There are a variety of ways people choose to consume cannabis. The two most common forms are smoking and consuming cannabis edibles. No matter the method of choice, they both have their benefits.
Table of Contents
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-infused food products. They contain either THC, CBD, or both. CBD provides a calming effect, while THC provides a psychoactive effect. Unlike smoked cannabis, which enters the lungs and bloodstream, edibles go through the stomach. That means edibles will feel stronger, and the effects will last longer. Edible cannabis has to be digested, so it may take up to two hours for the high to reach its peak. Many factors contribute to when the effects begin, like how recently you’ve eaten and how your body responds.
Read Also: Complete Guide to Cooking Oils: Health Benefits and More
Those new to edibles may not be aware of how long it takes to start feeling the effects. You must be patient. You don’t want to eat more of an edible just because you are not feeling it yet. That could result in feeling more intense effects than you would like to.
What’s the Correct Edible Dosage?
There is not a correct dosage that is right for everyone. Everyone’s body is different. It also depends on how big the edible is and how much CBD and THC are in that edible. If you want a more specific answer, the brand of edibles you buy should have a recommended dosage. The dosage fluctuates based on your tolerance level. It also comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer a more intense high than others.
What Makes Cannabis Edibles Feel Different Than Smoking?
The way edibles enter your bloodstream is why it feels different from smoking. It will be more potent and longer-lasting since the edible gets digested instead of inhaled. Cannabis edibles travel through the liver, turning THC into a more concentrated form, leading to a more intense high.
Benefits:
- Perfect for people who cannot smoke or dislike smoking. You eat it like you would any other food.
- Edibles come in a large variety. There are gummies, oils, candy, and desserts.
- The effects last longer than smoking.
Smoking
When you inhale marijuana smoke, it travels through your lungs to your bloodstream. Smoking is much more instant than edibles. Ways to smoke cannabis include rolling it using papers, pipes, and bongs. Some people prefer the method of smoking due to how quickly you start to feel the effects.
You will begin to feel the effects within seconds or minutes of inhaling. The full effects of smoking cannabis usually peak within 30 minutes of usage. The effects will last up to six hours after smoking.
Benefits:
- You feel the effects much sooner when smoking
- More control over how high you want to get
- The effects go away faster if you smoke too much
What Benefits Does Cannabis Have?
Cannabis has been proven effective as pain relief, a sleep aid, anxiety relief, and an appetite stimulant. It is also often used recreationally. Many people claim it improves their quality of life and mental health by relieving stress and providing relaxation.
Studies show that cannabis consumption for pain relief is far safer than opioids. The side effects of too much cannabis consumption are not life-threatening like with opioids. Every year there are thousands of accidental deaths caused by opioids.
CBD
CBD is one of the compounds found in cannabis, which stands for cannabinoids. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, so it will not get you high. Some CBD products, however, have small amounts of THC in them. Its primary use is for relaxation. It is also commonly found in external body care products such as lotions, oils, and body wash. CBD comes from a hemp plant.
THC
THC is the most common compound found in cannabis, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is what gives cannabis its psychoactive effects. It is most commonly either smoked or eaten. The percentage of THC found in cannabis will determine how intense the effects will be. THC comes from a marijuana plant.