Smoking Cannabis vs. Edibles:
Which Method is Best for You?

Have you ever found yourself torn between lighting up a joint or popping a cannabis-infused gummy? Both smoking cannabis and consuming edibles offer unique experiences and effects, but how do you choose what’s best for you? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each method and help you make an informed decision.

The Basics: Smoking vs. Edibles

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what we mean by smoking and edibles:

• Smoking Cannabis: This involves inhaling the smoke from burning cannabis flowers, typically through a joint, pipe, or bong.
• Edibles: These are food or drink products infused with cannabis extracts. Common examples include gummies, chocolates, brownies, and beverages.

Smoking Cannabis: Positives and Negatives

Positives:

• Quick Onset: Smoking cannabis provides almost immediate effects, usually within minutes. This is ideal for those looking for fast relief from symptoms like pain, anxiety, or nausea.
• Easy Dosage Control: When smoking, you can easily control your dosage by taking small puffs and stopping when you’ve reached your desired effect.
• Wide Variety of Strains: Smoking offers access to a broad range of strains, each with unique flavors, aromas, and effects.

Negatives:

• Health Risks: Inhaling smoke, whether from cannabis or tobacco, can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Long-term smoking may lead to respiratory issues.
• Shorter Duration: The effects of smoking cannabis typically last 1 to 3 hours, which may not be ideal for those seeking longer-lasting relief.
• Odor: Cannabis smoke has a strong, distinctive odor that can linger on clothes, hair, and in your environment.

Edibles: Positives and Negatives

Positives:

• Long-Lasting Effects: Edibles offer a prolonged experience, with effects lasting 4 to 12 hours. This is great for people looking for extended relief or a sustained high.
• Discreet Consumption: Edibles are easy to consume discreetly, without the strong odor associated with smoking.
• No Respiratory Risks: Since edibles are ingested rather than inhaled, they don’t pose the same risks to your lungs and respiratory system.

Negatives:

• Delayed Onset: Edibles take longer to kick in, typically 30 minutes to 2 hours. This delayed onset can lead to overconsumption if you’re not patient.
• Difficult Dosage Control: It can be harder to gauge the right dose with edibles, especially for beginners. Consuming too much can result in an uncomfortable, prolonged high.
• Potential for Overconsumption: Because edibles look and taste like regular food, it’s easy to consume more than intended, leading to stronger effects.

How to Choose What’s Best for You

Choosing between smoking cannabis and consuming edibles depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and what you’re looking to achieve. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Desired Onset Time:
   • If you need immediate relief, smoking is the way to go. The effects are almost instantaneous, making it easier to manage conditions like acute pain or sudden anxiety.
   • If you’re looking for a slow and steady onset, edibles are better. They take longer to kick in but provide sustained effects.
2. Duration of Effects:
   • For shorter, more controllable experiences, smoking is preferable. The effects wear off within a few hours, allowing you to return to normal more quickly.
   • For longer-lasting effects, edibles are ideal. They’re perfect for situations where you want the benefits to last throughout the day or night.
3. Health Considerations:
   • If you have respiratory issues or want to avoid potential lung irritation, edibles are a safer choice.
   • If you’re not concerned about smoking’s impact on your lungs and prefer the ritual or social aspect of smoking, then lighting up might be more appealing.
4. Discretion and Convenience:
   • Edibles are discreet and can be consumed without drawing attention. They’re perfect for situations where you need to be low-key.
   • Smoking is less discreet due to the odor and visibility of smoke. However, it offers a more traditional and communal way to enjoy cannabis.
5. Experience Level:
   • Beginners might find smoking easier to control since the effects are felt quickly, making it easier to stop when you’ve had enough.
   • More experienced users who understand their tolerance and dosage may enjoy the variety and potency of edibles.

In Summary…

Both smoking cannabis and consuming edibles have their pros and cons. Smoking offers quick onset and easy dosage control but comes with potential respiratory risks and a shorter duration. Edibles provide long-lasting effects and are more discreet, but they take longer to kick in and can be harder to dose accurately. Ultimately, the best method for you depends on your personal preferences, health considerations, and the type of experience you’re seeking.

Let Us Help

Curious to explore both methods and see what suits you best? Visit one of Aroma Hill’s dispensaries in Illinois to speak with our knowledgeable budtenders and find a wide range of cannabis products tailored to your needs. Whether you prefer the quick hit of smoking or the long-lasting effects of edibles, we’ve got you covered. See you soon at Aroma Hill—your journey to finding the perfect cannabis experience starts here!

Find an Aroma Hill dispensary near you: https://aromahillcannabis.com/locations/