EDIBLES VS SMOKING: UNDERSTANDING THE KEY DIFFERENCES AND EFFECTS
Deciding between edibles and smoking can be confusing for cannabis newcomers. Edible consumption leads to a longer-lasting high compared to smoking. Our guide breaks down the differences, from effects to safety, making your choice clear Vancouver Weed Delivery.
Dive in for the full scoop!
Key Takeaways
- Edibles take longer to feel but lead to a more potent and lasting high because THC is metabolized into a more robust compound by the liver.
- Smoking cannabis brings on effects quickly since THC goes directly into the bloodstream, but the high is shorter in duration compared to edibles.
- Start with a small dose when trying edibles and wait at least 2 hours before considering more; track dosage and effects for future reference.
- The method of consumption affects how fast you’ll feel the effects – inhalation is immediate, whereas ingestion through edibles takes time due to digestive processes.
- Consult healthcare professionals or experienced budtenders for dosing advice, especially if using cannabis for medical reasons.
The Differences Between Edibles and Smoking
Edibles and smoking are two different methods of consuming cannabis. Edibles are consumed by ingestion, while smoking involves inhalation. The way THC is metabolized in the body also differs between the two methods.
Different methods of consumption
Smoking marijuana usually involves joints, pipes, or bongs to inhale the smoke directly into the lungs. The active compounds like THC and CBD enter your bloodstream swiftly, often bringing on effects within minutes.
Vaporizing is a similar inhalation method but heats cannabis at lower temperatures, releasing fewer toxins.
Choosing edibles means consuming cannabis-infused products such as cookies, gummies, or beverages. These treats pass through your digestive system before reaching your liver, where THC is converted into a more potent compound.
This process results in a delayed onset of effects that can last much longer than smoking. Moving on from consumption methods leads us to explore how THC travels and transforms once it’s inside your body next in “How THC is metabolized”.
How THC is metabolized
After ingestion, THC is metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. From there, it travels to various organs, including the brain, where most of its psychoactive effects occur.
As the body breaks down THC, it produces metabolites that are eliminated through urine and faeces.
The metabolism of THC can influence how long its effects last and how quickly they kick in. This process also plays a role in determining differences between edibles and smoking in terms of onset time and duration of high.
Effects Comparison
Explore how the high differs between edibles and smoking, including the time frames and potency of each method. Learn about dosing recommendations for both to understand their effects fully.
How the high differs
When consuming edibles, the high typically takes longer to set in compared to smoking. This delay is due to the digestive process, as THC and other cannabinoids are metabolized in the liver before entering the bloodstream.
As a result, users may not feel the effects for up to an hour or more after consuming edibles. On the other hand, smoking delivers THC directly into the bloodstream via inhalation, leading to a quicker onset of intoxicating effects.
In addition, edible highs tend to be more potent and last longer than smoking highs. Since ingested THC is processed by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, it produces a more substantial psychoactive effect than inhaled THC.
Time frames and potency
Edibles typically take longer to kick in, with effects usually starting within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. The high from edibles can last for several or even up to 12 hours, depending on the potency and individual tolerance.
On the other hand, smoking marijuana results in a quicker onset of effects, usually felt within minutes, but the duration of the high is shorter than that of edibles. Potency-wise, edibles can be more intense due to how THC is metabolized by the liver into a more potent form compared to when it’s inhaled through smoking.
The time frames and potency of edibles versus smoking vary significantly, and understanding these differences is crucial for making informed choices about medical marijuana consumption methods.
Dosing recommendations
To achieve the desired effects, starting with a low dose is important. Gradually increase the dosage over time until you find the right balance. Here are some dosing recommendations for edibles:
- Begin with 5 – 10mg of THC or CBD per serving.
- Wait at least 2 hours before considering another dose.
- Pay attention to your body’s response and adjust accordingly.
- Understand that edibles can have a delayed onset, taking up to 4 hours to feel the full effects.
- Be cautious about consuming multiple servings simultaneously, which may lead to an overwhelming high.
- Please keep track of the dosage and its effects in a journal for future reference.
- Seek guidance from a healthcare professional or budtender for personalized dosing advice.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between edibles and smoking is crucial. Edibles offer a longer-lasting high compared to smoking. It’s essential to consider factors such as dosage and absorption rates when deciding which method to use.
Make an informed choice based on your preferences and desired effects.
