There are many ways to consume cannabis and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer. Two of the most popular methods are smoking and edibles. While both allow you to ingest cannabis and get the beneficial compounds into your system, they’re incredibly different from one another. Here are some of the differences between smoking grass and eating it.
How It’s Processed
The body processes grass differently depending upon how you consume it. When you smoke it, the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds absorb quickly into your bloodstream through your lungs. From there, they travel to your brain and your endocannabinoid system to provide you with a variety of effects.
Edibles take a bit longer to process. After you eat it, cannabis needs to travel through your digestive system. Your liver processes it before it finally enters your bloodstream. Then it travels through your body to your brain.
When Do You Feel the Effects?
The effects of smoking weed take effect much more quickly when you smoke it. It generally takes about 15 to 30 minutes to feel the effects, and they often peak at half an hour.
Due to the way edibles get processed by your body, it takes longer for you to feel the effects. In most cases, it takes about 90 minutes to two hours. The effects generally peak at around four hours after ingestion.
How Long the Effects Last
Inhaled cannabis might produce results more quickly, but those effects also dissipate more quickly, too. They generally last up to about six hours, although you may feel some residual effects for up to 24 hours.
The effects of weed consumed via edibles last much longer in your system. In many cases, they’ll last about 12 hours. Like smoking, some effects may linger for up to 24 hours.
Benefits of Smoking Vs. Eating Weed
Smoking cannabis and eating edibles both have some unique benefits. Benefits of smoking include:
- You feel the effects more quickly
- It’s one of the most affordable options for cannabis consumption
- It can feel relaxing or ritualistic
Benefits of eating cannabis include:
- It’s much more discreet
- You don’t have to inhale anything, which protects your lungs
- There’s a wide array of edibles, allowing you to find something that suits your taste buds
What Are the Drawbacks of Smoking Grass?
While both smoking and eating cannabis have their benefits, they also have drawbacks. Comparing both the pros and cons will help you to determine which method is right for you.
Drawbacks to smoking include:
- Combustion creates burnt plant matter, carcinogens, and other toxins that can be harmful to your lungs
- It’s not at all discreet (smoking produces smoke and a strong odor that clings to everything)
- It may not be the best idea if you have respiratory or lung issues
Drawbacks of edibles include:
- They can upset your stomach if you have digestive issues or difficulty eating
- You have to wait longer to feel the effects
- They can be easily mistaken for regular snacks
Smoking grass and eating edibles both provide many benefits. Even though they both involve getting cannabis into your system, they get processed differently, take effect differently, and remain in the system for different lengths of time. No matter what method you prefer, check out your local dispensary for these and other options.
