Edibles Vs. Smoking: Which Method Is Right for You?

Cannabis consumption has come a long way and there are more than a few ways to use it to enjoy its effects.  Whether you're a seasoned user or just curious, we've all heard of the big two — edibles and smoking/vaping to use marijuana. 

Both these techniques are super popular although many people don't stray away from the original method of enjoying cannabis, which is to puff and pass it on. That said, those who detest smoking and those who want to enjoy a high that lasts for a long time prefer edibles. 

As you can guess, both methods are popular but are entirely different from one another. 

But, what method should you choose? Well, obviously, the choice is up to you. If you're a beginner, you wouldn't know what to choose, but be aware that it all depends on how strong the effect is, how long it lasts, or how easy it is to fit into your life. For some of us, the goal is to relax without hurting our lungs, while others want fast-acting effects that they can feel immediately.

In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of edibles versus smoking/vaping to help you understand both better. You will learn about things from strength to how long the effects last, and how these methods fit into your lifestyle. Whether you're weighing your options between the edible brownie or rolling a joint or just want clarification about each, this guide will help you decide which method might be best for you. It doesn't matter if you're new to cannabis — just hop in and see how you can improve your experience. 

How Cannabis Edibles Work

Cannabis edibles, as the name suggests, are edibles infused with cannabis. When you consume them, the cannabinoids enter the body through the digestive system instead of the bloodstream as with smoking or vaping. At first, the cannabinoids (primarily THC and some CBD) are broken down and absorbed by the stomach and intestines. 

After ingestion, the liver metabolizes the THC into a much more powerful compound known as 11-hydroxy-THC which creates a much stronger and longer-lasting effect than smoking where the THC is absorbed through the lungs. This process of conversion means that even a small dose of an edible can feel strong and may end up lasting for hours, usually around 6-8 hours, or with large doses, even longer.

Types of Cannabis Edibles

You can have cannabis edibles in a variety of forms, according to personal preferences as well as dietary restrictions and desired effects. Some of the most common types of edibles are: 

1. Gummies: These offer a wide range of flavors and dosages.
2. Cookies and other baked products: These are super popular, and you'll find everything from brownies to cookies and even biscuits infused with cannabis, not to mention a large range of chocolates doused with it too. 
3. Cannabis-infused beverages: These include beverages like beer, soda, tea, and sparkling water and are a refreshing way to sip on the herb.
4. Capsules or tablets: Perfect for those looking for a precise dosing option, you can also use these if you don't want to or can't use edibles high in sugar. 
5. Tinctures: You can place drops of tinctures under your tongue and although they are absorbed faster than a traditional edible, they still require some digestion.

How Smoking and Vaping Works

When you smoke or vape cannabis, the cannabinoids are quickly absorbed by your lungs and enter your bloodstream, so you'll feel the effects within a few minutes. 

On the other hand, cannabinoids in edibles must be digested and metabolized by the liver, but since inhaled cannabinoids bypass the liver, it results in a quicker onset of effects. As a result, this will give you a faster, more predictable onset, and a slightly different psychoactive experience due to the type of THC that enters the bloodstream directly. Inhalation methods are popular because they offer quicker relief.

Various Methods of Usage

• Joints are one of the easiest forms of cannabis available as they are rolled with cannabis buds. They're easy to use but aren't as discreet as edibles. 
• Pipes are handy and easy to deal with a smokeable device allowing the smoker to take a quick small hit. It does not require rolling paper but still generates visible smoke. 
• Vaporizers heat cannabis at a low temperature so that you inhale vapor rather than smoke. If you're worried about your lungs, they can be a better choice. Moreover, they don't give off any odor, unlike joints, making them pretty discreet. Also, vaporizers let you control your hits as you can control the temperature and take smaller hits to achieve the effects you want. This can also change the quality and flavor of your weed. 
• Bongs are used to filter the smoke through water which cools it down and makes it smoother to inhale. They're typically larger and not made to be portable, but they deliver a harder hit because of the volume you inhale. 

Onset Time and Duration of Effects

Edibles

The effects of these edibles differ slightly based on the type of edible chosen. Fat-rich edibles like chocolates have stronger effects because they allow for higher absorption of the THC.

In addition, edibles take longer to produce effects than something that you smoke or inhale. As they need to be digested and processed, the effects can take about 30 minutes to 2 hours to hit, but it also depends on many other factors like what you've consumed, your metabolism, and the edible's potency.

However, although they are slow to hit, the effects last longer than other methods (6 to 8 hours or longer), which is particularly helpful for those who want to remain in a medicated state for long periods. 

But, this may also prod you to consume more. Some people might take too much cannabis at first if they don't feel anything for a while, which is why it is important to use a low dose first and wait for the effects.

