Let’s settle this debate - or at least discuss the pros and cons. Which is better - smoking or edibles? It kind of depends on what you’re looking for in your cannabis experience. Do you want something long lasting or with a faster onset but the effect dissipates? Do you want to avoid smoking? Or do you enjoy smoking? It’s all up to you! Almost every dispensary will have some kind of option for both of these if nothing else. This is why we wanted to take some time and discuss the differences between the two options and where you can find them! Let’s dive in.
What are the pros and cons of taking edibles?
The answer to this question depends on the person that is looking to use the product. There are many different use-cases for cannabis. Edibles have been a popular way to consume cannabis since the invention of magic brownies. People like edibles because they are more potent and last longer than other forms of cannabis.
There is also no smoke inhalation involved with this method of consumption of cannabis. Remember, no matter what benefits may come from the cannabis plant, putting smoke in your lungs will never be healthy. Edibles remove the risk of frequent or chronic cough that can accompany smoking options.
But there are also some risks to taking edibles. The risks are most prevalent for inexperienced or sensitive THC users, often making edibles seem daunting. Unlike smoking which wears off in 20–30 minutes, effects from edibles can last upwards of 4+ hours.
Since the effects of edibles can last so long, it’s important to ensure you start with a low dose and increase over time. If you’ve never experimented with cannabis edibles before, start with a 5mg dose and increase in 5mg increments until you find yourself in the right spot.
Remember, edibles can take up to an hour and a half to kick in so be patient before taking more. It’s not uncommon for newcomers to re-dose and take more than they anticipated thinking their initial amount was not enough.
What are the pros and cons of smoking?
The combustion of cannabis vaporizes the cannabinoids into the smoke. When you inhale the smoke, it enters your bloodstream quickly through the thin membrane of your lungs. You still metabolize some of the THC into 9-carboxy-THC but not as much as you’d get with an edible. The result is a rapid onset with a shorter duration – smokables typically take effect within a few minutes and taper off by around an hour after at the latest.
Many who worry about overdoing it with THC prefer smoking and vaping since it’s easier to dose and the consequences of taking too much are not as harsh. People also enjoy the ritual of smoking their cannabis instead of ingesting it. However, though smoking is a lower dose than edibles, you also must take into consideration the negative effects of smoke inhalation. If you’d prefer not to smoke, edibles may be the way to go for you.
