Wondering whether to light up or dig in? When it comes to cannabis, choosing how you consume it can make a huge difference in your experience. Some swear by the fast, familiar hit of smoking, while others prefer the slow-building, body-heavy effects of edibles. But what really sets them apart? In this guide, we’ll break down edibles vs smoking pros and cons so you can figure out which method fits your lifestyle, tolerance, and goals best. Whether you’re chasing a quick high or a longer-lasting vibe, the way you consume matters more than you think.
Some people gravitate toward eating edibles for their delicious variety of flavors and the discreet, hassle-free way they deliver cannabis. They also have enduring effects and don’t come with potential respiratory risks. However, smoking cannabis is more social and more immediate. There is less of a lag time between consuming cannabis through smoking and feeling the effects. However, the effects aren’t as strong, which can be better for productivity. They also don’t require eating food products that could contain sugar or unwanted calories. This article will explore both options, helping you decide which to choose.
What Is Smoking?
Smoking is when you apply heat to cannabis flower and inhale the resulting smoke through your lungs. This method requires combustion, typically using a lighter and an inhalable delivery method. There are a few different ways to smoke cannabis, such as using a:
- Pipe. Pack the bowl with ground cannabis, light it, and inhale through the mouthpiece. It’s quick, simple, and delivers fast effects.
- Bong. A bong uses water to filter the smoke, giving you a cooler, smoother hit that’s easier on the throat.
- Joint. Roll ground cannabis in rolling paper with a filter or crutch at one end for stability and smoother inhales. Twist the other end to seal it, then light up and enjoy. It’s a classic, portable option that’s perfect for passing around.
- Dry Herb Vape. Unlike smoking, vaping heats cannabis flower without burning it, so you get smooth, flavorful vapor instead of harsh smoke. Just pack the dry herb into the chamber, let it heat up, and inhale. It’s a more discreet consumption method, very convenient, and more friendly to the lungs.
Although these methods offer different experiences, they have the same overall effect. The cannabis will have an almost immediate impact, typically within seconds or one minute after inhalation. The euphoria typically lasts about three to four hours but can be longer depending on how much cannabis smoke you inhale, how many repeated hits you take, and the strength of the strain.
What are Edibles?
Edibles are food and drink products infused with cannabis. Most are made by blending cannabis-infused butter or oil into the recipe, though some use finely ground flower or pure cannabis distillate for a more seamless infusion. From gummies to baked goods and seltzers, edibles offer a tasty and discreet way to consume cannabis at home or on the go.
Cannabis can be added to various food products, but the most common are baked goods, chocolate bars, and gummies. Beverages infused with cannabis are also becoming more popular. Unlike smoking marijuana or hemp, edibles go through the digestive system. Therefore, they take longer to hit, usually 45-60 minutes after consumption, and they have potent effects. It’s not unusual to feel the effects of edibles for eight hours or more.
Smoking Cannabis: Benefits and Considerations
Smoking cannabis is the most traditional method of consuming cannabis and comes with its own set of advantages. Here’s a look at some of the key benefits.
- Doesn’t Last Long. While not a benefit for everyone, the shorter duration of smoking can be a blessing in disguise. For example, if you need to do something later in the day, the effects will wear off, allowing you to remain productive. If you want a prolonged effect, you can always take more.
- They’re Social. Many people pass around joints, bongs, or bowls as a social activity. They create bonding moments. Although you can split up edibles, they are not as shareable.
- Various Consumption Methods. You can enjoy smoking weed or hemp from a bong, pipe, vape, or joint, ensuring you find a consumption method that works for you.
- No Calories. Unlike edibles, smoking won’t make you gain weight or cause you to ingest unsafe ingredients. However, if you end up getting the munchies, all bets are off!
- Metered Dosing. Although it’s challenging to determine precisely how much THC content or other cannabinoids you’re consuming with inhaled cannabis, you can smoke at your own pace. You can take smaller or larger puffs and control your dosing throughout the day.
