Smoking vs. Edibles- The Pros And Cons

Jan 27

Cannabis consumption has evolved significantly, offering users various methods to experience its therapeutic and recreational benefits. The two most common methods are smoking and consuming edibles. While smoking remains the most popular way to ingest marijuana, edibles are becoming increasingly popular, especially in regions where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized. However, each method has its pros and cons, and choosing the best option depends on individual preferences, health considerations, and desired effects.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the differences between smoking and edibles, discussing the benefits, drawbacks, health implications, onset time, potency, and dosage considerations. This information will help you make an informed decision on which method suits your needs best.

Smoking Marijuana: The Traditional Choice

How Smoking Works
Smoking cannabis involves inhaling the smoke from burning the dried flower. This method delivers cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream through the lungs, producing almost immediate effects. Popular smoking methods include:

Joints: Rolled cannabis cigarettes
Pipes: Small handheld devices for direct inhalation
Bongs: Water pipes that filter and cool the smoke
Blunts: Cannabis rolled in cigar paper

Pros of Smoking Cannabis

Fast Onset of Effects: Effects are typically felt within minutes, making it easier to control dosage.
Easier Dosing Control: Users can take small hits and gauge how they feel before consuming more.
Widely Accessible: Smoking paraphernalia is readily available and simple to use.
Social Experience: Smoking is often associated with social gatherings and rituals.

Cons of Smoking Cannabis

Respiratory Health Risks: Cannabis smoke contains toxins and carcinogens similar to tobacco, which can irritate the lungs and increase the risk of bronchitis or lung infections.
Shorter Duration of Effects: Effects typically last 1-3 hours, requiring more frequent use.
Odor and Stigma: The smell of cannabis smoke is strong and can cling to clothes and hair.
Potential Addiction Risks: Smoking can become a habitual behavior.

Health Considerations

Smoking marijuana can negatively impact respiratory health, especially with frequent use. Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and chest pain may develop over time. Vaporizers, which heat cannabis without combustion, are a healthier alternative but still pose some risks.

Edibles: A Discreet Alternative

What Are Edibles?
Edibles are food products infused with cannabis extract, such as cannabutter, cannabis oil, or tinctures. Popular edible options include gummies, chocolates, cookies, brownies, and beverages. Edibles are particularly appealing for those seeking a smoke-free method of consumption.

Related: Do Edibles Cause Liver Damage?

Pros of Edibles

Long-Lasting Effects: Edibles can provide relief for 4-6 hours, making them ideal for pain management and sleep disorders.
Discreet Consumption: Edibles produce no smoke or odor, offering privacy and convenience.
No Respiratory Risks: Consuming cannabis orally avoids damage to the lungs and airways.
Consistent Dosing (When Pre-Packaged): Professionally made edibles often provide accurate THC and CBD content per serving.

Cons of Edibles

Delayed Onset: Effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, making it easier to consume too much.
Potency Can Be Unpredictable: Homemade edibles may have uneven THC distribution.
Difficult Dosing for Beginners: It’s easy to consume more than intended before the effects are felt.
Longer High Duration: While beneficial for some, the prolonged high can be overwhelming for inexperienced users.

Health Considerations

Edibles avoid the risks associated with smoking but may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. Additionally, the delayed onset of effects can lead to unintentional overconsumption, which can result in anxiety, paranoia, or nausea.

How the Body Processes Cannabis

Smoking
When cannabis is smoked, THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs almost instantly. This method bypasses the digestive system, producing rapid effects that typically peak within 10-30 minutes and fade within 1-3 hours.

Edibles
Edibles must first be digested and metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This process converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound that produces stronger and longer-lasting effects. However, this process delays the onset of effects, which can take up to two hours.

Dosage Considerations

Smoking Dosage
Smokers can easily control their intake by taking small hits and waiting a few minutes to gauge the effects. This method is ideal for users who want a mild buzz or microdosing experience.

Edible Dosage
Edibles require more caution, especially for beginners. The standard recommended dose for THC edibles is 5-10mg. However, individual tolerance, metabolism, and body weight can significantly impact how edibles affect each person. Beginners should always start with a low dose and wait at least two hours before consuming more.

Which Method Is Right for You?

Choose Smoking If:

You want fast-acting effects
You prefer social consumption
You want more control over your dosage
You don't mind the smell or health risks

Choose Edibles If:

You need long-lasting relief
You prefer a discreet consumption method
You want to avoid inhaling smoke
You’re looking for stronger, full-body effects

Conclusion

Both smoking and edibles offer unique benefits and drawbacks, making the choice highly personal. While smoking provides immediate effects and easier dosage control, it carries potential respiratory risks. On the other hand, edibles offer a longer-lasting and discreet alternative but come with delayed effects and the risk of overconsumption.

If you're unsure which method is right for you, consider your health needs, lifestyle, and tolerance level. Always start with a low dose and gradually increase as you become familiar with how cannabis affects your body.

For more information on medical marijuana and personalized recommendations, book an appointment with CannabisMD TeleMed today. Our expert physicians are here to guide you through your cannabis journey.

FAQs

Is it better to do edibles or smoke?
Whether edibles or smoking is better depends on your personal preferences and health needs. Smoking provides faster effects and easier dosage control, making it ideal for quick relief. Edibles, however, offer longer-lasting effects and avoid respiratory risks, making them a better option for those seeking a discreet, smoke-free experience.

Do edibles affect you more than smoking?
Edibles can produce more intense and longer-lasting effects compared to smoking. This is because THC is metabolized by the liver into a more potent compound, 11-hydroxy-THC. The delayed onset can make edibles feel stronger, especially for beginners or those with low tolerance.

Are edibles safe for the lungs?
Yes, edibles are a lung-friendly alternative to smoking. Since they are consumed orally, edibles do not expose the lungs to harmful toxins or carcinogens found in smoke. This makes them a safer option for those with respiratory concerns.

Do edibles or smoking last longer in your system?
Edibles typically last longer in the body compared to smoking. The effects can last up to six hours, while THC from edibles can be detected in the body for 1-3 days or longer, depending on metabolism. Smoking effects wear off faster, but THC may still be detectable for up to 24 hours.

Are edibles or smoking better for sleep?
Edibles are often better for sleep due to their longer-lasting effects. They can provide sustained relief for insomnia and promote deeper sleep throughout the night. However, the delayed onset requires planning ahead compared to the quicker effects of smoking.

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Smoking vs. Edibles- The Pros And Cons