Building up your knowledge about the difference between edibles and smoking weed will only make you feel more confident in choosing products that are the best fit for you. As marijuana is becoming increasingly legalized in more states across the U.S., having the right information about the various cannabis products is more important—and exciting—than ever before.
Product ranges have expanded dramatically over the last few years, and cannabis shoppers now have countless consumption choices. While the variation is good for both businesses and buyers, it’s also created a sort of educational gap that many traditional, recreational users are experiencing. To help reduce this confusion, we’ve put together a brief explanation on the primary differences between edibles and smoking marijuana.
Smoking Weed vs. Edibles
When it comes to smoking weed vs. edibles, Marijuana, or the dried leaves of various cannabis plants, can be eaten, smoked, or even brewed as tea. Producers and growers have become much more inventive and creative in how people can ingest cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes, especially in the form of edibles. These food items, including dessert sweets like brownies, gummies, oils, butters, and syrups, contain varying levels of cannabis.
Edibles Strength Compared to Smoke
When considering the strength of edibles compared to smoke, it is important to first remember that both will give you a heightened experience. What matters are some of the key differences between edibles and smoking weed. These factors will help you determine what form might be best for you:
1. How you ingest them – When you smoke marijuana, THC travels to the lungs and quickly to the bloodstream and brain. When you consume edibles, THC initially goes to the digestive tract before reaching other organs.
2. The reaction time – Smoking weed will provide a more immediate and quicker high. Edibles, by contrast, can take up to three hours to take effect.
3. Amount of control – Because edibles affect the body more slowly, they tend to have more weed in them. These factors can make controlling intake more difficult. Since smoking has a quicker effect and can be controlled by hits, it tends to be easier to ration.
4. Getting the pacing just right – Edibles should be taken more gradually to avoid poor pacing; this is less of a concern when smoking cannabis.
5. Overall expectations for each experience – It is important to handle each choice with responsible care to how your body reacts and adapts.
Are Edibles Safer Than Smoking Weed?
Smoking will affect the body more rapidly than edibles, as THC enters the lungs and reaches the brain very quickly through the bloodstream. A high from smoking can last one to two hours, whereas edibles can last more than four hours. Edibles are often marketed as a more harmless way to consume the active ingredients (THC and CBD) of cannabis. However, since edibles are still considered illegal, product labeling is not regulated and dosing is inconsistent. This means that an edible may not always have:
• A recommended serving size (dose)
• Designation of how much THC or CBD the product contains
• Information about where and when the cannabis was procured
These factors all affect how the body will process cannabis. So are edibles safer than smoking weed? Not necessarily! Though the nature of edible consumption may seem low-risk, the lack of regulation means that it’s crucial to choose carefully.
KushCab
As a leading, multi-brand collective, our team at KushCab is paving the way for online purchase and delivery of curated cannabis products throughout California. To find select medicinal and recreational options to suit your particular needs, check out our premium products, and contact us today with any questions you may have.