What Happens When I Smoke Cannabis VS Eat Cannabis?
February 4, 2025
The hottest topic in the CBD community today is probably smoking weed versus eating it. You’ve probably heard these methods being spoken of, but what actually sets them so far apart? From how quickly they affect you to their impacts on your body, there are many points of consideration. Let’s dive deeper into this!
Whether a seasoned smoker or just a curious mind about cannabis, one should be informed of these differences in order to make a proper, informed decision on how you want to partake of this substance.
For many, the journey into these distinctions begins with a visit to a local dispensary. Take the time to speak with budtenders, like the experts at High Forest ReLeaf, who are more than happy to explain different strains, THC and CBD content, and the effects of various products. They will stress the importance of starting with low doses, especially with edibles, and encourage you to try different strains to find what works best for you.
Now, let’s talk about the speed and duration of the effects you’ll feel. If you light a joint and take a few puffs, you will probably start to feel the effects in a few short minutes. The reason this happens so fast when smoking cannabis is because THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) takes an efficient route for entry into your bloodstream from your lungs.
When you inhale cannabis smoke, the THC is immediately absorbed by the alveoli in your lungs. These small air sacs contain a vast network of capillaries that efficiently absorb oxygen and THC into your bloodstream. Once THC enters these capillaries, it quickly travels through your blood and reaches your brain within seconds to minutes, leading to the almost immediate effects you experience when you smoke.
THC is lipid soluble, meaning it can easily pass through the blood-brain barrier—a special layer of defense around your cerebral blood vessels. Once past that, THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system in your brain by binding with cannabinoid receptors. This elicits a number of psychoactive effects from the substance: many refer to these as the “high” muscle relaxation, possibly an increased appetite, and, in general, states of euphoria with altered sense perception.
On the other hand, with edibles, you have to be a little patient. It’s going to take about 30 minutes to a few hours before you really start to feel anything after you’ve taken a bite of it. This is because the THC has to travel through your entire digestive system and process before being absorbed into your bloodstream. The effects you get from the edibles will be more intense and longer-lasting. Edibles are known to provide a sustained high, often lasting several hours, long past the window you get through smoking.
For your first experiment, you might just want to stick with something you know: smoking weed. Rolling a joint and taking a few puffs, you’ll pretty much be feeling the effects within no time at all. THC in your bloodstream through the lungs is immediate while inhaling, and within minutes, that familiar wave of relaxation and euphoria washes over you. This rapid onset when smoking cannabis is typical and ensures you will be experiencing the effects in no time.
Curious about how this differs from edibles, you might opt for a THC-infused brownie a week later. You recall the dispensary advice: start low and slow. Unlike smoking, you will not feel it right away; you will have to wait a little while, more like an hour and a half, to begin to feel the changes. This is because THC has to go through your digestive system and be metabolized in your liver.
You may also notice a difference in intensity. The high from the edible often feels stronger and more focused on your body. That’s because THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC by your liver, which is far more potent and a longer-lasting metabolite in your brain. So, the usual effect of eating an edible is more intense and longer-lasting than smoking because of that conversion.
The duration of the high from the edible might surprise you. While the effects of smoking generally fade after a couple of hours, the brownie can keep you in a prolonged state of relaxation and altered sensory perception for several hours. This time difference can also impact your day; after smoking, you might feel fine to return to your daily activities once the effects wane. However, with the edible, you may want to clear your schedule for the day since the intensity and duration of the high are often more than you bargained for.
From your first edible experiment, you can take away three main lessons. First, the golden rule of edibles: start low and go slow. It is better to keep the dose very low, about 5 to 10 milligrams of THC. You will probably find that the effects of edibles are sneaky, and it is quite easy to overdo it. Waiting at least two hours to feel the full effects before taking more will not only prevent you from having an overwhelming high but will also let you know how your body reacts to dosages.
