Cannabis comes in many forms, and two popular ways to consume it are weed edibles and smoking. I’ve noticed a lot of folks wondering about the differences between these methods. Eating cannabis-infused foods or drinks, mostly known as weed edibles, leads to a stronger, longer-lasting high. These edibles offer a discreet and often more enjoyable way to experience cannabis effects.
When you smoke cannabis, you feel the effects almost right away. The high peaks quickly and fades after an hour or so. Edibles work much more slowly. It can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, but the effects last much longer – often 3 to 6 hours or more.
Edibles tend to produce more intense body effects and can be trickier to dose properly. Smoking gives you more control since you feel it right away. Both methods have their pros and cons when it comes to health impacts, discretion, and the overall experience.
Key Takeaways
Edibles produce stronger, longer-lasting effects than smoking cannabis
Smoking provides quicker onset and more control over the high
Both methods have different health considerations and social implications
Understanding Cannabis
Cannabis is a complex plant with many active compounds and ways to consume it. Knowing how it works and the laws around it helps make informed choices. Let’s look at the key parts of cannabis, how people use it, and its legal status in Canada.
Active Compounds
Cannabis has over 100 cannabinoids, but THC and CBD are the main ones. THC makes you feel high and can help with pain. CBD doesn’t make you high but may reduce anxiety and inflammation.
The plant also has terpenes, which give cannabis its smell and taste. Some common terpenes are:
Myrcene: Earthy, found in mangoes
Limonene: Citrusy, found in lemons
Pinene: Pine-like, found in pine needles
These compounds work together in what’s called the “entourage effect” to create cannabis’s effects.
Methods of Consumption
There are several ways to use cannabis:
Smoking: The fastest way to feel effects, usually within minutes.
Vaping: Similar to smoking but may be easier on the lungs.
Edibles: Food or drinks with cannabis added. Effects take longer but last longer, too.
Oils: Taken under the tongue or added to food.
Topicals: Creams or lotions applied to the skin.
Each method affects you differently. Smoking and vaping work quickly, while edibles can take up to 2 hours to kick in but last longer.
Legal Status and Availability in Canada
Cannabis is legal in Canada for adults. You can buy it from licensed stores or grow your own plants. Each province has its own rules about where you can buy and use cannabis.
In stores, you’ll find:
Dried flowers for smoking or vaping
Pre-rolled joints
Oils and capsules
Edibles like gummies and chocolates
Vape pens and cartridges
The government sets limits on how much THC can be in products. For example, edibles can’t have more than 10 mg of THC per package.
It’s still illegal to take cannabis across the border or drive while high. Knowing these laws helps you use cannabis safely and legally.
Comparing Consumption: Edibles Versus Smoking
Edibles and smoking offer different ways to use cannabis. They change how fast the effects start, how long they last, and how they impact our health. Let’s look at the key differences.
Onset of Effects
When I smoke cannabis, I feel the effects almost right away. The THC goes straight to my lungs and into my blood. I usually notice changes within 5-10 minutes.
Edibles take longer to kick in. My body needs to digest them first. It can take 30 minutes to 2 hours before I feel anything. This slower start can catch new users off guard.
Duration and Potency
Smoking gives me a shorter high. The effects peak quickly but fade after 1-3 hours. Edibles last much longer. I might feel high for 4-6 hours or even up to 12 hours.
Edibles can feel stronger, too. When my liver breaks down THC, it makes a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This is more potent than regular THC. That’s why edibles can pack a bigger punch.
Health Considerations
Smoking has some clear downsides. It can irritate my lungs and throat. There’s also a risk of breathing in harmful chemicals from burning plant matter.
Edibles avoid these lung issues. But they come with their own risks. It’s easier to take too much because of the delayed onset. This can lead to intense anxiety or other bad reactions.
Both methods can affect my heart. Daily use might increase my risk of heart problems, no matter how I consume cannabis. Edibles are linked to more hospital visits, often due to overdosing.
Responsible Use and Dosage
Using cannabis safely means knowing your limits and going slow. I’ll share tips on figuring out your tolerance, avoiding too much, and controlling your dose.
Assessing Tolerance
I find that tolerance to cannabis can vary a lot between people. If I’m new to weed, I start with a very small amount. For smoking, I might take one puff and wait 15 minutes. With edibles, I eat just 2.5 mg of THC and wait 2 hours to see how I feel.
I know my tolerance is higher if I use cannabis often. But even then, I’m careful. Tolerance can change based on how much sleep I’ve had or what I’ve eaten.
It’s smart to keep a log of how different amounts affect me. This helps me track my tolerance over time.
Avoiding Overconsumption
Taking too much cannabis isn’t fun. With smoking, I can feel the effects quickly and stop. But edibles are trickier. They can take 1-2 hours to kick in fully.
I never mix cannabis with alcohol or other drugs. This can lead to nasty side effects.
If I do take too much, I try to stay calm. I drink water, eat a snack, and rest in a quiet place. The effects will pass with time.
Signs of taking too much include:
Rapid heart rate
Anxiety or paranoia
Nausea or vomiting
Extreme confusion
Dosage Control
I find it easier to control my dose when smoking. I can take one puff at a time and gauge how I feel. With edibles, I’m extra careful.
For edibles, I follow the “start low, go slow” rule:
Begin with 2.5-5 mg of THC
Wait at least 2 hours before taking more
Increase by small amounts (2.5 mg) each time
I always check the THC content on edible packages. Some can be very strong, with 100 mg or more per serving.
For smoking, I use a one-hitter or small pipe to control my intake. This helps me avoid smoking too much at once.
Personal and Social Considerations
When choosing between edibles and smoking cannabis, personal taste and social factors play a big role. The smell, cost, and how others see it can all affect which method someone picks.
Public Perception and Odour
I’ve noticed that smoking weed has a strong smell that can bother others. It’s harder to hide and might not be okay in some places. Edibles don’t have this problem. They’re more discreet and won’t make you or your clothes smell like weed.
Some people think smoking looks bad. They might judge you for it. Edibles are easier to use without anyone knowing. This can be good if you’re worried about what others think.
But the smell of weed smoke can also be part of the fun for some folks. It’s part of the whole experience. Edibles miss out on this aspect.
How Lithuanians turned Mushroom into national sport(Opens in a new browser tab)
Cost Implications
I’ve found that the cost of edibles and smoking can be quite different. Smoking often costs less upfront. You can buy a small amount of weed and a cheap pipe to start.
Edibles can be pricier at first. But they might last longer. You don’t need as much to feel the effects. This could save money over time.
Making your own edibles can cut costs. But it takes time and skill. Smoking is simpler and doesn’t need as much prep.
The tools for smoking, like pipes or paper, add to the cost. With edibles, you don’t need extra gear. This can save money in the long run.