Edibles or Smoking: Which One Hits Harder and Lasts Longer?
Edibles vs smoking? Do they feel the same?
If not, which is better, edibles vs smoking, and why?
Well, to start with, different cannabis consumption provides different experiences.
So, a person who smokes will have a completely different experience compared to someone who consumes edibles.
This could be seen easily right from the way THC is absorbed into the body.
When smoking, THC enters the bloodstream almost instantly through the lungs, delivering a fast-acting high that fades within a few hours.
Edibles, on the other hand, are processed through the digestive system before reaching the bloodstream.
This means they take longer to kick in—typically between 30 minutes and 2 hours—but the effects last much longer and often feel more intense.
That said, the edibles vs smoking debate boils down to personal preferences and expected effects.
Each method has merits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand how edibles and smoking compare before choosing either.
In this article, we’ll look at everything edibles vs smoking, including:
- Difference between smoking weed and edibles
- Do edibles hit the same as smoking?
- Do edibles work faster than smoking?
- How the body processes THC in edibles vs smoking
- How long do edibles last compared to smoking?
- Why do edibles feel different than smoking?
- Edibles vs smoking onset time
- THC absorption: Edibles vs Smoking
…and a lot more!
By the end, you’ll know the edibles vs smoking high that’s perfect for you.
Understanding the Basics: Edibles Vs Smoking
Before we proceed, let’s understand edibles vs smoking and how they differ.
Historically, smoking has been one of the most common weed consumption methods.
It involves inhaling marijuana through a joint, pipe, bong, or vaporizer.
The THC enters the lungs, then passes to the bloodstream, and finally to the brain.
As this absorption often takes place faster and frequently progresses over a short time, the subjective effects of smoking cannabis are felt almost immediately.
On the same note, they may peak more quickly and last for a shorter time, usually 1 to 3 hours.
Overall, it’ll depend on factors such as dosage, strain potency, individual tolerance, and frequency of use.
Let’s now understand edibles; what are they, anyway?
Edibles are marijuana-infused products that you eat or drink, allowing THC and other cannabinoids to be absorbed through the digestive system rather than the lungs.
This means they take longer to kick in, usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
However, they can last much longer, often up to 8 hours or more.
Edibles come in various forms, including gummies, chocolates, baked goods, beverages, and capsules, each providing different strengths and flavors.
For those new to edibles, starting with a low dose (typically 2.5 to 5 mg of THC) and waiting at least 2 hours before consuming more is highly recommended.
This helps avoid an unexpectedly intense high, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Edibles vs Smoking: Do Edibles Hit the Same as Smoking?
Now, let’s take it a step further and look at the effects of edibles vs smoking in detail.
This will help you know what you should get in an online weed dispensary when you want to experience the edibles vs smoking high and effects.
As already mentioned, the effects of smoking kick in almost immediately, typically within 2-20 minutes.
The science behind this is that THC travels directly from the lungs to the bloodstream and brain.
This rapid onset allows you to gauge your tolerance and adjust your intake accordingly.
So, if you’re looking for a controlled experience, smoking could be your best bet.
However, these effects are only short-lived.
Edibles, on the other hand, require patience.
After ingestion, THC must pass through the liver and digestive system, where it is metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC.
11-hydroxy-THC is a more potent compound that leads to stronger and longer-lasting effects than smoked cannabis.
This metabolism process explains why edibles take longer to kick in, but the effects can last much longer once they do.
Because of this delayed response, you may often find yourself overdoing edibles.
After all, why not if you’re not feeling anything right away?
But that could work against you when these effects hit all at once.
Therefore, it’s always advisable to start with a low dose and wait patiently before taking more.
Besides, you want to buy weed online in Canada, whether edibles or strains, from a renowned online dispensary in Canada.
This is important because a reputable cannabis store will include the THC and CBD content, dosage guidelines, and ingredient lists of every product.
That way, you know exactly how much you’re taking and can decide based on your tolerance and experience level.
Edibles Vs Smoking High: Comparison of Intensity
So, what’s the difference between smoking weed and edibles when it comes to intensity?
The way your body processes marijuana plays a significant role in the intensity of the high you experience.
Smoking delivers fast-acting effects characterized by heightened sensory perception, stimulation, and euphoria.
However, it will also depend on the kind of flower you smoke.
If it’s an indica strain, expect a more relaxing, body-heavy high that may leave you calm, sleepy, or couch-locked.
Popular indica strains in any trusted online weed dispensary include Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, and Bubba Kush.
On the other hand, if it’s a sativa strain, you’re more likely to experience an uplifting, energetic, and cerebral high.
Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Durban Poison are some of the best sativa strains in a cannabis dispensary.
Edibles, however, provide a reportedly different experience, especially because the THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver.
This compound is stronger and longer-lasting than the THC absorbed through smoking.
Again, these effects feel more physical than mental, often resulting in deep relaxation, sedation, and a “body-heavy” sensation.
Plus, because they’re long-lasting, edibles are advantageous in managing health conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
However, dosing is paramount to avoid impairment during daily activities.
