Cannabis has grown in popularity as more states change their laws, offering people new ways to enjoy it. Whether you prefer smoking or edibles, both methods offer unique experiences. Some people prefer the fast-acting effects of smoking cannabis, while others enjoy the longer-lasting effects of edible cannabis products. But are edibles better than smoking?
In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between smoking and consuming edibles. We will also explore the potential health risks, delayed onset of edibles, and how experienced cannabis consumers decide which option is best for them. Read on to learn how inhaling cannabis compares to edible options, and discover which method might be your preferred method!
The Science Behind Edibles and Smoking
Edibles and smoking cannabis affect your body differently, and it all comes down to how your body processes the cannabinoids. When you smoke cannabis, the effects hit quickly because the cannabinoids go straight to your lungs and enter your bloodstream almost immediately. This fast-acting method is why many daily cannabis users prefer smoking—it’s easy to control the experience. However, smoking cannabis, like smoking tobacco, can possibly irritate the lungs and lead to prolonged coughing or phlegm production.
Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to kick in. Your body must digest them first, which happens in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. This delayed onset can be tricky for new or experienced cannabis consumers, as the effects don’t hit immediately. But once they do, edibles tend to last much longer and may provide a more intense experience, making them a favored option for those managing chronic body discomfort or other medical reasons.
Key Differences in How Edibles and Smoking Affect the Body
How cannabis affects your body varies depending on whether you smoke it or eat it. Smoking sends cannabinoids straight to your lungs, allowing them to quickly enter your bloodstream. This means the effects come on fast. Edibles, however, take a slower route through your digestive system, which results in a longer wait before you feel anything but gives you prolonged effects.
Smoking may offer immediate relief, but it can also cause lung irritation and health risks like a chronic cough. In contrast, edibles don’t harm your lungs but can lead to unpredictable effects due to their delayed onset and strong potencies.
Duration and Intensity of Effects
The effects of cannabis can last very different amounts of time, depending on how you consume it. Smoking cannabis provides immediate effects but tends to wear off after a couple of hours. The intensity may be strong at first but fades rather quickly. When you consume cannabis edibles, the experience lasts much longer—sometimes up to eight hours.
Because your liver processes the cannabinoids from edibles differently, the effects are often more intense. This is why edibles are popular for those looking for longer-lasting relief without needing to consume cannabis frequently. Many edible consumers also say the effects offer more of a “body high” compared to inhalables. If you’re looking for something that keeps you elevated for several hours, edibles may be the better choice.
Onset Time – How Quickly Do Edibles and Smoking Take Effect?
The speed at which cannabis takes effect depends on how you consume it. Smoking cannabis delivers quick results, typically within minutes, making it a popular choice for those who need immediate effects. Experienced cannabis consumers often appreciate the fast-acting nature of smoking because it allows for better control over the experience.
Edibles, however, take longer to kick in—usually between 30 minutes and two hours. This slower process can confuse new consumers who might expect faster effects. Be patient and avoid taking more before the first dose kicks in. Once the edible does take effect, it typically lasts much longer and may be more potent than smoking cannabis.
Potential Health Considerations: Edibles vs. Smoking
How you consume cannabis may affect your health in different ways. Smoking cannabis can be tough on your lungs because inhaling cannabis smoke can lead to a strenuous cough, phlegm production, and other respiratory concerns. If you also smoke tobacco, the health risks go up even more. While smoking cannabis has fast effects, it can potentially have long-term health risks for your lungs.
Edibles avoid lung concerns since you aren’t inhaling smoke, but they have their own challenges. The delayed onset means it takes longer to feel the effects, and some people might accidentally consume more than they need. For the inexperienced, this sometimes may lead to issues like panic attacks. Or, in rare cases, emergency room visits due to the intensity, which always fades away.
Even though edibles are safer than smoking in some ways, they still come with potential risks. Make sure to consider how each method could impact your health before deciding which is best for you.
