Cannabis is becoming more popular, and people are exploring different ways to use it. Two common methods are eating edibles and smoking. Both have their unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll compare edibles and smoking, covering everything from how they work to their health impacts.
What are Edibles?
Edibles are food products infused with cannabis. They come in many forms, including gummies, brownies, chocolates, and beverages.
Some of the most popular types of edibles include:
- Gummies: Small, chewy candies that come in various flavors.
- Brownies: Baked goods that are a classic choice for cannabis consumers.
- Chocolates: Sweet treats that combine the rich taste of chocolate with cannabis.
- Beverages: Drinks infused with cannabis, like teas and sodas.
Edibles are made by extracting cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) from the cannabis plant and infusing them into food products. This can be done using oils, butters, or tinctures.
Edibles are eaten just like any other food. However, the effects can take a while to kick in, usually between 30 minutes to 2 hours, because the cannabinoids need to be digested and metabolized.
What is Smoking Cannabis?
Smoking cannabis involves inhaling the smoke from burning parts of the cannabis plant, typically the dried flowers (buds).
There are several ways to smoke cannabis, including:
- Joints: Cannabis rolled in a paper, similar to a cigarette.
- Blunts: Cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf, like a cigar.
- Pipes: Small devices made of glass, metal, or wood used to smoke cannabis.
- Vaporizers: Devices that heat cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids without burning the plant material.
Smoking is the most traditional and widely recognized method of consuming cannabis. It’s popular due to its simplicity and immediate effects.
One of the key benefits of smoking is the immediate feedback on effects. This allows users to control their dosage more easily.
Onset and Duration of Effects
Onset of Effects: Edibles vs. Smoking:
- Edibles: The effects of edibles take longer to start because they need to pass through the digestive system. This usually takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Smoking: The effects of smoking cannabis are almost immediate, typically felt within minutes.
Duration of Effects:
- Edibles: The effects of edibles last much longer than smoking, usually between 4 to 12 hours, depending on the dose and the individual’s metabolism.
- Smoking: The effects of smoking are shorter-lived, generally lasting 1 to 3 hours.
Factors Influencing Effects:
- Edibles: Factors like what you’ve eaten, your metabolism, and your body’s reaction to THC influence the effects.
- Smoking: The strain of cannabis, your tolerance, and how deeply you inhale can affect the experience.
Health Impacts
Smoking cannabis can have respiratory risks because inhaling any kind of smoke is not ideal for the lungs. Potential risks include lung irritation, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.
Edibles don’t affect the lungs but can cause digestive issues for some people. They can also lead to overconsumption because of the delayed onset of effects, making it easy to eat too much before feeling the effects.
Comparison of Health Impacts:
- Smoking: Immediate but potentially harmful to the lungs.
- Edibles: Gentler on the lungs but riskier for overconsumption and can affect the digestive system.
Dosing and Potency
Edibles can be tricky to dose accurately because the effects take a while to kick in. It’s easy to eat too much before feeling any effects, leading to an intense and sometimes uncomfortable high.
Edibles can be very potent, especially if not measured properly. The effects are often stronger and longer-lasting than smoking.
Smoking allows for more precise control over dosage. Since the effects are felt quickly, users can stop when they reach their desired level of high.
Smoking provides immediate feedback, making it easier to manage dosing and avoid overconsumption.
Convenience and Discretion
Edibles are very convenient. They are portable and can be eaten anywhere without any special equipment.
Edibles are discreet because they don’t produce any smell. This makes them a good option for those who need to be cautious about their cannabis use in public or around others.
Smoking is quick and doesn’t require any preparation beyond rolling a joint or packing a pipe.
Smoking is less discreet due to the strong odor. This can be a problem in public places or around people who are sensitive to the smell.
Find Your Perfect Fit: Edibles or Smoking?
Choosing between edibles and smoking depends on your lifestyle, health, and preferences. Edibles offer a smoke-free, discreet option with longer-lasting effects but can be challenging to dose accurately. Smoking provides immediate effects and easier dosing control but comes with respiratory risks. Both methods have their pros and cons, so consider what’s most important for you when deciding how to consume cannabis.
For more information and to explore a wide range of cannabis products, visit Mindscape Dispensary in Hobbs, NM. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best options to suit your needs. Visit us today and make an informed choice about your cannabis consumption.
