Smoking vs. Edibles- The Pros And Cons

There are various ways to consume marijuana, including smoking, vaping, and edibles. Most consumers favor smoking as their primary method of ingesting marijuana. However, if you are unfamiliar with marijuana and its effects on the body, you may be unsure if edibles are a good choice. What follows is essential information.

Smoking marijuana is the most common.

Smoking cannabis is a popular method of consumption. A wide variety of devices are available for inhaling marijuana, from joints and pipes to bongs and blunts.

Most people smoke joints when they use marijuana. Marijuana can also be smoked with a pipe, which is very common. Different-sized pipes serve the same purpose. To filter the smoke, bongs use a water chamber. To some extent, this softens the smoke. Blunts are blunt cigars that are filled with marijuana. While smoking remains more common than ingesting marijuana globally, edibles are gaining popularity in countries where recreational use has been legalized (or at least decriminalized small amounts).

One's health could be negatively affected by the constant use of cannabis. While cannabis use has different effects on different people, there are still some universal dangers.

Health issues related to breathing: cannabis smoke can be just as damaging to the lungs and bronchial tubes as tobacco smoke. Coughing, chest pain, wheezing, and an increased risk of bronchitis and lung infections are just some of the adverse respiratory effects of cannabis smoking. Burning the plant and exposing oneself to carcinogens is how smoking marijuana causes respiratory problems.

Cannabis use has been linked to diminished mental awareness, such as attention and memory. Concentration issues, a lack of ability to retain new information, and faulty judgment are all possible outcomes of this condition. Do not operate a motor vehicle while taking this medication. Evidence suggests that using a vaporizer, which uses a different heating method than cigarettes, is preferable to smoking. 

Edibles and Cannabutter.

The term edible refers to food products that have been infused with marijuana. Recently, they have become more popular among cannabis consumers seeking a low-risk alternative to smoking or vaping. There are many edibles, including candy, gummies, chocolate, cookies, and even brownies. In the case of edibles, it is vital to remember that the effects can last up to six hours after consumption. Compared to smoking or vaping, edibles are also known to produce a more intense high. This can be both positive and negative, depending on the individual. You can add a specific amount where it is appropriate. 

Cannabis oil is a concentrated form of marijuana made by heating the plant and filtering the resulting liquid. Cannabis oil can be used to make edibles and for vaping.

It Takes Longer For Edibles To Enter Your 

Edibles take longer to work because they must first be digested before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. According to the type and quantity of edibles consumed, this process may take up to two hours. Additionally, edibles undergo a different metabolic process in the body than other forms of cannabis since they are metabolized by the liver rather than the lungs. As a result, the effects are delayed. Before edibles are absorbed into the bloodstream, they must be digested and passed through the liver.

In contrast to inhalation, edibles release active compounds at a slower rate due to the liver's breakdown of the cannabinoids. The onset of effects may also be delayed further by the number of fats and sugars in the food. Cannabinoids are fat soluble, which means they can bind to fats to be absorbed into the bloodstream. It follows that fat-containing edibles, such as brownies and cookies, may speed up the process.

The Effects Are Faster With Smoking

The main difference between smoking and eating edibles is that you can feel the effects of marijuana faster. When you smoke, the compounds go straight into your lungs, where it's absorbed quickly into the bloodstream via the alveoli (the air sacs in our lungs). This means it doesn't have to travel through the digestive system like food does when we eat an edible. There's no delay between eating or drinking an edible and feeling its effects. You can feel them within minutes. Because of this quick absorption, you can easily control how much of a dose you take by how much you inhale.

Edibles and Dose

As you might have assumed, many factors determine how much THC and CBD are absorbed into your body when you smoke or eat edibles. One of the most critical determinants of dosage is the ingestion method. While smoking and eating are both effective ways to use marijuana, they produce different effects because they offer different doses of cannabinoids. You will generally find that those that consume edibles may take in too much of the drug since it is not properly portioned out. You can find a dosage chart for edibles. Tolerance plays a role in everything, so be cautious.

Consider your reasons for using marijuana and choose the method that fits you.

Do your homework regardless of the path you take. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option before making a final decision. If you're a smoker, the flames could adversely affect your lungs. But the results will be noticeable much more quickly. Edible may take longer to take effect than smoking, but you can overeat and take in a dose you are uncomfortable with. Many variables are at play here, such as the amount of fat in the food, how much you eat, and how much cannabis is added. For more information on medical marijuana, book an appointment or visit our FAQ page.