Cannabis offers a variety of consumption methods, each delivering a unique experience and set of effects. Two of the most popular methods are smoking and consuming edibles, but deciding between the two can be tricky, especially for newcomers. Each method has its pros and cons in terms of onset time, potency, duration of effects, health impact, and personal preference.

In this blog, we'll break down the key differences between edibles and smoking, helping you understand which method might be best for your needs. Whether you're a recreational user looking for a fun way to unwind or someone using cannabis for therapeutic reasons, the consumption method you choose can significantly affect your experience.

 

Onset Time: How Quickly Do You Feel the Effects?

One of the most noticeable differences between smoking cannabis and consuming edibles is the onset time—how quickly you feel the effects after consumption.

Smoking

When you smoke or vaporize cannabis, the active compounds, particularly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), are absorbed almost immediately through your lungs into your bloodstream. This leads to a fast onset of effects, typically within 2-10 minutes. Smoking gives you immediate feedback, allowing you to gauge your high and control your dosage more easily.

Pros of Smoking in Terms of Onset:

• Rapid onset of effects (within minutes)
• Easier to control dosage in real-time
• Suitable for those seeking immediate relief

Edibles

In contrast, edibles take longer to kick in because the cannabis must be processed by your digestive system and metabolized by the liver before the THC enters your bloodstream. The onset time for edibles can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on factors such as metabolism, the type of food consumed, and the dosage.

This delayed onset can sometimes lead to overconsumption. If someone doesn’t feel the effects right away, they might consume more, which can result in a much stronger high than intended.

Pros of Edibles in Terms of Onset:

• Slow, gradual onset can feel more natural for some users
• Long-lasting effects once the high begins
• Useful for extended relief of symptoms like pain or insomnia

Verdict: If you’re looking for immediate effects, smoking is the way to go. However, if you prefer a slower onset with a longer-lasting experience, edibles might be a better fit.

 

Duration of Effects: How Long Does the High Last?

How long you feel the effects of cannabis is another crucial consideration when choosing between edibles and smoking.

Smoking

When you smoke cannabis, the effects come on quickly but don’t last as long as edibles. The high typically lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on your tolerance, the strain, and how much you consume. While smoking provides a more short-lived experience, it allows users to enjoy cannabis in social settings or when they want to feel the effects briefly without being committed to a long-lasting high.

Pros of Smoking in Terms of Duration:

• Shorter high allows for more control over your experience
• Ideal for those who want quick relief without long-lasting effects

Edibles

Edibles, on the other hand, are known for their long-lasting effects. After consuming an edible, the high can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours (sometimes longer), depending on the dose and the individual’s metabolism. This extended duration makes edibles a popular choice for people seeking sustained relief, such as those managing chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia.

Pros of Edibles in Terms of Duration:

• Long-lasting effects make them ideal for all-day or overnight relief
• Less frequent dosing required compared to smoking

Verdict: If you want a short-lived high with quick recovery, smoking is your best bet. For a long-lasting, steady experience, especially for medicinal purposes, edibles are the way to go.

 

Potency: Which Method Feels Stronger?

Potency can vary significantly between smoking and consuming edibles, and understanding how each method impacts your high is key to enjoying cannabis safely.

Smoking

When you smoke cannabis, the THC enters your bloodstream quickly, but the potency is generally milder compared to edibles. Smoking allows you to take small, incremental doses, so you can stop as soon as you feel the desired effects. However, the high tends to peak within 30-60 minutes and tapers off after a few hours.

Pros of Smoking in Terms of Potency:

• Easier to control and adjust dosage
• Less risk of overconsumption

Edibles

Edibles are notoriously more potent than smoking. This is because when THC is ingested and metabolized by the liver, it is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form of THC that can produce stronger, more intense effects. Even a small dose of edibles can produce a powerful high, which is why proper dosing is critical.