Smoking

Smoking or vaping is very popular as you can feel the effects quickly within 1-5 minutes. Due to the fast absorption, the effects are fast and you can alter the amount you consume as and when you need it, which is especially helpful for users who prefer precise control over their experience. As inhaling it works fairly quickly, the effects also wear off quickly, so you'll not feel them much after 1-3 hours although the THC peaks within just 30 minutes. 

Many users love this short period as it offers more freedom to control when you smoke cannabis and how often throughout the day. To sum it up, smoking and vaping are effective methods that deliver a quick high that is potent and can be controlled instantly. They are suitable for users looking for quicker effects but for a shorter duration.

Coming to the intensity of the effects, both edibles and inhaled cannabis can produce similar effects (relaxation, euphoria, enhanced sensory perception, and pain relief) but they are usually not the same. Edibles usually produce a full-body effect, which is apparently stronger according to some users. This feeling often causes a “body high” that makes you relax and also feel drowsy at the same time. Thus, users seeking help with physical pain, stress, or sleeplessness often choose them.

Smoking and vaping are light, cerebral highs that hit quickly but do not stick around for long. Many people like this light “high” or buzz while they socialize and work on creative activities. Though inhaling these strains can still get you a strong body high, it is generally considered easier on the mind than edibles, which can be overwhelming to some.

Health Considerations

Risks and Benefits on Lung Health, Digestion, and Metabolism

If you're wondering what you should choose between smoking and vaping, perhaps the effects on your lungs will steer you towards the right choice.

This is not to say that vaping is healthy — no, don't take it up if you don't have the habit of smoking — but it's safer than smoking at the very least. 

Using a joint or a pipe for smoking cannabis could irritate the lungs. You may not notice it at first, but with time, it can take a toll on your lungs and may even lead to respiratory issues if you have a weak immune system. Remember that although cannabis has many benefits, the process of combustion produces a lot of harmful byproducts like tar and carbon monoxide. These substances can irritate the airways and lead to chronic bronchitis if you smoke cannabis regularly.

In this regard, vaping is seen as a better choice as it doesn't burn your weed. Vaporizers only heat the herb rather than burning it to limit the formation of harmful toxins. 

That said, be cautious and procure vaporizers only from trusted manufacturers. There are many types of THC carts available nowadays but the problem is that they are found even in gas stations and you'll be hard-pressed to find out if it's authentic or not. Although they may be cheaper, it's best to shop on reputed sites to avoid some heartache later down the line. 

Coming to edibles, you're already aware of how your liver processes it and the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream to produce effects. This may create extra strain on your digestive system, especially if you have gastritis or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). But for most people, digesting it is pretty easy. The liver changes THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which can have a more sedative effect; therefore, edibles appeal to those with insomnia or chronic pain. On the other hand, edibles are metabolized in the liver, so they might have a stronger effect. This could create an uncomfortable experience for anyone with a liver issue or anyone who tends to overconsume.

If you want to manage your weight or appetite, edibles have a greater effect on metabolism. So, depending on which edible you consume, cannabis will create a strong urge to eat more: a side effect known as the munchies. On the other hand, inhaling or smoking cannabis typically has a faster effect, which can be good for short-term appetite stimulation, but it does not make you eat as much as you would when consuming edibles. 

Dosage Control and Tolerance

The dosage and your tolerance will go a long way to ensure you have a smooth experience with cannabis, regardless of your method of consumption. Edibles and smoking/vaping have both advantages and disadvantages and you can adjust based on your preferences. 

Dosage Control: Edibles vs. Smoking/Vaping

One advantage of using cannabis edibles is that they come with pre-measured doses that won't confuse you and you don't have to do anything other than figuring out how much you need and use accordingly. 

However, remember not to overdo it with edibles! Start low (usually 5mg or less of THC), and wait at least two hours before deciding to eat more. Since each dose gives your body enough time to process and absorb the THC, you can tell how it feels.

With smoking or vaping, you feel the effects within a few seconds to a few minutes and can thus increase or decrease the amount taken accordingly. You can have a puff, wait until it kicks in, and then decide whether to take more. This gives you more flexibility than edibles as you can change the high by taking small puffs or larger hits based on how you feel. 

Developing and Handling Tolerance Levels

Repeatedly using edibles can lead to a gradual increase in THC tolerance over time. As your body gets used to the effects, you might require a higher dose to get similar effects. This is especially true with chronic use as your body adapts to such doses by becoming less sensitive to THC with the help of cannabinoid receptors. To avoid this, some users take tolerance breaks, otherwise known as T-breaks. Here, you simply stop using cannabis for at least a few weeks or months to reset your sensitivity and avoid abusing the herb. 

