There are a couple of options when it comes to consuming marijuana, and these are often classified under either smoking or eating. Some people prefer smoking marijuana, others prefer eating it. Depending on your experience with marijuana, you probably know why you prefer to consume it the way you do. Still, there are some people who don’t know the difference between the two and don’t really care as long as they benefit at the end of the day. 

But it is good to know how these two ways of consuming marijuana, and the effects of each of them. Preference may be based on health effects, strength, and price, etc, so the best way is simply what you find convenient enough for you. 

There are a few differences between how the two methods work, below is a quick breakdown.

Metabolism and Absorption

When you smoke marijuana, it does not get absorbed the same way it does when you eat it. When you smoke it, tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) is directly absorbed into the brain. This is why smoking marijuana has a quicker effect than eating it. Also, while it takes effect almost immediately, the feeling will not stay for a very long period.

On the other hand, when you eat marijuana edibles, the THC gets absorbed differently. It is metabolized in the liver where it is turned into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is a psychoactive metabolite. As a result, it gives off a gradual lasting effect when compared to smoking marijuana.

Dosing Differences

You will likely over-indulge on an edible than when smoking marijuana. This is because you cannot really tell how much THC you are consuming through an edible. You will feel the effect faster when smoking marijuana, so you can dose as needed. While edibles take longer to take effect than smoking, you might find yourself consuming more to fasten the process. 

The standard dose for THC is 10 milligrams in most legal markets, and this is the measurement used in labs when testing different marijuana products. This gives off a mild effect of the THC, so dosage may be more or less depending on your tolerance and the kind of experience you want.

Onset Time

There is also a difference between the time that it takes for edible and smoked marijuana to kick in. When you smoke marijuana, you will probably start to feel the effect after about 10 to 20 minutes, but edible marijuana will take longer, often between 30 minutes to up to 2hours. So if you prefer edible cannabis, don’t push it, especially if you are not used to it. The THC will eventually be absorbed and the effects will slowly kick in. 

As there are differences between smoking and eating marijuana, the two also have their own pros and cons. Let’s start with the pros and cons of smoking marijuana.

Pros

Cheaper

One of the reasons why people prefer smoking marijuana is that it is cheaper than edibles. In fact, what you would get for $20 of smoking would last three times more than what you would get for an edible.

Gets You High Faster

Another advantage of smoking marijuana is because you will feel the effects faster than edibles. With smoking, the THC is absorbed in the lungs and gets to the brain faster than when eaten, hence takes a shorter time to take effect. 

Cons

Short Duration of Experience

While smoking marijuana might get you high faster, the effect does not last for long. This explains why people who take marijuana for medicinal benefits prefer edibles to smoking it. 

Negative Health Effects

Smoking marijuana might also long term health effects than when compared to edibles. The effects of smoking marijuana can either be carcinogenic or toxic, which is why people prefer other alternative methods.

Pros and Cons of Edible Cannabis

Edible cannabis also has a few pros and cons explained below.

Pros

No Smell

Smoking marijuana leaves a lingering smell, but edibles have no smell at all. This means that even for states with very strict marijuana laws, you can always carry your edibles and enjoy them in public without breaking any rules. 

Long-lasting kind of High

Edible cannabis may take longer to kick in, and the high might not be intense but it will last way longer than that you get from smoking. Smoking gives you an intense kind of high that is short-lived, but the effects of edibles last for a longer time.

Cons

Hard to Manage

Edibles are hard to manage, and before getting the measurements right, you will find yourself either taking too much and end up having a rather unpleasant experience, or you will take too little to feel the kind of high you expected. If it’s your first time, we recommend trying them at home. Just so you’re not tempted to eat them while out, we recommend getting your edibles delivered. 

Which One is Best?

This will depend on the individual. Some people prefer a faster and more intense effect than a slower and rather gradual one. Depending on the kind of experience you want, you can better decide what is best for you. But it is also good to remember that there are other health effects associated with smoking, so edibles would be best if you want a healthy alternative.