An Essential Comparison between Eating Edibles and Smoking: What You Should Know

You may already be aware that the main component or compound of marijuana which delivers the ‘high’ is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. The effects of THC are well-known, and it interacts with the brain to produce some intense feelings of relaxation, tranquility, relief from stress and pain, and more. Of course, THC can be found in different intensities in various cannabis products, which include edibles, tinctures, and the like. And while THC may go through different kinds of processing before it is used, its main effects will remain almost the same from one product to another. But while you can essentially smoke cannabis and eat it, there are different expectations with each method as well. The following is an essential comparison between eating edibles and smoking: what you should know.

The forms of consumption

You can consume cannabis in different ways, as already mentioned, but some of the most common include smoking it through joints or a bong, dabbing (which is smoking marijuana as a concentrated extract), vaping (using an electronic vaping gadget), consumption through edibles (eating snacks and other food items), consumption through topicals (using sprays, creams, oils, or lotions), and consumption through tinctures (using a solution, often placed underneath the tongue).

Moreover, consumption through edibles is a hugely popular option for people who want to enjoy the health-boosting benefits of cannabis in a quick and easy way. Accordingly, edible gummies are a fantastic choice for both people who want to try marijuana products for the first time and for people with more experience.

The general effects

Whether it is ingested by eating a cannabis edible, smoking, or through a different method, the THC will go into the bloodstream then make its way to the brain of the one who consumed or ingested it. The effects of THC can be varied, but in general, some common effects include a feeling of calmness and relaxation, enhanced light sensitivity, sensitivity to touch and sound, and more.

Of course, the full effects can also be affected by other factors, such as the potency or concentration of THC, how fast it can be absorbed, and the type of marijuana product you use and the method you use to ingest or take it.

Smoking vs. eating: the facts

Everyone knows that smoking a joint is one of the most common ways you can ingest cannabis. After you inhale the smoke, the THC will enter your lungs, passing to your bloodstream and, finally, your brain. If you smoke it, you can feel the effects right away, but the effects don’t last as long as eating, either. In other words, the effects are more immediate compared to eating, but it peaks faster and lasts for a much shorter time compared to eating. Smoking may also have some side effects on a person’s health, especially on the respiratory system, although further studies need to be done on this as well.

Eating, on the other hand, has a different effect compared to smoking. You can eat marijuana edibles in the form of brownies, cookies, gummies, and so on, but since the method or process of manufacturing can vary per edible, the potency can vary as well. Also, after you eat a marijuana edible, the THC will be absorbed by your bloodstream via the digestive tract and system, and it will first go through a metabolic process before it can enter your bloodstream. Since this process takes a longer time, it can take from half an hour to an hour before you can feel the full effects of edibles. The good news with edibles, however, is the fact that its effects can last longer as well – these effects have been known to last from six to eight hours.