As cannabis legalization continues to expand across various jurisdictions, consumers now have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to enjoying the effects of marijuana. Two popular methods of consumption that often emerge in cannabis conversations are edibles and smoking.
Each method offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of edibles vs. smoking as two main methods of consuming cannabis to enable you to decide which is the right option for you.
Smoking Weed: Pros and Cons
Pros
- When you inhale cannabis smoke, the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream rapidly through your lungs, resulting in a relatively quick onset of effects.
- Smoking weed gives you more control over your dosage compared to other methods. By taking smaller or larger inhalations, you can tailor your experience to suit your desired level of intoxication.
- In certain cultures and social circles, smoking weed is deeply ingrained in traditions and social bonding. Sharing a joint or passing a pipe can create a sense of community, fostering connections and shared experiences among individuals who appreciate the plant’s cultural significance.
- The effects of smoking weed tend to be relatively short-lived compared to other consumption methods. The high typically peaks within the first hour and gradually tapers off over the next few hours, allowing you to continue your activities.
Cons
- While cannabis smoke is generally considered less harmful than tobacco smoke, it still contains toxins that can potentially contribute to respiratory issues.
- Smoking weed may not always be the most convenient option, particularly in certain settings or situations. It requires the availability of smoking accessories like pipes, bongs, or rolling papers and a suitable environment where smoking is permitted.
- It may leave a lingering smell and smoke which may not be desirable for some individuals or in certain social or professional contexts.
- It has a short duration of effects which may require you to re-administer or smoke more frequently, which can be less convenient for some users.
Consuming Edibles: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unlike smoking, consuming edibles eliminates the potential risks of inhaling smoke or other harmful substances into the lungs.
- Edibles come in various forms, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, and beverages, offering consumers a diverse and enjoyable selection. This variety allows individuals to choose the product that best suits their taste preferences.
- Edibles provide a discreet way to consume cannabis without smoking or vaporizing. They often resemble regular food or snacks, making them inconspicuous and suitable for situations where discretion is necessary, such as public spaces.
- Edibles have long-lasting effects since they are slowly released into the bloodstream after being metabolized in the liver.
Cons
- It can take45 minutes to 2 hours or even longer for the effects to be felt, as the cannabinoids need to be digested and metabolized.
- Achieving accurate and consistent dosing with edibles can be challenging. The potency of edible products can vary, and determining the appropriate dosage for desired effects can require experimentation.
- Consuming too many edibles can result in anxiety, paranoia, panic, and nausea.
- Consuming edibles during the day may affect productivity or interfere with certain activities, making it important to plan consumption accordingly.
Comparing Experiences: Edibles vs. Smoking Cannabis
One of the biggest differences between consuming edibles and smoking cannabis is the way you get high. When you smoke, the cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream, resulting in a quicker high. It takes longer to feel the effects of edibles, but once they kick in, they last significantly longer than smoking.
Edibles also provide a more intense and potent experience compared to smoking. Smoking cannabis offers a more immediate and controllable experience in terms of intensity. You can gauge the effects and adjust your dosage by taking smaller or larger inhalations allowing you to control your high.
With edibles, the delayed effects may lead you to assume you didn’t take enough and eat more, resulting in overconsumption and an extremely potent and uncomfortable high.
Elevate Your Experience: Discover Premium Cannabis Products at Silver Lake Caregivers
Both edibles and smoking offer unique pros and cons when it comes to consuming cannabis. The choice ultimately boils down to individual preferences, desired effects, and personal circumstances.
Discover the best cannabis products for your needs at Silver Lake Caregivers. We are one of Los Angeles’ longest-operating medical dispensaries committed to providing top-quality cannabis products to our clientele. Browse our inventory or contact us today and our knowledgeable staff will guide you, answer your questions, and help you decide the options that best suit your preferences and needs.
Image credit: Dmytro Tyshchenko / Shutterstock
