Both vaporizing cannabis and consuming cannabis edibles are popular ways to experience the effects of THC and other cannabinoids. However, they differ significantly in their uses, onset time, intensity, duration of high, and more. Depending on the experience you are personally looking for, either vaping or consuming edibles may be better for your needs and lifestyle. Let’s take a look at the main differences between these two methods of cannabis consumption.
Onset Time
Vaping
The effects from vaporizing cannabis are almost immediate, typically felt within 1-5 minutes. This quick onset allows users to effectively gauge the best dose for them, stopping when they feel they’ve reached the desired level of effects. This also makes vapes great for those that need relief from pain or anxiety immediately.
Edibles
Edibles, on the other hand, take much longer to kick in, with effects typically beginning between 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. This delay happens because THC from edibles must first pass through the digestive system and then be metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. Because of this, it can be difficult to know when to stop consuming it to reach the desired high. It’s easy to get impatient after half an hour of no effects, and causes some to reach for another gummy, when one would’ve perhaps been more than enough already!
Duration Effects: Edibles vs Smoking In Your System
Vaping
The effects of vaping tend to be shorter in duration than taking an edible, lasting about 1 to 3 hours. This makes it a more controllable option for those who want to experience shorter, more predictable highs.
Edibles
Edibles can produce a much longer lasting high, with effects that can last from 4 to 8 hours or even longer depending on the dose. This extended duration makes edibles appealing for people seeking long-term relief from symptoms, such as chronic pain, and also makes it a great option for those struggling with insomnia, since the effects should last at least most of the night.
Intensity of Effects: The Edibles vs Smoking High
Vaping
Vaping delivers a smoother and often milder experience compared to smoking, but the effects are still quite potent due to the rapid absorption of THC into the bloodstream. The intensity can be managed easily because of the quick feedback from the body, so the best way to vape cannabis is to wait a couple minutes after each hit to see where you’re at and if you really need or want another. Dosing also matters—have an idea of how much material you’re actually vaping at a time, whether it’s flower, oil or wax from an e-rig.
Edibles
Edibles often produce a much stronger, more intense body high. This is because, when metabolized by the liver, THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form. This is why it’s hard to compare dosage using milligrams between vaping, smoking and taking an edible. Even if the dosage is the same between a joint and a gummy, both will react very differently in the body. For inexperienced users, this can sometimes result in an overwhelming or uncomfortable experience if not dosed correctly. Always be aware of the dosage in milligrams of each edible you take, start small, and give it plenty of time to kick in before consuming more.
Taste and Sensory Experience
Vaping
One of the main draws of vaping is the ability to taste the nuances of different strains. Vaporizing offers a more flavorful experience, as the terpenes in the flower are preserved without combustion. Many vape batteries are even designed to vaporize at a super low voltage, making flavors even more pronounced. Dry herb vaporizers also offer a different range of cannabis flavors than oil vapes.
Edibles
Edibles can vary in taste, but many commercially available products are designed to mask the flavor of cannabis—they are usually not designed to taste like weed. Homemade edibles, on the other hand, might have a stronger cannabis taste, depending on how they’re prepared. But, unlike vaping cannabis oil, edibles are not usually consumed to be enjoyed flavor-wise, or even for their taste for that matter. Edibles are typically consumed solely for their effects.
Convenience and Discretion
Vaping
Vaping is relatively discreet compared to smoking. While there is still some smell, it is much less pungent than smoking and dissipates very quickly. Portable vaporizers are also convenient for on-the-go use.
Edibles
Edibles are completely discreet. There’s no smell, and they can be consumed almost anywhere without drawing attention. This makes them ideal for people who need to medicate in public or situations where discretion is important.
Health Matters: Are Edibles Safer Than Smoking?
One of the most common questions is: are edibles safer than smoking?
It’s a bit of a complex answer. Edibles are usually considered the “healthiest” way to consume cannabis because they don’t involve inhaling any smoke, which can damage the lungs. However, there are concerns around overconsumption because of the delayed onset time, which can lead users to eat more than intended, resulting in an intense, prolonged high.
Vaping, though, does help mitigate some of those potential health concerns associated with smoking. Vaporizing cannabis is widely considered healthier than smoking as it avoids the harmful toxins associated with combustion, which occurs when flower or wax is burned with a lighter or torch. This makes it generally a less risky option compared to smoking.
Overall, both flower vaping and edibles offer unique experiences with different health impacts, onset times, and intensities, so the best choice depends on the user’s preferences and goals. If you’re looking for something that will give you effects immediately, is easy to dose, and gives you more of a sensory experience, go with a vape. For long lasting and heavy-hitting effects with no lung involvement, edibles may be for you. If you’re new to the world of cannabis, give each a try with these tips in mind!
