There are so many different ways to enjoy cannabis. Outside of traditional smoking, the other most popular method of consuming marijuana is the use of edibles. With the legalization of both medicinal and recreational marijuana opening up the market for all types of cannabis, there has been an explosion in edible marijuana products. Keep reading to learn more about what edibles are, the different ways you can consume edibles, the effects of edibles, and a comparison between the pros and cons of edibles vs. smoking.
What Are Edibles?
For those who are unfamiliar, edibles are defined as food products and beverages that contain cannabis. Edibles are not the same as eating raw cannabis and will not induce the same reaction within the body, meaning there is no psychoactive effect. This is because the cannabis has to be exposed to heat or decarboxylated in order for the cannabinoids such as THC and CBD to activate. This means that the foods and beverages that are considered edibles are infused with cannabinoid oils, butters, and tinctures.
How can you consume edibles?
Edibles are extraordinarily versatile, and they come in a variety of different forms. These include but are definitely not limited to:
- Baked goods and treats such as cookies and brownies
- Gummies, candies, and lollipops
- Chocolates
- Savory dishes such as pizzas and pasta
- Beverages teas, milk, and energy drinks
What are the effects of edibles?
Edibles do have a psychoactive component, meaning you will feel a high when you consume cannabis via ingestion. Though their absorption rate is slower than smoking, as the compounds have to travel through the digestive tract to be processed by the liver, the effects of edibles begin to take hold in a delayed but prolonged manner. They peak around 2 hours and can have a duration of up to 24 hours within the system.
Edibles Versus Smoking
When it comes to consuming cannabis and choosing between smoking or an edible, it really comes down to personal preference. A few factors differentiate the two methods, which may impact your decision on what will work best for you. The beauty of cannabis is that there are so many different ways you can tailor your experience to give you the best possible result.
Absorption and Onset
The primary difference between edibles and smoking is the rate of absorption within the body which will in turn affect the onset of psychoactive effects. When smoking cannabis, the effects are felt far sooner than with edibles. This is because the cannabis enters the bloodstream through the lungs, which takes approximately 2 to 10 minutes to activate within the body, and will dissipate after about three hours, depending on the strain.
With edibles, as we discussed previously, the effects take longer because they have to first be ingested and then passed through the digestive tract to then be processed by the liver. Only after this do the psychoactive components enter the bloodstream. Again, edibles will peak around the 2-hour post-consumption mark, and can have lingering effects for about 24 hours.
So if you are looking for a quick, more expedited effect, smoking might be more preferable. In comparison, those who have more time or prefer a longer overall duration of the effects may gravitate towards edibles.
Proper Amounts
One of the main criticisms of edibles is a lack of a clear amount of cannabis in ounces, etc. It may be easier to know how much cannabis is being consumed with smoking. With edibles, it requires a bit more nuance and attention. If you are purchasing an edible from a dispensary, it is important to read the mgs per piece on the label for the product’s potency.
Inhalation vs. Ingestion
Smoking cannabis requires the inhalation of a combustible substance, making it not as ideal for those with respiratory ailments or who do not enjoy the experience of smoking. Edibles offer an excellent alternative, as they deliver the benefits of smoking without inhalation.
Edibles Are Very Discreet and Versatile
Because edibles do not require any form of external heat or combustion, they are a highly discreet option. With an endless array of forms they can take, the experience of an edible becomes fairly customizable. Gummies and candies are excellent for travel as they are light, portable, with an almost indistinguishable smell.
Purchase the Most Potent Edibles in Denver, CO at RiNo Supply!
When it comes to deciding between edibles and traditional smoking, it ultimately comes down to your bud and your choice. At RiNo Supply, we offer a range of the highest quality edibles in Colorado, plus our expert budtenders at RiNo Supply will happily answer all of your questions. Contact us, or visit our top-rated dispensary in Denver today!
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