Many first-time edible users overestimate their tolerance and end up consuming too much, leading to an overwhelming or uncomfortable experience. Always start with a low dose (such as 5 mg of THC) and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more.

Pros of Edibles in Terms of Potency:

• More potent effects, which can be beneficial for therapeutic use
• Longer, sustained high that can be more intense

Verdict: Smoking offers a more controllable and milder high, whereas edibles can be much more potent. For beginners, smoking may be the better option until you’re more familiar with your THC tolerance.

 

Health Impact: Which Method is Safer for Your Body?

Health considerations are a major factor when choosing between smoking and edibles.

Smoking

While smoking provides immediate effects and is a popular method for cannabis consumption, it is not without its health risks. Inhaling smoke of any kind, whether from cannabis or tobacco, can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Long-term smoking can lead to issues such as chronic bronchitis and lung irritation, especially for frequent users.

That said, some people opt for vaporizing (vaping) instead of smoking, as it heats cannabis without burning it, producing vapor rather than smoke. This method is considered a safer alternative but still carries potential risks, especially with poor-quality or unregulated vape products.

Cons of Smoking in Terms of Health:

• Potential lung and respiratory irritation
• Health risks associated with long-term inhalation of smoke

Edibles

Edibles, on the other hand, don’t involve inhaling anything, making them a more lung-friendly option. Since they are consumed orally, they bypass the respiratory system entirely, which may be a healthier choice for people with asthma or other lung issues. However, edibles often come in sugary or fatty forms (like gummies or brownies), so it's important to consume them in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar or calorie intake.

Pros of Edibles in Terms of Health:

• No risk of lung or respiratory issues
• Discreet and doesn’t involve smoking

Verdict: Edibles are generally a healthier option for your lungs, whereas smoking poses more risk to the respiratory system. Vaporizing could be a safer alternative if you prefer inhalation but want to avoid smoke.

 

Discretion: Which Method Is Easier to Conceal?

For those who value discretion, whether for personal, social, or legal reasons, edibles and smoking offer very different experiences.

Smoking

Smoking cannabis is not very discreet. It produces a strong, distinctive odor that lingers on clothes, hair, and in the air. Additionally, smoking requires specific tools like pipes, joints, or bongs, which can be cumbersome to carry and use in public settings. The visible act of smoking also makes it difficult to conceal in many places.

Cons of Smoking in Terms of Discretion:

• Strong odor that can attract attention
• Visible method of consumption

Edibles

Edibles, on the other hand, are highly discreet. They look like everyday snacks or treats, making it easy to consume them without drawing attention. There’s no smell associated with eating edibles, and the process is as simple as taking a bite of a cookie or popping a gummy into your mouth. This makes edibles a great option for people who want to consume cannabis in public or in situations where discretion is important.

Pros of Edibles in Terms of Discretion:

• No smell or visible smoke
• Easy to consume in public without attracting attention

Verdict: Edibles are far more discreet than smoking, making them the better choice if you need to consume cannabis privately or in public settings.

 

Which Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best cannabis consumption method depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and why you’re using cannabis. Here are a few guiding questions to help you choose:

Do you need immediate effects? If you want quick relief or a fast high, smoking might be the better option.

Do you need long-lasting relief? Edibles provide sustained effects, making them ideal for conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety.

Do you prefer a potent experience? Edibles are generally more potent and intense than smoking, so if you want a powerful high, edibles may suit you better.

Are you concerned about lung health? If you’re worried about the health effects of smoking, edibles are a better choice as they don’t affect your lungs.

Do you need discretion? Edibles are easier to consume discreetly, as they don’t produce odor or smoke.

 

Conclusion

Both edibles and smoking have their unique benefits and drawbacks. Smoking offers a quick and controllable high, while edibles provide a potent, long-lasting experience. If you're seeking immediate effects with shorter duration, smoking is ideal, but for a stronger, more sustained high, edibles are the better choice. When choosing between the two, consider your lifestyle, health concerns, and personal goals to find the method that works best for you.