Edibles or Smoking? Which is Better?
A show-down-smoke-down between the toke and the bake
While smoking cannabis is the most traditional way to consume cannabis, edibles have recently risen in popularity, aided by increased availability and quality following legalization and innovations in cannabis technology. Smoking involves rolling cannabis flower into a joint, or buying a pre-roll, and consuming the cannabis as you would a cigarette. On the other hand, edibles come in many formats–from chocolates to gummies, seltzers, coffee, hot chocolate, and more.
Many still prefer the tried-and-true method of smoking for its predictable effects and fast onset, while others look to edibles as a more discrete alternative. Still, most people consume cannabis using both methods and pick which depending on the circumstances and their desired effects. It is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each method when deciding whether to consume via edibles vs smoking, so that you can tailor your experiences to your preferences.
Edibles: The Benefits and Considerations
Longer-lasting effects
People who are using cannabis for medical purposes (such as to treat pain, anxiety, or insomnia) often seek out long-lasting effects so that they will feel relief all day without having to take another dose. One benefit of eating edibles is that they are much longer lasting than smoking. Eating edibles causes the THC to metabolize in the liver, as opposed to in the lungs, which results in a slower release of THC into the bloodstream. Sometimes this means that there will be a longer onset time, but there are plenty of companies innovating short-onset edibles, like 1908, Wana, etc…
Discreet and convenient
For those who want to use cannabis without drawing attention to themselves, edibles are the perfect solution. They come in many formats, can be as discreet as a pill, or as social as a sparkling drink poured over ice. This makes edibles perfect for public or social situations where you want to fly high, but under the radar. Edibles are also pre-packaged which makes them easy to transport, odorless, and convenient for use on-the-go.
Accurate dosing challenges
One of the main drawbacks of edibles is that the delayed onset can lead to unintentional
overconsumption of consumers are not careful to wait for the full effects to set in before increasing a dose. Dosage is very imprecise when consuming homemade edibles, as the amount of THC in a batch can be unevenly distributed between servings. Legal edibles are intensely regulated and batches meticulously measured, so that dosage can be reliable.
Smoking: The Benefits and Considerations
Rapid onset of effects
One reason that cannasseurs still chose the traditional method of smoking cannabis despite the many alternative methods available is due to the rapid onset of the effects. Smoking allows cannabinoids to quickly enter the bloodstream through the lungs, which can provide immediate relief for conditions like nausea and acute pain.
Control over your dosage
Smoking allows users to gauge their intake by taking smaller or larger hits, and the effects are felt immediately so you can see how you feel as you go. This leads to more predictable outcomes, and less potential for variation due to variable amounts.
Factors to Consider for Choosing between Edibles vs Smoking
There are many ways to consume cannabis, and when picking between edibles and smoking, it’s not a question of right or wrong, but rather deciding what is best for yourself in which circumstances based on a variety of factors. Sometimes you may prefer something more discreet, like a gummy, while other times you’d rather indulge in carefully curated flavors and smells of cannabis flower.
Some factors to consider when consuming cannabis:
Desired effects and duration
Consider your individual needs, such as whether you’d prefer immediate relief or long-lasting effects.
There is always the potential for combining methods of consuming cannabis to achieve desired outcomes, such as smoking then taking an edible when the effects are starting to wear off.
Health Considerations
Individuals with respiratory conditions may prefer edibles to avoid the risks associated with smoking.
There is a potential for interactions between cannabis and certain medications, and this should be taken into account. Consult a doctor before using cannabis if you are taking prescription medications.
Lifestyle and Preferences
Convenience, discretion, and social acceptability are all considerations that can influence your choice of consumption method.
Personal preferences in overall experience will also influence the choice of consumption method.
Discover Your Perfect Cannabis Experience at Farnsworth Fine Cannabis
Whether you want to smoke the finest flower, eat THC-infused chocolate, or make a mocktail with a CBD tincture, we have something for everyone. We want nothing more than for you to find something that works for your lifestyle and your needs. So, if you are still unclear about what the differences are, or would like to try both so that you can see for yourself, you can always book an appointment with one of our cannabis concierges for a one-on-one consultation with an expert, or stop by the showroom for a visit.
