When it comes to weed, what is the best way to consume it? Edibles vs smoking is a debate that often arises. Both methods have their unique characteristics, pros, and cons. You can decide what is best for you based on your needs and wants. Keep on reading for the edibles vs smoking pros and cons, and discover all there is to know!

Edibles vs Smoking Pros and Cons

Smoking cannabis involves inhaling smoke or vapor from burning the plant. Common methods include joints, pipes, bongs, and vaporizers. When smoked, cannabinoids like THC are absorbed quickly through the lungs into the bloodstream, providing an almost immediate effect that lasts for several hours.

Edibles, on the other hand, are cannabis-infused food or drinks, usually found as gummies, chocolates, baked goods, or drinks. There are various ways to make edibles, such as manually adding cannabis or using an infusion machine for edibles.

Unlike smoking, edibles are ingested and processed through the digestive system. The effects take longer to appear (30-90 minutes). The delayed onset can lead to overconsumption if consumers are not patient with dosing. The high from edibles is more intense due to the conversion of THC into a stronger form (11-hydroxy-THC) in the liver.

The duration of a cannabis high depends on several factors, including how you consume it, the amount taken, cannabis potency, your body weight and metabolism, whether you’ve eaten, and your tolerance level. How quickly you feel the effects mostly depends on the method of consumption. For example, if you’re smoking weed, you may feel the effects within 10 minutes, and they may last for several hours. In contrast, the effects of edibles usually take at least 30 minutes to kick in and can last up to 24 hours.

Pros of smoking cannabis

Smoking cannabis has several potential advantages that medical and recreational consumers may find beneficial.

Rapid onset of effects – This is a key benefit, especially for those seeking relief from pain, stress, and anxiety.
Control overdosage – Since the effects are felt almost immediately, you can stop or adjust consumption based on how you feel, reducing the risk of overconsumption.
Social experience – Smoking cannabis can bring people together in many social settings.
Variety of consumption methods – You can smoke cannabis through joints, pipes, bongs, and vaporizers. Each method offers different intensity levels, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your preferences.

Cons of smoking cannabis

Smoking cannabis has several drawbacks, particularly when it comes to health.

Health risks – Inhaling cannabis smoke exposes consumers to harmful chemicals and tar, which can negatively impact lung health, similar to the effects of smoking tobacco. This is especially bad for frequent consumers.
Shorter duration of effects – While smoking provides a rapid onset, the effects usually last only one to three hours, requiring consumers to smoke more frequently to maintain the desired state.
Odor and stigma – The strong odor of cannabis smoke can linger on clothing, hair, and in the air, which may not be desirable in certain environments. This specific smell often creates a social stigma, especially in places where cannabis use is not widely accepted or is illegal.

Pros of edibles

Edibles have several benefits that make them a popular choice for cannabis consumers.

Longer-lasting effects – This is a major advantage for consumers as edibles provide extended relief for medical consumers or a prolonged recreational experience.
Discreet consumption – Since edibles do not provide smoke or odor, they can be consumed in public without drawing attention.
No lung irritation – Edibles are a safer alternative for those looking to avoid smoking harmful effects.
Precision dosing – Most edibles come with clearly labeled THC or CBD concentrations, allowing consumers to control their intake. This makes edibles a health-conscious option for medical and recreational use.

Cons of edibles

Besides benefits, edibles have several drawbacks consumers should be aware of.

Delayed onset of effects – This is a major problem because it may lead to overconsumption. Consumers may consume more before feeling the initial effects.
Difficult dosage control – Unlike other methods, once an edible is ingested, it is impossible to stop or adjust the dose, which may result in very intense effects.
Digestive process dependency – The effects can vary based on individual factors, like metabolism, recent food intake, and overall digestive health. That is why some consumers experience inconsistency in the intensity and duration.

Comparing the Effects: Smoking vs Edibles

The cannabis effects vary depending on the consumption method. Edibles and smoking have key differences, particularly in terms of onset time and effect longevity. When smoking cannabis, THC enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs, resulting in a faster onset of effects. This method typically causes a “head high”, characterized by feelings of euphoria, increased sensory perception, and stimulation. While the effects are almost immediate, they do not last as long.

On the contrary, edibles provide more of a “body high”, inducing deep relaxation and sometimes sedation. These effects tend to be more physically intense and influence the entire body, not just the mind.

In comparing edibles vs flower (weed in its raw form), the experiences are quite different. With edibles, you can get creative by incorporating cannabis infusions into cooking and baking, from brownies to adding it to snacks or meals like pizza or caramel popcorn. However, if you are after an immediate effect, smoking weed may be an alternative for occasional use.

Smoking vs Edibles — Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Creativan

Conclusion

When considering the edibles vs smoking pros and cons, your choice largely depends on your preference.

To smoke weed, you should burn the plant and roll a joint or take a pipe, bong, or vaporizer. This way, the cannabinoids go directly to your bloodstream so you will feel the effects immediately, but they will not last too long. While smoking offers better control over dosage and can be a more social experience, it carries notable drawbacks. Health risks like lung irritation, strong odor, and social stigma are significant concerns.

Edibles, on the other hand, are ingested and processed by your digestive system, so they kick in later, but the effects last longer than smoking weed. There are many edibles to choose from, like gummies, brownies, and even pizzas or cannabis-infused drinks. While edibles offer discretion, no lung irritation, and no odor, they require patience. Overconsumption can occur if you’re not careful due to the delayed effects.

In summary, smoking cannabis may provide quick results but comes with health risks, while edibles may offer longer-lasting effects without harming the lungs, but require more caution with dosing. Both options should be used responsibly and in moderation.

Edibles vs Smoking Pros and Cons