As cannabis becomes more widely accepted, many people are curious about the different ways to consume it. Smoking and ingesting are two of the most popular methods, each offering its own unique experience. But which one suits you best? Let’s break down the differences to help you decide.
1. How They Work
- Smoking Cannabis: When you smoke cannabis––whether it’s a joint, a pipe, or a bong––the active compounds, mainly THC, enter your bloodstream through your lungs. This means you’ll feel the effects quickly, often within a few minutes.
- Ingesting Cannabis: Eating cannabis-infused edibles takes a different route. After you ingest, the cannabis goes through your digestive system instead of your lungs and is then processed by your liver, where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC––a more potent form. This leads to a slower onset of effects, usually taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. A big range, we know.
2. Onset and Duration of Effects
- Smoking: Like described previously, the effects of smoking hit you almost instantly, which makes it easier to control how much you consume. However, the high typically peaks within 30 minutes to an hour and fades after 2-3 hours.
- Ingesting: With edibles, the effects take longer to kick in, but once they do, they last much longer––anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the dose and your metabolism. This can be great if you’re looking for sustained relief, but it’s extremely important to be patient to avoid accidentally taking too much.
3. Intensity of Effects
- Smoking: Smoking usually results in a more balanced and predictable high, which many people find easier to manage. You can easily take a puff or two and know what to expect. It’s a popular pick for a reason as it gives the user more control over how much of a high they get.
- Ingesting: Because of how your body processes THC when you eat it, edibles can feel much stronger and often have a more sedative effect. This can be ideal for managing chronic pain or insomnia but might be too intense for beginners.
4. Health Considerations
- Smoking: While smoking cannabis provides quick relief, it can also irritate your lungs and potentially cause respiratory issues over time, similar to smoking tobacco. If you’re worried about these risks, vaporizing cannabis might be a gentler option.
- Ingesting: Eating cannabis eliminates the risks associated with smoking, making it a safer choice for those concerned about lung health. But since edibles are more potent and take longer to kick in, you’ll want to be careful with your dosage to avoid an uncomfortable experience.
5. Social and Situational Use
- Smoking: Smoking is often a social activity, something you might do with friends in a relaxed setting. It’s also a practical choice if you’re looking for quick relief and want to control your dosage easily.
- Ingesting: Ingesting cannabis is more discreet—you can do it without drawing attention, making it a good option for when you need to be more low-key. Plus, the long-lasting effects mean you won’t need to re-dose as frequently.
