When it comes to consuming cannabis, two methods dominate: edibles and smoking. Each offers distinct experiences, benefits, and considerations. Understanding the differences can help you choose the method that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
This guide compares cannabis edibles (including gummies, baked goods, and infused foods) with smoking (flower, pre-rolls) across key factors like onset time, duration, dosing, and health considerations.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Factor | 🍬 Edibles | 🚬 Smoking |
|---|---|---|
| Onset Time | 30 min - 2 hours | Immediate - 10 min |
| Duration | 4-8+ hours | 1-3 hours |
| Intensity | Often stronger, body-focused | Controllable, head-focused |
| Dosing Ease | Pre-dosed, consistent | Variable, harder to measure |
| Discretion | Very discreet | Noticeable smell |
| Lung Health | No lung exposure | Potential irritation |
| Beginner Friendly | ⚠️ Caution needed | ✓ Easier to control |
How Each Method Works
🍬 How Edibles Work
When you eat cannabis, it travels through your digestive system to your liver. There, THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that's actually more potent and crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively.
This process explains why edibles often feel stronger and last longer than smoked cannabis—your body creates a more powerful version of THC during digestion.
Mouth → Stomach → Liver (conversion) → Bloodstream → Brain
🚬 How Smoking Works
When you inhale cannabis smoke, THC passes through your lungs and enters your bloodstream directly. From there, it travels to your brain within seconds, producing almost immediate effects.
Because the THC bypasses your liver initially, it reaches your brain as Delta-9-THC rather than the more potent 11-hydroxy-THC, resulting in a different type of high.
Lungs → Bloodstream → Brain (almost instantly)
Onset Time and Duration
⏱️ Edibles Timeline
Important: Many people make the mistake of taking more edibles because they don't feel effects quickly. Always wait at least 2 hours before considering additional doses.
⏱️ Smoking Timeline
The quick onset allows for easier dose control. You can take a puff, wait a few minutes to assess effects, and decide whether to continue.
The Experience: How They Feel Different
Edibles High
- ✓ More body-focused experience
- ✓ Often described as "heavier" or more "full-body"
- ✓ Can feel more psychedelic at higher doses
- ✓ More sedating for many users
- ✓ Better for long-lasting relief
- ✓ May help with sleep due to duration
Smoking High
- ✓ More head-focused experience
- ✓ Often described as "lighter" or "cleaner"
- ✓ Easier to remain functional
- ✓ Strain-specific effects more noticeable
- ✓ Better for social situations
- ✓ Easier to dose for desired intensity
Dosing Guidelines
⚠️ The Golden Rule of Edibles
"Start low, go slow." This is especially important with edibles because once you've consumed too much, you'll need to wait several hours for effects to subside. There's no quick fix for an edible that's too strong.
Edibles Dosing Chart (THC)
| Dose | Experience Level | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2.5mg | Microdose | Mild relief, enhanced focus, minimal impairment |
| 2.5-5mg | Beginner | Noticeable relaxation, slight euphoria |
| 5-15mg | Intermediate | Stronger euphoria, impaired coordination |
| 15-30mg | Experienced | Strong effects, significant impairment |
| 30mg+ | High Tolerance | Very strong, for experienced users only |
Health Considerations
✓ Edibles Advantages
- No lung exposure: No smoke or vapor in your respiratory system
- Longer relief: Extended duration ideal for chronic conditions
- Precise dosing: Pre-measured doses for consistency
- Discretion: No smell, looks like regular food
- No equipment: No need for papers, pipes, or lighters
⚠️ Edibles Risks
- Overconsumption: Easy to take too much while waiting for effects
- Delayed onset: Hard to gauge proper dose initially
- Longer duration: If uncomfortable, effects last hours
- Digestive variability: Effects vary based on what else you've eaten
- Calorie content: Many edibles contain sugar and calories
✓ Smoking Advantages
- Immediate onset: Effects felt within minutes
- Easy dose control: Can stop when desired effect is reached
- Shorter duration: Effects wear off in 1-3 hours
- Strain effects: Terpene profiles are more noticeable
- Quick relief: Ideal for acute symptoms
⚠️ Smoking Risks
- Respiratory effects: Smoke can irritate lungs
- Carcinogens: Combustion creates harmful compounds
- Smell: Very noticeable odor
- Not discreet: Obvious when consuming
- Variable quality: Inconsistent dosing with flower
Which Method is Right for You?
Choose Edibles If You...
- ✓ Want to avoid smoking
- ✓ Need long-lasting effects
- ✓ Prefer discreet consumption
- ✓ Have respiratory concerns
- ✓ Want precise, consistent doses
- ✓ Are treating chronic conditions
Choose Smoking If You...
- ✓ Want immediate effects
- ✓ Need quick symptom relief
- ✓ Prefer shorter duration
- ✓ Want more control over dosing
- ✓ Enjoy the ritual experience
- ✓ Want to experience specific strains
Consider Both If You...
- ✓ Have varying needs throughout the day
- ✓ Want flexibility in consumption
- ✓ Are managing different symptoms
- ✓ Like variety in your experience
Explore Our Product Range
Whether you prefer edibles, flower, or want to try both, we have quality options to suit your needs.