Benefits of Edibles Over Smoking
Edibles have some clear advantages over smoking cannabis. They offer longer-lasting effects, don’t produce smoke, and are much more discreet to consume. Many people also see them as a healthier alternative since they avoid the potential health risks linked to smoking cannabis. With edibles, it’s easier to control your dosage if you know what you’re doing. This offers a more consistent experience. Let’s explore some of these benefits in more detail:
Discreet and Long-lasting Effects
One of the key benefits of edibles is how discreet they are. Unlike smoking cannabis, which can be very noticeable due to the smell and visible smoke, edibles allow you to consume cannabis without attracting attention. This makes them a great option for public places or social gatherings where you want to stay low-key.
Edibles’ effects also last much longer than smoking cannabis. While smoking provides quicker sensations, they don’t last as long. Edibles, on the other hand, can take longer to kick in but provide relief and tranquility for several hours. This makes edibles a great choice for those who want long-lasting effects without needing to consume cannabis frequently. Marijuana edibles, including cannabis chocolate bars or pot brownies, are popular for their extended duration and discreet consumption.
Potential Fewer Health Risks with Edibles
Edibles may pose fewer health risks compared to smoking cannabis. Smoking cannabis involves inhaling smoke, which can cause respiratory problems like painful coughing, phlegm production, or lung irritation. Edibles avoid these issues completely since you’re consuming them through the digestive system rather than the lungs.
This makes edibles a healthier alternative for those worried about the long-term effects of smoking. People with respiratory issues or anyone looking to avoid potential lung irritation often prefer edibles for this reason. While edibles do have delayed onset and can be stronger, they are generally seen as a safer option when it comes to health risks.
Downsides of Edibles Compared to Smoking
Edibles come with some downsides that make them different from smoking cannabis. The biggest challenges are the delayed onset of effects and figuring out the right dose. This can lead to unexpected experiences, especially for new cannabis consumers. Let’s break down these key drawbacks:
- Delayed onset. It can take between 30 minutes and two hours for edibles to start working, which might make you feel like they aren’t effective and cause you to consume more than needed.
- Dosing difficulties. It’s harder to measure the right amount with edibles compared to smoking cannabis, especially for people not familiar with how strong edibles can be.
- Stronger effects. Because the effects can be more intense and last longer, there’s a higher risk of feeling overwhelmed or experiencing issues like paranoia or panic attacks.
Delayed Onset and Dosing Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles with cannabis edibles is how long it takes for the effects to start. Unlike smoking cannabis, which works within minutes, edibles take longer because they need to be digested first. The cannabis has to go through your stomach and gastrointestinal tract before the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream. This delay makes it harder to know when the effects will begin.
For experienced cannabis consumers, this slower process can be frustrating. For first-timers, it often leads to taking more than intended because they think the first dose wasn’t enough. This can result in a stronger and sometimes uncomfortable experience. Waiting patiently for the drug to finally kick in is important to avoid these dosing mistakes. Always give it time before deciding if you need more.
Which Edible Options Do We Offer at Cheef Botanicals?
At Cheef Botanicals, we have a variety of edible products that make consuming cannabis easy and enjoyable. Whether you like tinctures, gummies, or capsules, we have something for everyone. Here’s a look at what we offer:
- Tinctures. Our tinctures are made from top-quality ingredients, such as Delta-8 distillate or full-spectrum CBD mixed with hemp seed oil. You can use them in different ways, like placing drops under your tongue for quick effects or adding them to your favorite food or drink. We offer Delta-8 tinctures for a relaxing, uplifting experience and full-spectrum CBD oil for those wanting the full benefits of medical cannabis.
- Gummies:.Our vegan gummies come in different varieties like CBD Gummy Cubes, Delta-8, Delta-9, and Watermelon OG – THCa Gummies. Each batch is tested to make sure it’s pure and strong, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Gummies are a fun and easy way to consume cannabis, making them perfect for people looking for a discreet option instead of smoking cannabis.
