Cannabis Edibles vs. Smoking: Pros and Cons

Choosing Your Consumption Method

The world of cannabis offers many ways to enjoy its benefits, but the two most popular methods remain smoking flower and consuming edibles. While both deliver cannabinoids to your system, the experience they provide can be vastly different. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make an informed choice.

Smoking Cannabis Flower

This is the classic, time-tested method of consumption. By inhaling the smoke from burning cannabis, cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs.

Pros:

• Fast Onset: Effects are typically felt within minutes, making it easy to gauge your dosage and avoid overconsumption.
• Control: Because the effects are immediate, you can take one puff at a time and wait to see how you feel before consuming more.
• Full Spectrum: Smoking flower provides the full "entourage effect" of all the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Inhaling any kind of smoke can be harsh on the lungs and respiratory system.
• Odor: The smell of cannabis smoke is strong and lingers, making it less discreet.
• Shorter Duration: The effects of smoking typically last for 1-3 hours, requiring more frequent dosing for sustained relief.

Consuming Cannabis Edibles

Edibles involve infusing food or drinks with cannabis. When you eat an edible, the THC is metabolized by the liver, which converts it into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC.

Pros:

• Discreet: There is no smoke or odor, making edibles a very private way to consume cannabis.
• Long-Lasting: The effects of edibles can last for 4-8 hours or even longer, providing sustained relief.
• No Lung Irritation: It's a smoke-free option, ideal for those with respiratory concerns.
• Precise Dosing: Commercially made edibles offer precise, consistent doses (e.g., 10mg per gummy).

Cons:

• Slow Onset: It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects, which can lead to accidental overconsumption if you're impatient.
• Intensity: The high from edibles is often described as more intense and psychoactive due to the way THC is metabolized. This can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Difficult to Dose: While commercial edibles are precise, it's still easy to take too much. The golden rule is: start low and go slow.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you're looking for fast-acting effects and more control over your dose, smoking might be the way to go. If you need long-lasting relief and prefer a smoke-free, discreet method, edibles are an excellent choice.

For beginners trying edibles, we recommend starting with a very low dose (2.5mg - 5mg) and waiting at least two full hours before considering taking more. Explore our selection of Edibles and Flower to find what's right for your journey.