You’ve probably heard ‘you are what you eat,’ but when it comes to CBD, it’s more like ‘you feel how you consume.’ As you navigate the world of CBD, you’ll encounter numerous consumption methods. From smoking to edibles, each offers unique benefits and drawbacks.
Delve into the differences between these popular methods to make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and wellness goals.
Understanding CBD and its benefits
You’ve probably heard of CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp, but understanding its benefits can genuinely help you make an informed choice between smoking and edibles.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the main compounds in cannabis, alongside THC. It’s often lauded for its potential therapeutic effects, making it a key component of medical cannabis. Some claim it helps with pain, anxiety, addiction, and even seizures.
Your choice depends on your priorities and health considerations.
CBD smoking
When it comes to smoking CBD, one must consider its immediate impact and potential implications for lung health. Unlike smoking weed or tobacco, CBD smoking doesn’t produce the same harmful byproducts. However, inhaling any smoke, including cannabis smoke, might still present patients with some risks.
The advantage of smoking cannabis using instruments like glass pipes is the instant effect. Unlike edibles, which have to be digested before they kick in, CBD smoking provides immediate relief. This feature can be beneficial for cannabis consumers seeking quick symptom control.
However, regular inhalation of cannabis flower smoke may still irritate your lungs over time. So, while CBD smoking might be less harmful than tobacco smoke, it’s still not risk-free.
The onset of effects of smoking vs edibles
The onset of effects varies significantly between CBD smoking and cannabis edibles. When you smoke CBD, the effects can be felt almost instantly as the CBD is rapidly absorbed by your lungs and quickly enters your bloodstream.
When you eat edibles, the CBD must first pass through your digestive system, which can take 30 minutes up to two hours.
Therefore, when deciding between smoking and edibles, consider how quickly you want the CBD effects to kick in. If you need immediate relief from chronic pain, smoking may be your best bet.
Duration of effects
Another essential factor you’ll need to consider in the smoke vs ingest cannabis edibles debate is the duration of the effects.
When you smoke marijuana, the effects typically peak within 10 to 30 minutes and can last from 1 to 3 hours.
On the other hand, the effects of edible cannabis can last significantly longer, typically peaking after 2 to 4 hours and lasting anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the higher dose consumed and your body’s metabolism.
Absorption of CBD
Understanding your body and brain’s CBD absorption process can help you make an informed decision between smoking and edibles.
When you smoke cannabis, absorption of CBD occurs quickly through your lungs, directly through the blood-brain barrier entering your bloodstream. This rapid absorption generally results in immediate effects.
Contrarily, when you consume marijuana edibles, the cannabinoids are processed by your liver before entering your bloodstream. This method of drug absorption is slower but often leads to a prolonged, more intense high.
The choice of CBD edibles vs smoking ultimately depends on your personal preference for how quickly you want to feel the effects, their duration, and intensity. Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabinoids, so it’s about finding what works best for you.
Taste and aesthetics
When it comes to taste and aesthetics, you’ll find that smoking CBD and consuming edibles offer very different experiences.
Smoking CBD allows you to savor distinct terpene profiles, delivering a more authentic cannabis taste. However, if the raw, earthy flavor of smoked cannabis isn’t your cup of tea, edibles might be a better choice.
Cannabis-infused edibles come in various flavors, from gummy bears to chocolate bars. The taste of CBD is often well-masked by the food products used, offering a more palatable option for those who mightn’t enjoy the natural taste of cannabis.
Plus, the aesthetics of edibles are visually appealing, making them a fun and discreet way to consume CBD.
Safety and health considerations
In terms of safety and health considerations, you’re likely to notice some key differences between smoking CBD and consuming edibles.
Smoking can potentially damage your lungs and throat.
Edibles, on the other hand, bypass these risks but introduce others. Edible marijuana has a delayed effect compared to smoking, potentially leading to high doses if you’re not careful.
Overconsumption can result in intense, long-lasting highs. Additionally, the THC content in edibles can vary greatly, making it harder to predict their effects.
While both methods have pros and cons, understanding these safety and health considerations can guide you to make an informed choice. Always start with low doses and increase gradually, especially with edibles.
Public vs private consumption
As you consider whether to smoke CBD or consume edibles, the context of public versus private consumption plays a critical role in your decision.
With public consumption, you’re more visible, which can influence the choice between CBD smoking and edibles. Edibles, being more discreet, might be preferable.
In private, you have more control over marijuana use. Consuming cannabis at your own pace allows you to start slow, especially if you’re new to this.
Whether you opt for CBD smoking or edibles, you can experiment safely. Remember, recreational dispensaries are there to guide you.
Finding your ideal option
When choosing your high, think about the immediacy and duration of the effects. CBD smoking offers an almost instant hit but wears off quickly. Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to kick in but last much longer.
Consider your lifestyle, too. If you’re often on the go, smoking may be less convenient than popping, eating a gummy bear, or sipping a CBD-infused drink.
Also, remember to consult the experts at dispensaries about the proper dosage for you. The amount of CBD needed varies significantly between individuals and methods of consumption.
Final words
Choosing between CBD smoking and edibles hinges on your personal preferences and needs. Picture the immediacy of the smoke’s effects, the lingering taste of a gummy, or the long-lasting relief an edible might offer. Both options have their merits, but it’s your journey, your high. Explore, experiment, and discover what works best for you.