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Edibles vs Smoking: The Effects and Differences
W
eed edibles have become increasingly prevalent in today's market. Dispensaries now offer a vast array of cannabis-infused foods, catering to adventurous consumers who seek to expand their cannabis consumption options. As this form of consuming cannabis continues to grow in popularity, it's crucial to gain a clear understanding of what to expect from it.
If you’ve never tried edibles before and are curious about why many people express a preference for them over smoking, we’ll guide you through their effects and the distinctions they possess compared to inhaled cannabis. Specifically, we’ll delve into the variations between snacks and inhaled forms of cannabis.
Effects and Differences
As mentioned earlier, edibles take considerably longer to take effect compared to smoked cannabis, sometimes even up to two hours. Consuming large doses of edible cannabis can result in an occasionally unpleasant head-high, which is why we recommend starting with smaller amounts to achieve a potentially more comfortable high. Like any substance, users should begin with modest doses and gradually increase them as they become more accustomed to the effects.
Challenges in Dosing Edibles
While micro-dosage varies depending on the person, an average microdose is about 1/20 to 1/10 of a “full” psychedelic dose. This varies depending on several factors, including diet, weight and metabolism. We suggest starting with 50mg or 100mg, reflecting on the experience and increasing from there if needed. Generally, the dosage goes between 50mg to 400mg, but it is important to start small and increase slowly by 50mg to 75mg to find the dosage that works for you specifically.
If you experience an increase in anxiety, we suggest lowering the dose.
When to Dose
Ideally, edibles would always be accurately dosed, ensuring consistency between one experience and another. Unfortunately, this ideal scenario is not yet a reality in 2023. Even professional dispensaries occasionally struggle to comprehend and accurately measure the advertised dose in their edible products. Due to the delay between ingestion and the onset of effects, consumers may sometimes overestimate the dose. It’s important to remain calm when consuming edibles and not panic if you feel the effects intensify.
Different Absorption of THC
Generally, marijuana-infused edibles are stronger than smoked cannabis. The active metabolite in edibles is more potent, making it more effective in crossing the blood-brain barrier. On the other hand, inhaled THC undergoes a distinct metabolic process. Instead of passing through the digestive system before reaching the brain, THC from smoking travels directly to the brain. Consequently, the effects of smoked cannabis are felt more rapidly but also diminish more quickly.
Edibles as a Healthier Option
Edibles gained popularity among individuals who dislike the harsh taste of inhaled cannabis and those seeking an alternative without the long-term effects of smoke. In many ways, edibles provide a budget-friendly and healthier means of consuming weed, as they don’t require expensive equipment or elaborate preparation like vaporization does. Moreover, edible recipes need not always revolve around stereotypical sugary and unhealthy treats. If desired, it is relatively simple to infuse cannabis into various dishes.
Despite being commonly perceived as stronger, edibles actually introduce a smaller amount of THC into the bloodstream (think 20% versus 60%). The reason why people believe edibles have more potent effects is because they dissipate gradually, whereas inhaled cannabis reaches its peak within a few minutes.