Edibles vs. Smoking & Vaping: What’s The Best For You?
The world of cannabis consumption is growing more diverse every day, with new methods of consumption appearing all the time. Smoking and vaping have long been the traditional methods of consuming cannabis, but in recent years, edibles have become increasingly popular. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s important to understand them before deciding which one is right for you.
Edibles: What Are They?
Edibles are cannabis-infused foods, drinks, and other products. They come in all sorts of forms, from gummies and chocolate bars to teas and sodas. When you consume an edible, the THC (the main psychoactive component of cannabis) is absorbed through your digestive system and processed by your liver. This produces a different effect than smoking or vaping, as the THC is metabolized differently.
One of the biggest benefits of edibles is that they provide a longer-lasting high. The effects of an edible can last up to six hours or more, compared to two to three hours of smoking or vaping. This can be a great option for those who want to consume cannabis without having to constantly re-dose.
Edibles are also discreet and easy to consume. They don’t produce any smoke or smell, which makes them a great option for those who want to consume cannabis in public without drawing attention to themselves. They’re also very easy to dose, as each product comes with a specific amount of THC labeled on the packaging.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks of edibles is that they can take a while to kick in. Because the THC is processed through your digestive system, it can take up to two hours or more for the effects to be felt. This can lead to people consuming too much, thinking that the edible isn’t working, and then getting overwhelmed by the effects when they do kick in.
Edibles are also more difficult to control the dosage of. While the labeling on the packaging can give you a good idea of how much THC is in each serving, there can be variability in how the THC is distributed throughout the product. This can lead to some servings being stronger than others, which can make it difficult to control your intake.
Smoking & Vaping: What Are They?
Smoking and vaping are two of the most common methods of consuming cannabis. When you smoke or vape, the THC is absorbed through your lungs and enters your bloodstream quickly. This produces a faster onset of effects than edibles.
One of the biggest benefits of smoking and vaping is the faster onset of effects. When you inhale cannabis smoke or vapor, the THC is absorbed quickly and you can feel the effects within minutes. This can be a great option for those who want to feel the effects of cannabis quickly.
Smoking and vaping are also more controllable in terms of dosage. While there can be some variability in the strength of different strains of cannabis, it’s generally easier to control your intake when smoking or vaping than it is with edibles.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks of smoking and vaping is that the effects don’t last as long as with edibles. While the effects can last up to three hours, they’re generally shorter-lived than with edibles.
Smoking and vaping can also be less discreet than edibles. Smoke and vapor produce a distinct smell that can be easily recognized by others. This can make it more difficult to consume cannabis in public without drawing attention to yourself.
Which Is Right For You?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting high and a more discreet method of consumption, edibles might be the right choice. If you want to feel the effects quickly and have more control over your dosage, smoking or vaping might be a better option.
Comparing Some Of The Important Differences Between Edibles And Smoking Or Vaping.
Edibles Smoking and VapingHow They WorkCannabinoids are typically processed in the liver and then enter the bloodstream to take effect.Cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the small capillaries surrounding the alveoli in the lungs.EffectsPerceived as more intense and usually last longerPerceived as less intense and don’t last nearly as long as ediblesEffects TimelineEffects kick in within 30 minutes to 1 hour but can take as long as 3 hours; effects typically last 4–6 hours.Effects kick in within 5 to 15 minutes; effects typically last just 1–2 hours.Safety Edibles are relatively safe, and no major downsides have been identifiedSmoking is considered the most dangerous way to consume cannabinoids; vaping is considered slightly healthier, but any inhalation could be hazardousDosingThe recommended dose of 5–10 mg for beginners; increase in very small amountsThe recommended does of 1–2 hits for beginners; increase in 1-hit incrementsRe-Dosing Wait at least 1–2 hours but, waiting 24 hours is highly recommendedWait about 15 minutesEfficiency Very HighRelatively low due to the loss of some cannabinoids to combustionSide Effects Anxiousness, paranoia, red eyes, dry mouth, the munchies, dizzinessAnxiousness, paranoia, red eyes, dry mouth, the munchies, dizzinessDiscretenessVery discrete. Just pop a gummy or two on the go without anybody noticingSmoking is not discrete at all, but vaping can be in your using products that don’t produce thick white vapor.
What Are The Key Differences Between Smoking And Vaping?
Vaping and smoking are comparable but separate practices. There are more methods of smoking than of vaping. Users have a variety of ways to consume their hemp flower, including joints, blunts, rolling papers, pipes, and bowls. Smokers have options here, each with pros and cons.
Duration Of Effects: Vaping Kicks In Faster, But Edibles Last Longer
Due to the instant impacts, smoking and vaping are popular choices. Nearly everyone will detect effects after 5–10 minutes, according to the majority of smokers and vapers who claim to feel the effects immediately. Cannabinoids’ effects from smoking and vaping typically endure for a couple of hours.
Eating edibles is similar to taking a slow-release medication; the effects don’t kick in right away but last considerably longer. Most people claim that the benefits start to manifest after 30 to 60 minutes and last for up to 4 hours.
Although it’s difficult to anticipate because the duration varies on a number of circumstances, some people claim that the effects of edibles can last much longer. The user’s body weight, age, and metabolism all have an impact on how quickly and for how long the benefits are felt.
Which is Better: Edibles Or Smoking / Vaping?
It is up to the individual whether eating or smoking is preferred.
Some users prefer the quick-acting effects of smoking and vaping to the slower, more enduring effects of edibles.
The effects and intensity of your experience won’t vary depending on the administration method if you consume the same amount of cannabis.
For those worried about the connection between smoking and lung cancer, edibles are better. Smoking raises the risk of developing lung and other malignancies, which makes edibles the healthier option. But, edibles aren’t the ideal option for beginners, and even seasoned users must exercise caution to prevent unintentional overdosing.
The decision between edibles and smoking ultimately boils down to how you intend to use cannabinoids and how at ease you are with smoking. Smoking and vaping are handy but probably harmful, whereas edibles are more effective but volatile.
Regardless of your decision, start with a smaller dose and pay attention to the results. When overusing anything, it’s simple to take more but impossible to take less.
