Edibles vs. Smoking: How Do They Differ and Which Is Better?

Cannabis use is becoming more widespread around the world as scientists continue to explore the various physical and mental benefits associated with this plant.
Many people want to know which method is best and have questions like “Are edibles stronger than smoking?”. The truth is, when it comes to edibles vs smoking, there are quite a few big differences between these two methods. Both have their advantages, and this guide will explore the main differences and aspects of each method in order to help you make the right choice for your own cannabis usage.
And when it comes to using cannabis, you have several options to choose from, with edibles and smoking being two of the most common consumption methods available at your local cannabis dispensary.

Difference Between Edibles and Smoking Cannabis

No matter whether you choose to smoke cannabis or consume cannabis-infused edibles, you’re making use of the same basic ingredients from the same plant. This means that both methods have similar effects on your body. Both can help you feel relaxed and offer a range of benefits, but it’s important to note that the experiences you get may vary quite a lot.
This is all because of the different structures of edibles compared to joints. The body responds to them in very different ways. This can lead to major differences in aspects such as how long it takes to start feeling the effects, the strength and intensity of the effects you feel, and the duration of those effects as well.

Are Edibles Stronger than Smoking?

One of the biggest areas in which we can see a real difference in terms of edibles vs smoking is in the effects themselves and the potency of the sensations you feel. It all begins with the fact that people tend to start feeling effects much more quickly when smoking cannabis than consuming an edible.
This is because, when you smoke a joint, you inhale the cannabis directly through the lungs and into the bloodstream, allowing it to take effect very rapidly. This means that smokers can feel effects within a matter of minutes. With edibles, you have to wait for your digestive system to process the food you’ve consumed and release the cannabis compounds into your system.
If you’re wondering “Are edibles stronger than smoking?” then you need to know it may take quite a lot longer to feel the effects with edibles (up to two hours in some cases), but the effects you feel can indeed be a lot stronger.
Many people say that edibles give them a more intense high. This is because, when you eat edibles, your body transforms the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) into a more potent form. This is why it’s important for first-timers, in particular, to be careful with edibles.

How Long Do Edibles Last?

An edible high generally lasts from six to eight hours, it is longer than smoking.

Among edibles that contain THC, peak blood levels occur around three hours. That’s when the effects are likely to be the most intense.

As well as having differing effects in terms of strength and overall effect, edibles vs smoking can also differ when it comes to the duration of their effects. This is actually a major difference between edibles and smoking, and it’s one of the key factors that people consider when trying to decide whether they should choose edibles or smoking.
When you make use of edibles, you may have to wait longer for the effects to appear, but they should last a lot longer. You can feel the effects for several hours, in fact, whereas smokers say that the effects of smoking cannabis usually fade within an hour. So if you want a longer high, opting for edibles over smoking may be the better choice.
The Benefits of Eating vs. Smoking Cannabis
When it comes to choosing a consumption method, it’s key to take the edibles vs smoking pros and cons into account. It’s clear that the processes of eating and smoking work very differently. This leads to both options having their own unique benefits, as explained below.

Benefits of Smoking Cannabis

Faster-Acting

One of the key benefits of choosing to smoke cannabis rather than consume edibles is the fact that you’ll feel the effects much more quickly. This is very useful for those times when you’re feeling stressed or craving immediate relaxation.

A Variety of Experiences

For cannabis connoisseurs, one of the best advantages of smoking vs edibles is the fact that you can choose to smoke a wide range of different types of cannabis. Each one is unique, with its own aromas and flavor profile, and you won’t notice those same smells and flavors in edibles, as the cannabis usually gets drowned out by all the other ingredients in play.

Simpler Dose Management

If you want to keep track of how much cannabis you’re consuming, smoking is usually the best choice. It’s very easy to see how much you’re using when you smoke and find your perfect dose. With edibles, you can’t be as precise with measurements.

Benefits of Eating Cannabis Edibles

Lots of Options

One of the best benefits of edibles over smoking is the fact that you get lots of different options to choose from. From brownies and cookies to teas, energy drinks, oils, sauces, and more, there are countless choices of edibles on the market, with more and more new products being created and released all the time.

Discretion

Another plus point to choose edibles over smoking is the fact that it’s a lot easier to be discreet about your cannabis usage when eating edibles. At a glance, nobody would be able to see that a brownie or cookie, for example, contains cannabis compounds. This is very different compared to joints and vaporizers, which are much more visible.

Longer-Lasting

Finally, there’s also the advantage that the effects of cannabis edibles tend to last a lot longer, essentially making them more efficient and allowing you to enjoy a longer and more satisfying high.

Final Words

One of the best things about cannabis is that users can choose from a wide range of different consumption methods, but it’s important to be aware of the differences between those methods and the unique advantages each one can offer. Hopefully, this guide has given you an in-depth introduction to edibles vs smoking pros and cons, allowing you to see the differences, advantages, and features of each. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to make a smarter choice for your own cannabis consumption in the future.