Edibles Vs Smoking: Factors that Influence their Effects
How cannabis affects you depends on several factors, whether smoking or consuming edibles.
For example, metabolism is a critical factor.
People with faster metabolisms tend to process THC more quickly, meaning they might feel the effects of edibles sooner than those with slower metabolisms.
Tolerance levels also play a role in determining how cannabis affects you.
If you’re a regular smoker, you may often need larger doses to achieve the same effects due to built-up tolerance.
In contrast, a one-time smoker or beginner stoner will likely feel the effects more intensely, even with a small dose.
This is because their body hasn’t developed a tolerance to THC yet.
Another factor to consider is body weight and composition.
THC is stored in fat cells, so individuals with higher body fat percentages might experience prolonged effects.
Finally, individual biology, such as enzyme levels and cannabinoid receptor sensitivity, matter, too.
Some people may naturally be more sensitive to THC, experiencing stronger effects even with small doses, while others may need a higher amount to feel the same high.
Health Considerations of Smoking vs Eating Cannabis Effects
When choosing between eating edibles vs smoking, it’s important to understand their distinct effects on your health.
Below, we look at the potential health concerns and risks of edibles vs smoking.
Potential Risks of Smoking
Smoking weed – whether in pipes, bongs, or joints, exposes your lungs to toxins and carcinogens produced by combustion.
Over time, these toxins can irritate your airways, leading to:
- Lung inflammation: Frequent smoking may lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also worsen conditions like COPD or asthma.
- Chronic bronchitis: Long-term smoking can result in persistent mucus buildup and airway inflammation, making breathing more difficult.
- Other symptoms include wheezing, increased phlegm production, and coughing.
- Potential carcinogen exposure: Cannabis smoke contains tar and other byproducts that could pose long-term health risks, similar to tobacco smoke.
Harm Reduction:
- Understand your tolerance and smoke accordingly to reduce respiratory strain.
- Avoid deep inhalation or holding in smoke for long periods, as it doesn’t increase THC absorption but does expose your lungs to more toxins.
- Only buy weed online in Canada from a renowned online weed dispensary. This guarantees lab-tested, high-quality cannabis free from harmful contaminants.
- You can use vaporizers instead of traditional smoking methods to minimize exposure to combustion byproducts.
- Always drink a lot of water before, during, and after your smoking sessions.
Potential Risks of Edibles
You may not expect lung-related risks with edibles because you’re not inhaling smoke.
However, the fact that they take longer to kick in could make you overconsume.
Subsequently, you may face challenges like:
- Intense psychoactivity: This manifests as extreme euphoria, paranoia, anxiety, or hallucinations due to high THC doses.
- Accidental Ingestion: Edibles are essentially food infused with cannabinoids. A child or pet could mistakenly consume them, leading to unintended effects.
- Digestive issues: The process of converting THC in the liver can sometimes lead to nausea, bloating, or stomach discomfort, especially for those with sensitive digestion.
Again, consuming edibles on an empty stomach can intensify their effects, leading to discomfort and dizziness.
- Long-lasting impairment: Edibles can persist for up to 8 hours, and this could disrupt your daily activities, work, or sleep schedule.
Harm Reduction:
- Choose lab-tested edibles with precise dosing information. That can only be in a reputable online dispensary in Canada.
- Start with a small dose, preferably 2.5-5mg, and wait for some time before taking more.
- Consume edibles with food to help moderate THC absorption and reduce digestive discomfort.
Edibles vs Smoking: Top Tips to Ensure an Exceptional Experience
Whether you prefer to smoke or consume edibles, you deserve an appealing cannabis experience.
Here are several tips that can help you facilitate this:
1. Choose a Reliable Cannabis Store
A trusted cannabis dispensary ensures that you’re getting high-quality, lab-tested products with clear dosage information.
So, if you order weed online in Canada, always verify the source, check reviews, and confirm the pot shop lab tests its product.
2. Find a Safe Place
It’s always good to find a safe, comfortable place when you want to enjoy cannabis.
This is especially important for edibles, as their effects last longer and can be more intense.
A familiar setting allows you to relax and enjoy the experience without stress.
3. Consider THC and CBD Levels
THC and CBD ratios significantly impact your experience.
High-THC products deliver stronger psychoactive effects, while CBD can help balance the intensity.
If you’re new to cannabis, start with a lower THC percentage or a balanced THC: CBD ratio to avoid overwhelming effects.
Conclusion: Edibles Vs Smoking – Which One is Right for You?
In this article, we’ve explained edibles vs smoking, their effects, onset times, and how they interact with your body.
Ultimately, it’s not only about their effects but also about your health and wellbeing.
That said, both smoking and edibles are super choices for cannabis consumption.
However, you should order weed online from a renowned weed store to always ensure quality, safety, and accurate dosing.
Such an online weed dispensary is Supreme Dispensary.
As a leading cannabis store in Canada, we take pride in providing high-quality weed products, from premium strains to delicious edibles.
And when you have any questions, our customer support team is ready to help.
Order weed online from Supreme Dispensary today!
