4 Differences Between Cannabis Edibles and Flower

Whether you’re an avid cannabis user or an intrigued novice, you may be curious about the differences between smoking a joint and eating a cannabis-infused gummy. Maybe you’ve already tried both and have had wildly difference experiences, or maybe you haven’t tried either and you’re wondering which one is the right choice for you. Wherever your curiosity comes from, I’m here to break it down for you. Here are 4 differences between inhaling and ingesting cannabis:

1. Duration

It can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours for the effects of an edible to kick in because of the way it’s metabolized. Those effects can last several hours, and consumers report feeling more of a body high than when inhaled. Some say they even feel some psychedelic effects when ingesting in larger doses. It’s ALWAYS recommended to start slow and dose up as needed to ensure a comfortable high.

The effects of smoking marijuana are usually experienced within the first 10 minutes of inhaling, and slowly start to vanish within the 30 to 60 minutes proceeding.

2. Dosing

With inhaling cannabis, the effects come about quickly, allowing you to gradually dose as needed. Dosing with edibles can be a little more tricky since the onset of effects isn’t as instantaneous as smoking flower. (That’s not to say that edibles aren’t just as effective and even more advantageous in some situations). When it comes to dosing edibles, it’s very important to start slow and wait at least two hours before dosing again. Legally, the industry “standard” dose is 10 milligrams, but everyone is different and this number ranges for each individual. It’s important to figure out what works best for you by easing into edible dosing. Copious amounts of THC won’t kill you, but you are going to have a much better time if you’re patient and responsible with your dosing.

3. How the THC is Absorbed

Inhaled THC and ingested THC go through different metabolic processes in the body, resulting in slightly different effects. When ingesting cannabis, the THC passes through the stomach and liver. Inhaled THC moves straight to the brain. Eating a cannabis-infused edible typically gives a more intense high, because the liver metabolizes the THC, converting it to 11-hydroxy-THC. This particular metabolite is effective in crossing the blood brain barrier, allowing for the intenser high. Inhaled THC results in slightly different effects because instead of passing through the liver, it travels to the brain. Both can result in effective and enjoyable highs when used responsibly!

4. The Health Benefits of Edibles Over Smoking

Edibles serve as a great alternative to those concerned about the long-term, harsh effects of smoking. Vaporizing cannabis is also an alternative to smoking, but edibles often provide longer-lasting relief for medical patients. The stigma around edibles only coming as a sugary/unhealthy treat (like a “pot brownie") is demonstrating to not always be true. In the emerging U.S cannabis markets, health conscious consumers in search of a more nutritious edible can find gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, low-calorie, and so many other options that don’t have to sacrifice their health routine.