- Capsules. If you want something convenient, our vegan CBD capsules and soft gels are a great option. They’re easy to swallow and give you a consistent dosage every time. Capsules are great for people who want a simple, mess-free way to consume CBD without the need to smoke cannabis or deal with the taste of oils.
Which Inhalable Options Do We Offer at Cheef Botanicals?
At Cheef Botanicals, we provide a variety of high-quality inhalable cannabis products to suit different preferences. From smoking flowers to vaping and using concentrates, we have multiple options that allow you to enjoy cannabis in your preferred way. Here are the top three inhalable products we offer:
- Flower and Pre-Rolls. Our THCa hemp flower comes in a variety of strains, including popular options like Gelato, Grape Frosty, and Runtz. You can smoke or vape the flower for euphoric effects or even use it raw in foods like salads for non-euphoric wellness benefits. We also offer pre-rolls for a convenient, ready-to-use option in strains such as Han Solo, Sex Panther, and Gelato.
- Vapes. For a portable, easy-to-use option, check out our THCa vape carts and disposables. The disposables come pre-charged and ready for immediate use, while the vape carts fit most 510-threaded batteries. Available in flavors like Durban Poison, Blue Dream, and Lemon Cherry Gelato, our vapes offer a smooth and premium experience with every puff.
- Concentrates. Our THCa concentrates are a great choice for a stronger, more potent option. Our THCa diamonds, made using a solventless extraction process, are over 80% THCa for maximum potency. Our Live Rosin offers rich flavors and high purity, with strains like Lemon Cherry Gelato providing a dynamic and powerful cannabis experience.
Why Choose Cheef Botanicals for Cannabis Edibles?
At Cheef Botanicals, our goal is to create cannabis edibles that meet the needs of everyone. We use high-quality cannabis extracts in all our products to ensure you’re getting the best experience possible. Everything we make is 100% naturally grown and fully compliant with the Federal Farm Bill, so you can trust that our edibles are safe and legal.
We aim for transparency and quality, which is why we have every batch tested by 3rd-party labs. You can even check out our Certificate of Analysis (COA) to see exactly what’s in each product. Whether you’re looking for a product to help you relax or something more uplifting, we’ve got options made to fit your lifestyle, all crafted from top-grade cannabis extracts.
How to Decide: Are Edibles or Smoking Better for You?
Choosing between edibles and smoked cannabis depends on what you’re looking for. Marijuana use through edibles tends to be safer than smoking because you avoid inhaling smoke, which can be harsh on your lungs. Edibles also provide longer-lasting effects, which can be great if you want steady relief for several hours. On the flip side, smoking gives you faster results, which can be helpful if you need quick relief or prefer more immediate effects.
Think about how quickly you want to feel the effects and your health needs. If you want something longer-lasting and easier on your lungs, edibles are likely the better choice. But if you prefer something faster and are comfortable with smoking, then smoked cannabis might be more your style. It’s all about finding what suits your preferences and lifestyle best.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Edibles and Smoking
When deciding between edibles and smoking cannabis, there’s no right or wrong choice—just what fits best with your lifestyle and needs. Some people prefer the long-lasting effects of cannabis edibles, while others enjoy the immediate relief that comes from smoking. Your consumption method should depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here are a few important factors to think about:
- Health considerations. People with respiratory issues might want to avoid smoking cannabis and stick to edibles. It’s also important to think about any medications you’re taking, as cannabis may interact with certain prescriptions. Always check with a doctor if you’re unsure about potential interactions.
- Effects and duration. If you need quick relief, smoking might be a better option since it provides fast effects. However, if you’re looking for something long-lasting, edibles are the way to go. You can also combine methods, smoking for immediate effects and using edibles for extended relief as the initial high fades.
- Lifestyle and preferences. Think about what’s convenient and comfortable for you. Edibles are discreet and easy to use in public, while smoking offers a more traditional experience, but the smell may be concerning. Both methods come with their own pros and cons, so choose based on what works best for your routine and social situations.
