Cannabis Edibles vs. Smoking: Understanding the Differences and Benefits

Cannabis smoking was the only way to consume cannabis in the past. Cannabis edibles are now more popular due to the increased acceptance of cannabis.Cannabis-infused edibles, once limited to hippies in Amsterdam and their streets, offer another way to enjoy cannabis. Edibles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are available at different price points.This article compares edibles and smoking. We will compare three factors to determine which is best:

• Health Effects
• Cost
• Enjoyment factor

What is edible food?

Edible marijuana products are food items infused with cannabinoids, like THC and CBD. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known cannabinoid and is responsible for the characteristic 'high' associated with marijuana use. A vast variety of edible products are available today, from THC-infused beverages like lemonade and soda to candies, brownies, and gummies. These products can all be found in medical and recreational dispensaries, such as the White Plains Dispensary.Some of the most popular fan favorites include

• Marmas - Strawberry Sativa Gummies
• CANN Blood Orange Cardamom Drinks
• Canyon - Chile Mango Lollipop

The most popular method to consume edible marijuana, aside from vaping and smoking, is by using it. While edibles are a great way to achieve the desired effects of cannabis, they also have some quirks that you should be aware of.You can imagine that there are many types of edible marijuana.

The Pros and Cons of Edibles

Let's start by comparing the pros and cons between smoking and using edibles.The Pros of Eating Edibles

• Many medical patients find that edibles are healthier than other forms of food, particularly those who have respiratory conditions or other health problems.
• You can find edibles to suit almost everyone's taste.
• In general, edibles are simple to make yourself.
• The effects of edibles are significantly longer lasting than those of other forms of consumption.
• Do edibles smell? Although some consumers may notice a subtle aftertaste, or lingering smell on their breath, edibles don't produce the pungent scents of cannabis flower, smoke, or vapor.

Cons of using Edibles

• It takes a lot longer for edibles to produce noticeable effects compared to sublingual tinctures or smoking. Smoking can have an effect within 15-30 minutes. Edibles, however, can take up to three hours.
• The proper dosage of edibles is difficult to determine and can make it easy to consume too much.
• Too many edibles may cause disordered thought, anxiety, panic and paranoia. They can also increase blood pressure.

What is healthier: Edibles or Smoking?

Inhaling smoke from edibles can cause irritation to the lungs and the throat.Edibles are a good alternative for patients who have lung or breathing issues.However, edibles do not come without risk. In addition to the sugar added, edibles have delayed effects that increase the risk of overdosing. It means that edibles can increase your risk of getting sick after using them.

What are the risks of smoking weed?

Smoking marijuana has its own unique risks. The most prominent are:

• Smoke can cause lung damage, which increases the risk of developing respiratory infections.
• Smoking marijuana can temporarily lower the immune system. This can increase the risk for infections, especially in the lungs.
• When smoking marijuana, it is harder to measure individual doses.
• Smoke inhalation can cause cancer.
• Burning can destroy some terpenes, cannabinoids and other compounds.
• Smoke from cannabis can leave a pungent odor that can stick to clothing and walls, making it less discrete than edibles.

Edibles have their own drawbacks and dangers

The onset of the effects is the biggest difference between edibles and smoking. Smoking may take only a few moments to start working, while edibles can take up to several hours. This may be the reason why some patients prefer to smoke.Edibles are also incredibly powerful compared to smoking. A patient might smoke a small amount and get the desired effect, but eat a tiny edible brownie to be incapacitated. It's not just because you can pack a lot of cannabinoids in some recipes. THC is also processed differently when eaten rather than inhaled.THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC by the liver when eaten. This is 2- 3-times stronger as regular THC. The same amount of THC smoked will have a stronger effect than the same amount eaten.Anecdotally, many edible users report that edibles can be dosed more easily than cannabis flower. If you buy an edible from a dispensary it will have information on the dosage for each serving. THC is metabolized in a different way when eaten as food. It can be difficult for new users, however, to determine the correct dosage.Because the production of edibles in some states is not strictly regulated, it could lead to discrepancies between the THC reported in edibles and the actual amount found in the product.Patients may discover that one edible is more potent than another, even though their packaging claims the same potency.There is also a greater chance that edibles will fall into the wrong hands of children. Many edibles are available in gummy or candy forms today, which appeal to young children.

Edibles and Smoking Cost Comparison

Edibles can be more affordable than smoking products, depending on what you choose. You can buy 100mg edibles as low as $13.00. It is difficult to find products other than single joints or grams of flower at these prices. Cannabis flower, for example, is usually sold in eighths of 3.5 grams and costs between $20 and $40.It can be a bit complex to do the math necessary to compare potency and effects duration. Because they last longer and have more intense effects, edibles are often considered the most cost-effective choice.

The enjoyment factor of smoking vs eating:

Smoking is an enjoyable experience for many cannabis users. While edibles are more potent and last longer, they can also be more effective. Smoking is considered more social than edibles. However, the effects of smoking THC can be different enough from eating it to affect a user's overall experience. Some patients might not enjoy the effects 11-hydroxy THC from edibles while others might prefer them over THCA found in smoked flowers.The debate over edibles and smoking has no bearing on flavor. There are a wide variety of foods and drinks with unique flavors. But those who prefer the taste and aroma of smoked marijuana will say that there is no substitute, no matter how tasty a pack of gummies may be.Eating edibles is also more discrete than smoking. For some cannabis users, being able to consume a product discreetly is more important than anything else.In the end, a variety of factors will determine what kind of consumption you enjoy. At the end of it all, you'll have to give them both a try!

Enjoy your meal with these practical tips

Are you still unsure of how to make the most of your edibles and snacks? These tips and tricks will help you.

• Start slowly and start low. Edibles can take some time to kick-in, and often make the mistake by eating too much because they think their dose is too low. Allow each dose to take full effect for 2 hours, otherwise the effects could be too strong.
• Avoid edibles you haven't made yourself or purchased from a dispensary. It can be difficult to determine what's in the edibles or how much is being consumed.
• To accurately measure your doses, use an edible Calculator.
• When purchasing or making edibles, be sure to know the difference between CBD (cannabidiol) and THC. They are both cannabinoids but have very different effects.
• If you are making edibles yourself, find a recipe that you enjoy and know well so that you can regulate the dosage. Many new edible users use too much cannabutter. This results in the edibles being too weedy and potent.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, whether you prefer edibles or smoking will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal health, cost considerations, and how you enjoy consuming cannabis. If you're considering trying edibles, remember to start with a low dose and slowly increase until you find what works best for you. And as always, only purchase from reliable sources like the White Plains Dispensary. This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional legal advice, medical diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed professional for any questions or concerns about the law, regulations, or your health.