overconsumption. Since the effects take a while to show up, it can be tempting to eat more before you feel anything. But that can lead to an overwhelming high once the effects hit. To avoid this, it’s important to start with a small dose, wait at least 2 hours to feel the full effects, and then decide if you want more. Edibles can also be stronger than they look, so be sure to check the dosage on the package to avoid any surprises.
The Social Aspect: Smoking vs. Edibles
When it comes to sharing cannabis, smoking is usually the more social choice. It’s easy to pass around a joint, and the effects are felt quickly, so everyone can enjoy the high at the same time. Edibles are a little different since you have to wait for them to kick in. This makes edibles a bit more of a solo or small-group activity while you wait for the effects to unfold. Once they do, though, you might find that the group vibe gets even more relaxed and enjoyable.
Health Considerations: Smoke or No Smoke?
For some people, the choice between smoking and edibles comes down to health concerns. Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs and may not be the best choice for those with respiratory issues. Edibles, on the other hand, are easier on the lungs since they don’t involve inhaling smoke. This makes them a better option for people who want to avoid any potential lung irritation. However, it’s worth remembering that edibles are still potent, and moderation is important to avoid an uncomfortable experience
Whether you prefer smoking or eating your cannabis depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Smoking is great for a quick, social high that doesn’t last too long, while edibles offer a slower onset and a longer-lasting, more intense experience. If you’re new to edibles, it’s best to start small and be patient. Whichever method you choose, make sure you know your limits and enjoy the ride!