The same goes for smoking or vaping as well. Using too much can make you develop a tolerance over time. After a while, you might stop enjoying THC as it no longer affects you the way it used to. However, you can take a t-break and fix it to some extent. 

Convenience and Discretion

People often choose edibles instead of smoking or vaping because of how easy it is to consume them. Though both methods are user-friendly and visible in public, many forms of legal restrictions affect them differently. 

Edibles

• Can be used anywhere 

One of the biggest advantages of edibles is portability. You can easily stash a pack of gummies or chocolate bars in your pocket and carry them anywhere you like. They don't need anything fancy: just grab one, put it in your mouth, and go on with your day. Because of this, they are ideal for individuals who do not want to overcomplicate their cannabis consumption and are always on the go.

Eating an edible is easy too. You don't have to light anything, deal with smoking, or have a device on you, unlike smoking or vaping. Just eat it and wait for the effects.

• Smell 

One of the advantages of edibles is that they do not have any smell at all, meaning you can use them everywhere, whether it's in public or at work. Most importantly, you won't smell like cannabis or have it stick to your clothes, making them perfect for those who want to keep their consumption discreet or not stand out.

Because edibles look just like other snacks, they do not raise any curiosity. A bag of gummies or a chocolate bar can be easily mistaken for a regular treat, making it almost impossible for others to know what you are eating. 

Smoking

• Portability

While smoking and vaping are portable, they're not as easy to carry around as edibles. Also, if you're using something like a pipe or bong, you may need to carry extra accessories like lighters, pipes, or water for bongs. Moreover, the fact that they require charging and maintenance when you are on the go can be a hassle. 

In fact, it's easier to use a vape than a pipe or even a bong, as it uses a simpler one-button system that requires little setup. Even so, joints must be rolled, which can be difficult. Lighting joints or pipes can become tricky, especially if it's windy or you're trying to light up discreetly. Thus, generally, it's easier to vape than smoke from a pipe or joint, but it still requires some effort compared to edibles. 

• Smell

The most significant downside of smoking or vaping is the smell. The strong smell of cannabis from a joint can make it immediately obvious something is amiss. The scent can linger in the air, on clothes, and in your hair. This makes smoking and vaping easier to spot in public.

Although vaping can produce less odor than smoking, it can still leave a detectable scent, particularly when using concentrated oils or flavored e-liquids. In addition, some vapes can have a strong aroma, depending on the strain used, which can give away your cover. When you're in public, vaping looks less suspicious than smoking a joint or pipe, but it's still way more detectable than edibles. 

However, compared to smoking a pipe/joint and vaping, vaping is more discreet as the smell won't be as obvious as using a pipe. In addition, the cloud of vapor from a vaporizer dissipates much faster than that of smoke. This might help you conceal your consumption in many situations, especially in a private setting like your home.

Cost Comparison

Cost is an important consideration when comparing edibles and smoking/vaping as it's one of the first things you think about. The initial and ongoing expenses for each of these methods can vary widely, depending on the frequency of use as well as the quality of the product and the type of device or edible used.

Edibles

Edibles usually come in pre-packaged doses so their price is based on their potency and the type of edible. These could be gummies, chocolates, and beverages. So, you can expect to pay about $30 to $50 for a package of 10-20 servings at about 5-10 mg THC per serving. A chocolate bar that contains a total THC content of 100 mg may cost more. 

Of course, some edibles contain other ingredients too. For instance, gummies made to help with insomnia may contain melatonin and other ingredients meant to induce sleep. Some products may contain CBD and other cannabinoids too. In such cases, the price may be higher. 

The cost can add up pretty quickly, especially if you like higher doses (10-50 mg of THC). Over time, the cost of edibles is likely to be higher than smoking since the per-serving cost is more than the buds.

If you eat one edible per day, a pack of gummies sold for $50 might last you 20 days, but if you eat one serving a day, you will spend about $1.5-$3 per day.

The cost of higher-dose or complex edibles, like baked goods or beverages, can go much higher, with some edibles costing closer to $7 to $10 per serving.

In short, edibles are a bit more expensive per dose than smoking or vaping, because of the preparation and infusion process that occurs, but you can reduce the costs if you make them at home. 

Smoking

The initial investment to smoke cannabis is not very high as most people use joints or pipes. Depending on the strain and where you've purchased it from, one gram of cannabis buds can cost anywhere from costs $8-$15, which means that each joint costs about $3 to $8.

You must pay for the pipe or bong itself, which can cost anything from $10 to $200 depending on quality and design. Nonetheless, this is a one-off expenditure that goes a long way, as long as you take good care of it.

