Compared to weed consumption decades ago, today’s cannabis scene is like a groovy festival or a James Bond movie. Countless options are rolled out before every enthusiast, and the air is filled with the excitement of the next advancement or the latest hit.
Edibles vs. smoking can shift your experience to the refinement of a gourmet delight or the discreetness of a secret agent. When it comes to the most compact and confidential way of packing all the potency you desire, gummies and capsules are the winners. Such edibles vs. smoke products are the choice of cannabis fans who have busy lifestyles or want to keep their habits under the radar. No worries about lingering smells, residue on your fingers, or disposal of used pre-rolls.
Edibles and beverages are also a hit with partygoers and great for dedicated sessions. For a touch of something special, they may be the perfect ingredient.
Are edibles better for you than smoking?
Typically touted as a gentler or safer mode of cannabis, infused treats can deliver the same effects as flower or vapes. The biggest advantage of edible vs. smoking products is taking respiratory risks, smoke toxins, and carcinogens out of the equation – which is a decisive factor for anyone relying on cannabis as their daily medication.
Besides, cannabinoid-infused food or drinks taste better than products for inhaling. This is a game-changing benefit for those who prefer odorless experiences, whether consuming recreationally or therapeutically to manage pain, spasticity, or anxiety.
Some find the natural cannabis smell odious, even beneath all the fancy flavors of modern strains and vape juices. If this is you or your special someone/family member, edibles are likely to be the most enjoyable route to the desired effects.
Other than that, it’s the individual tolerance, dose, and type of cannabinoid ingested that determine the plausible outcome of a buzz-inducing adventure.
Smoking vs. edibles can pose approximately similar risks of:
- Injuries due to slow reaction time
- “Weed hangover” (the lingering next-day effects)
- “Green out” (overdosing)
- Cannabis use disorder
It all depends on whether you eat or smoke your products right.
When are edibles better than smoking, and when they aren’t?
Depending on the underlying health issues and individual sensitivities, edibles are fantastic for those who seek a high-flying experience with no harm to their lungs. They blend in the specific norms of what’s socially or legally acceptable and consumption on the go. This is also a valid reason for favoring infused treats and beverages over bongs, pre-rolls, and vapes.
But, while deemed a hassle-free and mess-free shortcut to euphoria, this journey isn’t a shorter one. On the contrary, the timing and onset of the effects may be a trickier thing to balance with an edible vs. smoking. That’s because:
- The kick-in time for cookies, gummies, and other edible goods may vary from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Once there, they may linger for 12-24 hours.
Can that be a good thing? Sure, but not necessarily.
When taken for medical purposes, edibles can provide lasting relief from chronic conditions or pain, which is exactly what many patients are looking for. But, when you are struggling with worries and racing thoughts at bedtime, a few puffs on a pre-roll can instantly relax your body into sleep – unlike edibles that will have a delayed effect.
So, inhaling cannabinoids yields faster and more consistent results, while metabolizing these in your digestive tract is always a bunch of variables. For seasoned fans, edibles are less of a dosing challenge. For those seeking variety or managing different symptoms and issues, edibles vs. smoke is likely a matter of current preferences rather than a set choice.
Top considerations when exploring the world of edibles
Just like individuals with respiratory conditions have to stick to non-smoking methods, those with food or stomach sensitivities may have to avoid edible cannabinoid mixes. That’s when you should switch to pre-rolls or other smokable products.
Besides that, we have to mention the top concerns associated with edibles:
- Accidental ingestion
- Many treats aren’t beginner-friendly
- Delayed highs may lead to unintentional overdoses
Simply put, the appetizing appearance and flavor of these delicacies can hoodwink children, adults, and even pets who may accidentally consume infused products. And so can the slow onset of effects be misleading for anyone expecting to treat themselves to a chill or euphoric ride.
When they don’t feel much in 30-60 minutes, getting impatient for the full effects to set is a major risk because deciding to take another bite or gummy can result in one too many. With homemade products, uneven distribution between servings can have the same unexpected overdosing effect.
Accidental consumers and beginners are at the most risk of being uncomfortable due to nibbling on cookies or gummies. Micro-dose options and series are recommended for newbies to start their exploration on a safer note.
Even regular and seasoned users may encounter more potent highs than expected and overconsume due to irregularities of metabolization or product inconsistency. When this happens, you may experience paranoia, nausea, racing heart rates, dizziness, or panic attacks. That’s why dosing is of paramount importance – and so is it when smoking cannabis.
What should you do?
Getting buzzed in a traditional or more sophisticated way is mostly a matter of preferences or specific settings that call for more discrete or festive alternatives. But, whether you are seeking to impress your friends at a party or sneak in a gummy during your work day, you must be well-versed in all things dosage.
To avoid overconsumption of edibles or smoking products, you need some planning ahead. Be sure to allocate enough time for the onset of the high (and then for it to wear off). This isn’t always an easy thing to do, just as the process of figuring it out.
Hence, start and proceed slowly. More importantly, purchase from a brand or supplier who can certify that product consistency and dosage are reliable. This “mantra” should accompany you every time you’re making the smoking vs. edibles choice.