The second big tip is not to take edibles on an empty stomach. Always make sure to have a full stomach before enjoying your THC-infused treat. Having food in your stomach—specifically, healthy fats—delays THC absorption, which will make the experience much more fluid and prevent major peaks in highs. This will reduce the chance of an overwhelming high by a huge margin and greatly prolong its effects over an extended period of time. You might notice that you are having a more pleasant time and feeling quite comfortable throughout the high if you’ve eaten before consuming your edible.
Keep some water nearby and have snacks within reach, just in case. By doing this, you will be in a quiet and controlled setting, which will make the first time using edibles to be as smooth and eventless as possible.
Managing the intensity and dosage of cannabis varies significantly between smoking and consuming edibles. When you smoke, you have more straightforward control over the dosage. The immediate onset of effects when you inhale THC allows you to quickly gauge how much you’ve consumed. Typically, a casual user might find that just a couple of puffs is a standard dose for smoking, with each puff delivering a relatively known quantity of THC. This immediate feedback lets you stop when you feel comfortable, minimizing the risk of overconsumption.
When defining a standard dose of smoked marijuana, remember that THC can be consumed at different concentrations depending on your device or method of use. Joints are among the most popular ways, and these tend to contain 0.3 to 0.5 grams of marijuana. A casual user might only want to take one or two puffs from it. If the average joint has a THC concentration of around 10–20%, each puff offers a manageable dose for most people.
Using pipes gives you more control over your dosage since you can load smaller amounts of marijuana—around 0.2 to 0.3 grams per bowl. Each inhalation from a pipe can be considered a dose, and the THC content will vary depending on the strain and quality of the marijuana you’re using.
If you decide to use bongs, remember that they can deliver quite potent hits. Bongs cool and filter smoke, offering a smoother experience. For casual users, just one hit from a bong might be sufficient, especially if you’re using high-THC marijuana.
Vaporizers provide an efficient inhalation method and shouldn’t be confused with vapes or e-cigarettes. They work like an oven, heating cannabis just below burning temperature, which releases cannabinoids without the harmful byproducts of combustion. Many vaporizers allow for precise dosing and temperature control, enabling you to take a few inhalations for a consistent standard dose.
So, keep in mind that individual tolerance, strain of marijuana, and THC concentration all play a huge role in how much THC you get per method. Always use a low dose when first using cannabis, and it is best to wait and observe your body’s reaction before taking any more.
Now, let’s talk about edibles. They pose a unique problem to dosage control. Since the effects of edibles don’t hit you immediately—because THC has to be digested before it can hit your bloodstream—you might find yourself taking more if you think the first dose wasn’t enough.
The standard amount of THC in most edible products is between 5 and 10 milligrams per serving—actually, a pretty small amount. Now, an important thing to keep in mind is that when THC is ingested, it’s metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is actually more potent and crosses the blood-brain barrier way better than THC itself. Do not be fooled by the relatively low THC content of edibles; they can be quite potent.
Edibles will likely be more potent and last longer than smoking since the body has converted it to the more potent forms of THC as it is slowly released into the bloodstream through the digestive process. So, trying edibles for the first time, it stands to reason to use a low dosage and proceed cautiously. Ensuring safety and a positive experience with cannabis, whether smoked or eaten as an edible, relies entirely on dosage specifics and how your body responds metabolically.
Once you start playing with edibles, you quickly realize how complicated dosage can be. Smoking makes it very easy to take a single hit at a time and then wait to see how you feel before taking another. With edibles, the delay in onset can make you tend to overdo it if you’re not careful.
In your next experience with edibles, consider starting cautiously. Begin with a small piece of a cannabis-infused cookie, paying attention to the recommended dosage. Wait for two hours before deciding to consume more; resisting the urge to take another piece will help you avoid the discomfort of overconsumption. Practicing patience is essential when it comes to edibles.
Let’s consider a few factors that can influence your experience with edibles: your metabolic rate, when you last ate, and even your body chemistry, which can all impact how quickly and intensely you feel the effects. These variables can make dosing with edibles far less predictable than with smoking, where the effects are usually more uniform and consistent.
On the health side, be aware that smoking cannabis can irritate your lungs and throat and may potentially lead to respiratory issues over time. They don’t share the same risk as edibles because there is no smoke involved, but they have their own issues, such as potentially over-consuming.