On the flip side, a vape pen is priced around $20 to $100, but the cartridges — which are basically cannabis oil — can cost you $20 to $50 per gram. It all depends on the quality and brand of the product used for vaping. One cartridge usually lasts for a few sessions. Each session costs around $3 to $5, depending on how much you use. 

Also, remember that the quantity of weed one smokes/vapes per session is decidedly less, which helps a lot in managing cost and consumption. A gram of flower gets you anywhere from 3-4 sessions (how much you take each time). With a $10 gram, your per-session cost would be about $2.50 to $3.50.

When you frequently smoke or vape (such as once daily), a $10 gram usually lasts up to 3 to 4 days, meaning you're spending $2.50 to $3.50 daily.

Cartridges for vape pens have a price that can make you regret your choice but they do tend to last a little longer than the buds. For instance, a cartridge that costs $30 can last for a week or two depending on its usage. For those who use vaporizers, this brings the daily cost down to about $2 to $4, which makes it more economical in the long run than using edibles. 

Which Method Suits You Best?

Now that you know the pros and cons of each method, you're probably wondering what you should choose. 

Let's take a look at a few factors that can make things easier for you. 

1. Lifestyle and convenience

Edibles may be more suitable for those who want to be discreet. They are also good for those who want low-maintenance options. After consuming, you don't need to clean any pipe or maintain it to ensure it works properly the next time. With edibles, you just have to pop one into your mouth and enjoy it. 

On the other hand, smoking and vaping might be ideal for those who like the process of consuming weed and want to feel the effects immediately. If you want a social experience, you may prefer smoking or vaping because these methods allow you to quickly adjust your dosage, which is useful in situations when you want instant relief.

2. Health Considerations

Edibles are often the best option for those who don't want to smoke. People usually choose edibles as they want to enjoy the effects of marijuana while avoiding the lung damage caused by smoke. Since no burning is involved, they are a lung-friendly choice for long-term users or people with lung problems.

On the other hand, those who want to feel the effects immediately usually go for smoking. However, if you're worried about your lungs but don't want to use edibles, vaping is the best method for you. 

3. Tolerance and Dosing

If you're new to cannabis or have a lower tolerance, the right method would be vaping. This way, you'll feel the effects in a matter of minutes, allowing you to gauge how much you should consume, and you won't risk overdoing it. Like smoking, you can always take smaller hits or wait for a while before taking another while vaping. 

Edibles take longer to kick in, so there's a possibility of overdoing it, especially if you're new and aren't careful. Thus, start with the lowest dose and wait for a few hours before consuming more again, as the effects may take time to kick in.

4. Desired Effects

If you want a quick effect like pain relief or anxiety relief, you may want to smoke a joint or vape a cannabis concentrate. When you feel the effects, you can take some more if you need to. Compared to smoking, vaping can often give you a smoother experience as it is less harmful to the lungs and is less smelly.

If you're looking for a lasting buzz, or need long-lasting relief for various medical conditions, edibles may be more appropriate. Because the effects of edibles last much longer, you may be able to enjoy hours of relief from a single dose. This is helpful for conditions that require long-lasting relief, such as insomnia or muscle pain.

Summary: Edibles Vs. Smoking: Which Method Is Right for You?

When weighing between edibles vs. smoking or vaping, there are pros and cons to both. Your choice basically depends on personal preference, lifestyle, and health considerations.  

Edibles are great for users who have a discreet experience and want to feel the effects over time.  If you don't mind the wait and need relief for many hours, it's a good option. They are also perfect for people who want to avoid smoke and burning.

The simplest and safest way to consume cannabis edibles is to begin with small amounts. This means that you should start with low-dose edibles ranging between 5-10mg THC per serving. Wait for one or two hours to feel the effects and take it slow because overconsumption can be overwhelming.

The best part is that many edibles come pre-dosed to make it easier to know the exact quantity you're consuming. You can also make your own edibles so you know exactly what you've used. 

If you have the time to spare, edibles are great for an evening with friends or even if you're alone at home. Just make sure you have a good playlist! These are great for evenings and times when you have a few hours to unwind and feel the effects.

Coming to smoking or vaping, the advantage is that you can control your dosage right away. Begin with just one or two puffs and then wait a few minutes to feel the effects before taking more. It prevents you from taking too much and feeling anxious or uncomfortable.

If smoking is too harsh for you, a vaporizer will be a better option as it also provides a smooth experience. It heats cannabis at a lower temperature, is more gentle on the lungs, and produces a different flavor than smoking.

Ultimately, choose something you will enjoy but look at the pros and cons carefully so you don't waste money.