Jump to a section:
- What are the Pros of Smoking Cannabis Flower?
- What are the Cons of Smoking Weed?
- What are the Pros of THC Edibles?
- What are the Cons of THC Edibles?
- The Effects of Edibles vs Smoking: Pros and Cons
- Vaping Weed: A Safer & More Discreet Option?
- Missouri’s Best Edibles, Weed Strains, & Vapes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Are you new to the world of cannabis, or looking to vary your consumption method? Comparing edibles vs smoking pros and cons can be quite a dilemma. Both methods have their benefits, depending on your preferences. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of both edibles and smoking (and edibles vs vapes!) to help you make an informed decision. Let’s delve into the world of edibles vs smoking pros and cons and find out which method suits you best!
What are the Pros of Smoking Cannabis Flower?
Smoking cannabis has been the most popular method of cannabis consumption for centuries. There are several advantages to this method that make it appealing to many users:
1. Fast-Acting Effects
One of the main benefits of smoking weed is the fast onset of effects. When you smoke, cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs, allowing you to feel effects almost immediately. This is particularly advantageous for those looking for quick relief from pain or anxiety.
2. Adjustable Dosage
Another advantage of smoking cannabis is the ability to control your dosage in the moment. With smoking, you can take a hit, wait a few minutes, and assess how you feel before deciding if you need more. This level of control is especially useful for beginners who are still figuring out their optimal dosage.
3. Strain-Specific Benefits
Smoking weed also offers a wide variety of strains and flavors to choose from. Every strain has a unique formulation of cannabinoids & terpenes, providing diverse benefits. The customizable range of strain options allows you to tailor your cannabis experience to your specific needs and wants.
What are the Cons of Smoking Weed?
While smoking cannabis flower has its benefits, there are also some downsides that need to be considered. These include:
1. Lung & Throat Health
One of the biggest concerns with smoking weed is its potential harm to your lungs. Inhaling smoke can be harsh on the throat and irritate the respiratory system. This may lead to coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues– which are particularly problematic for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis.
2. Smoky Smell
Another drawback of smoking weed is the smell. The distinct odor of cannabis smoke can linger on your clothes, hair, and surroundings, making it difficult to maintain discretion. This is a concern for individuals who want to consume cannabis without drawing attention.
When comparing edibles vs smoking pros and cons, keep these disadvantages of smoking in mind.
What are the Pros of THC Edibles?
Weed edibles have gained popularity in recent years! Some of the advantages of the many cannabis edible options on the market include:
1. Long-Lasting, Potent Effects
One of the main benefits of edibles is the long-lasting, intense high they provide. When you consume cannabis orally, the cannabinoids are metabolized by the liver, resulting in a more potent and prolonged effect. This is appealing if you’re seeking a more intense and sustained experience.
2. Convenient & Discreet
Another advantage of edibles is the convenience they offer. Unlike smoking, which requires the use of a pipe, bong, or rolling papers, edibles can be easily consumed anywhere, anytime. This makes them a popular choice for individuals who are constantly on the go or prefer a more discreet method of consumption.
3. Variety of Options
The wide variety of weed edible forms, flavors, and dosages allows everyone to find the perfect option for their preferences. From gummies and chocolates to infused beverages and savory snacks, as well as formulations that include various cannabinoids and dosages, there is a vast array of edibles to choose from!
What are the Cons of THC Edibles?
Despite their appeal, edibles also come with their own set of drawbacks that need to be taken into consideration.
1. Slower Onset Time
One of the main challenges with edibles is the longer onset time. Unlike smoking, which delivers immediate effects, edibles take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in. This delayed onset can lead to impatience and overconsumption, as individuals may mistakenly believe that the edible is not working and consume more than necessary. This leads us to our next point:
2. Potential for Discomfort
Another problem with edibles, especially for beginners, is the difficulty in achieving precise dosing. Since the effects take longer to manifest and can vary depending on metabolism and tolerance, it can be challenging to determine your ideal dosage when first starting out. This uncertainty, combined with the long-lasting effects of edibles, could result in unpredictable or uncomfortable experiences due to overconsumption.
Note: When considering edibles vs smoking pros and cons, always keep the slower onset of edibles top of mind! The rule of thumb for edibles is “start low and go slow.” If you’re just getting started with edibles, start with a 5 mg (or less) dose and wait at least 2 hours before taking any more to gauge your tolerance and effects. Careful consumption of edibles will negate most of their “cons.”
The Effects of Edibles vs Smoking: Pros and Cons
Smoking weed and consuming edibles produce different effects due to the distinct ways in which cannabinoids are absorbed by the body. Are edibles better than smoking? It depends on the effects you’re looking for.
