Cannabis can be consumed in many different ways. If you’re looking for specific effects, it’s a good idea to understand how different products work. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between two popular methods; ingesting edibles and smoking (grounded) flower.
What exactly is dried “marijuana flower”?
Dried flower or cannabis buds are the dried buds of the cannabis plant. They contain cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which are the chemicals that give marijuana its psychoactive effects.
A smokable form of cannabis is what you’ll get if you go into a legal dispensary and ask for dried flower. If you don’t know what type of cannabis you’d like, you can visit our Cannabis Store or continue reading the answers to some of the common questions we’re asked.
What are edibles?
Edibles are any food or drink that has been infused with cannabis.
Historically, “pot brownies” and other baked goods infused with cannabis were typical.
But with modern infusion techniques, consumers can find cannabis-infused baked goods, sweets, spices, butter, chocolates, sodas, and much more on store shelves.
Edibles can include THC, CBD, or both depending on the cannabis extract or concentrate used to make them.
What are the effects and the main differences?
Here are a few common differences between ingesting and inhaling cannabis that users should know:
1. Ingestion vs inhalation for THC absorption
THC found in dried flower is absorbed by the body differently from THC found in edibles.
Ingested THC is processed by the liver, producing a high that is more potent than when smoking dried flower.
Inhaled THC enters the bloodstream quicker than THC from edibles because of its pathway through the lungs. Because of this, the effects of smoked THC are shorter-lived than those of edible forms of the substance.
2. Choosing between inhalation and ingestion
Smoking allows users to experience the full spectrum of cannabinoids in their natural state, which can be beneficial for people who are seeking specific terpene effects.
The onset effects of edibles are slow and drawn out, but the duration of the high lasts much longer.
Everyone’s body responds differently, but generally, edibles take between half an hour and two hours to set in since they need to be metabolized.
The effects of smoked cannabis are felt more quickly and typically be felt within the first ten minutes.
3. Cannabis Dosing
Whether ingested or inhaled, the effects of cannabis vary from person to person depending on factors including gender, body type, health, and other variables.
If the right amount of edibles is consumed, the slower absorption makes it much more tolerable for those who have difficulty with the sudden effect of cannabis when smoked.
4. THC Potency
Edibles are generally considered to be a more potent way of consuming cannabis, but in actuality, this may not be true. The potency of an edible depends on several factors: the strain of cannabis used, how it was prepared, how long it takes to digest, and how much you eat.
If you’re smoking cannabis flower, the effects can also be more intense versus eating edibles because smoking activates all of your cannabinoid receptors at once, whereas edibles activate them slowly over time.
For both consumption methods, it’s best to start with a low dose of and wait for the effects to set in gradually.
Whether you’re experienced or not, consider taking your time when trying a new product so that you can determine your proper dosage.
Not sure which is right for you?
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about dried flower, edibles, or any other cannabis products or accessories. Our friendly bud tenders have years of experience and are happy to help you on your way to an unforgettable experience.