Knowing the health implications of different ways to go about it is good when you navigate the world of cannabis. Smoking can be pleasurable, yet it does come with several risks, such as coughing and irritating your lungs. Some studies have shown that regular cannabis smokers can experience the same breathing problems that are associated with tobacco use, including bronchitis and increased mucus production. Knowing these risks helps you to make better choices about how often you smoke.
With edibles, you may notice a difference right away in how your body reacts. There’s no coughing or possible throat irritation that usually comes with smoking because you don’t inhale smoke into your lungs. Edibles just provide a smoke-free alternative, which can seem like a healthier option from a respiratory perspective.
But remember, edibles come with health considerations of their own. A delayed onset can lead to an increased risk of overconsumption, producing the uncomfortable experience known colloquially as “greening out.” It may take place when one has consumed too much of an edible and can feel anxious or uncomfortable—sometimes even nauseous.
Finally, consider the long-term cognitive effects of regular cannabis use. It is an evolving area of study, but always be mindful of how your usage will affect you down the road.
Keep in mind that some edibles are going to be easier for you to digest than others, mainly based on the ingredients and your body’s health and digestive system. Here are a few things to consider: What’s in the edible? Products with fewer and simpler ingredients are usually going to be easier to digest. Those who avoid heavy or processed ingredients are usually lighter on the stomach.
High-fat foods will make your digestion slow down and may even cause discomfort. If you have digestive problems, you would want to try sticking with less fatty edibles, such as low-fat gummies. You can also try high-fiber edibles since fiber keeps your system regulated. Just be careful not to eat too much fiber, or else you will end up bloated or in discomfort.
Ask a healthcare provider or knowledgeable staff at a dispensary if you have particular questions about digestive problems and/or dietary restrictions.
As you explore cannabis, understanding the health impacts of smoking versus consuming edibles is crucial. Striking a balance between enjoyment and health is key. You may discover that experimenting with different methods of cannabis consumption helps you become more attentive to your body’s responses, enabling you to make informed choices based on both the pleasures and potential health implications of your cannabis use.
If cannabis is working well for you and you’re considering long-term use, remember that regular and heavy use, regardless of the method, may be linked to cognitive changes, especially if you start at a young age. Ongoing research is essential, and it’s important to educate yourself about the health effects of cannabis.
In the weeks following your cannabis experimentation, you might notice subtle differences in your cognitive functions based on your chosen method of consumption. Smoking typically offers immediate but fleeting effects, leading to temporary alterations in perception and a slight haziness that lifts as the high fades. Many find this aligns with their experiences, as THC is rapidly absorbed and quickly metabolized.
With edibles, you may notice a different cognitive experience. The prolonged and more intense high from edibles can lead to longer periods where your cognitive abilities feel slightly altered. You might experience more noticeable changes in sensory perception and time awareness. Research suggests that the effects of edibles last longer due to the extended presence of THC in your system.
When it comes to digestion, you could have a relatively smooth experience with edibles, but remember that the digestion process and liver metabolism of THC can vary significantly among individuals. This variability is an important consideration as you explore edibles, especially for the first time.
As you become more aware of the potential long-term cognitive effects associated with regular and heavy cannabis use, it’s vital to approach your consumption habits mindfully. Keeping your limits safe and moderate can help you avoid potential long-term cognitive risks.
Throughout your explorations, you might gain a newfound appreciation for the diverse experiences that cannabis can offer in its many forms. You’ll learn to choose your method of consumption based on the kind of experience you desire—whether it’s the social and controlled high of smoking or the introspective and prolonged journey of edibles. This journey emphasizes the importance of understanding not only the physical and cognitive effects but also the qualitative differences in the cannabis experience.
Ultimately, remember that education and personal responsibility are essential in your cannabis use. Everyone is unique, and it’s about finding the right balance and method that suits your individual needs and preferences. If you want to learn more about all things CBD or need assistance in choosing the right high-quality products for you, don’t hesitate to reach out! Give us a call today at (931) 253-1991!
