Is it better to puff on flower buds or to munch on tasty infused edibles? This is a very common concern for newbies who are just starting out on their cannabis journey.
As you become more acquainted with these types of products, you might even develop an appreciation for both consumption methods since both do come with a series of benefits and a few drawbacks.
If you want to know if it is better to puff or munch, then we invite you to read on. We are about to compare these two consumption methods and the different products available for each method.
After reading our edibles VS smoking guide, you will know exactly what the best product type might be.
Smoking VS Edibles
When you are comparing these two methods, it is noteworthy that there are many different product types out there as well as different ways to smoke or orally consume cannabis. Here are some important considerations.
Different Oral Consumption Methods
Oral consumption usually doesn’t require you to chew on some flower buds. For the most part, concentrates are used to make edible cannabis products. The products can come in edible form, beverage form, or they can be produced in tablets or capsules that are easy to swallow.
Product Types for Edibles
There are a great many cannabis producers out there and these experts have developed quite a few product types. Here are some of the most common finds.
Edibles
These are usually foods or snacks that contain cannabis. There are many different types, including gummies that can be chewed, baked goods like brownies or cookies, or other processed munchables like chocolates. Some producers even develop infused breath strips or gum.
These product types usually offer the first effects within 30 minutes, although it can take up to two hours for the effects to peak. And if you are wondering how long do edibles last, the effects can be detected for 4 – 12 hours or even longer if you take extremely high doses.
Beverages
Beverages do also fall under the ‘edible’ sector. You can find a lot of different infused beverages at dispensaries. Or you can whip up your own beverages by adding some concentrated oils or tincture to teas or other types of drinks. Some even like to use flower buds to steep their own cannabis teas.
Cannabis drinks typically take 15 minutes up to 1 hour to take effect and you can enjoy the lingering effects for 3 – 6 hours.
Tinctures and Oils
Tinctures and oils are usually highly concentrated products and are often sold in a dropper bottle so you can easily dribble a few drops of the product under your tongue or onto foods.
These types of concentrated products usually take about 15 to 45 minutes to metabolize. After this, you should be able to enjoy sound relief or great effects for 4 – 8 hours.
Capsules or Pills
Capsules or pills function very similarly to chinese medicine and can be filled with any type of concentrated cannabis.
These products usually take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect and can linger in the system for 6 to 12 hours.
Different Smoking Methods
Just like with oral consumption, there are some different ways or techniques to use when puffing on cannabis. Here are some of the most popular methods.
Rolled Joints or Blunts
Joints or blunts are the most common. These products are made by placing ground cannabis into rolling paper or tobacco wraps (tobacco leaf wraps). They function very much like a cigarette and can even be crafted with a filter. It does take a bit of skill to effectively roll your own buds but the process is pretty simple.
Pipe Smoking
There are lots of different types of smoking pipes available and any pipe can be used to smoke cannabis. Pipes come in glass, metal, or wooden form, and they can vary in type. There are some hookahs, one hitters that are designed for singular use, or steamroller dry pipes.
Many cannabis veterans prefer pipe smoking since they are pretty easy to use and don’t require additional gear such as rolling paper or filters.
Bong Smoking
Bongs or water pipes are also handy devices that can be used to get your daily treatments. These types of devices have water filters and tend to produce stronger effects even when you are using less weed.
Bongs can also vary a lot since there are some mini bongs, bubblers, or gravity bongs available.
Vaporizers
You can also vaporise cannabis without burning it. A vaporizer can be used to turn concentrated cannabis into a vapor so you can inhale the fumes. This can be a good solution if you prefer aromatherapy methods.
Vaporizers can also vary in their design. Some are designed to use dry herbs while others are suited for concentrated products. They can also vary from large to mini desktop units.
Dabbing
A heated dab ring can also be used to smoke cannabis. Dab rings are mostly suited for concentrated products like live rosin, shatter, or wax.
Dabbing can be a bit too intense for beginners, and the equipment can be difficult to find. It is, however, a good smoking method if you prefer to use concentrates that can produce a more powerful hit.
Effects and Duration
The onset time for cannabis to take effect is usually very similar for all smoking methods. You will typically feel the effects within 1 – 5 minutes from that first draw. The effects will peak about 10 to 30 minutes after puffing and the effects can linger for about 30 minutes.
Product Types For Smoking
Quite a few cannabis products can be used for smoking.
The most common types are usually flower buds, pre-rolls or kief. These consist of real cannabis flowers and usually work by smoking the buds.
Vapes or cartridges are also quite common, but they are a bit different from your typical cigarette. Instead of using flowers, concentrated oils, hash, sativa, and other cannabis variations are used.
Many cannabis devotees prefer cartridges over traditional joints because it is a cleaner smoking method, and the smoke isn’t as pungent.
Hash
Hash usually comes in blocks and can be a bit stronger compared to your typical buds. A lot of users like to mix hash with weed before smoking. In some cases, flower buds are dipped into hash before smoking to improve the efficiency of the product.
Concentrates
Concentrates can also be smoked. This is usually done in a vape pen or dab rig. The effects of concentrates can be intense, making it a bit unsuitable for complete beginners.
Comparing The Two Consumption Methods
After viewing so many different edible types and smoking methods, we can finally start comparing the two. Let’s discuss some of the main edibles vs smoking pros and cons.
Best For Quick Effects
If you want quick effects, then it is better to smoke or vape. With this method, you can start feeling good within one to five minutes.
Better Dosage Control
It is easier to control your dosage when the effects appear quicker. With edibles, there is a higher risk of overdosing since the effects oftentimes take so long to peak.
Best for Short Duration Effects
The effects of these products can also affect anything between 1 hour up to 24 hours. If you want effects that will clear up soon, then it is best to smoke.
Best for Lasting Results
f you want a longer lasting effect, then it is better to focus on edibles. These tend to produce longer lasting effects that linger 3 – 12 hours.
Best for Discreet Use
Smoking tends to cause a powerful aroma. For discreet use, it is best to focus on edibles or to give vapes a try.
Best for Feel
You might wonder how edibles feel vs smoking weed? Well, here both can be beneficial depending on your preference. Smoking tends to produce a more savory effect since you get to sample the aroma of the product. Eating, on the other hand, tends to produce a smoother effect while smoking can sometimes take hold a little bit too quickly or too intensely.
Best for Lungs
Inhaling smoke or vapour can irritate your lungs. If you want to keep your lungs healthy, then edibles can be the best alternative.
Visit Our Elite Weed Dispensary in LA for All Cannabis Types
At Herbarium Weed Dispensary, we have something suitable whether you prefer products that can be smoked or eaten. Our shelves are stocked with all of the delicious or refreshing products you could ever hope to taste or inhale.
Visit our dispensary and speak to our weed consultants so you can find a product that suits your needs perfectly.
