One of the best parts of using cannabis is that you have many options to consume it. Based on your personal preferences, you can switch to smoking, vaping, or edibles. Additionally, a wide range of options are available in flowers, concentrates, marijuana-infused foods, which you can access with a recommendation from 420 doctors in New Jersey.
However, before deciding any cannabis consumption method, make sure you understand that they don’t work the same way. In other words, you will experience different medicinal effects from different delivery methods. Read on to learn more.
What are the Major Differences Between Smoking & Eating Marijuana?
Onset Time
This is one of the biggest differences between smoking marijuana and edible. When you smoke the herb, cannabinoids are absorbed in the bloodstream directly through the lungs. Thus, after inhaling cannabis, you will feel the effects within a few minutes.
But, this doesn’t happen in the case of edibles. The cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive tract and then reach the bloodstream. In other words, edibles take longer to kick in, usually 30 minutes to 120 minutes, depending on the concentration of cannabinoids.
Here’s an explainer video about smoking and eating cannabis-
Potency
Smoking and eating cannabis don’t produce the same effects. Edibles deliver more potent effects than smoking. In other words, edibles produce a different high than smoking.
When you eat cannabis-infused brownies or other foods, THC is converted into a different molecule, known as 11-hydroxy-THC. This is an extra potent version of THC. Thus, edibles provide more intense effects.
However, the medicinal effects of marijuana vary from consumer to consumer. This is because everyone has different conditions and tolerance levels.
Duration of Effects
Edibles last longer than smoking. Usually, they can last for several hours. Again, the duration of effects depends on several factors, such as concentrations of cannabinoids, rate of metabolism, etc.
In the case of smoking and vaping, the effects peak about 10 minutes after inhalation. Smoking effects usually last 1–3 hours.
So, be patient when eating marijuana. You should wait for at least 2 hours before taking the second dose.
Health Effects
Smoking involves burning of the substance to a high temperature. So, the smoke contains many of the harmful carcinogens, which are inhaled along with cannabinoids. Smoking marijuana is linked to lung problems and various other health issues.
On the other hand, edibles are safe. The only concern is that they come in the form of dessert, such as gummies, brownies, chocolates, etc., which have high amounts of sugar. But, not all edibles contain high sugar content. You can find edibles containing low sugar amounts.
In conclusion, smoking and eating marijuana work differently. The former method delivers cannabinoids into the system instantly while the latter takes longer. Edibles provide more potent effects due to the fact that THC is converted into a more potent molecule.
Smoking or edibles, which one to choose depends entirely on you. Go for smoking if you need instant medicinal effects. Prefer edibles if you require lasting relief. Or, you can talk to a licensed doctor for professional help.
To access cannabis products legally from state-licensed dispensaries, apply for a marijuana evaluation. At MD Ganja, you can get a doctor’s recommendation in just 10 minutes. Here’s the process-
- Sign up for an account online
- See one of the 420 doctors New Jersey
- Receive recommendation letter in PDF instantly