When you smoke cannabis, the cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed through the lungs and enter the bloodstream, resulting in a fast-acting and immediate high. Smoking is often associated with a more uplifting and cerebral experience, making it popular among those looking for a quick mood boost or creative stimulation.
On the other hand, edibles undergo a different metabolic process. When you consume a weed edible, the cannabinoids are first processed by the liver, where they are converted into a more potent form known as 11-hydroxy-THC– a compound that has a higher affinity for the brain’s receptors. This leads to a more intense, body-centered high. The effects of edibles are typically described as more relaxing, sedating, and physically euphoric compared to smoking. For this reason, many people opt for edibles for pain relief.
Vaping Weed: A Safer & More Discreet Option?
If you are looking for the fast-acting effects of smoking, but are concerned about the lingering smell and the potential lung harm smoking can cause, vaping may be a preferable choice for you.
Vaping weed involves heating cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that produces vapor but does not combust the plant material. This eliminates combustion byproducts like tar and carbon monoxide, which are harmful to the respiratory system.
Weed vaporizers come in various forms, including disposable vape pens or reusable batteries with interchangeable cartridges or pods. Vaping cannabis offers a more discreet, smoke-free method of inhalation, making it preferable if you want quick cannabis effects without anyone knowing.
Edibles vs Vaping
Are edibles better than vaping? Again, it depends upon your desired effects. When comparing edibles vs smoking pros and cons, don’t forget to take weed vapes into consideration too.
While vapes and edibles are both discreet methods of consuming weed, edibles take longer to take effect and last longer, while vaping provides faster-acting effects that wear off sooner.
Keep in mind that vaping is similar to smoking in that it provides more of a “head high,” while edibles are known for their “body high,” thanks to the metabolic process they undergo.
Missouri’s Best Edibles, Weed Strains, & Vapes
Choosing between edibles vs smoking pros and cons ultimately comes down to personal preferences and lifestyle considerations. Consider factors such as your tolerance, desired effects, time constraints, and overall comfort level when making your decision to inhale or consume. It may also be beneficial to experiment with both methods to determine which one suits you best in different situations.
Whether you opt for smoking cannabis flower, consuming THC edibles, or vaping weed, From The Earth Missouri has a variety of pure and potent product options to meet your needs.
Shop now at a From The Earth Missouri dispensary near you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the main benefits of smoking cannabis flower?
Smoking cannabis offers fast-acting effects and the ability to control dosage easily. It also provides a wide variety of strains for different needs.
What are the drawbacks of smoking cannabis?
Potential harm to lung and throat health and the strong, lingering odor of cannabis smoke are primary concerns.
What makes THC edibles popular?
Edibles are known for their long-lasting, potent effects, convenience, discretion, and a wide variety of options in forms and flavors.
What are the cons of using THC edibles?
The slower onset time of effects and the potential for overconsumption due to delayed effects are the main drawbacks.
How do the effects of edibles compare to smoking?
Edibles produce a more intense, body-centered high due to a different metabolic process, whereas smoking results in a quicker, more cerebral high.
Is vaping a good alternative to smoking or edibles?
Vaping offers a balance with fast-acting effects like smoking but with less odor and respiratory irritation. It’s more discreet than smoking but has similar “head high” effects.
Why Trust From The Earth Missouri Dispensaries
Discover the world of premium cannabis with From the Earth’s Missouri recreational dispensaries, where quality meets expertise. Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or new to the scene, our wide selection of weed products, from edibles to concentrates, and our team of dedicated budtenders ensure a tailored experience to enhance your lifestyle. Visit us at one of our five Missouri dispensary locations in Kansas City, Independence, or Raytown.
About From The Earth
From The Earth is a fully licensed cannabis dispensary built with our community in mind. Our team personalizes each customer experience based on your unique needs. We are here to help you learn about cannabis, live with the benefits, and grow as an individual.
About the Author:
David Craig is the Chief Marketing Officer for Illicit and From The Earth. Born and raised in Kansas City, Craig has been on the ground floor of developing multiple lifestyle and retail brands in the cannabis, fitness, and entertainment industries from Las Vegas to New York City.
From The Earth’s Missouri Dispensary Services
Enjoy in-store and online shopping with in-store pickup at all five of our dispensary locations.
Our Brookside location in Kansas City also offers a convenient dispensary drive-thru.
You can take advantage of our dispensary delivery services when ordering from our Independence, Raytown, and Westside locations.
Our Location
From The Earth has five recreational dispensaries in Missouri. Our three locations in Kansas City include Downtown, Brookside, and Westside. You can also find us in Independence and Raytown. View our dispensary locations here.