- Wellness Benefits. Depending on what you’re smoking, a hit of THC, CBD, Delta 8, or other cannabinoids can offer a range of wellness benefits. For example, many smokers find that THC helps relieve physical discomfort, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. For medical marijuana patients, smoking provides fast-acting relief that can address their symptoms almost immediately.
Cannabis Edibles: Benefits and Considerations
Edible cannabis products offer long-lasting, smoke-free effects and provide a convenient way to enjoy consistent, precise dosing. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of consuming edibles.
- They’re Delicious! Edibles combine the cannabis experience with taste sensations that make them fun and delicious. There’s an edible to satisfy every craving while delivering a smooth, enjoyable experience.
- Variety. You can choose from a variety of edible products, including fruity gummies, rich chocolates, savory snacks, and refreshing beverages. Sugar-free and vegan options may also be available for those who wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Easy Dosing. You may experience precise dosing depending on the edible. For example, gummies typically have a dose-per-serving amount, so you know exactly how much cannabis you are consuming. Determining the dosage amount with homemade edibles, such as baked goods, may be more challenging and may require doing a little math!
- Long-lasting. Edibles last longer, making them perfect for individuals seeking sustained relief. Expect to feel the benefits for up to eight hours—possibly even more, depending on the cannabinoid blend and dosage.
- Wellness Benefits. Like smokable products, edibles offer various wellness benefits, including discomfort relief and relaxation. Additionally, because they are not inhaled, they are obviously better for respiratory health.
Are Edibles Safer Than Smoking?
The risk of respiratory issues makes many people think edibles are safer than smoking cannabis, and they might be! However, they both have pros and cons. Here are some health considerations to ponder about smoking and eating edibles.
Smoking Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Doesn’t Last as Long. Although cannabis offers many wellness benefits, it can also cause judgment issues and a lack of perception. Smokeables wear off quickly, reducing the risk of incidents over time.
- No Sugar/Calories. Smokable cannabis does not contain sugar or calories that can potentially impact your health if consumed irresponsibly.
Cons:
- Respiratory Risks. The biggest downside of smokable cannabis use is its risks to respiratory health. The American Lung Association notes that it can damage the human lungs and increase the risk of chronic bronchitis and lung infections in individuals with weakened immune systems. It also produces secondhand smoke that can affect people who don’t partake.
- Bad for Heart Health. National Institutes of Health (NIH) research reveals that cannabis smoke increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. If you love to smoke, the onus is on you to enjoy doing it responsibly—smoke in moderation to keep your health strong and your life thriving.
Edibles Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No Respiratory Risks. Edibles don’t carry the respiratory or heart health risks associated with smoking, making them a gentler option for your lungs and overall well-being.
- Long-Lasting Effects. Consuming edibles results in long-lasting wellness benefits. Expect up to eight hours or more of effects, depending on the dose and blend.
Cons:
- Clouds Judgement. While long-lasting benefits can be advantageous, they can also be a little too much for some. For example, say you consume cannabis edibles and are in the middle of an 8-hour experience. Suddenly, an emergency arises, and you have to drive! You won’t be able to. Never drive, operate machinery, or engage in active tasks while under the influence of edibles—especially those containing euphoric cannabinoids.
- Can Contain Unwanted Ingredients. Edibles often contain unwanted ingredients, such as fat, sugar, excessive calories, and possibly gluten. There are healthy edibles available on the market, but they can be difficult to find.
How Smoking Works in the Body
When you smoke cannabis, cannabinoids are absorbed through the lungs and enter the bloodstream almost instantly. They quickly reach the brain and deliver near-immediate effects.
The bioavailability of THC and other cannabinoids is 31%, meaning that’s the amount that enters your system and is available to be used. However, you may experience greater bioavailability with deeper inhalations and by holding the smoke in your lungs for prolonged periods.
How Edibles Work in the Body
Your digestive system processes edibles. After making their way through your stomach, the cannabinoids are processed by your liver, where they are metabolized. For example, THC (Delta 9) gets converted into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This process is the reason why edibles have a delayed onset of effect.
