Picture this: You’ve just had the worst day and need to chill. You know cannabis can help, but immediately start asking yourself…
Are edibles or smoking better for beginners?
How strong are cannabis edibles compared to smoking?
What’s the difference between edibles and smoking cannabis?
Sound familiar? Don’t be shook. Here’s what you need to know about the different cannabis consumption methods.
Edibles vs. Smoking: What Are They?
Cannabis edibles are food or drinks like our delicious ayrloom gummies or drinks that are infused with THC. THC is the chemical in cannabis plants that makes you feel high. They get the THC by heating the plant’s flowers in oil, then the oil is used to make the edibles.
You can smoke cannabis by inhaling the THC-infused smoke directly from the burning plant with a pipe, bong or joint, such as our Dank pre-rolls.
Sound like a faster way to get high? You’re right. Edibles and smoking have different onset times, different durations, and sometimes, different effects.
The Pros and Cons of Smoking Cannabis
Pros:
- Like we just said, one reason people might choose to smoke is because it’s a faster high. The THC travels straight from your lungs to your bloodstream, so it’s a near-instant effect.
- Just like you might want quick effects, you might need those effects to wear off pretty quickly, too. Your high will be over within about 1-3 hours.
- Another appeal of smoking is the real-time control of the effects. Because the THC hits you right away, you’ll know within about 15 minutes if you need another hit or not, even if you’re a first-time cannabis user.
Cons:
- It’s no surprise that smoking anything isn’t great for your lungs and can be a health risk.
- The shorter, 1-3 hour high from smoking might be a pro for some people, but a con for others.
- Smoking cannabis creates a strong smell, and some people don’t want to smell like they’ve been smoking or have to find areas where smoking is allowed.
The Pros and Cons of Cannabis Edibles
Pros:
- Edibles are better for your lungs, throat, and cardiovascular system.
- The effects can last 6-8 hours or more and can be more intense. Some people prefer the way edibles affect them and feel more relaxed than with smoking.
- They’re more convenient – no smell, no dealing with smoking restrictions.
Cons:
- Because the THC has to be digested before it hits your bloodstream, it can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours for the effects of edibles to hit. Not great when you’re looking for immediate relief.
- Because of the delayed effects of edibles, it can be easy to over-do it and take too much without realizing it.
- The long-lasting, more intense effects may not be what some people are looking for.
How to Decide Between Edibles and Smoking Cannabis
Now that you know the key differences in onset time (smoking – near-instant, edibles – 30 minutes to 2 hours), duration (smoking – 1-3 hours, edibles – 6-8 hours+), effects (edibles can be more intense), and health risks (smoking can damage your throat and lungs), it’s up to you to decide which method is your vibe.
Still not 100% sure which one is right for you? Well, we aren’t known as the best dispensary in Westchester for nothing. Our budologists and budtenders love answering questions and helping people find the perfect product for them. Come in and see us (parking is free!) and our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help. And, once you know which products you like best, we even have curbside and delivery. See you soon!