Additionally, because 11-hydroxy-THC is more potent than regular THC, it has stronger effects. Edibles typically have a bioavailability that is significantly lower than that of smokable products, ranging from 4% to 12%. However, because the 11-hydroxy-THC is much stronger, it has more potent effects.
Which Is Right for You?
So, which cannabis consumption method is right for you? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. You might enjoy one more than the other—or even both. To help you decide, here are a few key factors to consider.
- Allergies and Dietary Restrictions. People with dietary and allergy restrictions may want to avoid edibles that contain nuts, gluten, sugar, and other substances likely to cause reactions.
- Health Risks. Those with pre-existing medical conditions may prefer THC edibles, especially if they have poor lung or cardiovascular health.
- The Situation. You may also decide between edibles and smoking on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you are in a social situation, smoking may be a better choice. However, edibles can be ideal for serving at a party. Additionally, if you need to be sober later in the day, the short-term effects of smoking cannabis may be preferred.
- Tolerance. Your tolerance levels can also dictate the type of cannabis you choose. If you have a low tolerance, the edible effects may be too strong for you. You may be better off with smokables.
What’s the Safe Dosage To Consider?
Compared to the seasoned consumer, inexperienced users should always start with a low dose and work their way up when using cannabis products, be it hemp or marijuana edibles and smokables. This is especially true of edibles, which have more potent effects. However, it applies to any cannabis product.
If you have never used cannabis before, start at a dose. Wait before using more cannabis to determine how it affects you. Gradually increase the dose if necessary to achieve the desired effects.
Remember that more than experience should be taken into account when determining the ideal dose. For example, tolerance could also be affected by body weight and other biological factors. However, the low-and-slow approach is never a bad idea and is always recommended.
FAQs About the Pros and Cons of Edibles vs Smoking
Are Edibles Stronger Than Smoking?
Yes, edibles are stronger than smoking. THC edibles, for example, are processed by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound stronger than standard THC. They offer more potent effects, even though they are not as bioavailable as smokables.
Which Is Best as a Beginner?
Beginners will be best off with smokable products because they don’t hit as hard and wear off quickly. Newbies won’t experience as potent a high, thereby avoiding confusion and other unwanted effects. Additionally, if they don’t enjoy marijuana use, it only lasts up to two hours, so it will wear off quickly.
Can I Overdose Edibles?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on edibles or any other cannabis product if you consume them irresponsibly. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, accelerated heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, extreme thirst, and severely impaired judgment. Although rarely, if ever, fatal, an overdose is not a pleasant experience, which is why the low and slow method is preferred.
How Often Should One Consume Edibles and Smoke Weed?
There are no hard and fast rules regarding how often one should consume edibles and smoke cannabis. Some people consume cannabis every day. Others take it on an as-needed basis. However, it’s essential to keep it in moderation and not overdo it. Too much cannabis can lead to tolerance issues. Determine a balance that’s right for you and stick to it.
Is Smoking Cannabis Bad for Health?
Like anything, moderation is key. Daily cannabis smoking—especially when done irresponsibly—may increase the risk of respiratory and heart-related issues. That’s why it’s important to stay mindful of how often and how much you consume.
Final Thoughts – Edibles vs Smoking Pros and Cons [Which One Will Blow Your Mind?]
Both smoking and edibles offer unique pros and cons when it comes to cannabis consumption. Smoking delivers fast-acting effects with no sugar or calories, but it can pose risks to respiratory and heart health if done excessively. Edibles don’t impact the lungs and provide long-lasting effects. However, their strength and hard-hitting effects can impair judgment, and some may include unwanted ingredients such as sugar or fat.
Ultimately, choosing between smoking and edibles depends on your lifestyle, wellness goals, and how you prefer to enjoy cannabis. Regardless of the method you choose, always keep moderation in mind. Take a low-and-slow approach to ensure you don’t overdo it. We wish you the very best cannabis experience. Love smoking? You’ll be obsessed with our THCa flower—potent, fresh, and top-shelf quality that delivers every time. Prefer edibles? Our THC gummies come in mouthwatering flavors and a range of strengths to match your vibe. Hit the shop now and find your bliss today!
