What is the Difference Between Eating and Smoking Weed?

The main difference between eating and smoking weed lies in the way the body processes the THC (the chemical that gets you high) and the resulting effects on the user. Here are the key differences:

1. Route of Administration: When smoking or vaping cannabis, THC is inhaled into the lungs, where it passes directly into the bloodstream and then the brain. In contrast, when eating edible cannabis, THC first travels to the stomach and then to the liver before entering the bloodstream and brain.
2. Start of Effects: The effects of smoking or vaping cannabis are felt almost immediately, while the effects of edible cannabis can take up to 2 hours to kick in.
3. Peak Effects: The peak effects of smoking cannabis are reached more quickly than those of edible cannabis. Edible cannabis may take up to 4 hours to reach its peak effects.
4. Duration of Effects: The high from smoking cannabis typically lasts for a shorter duration than the high from edible cannabis. Effects from edible cannabis can last for several hours, depending on factors such as the user's tolerance, body weight, and the amount consumed.
5. Intensity of Effects: Edibles can produce a stronger and more intense high than smoking cannabis, as the THC is converted into a stronger form by the liver. This can make it difficult for users to gauge how much they are consuming when eating edibles.

To minimize the risk of adverse effects, it is recommended to start with a low THC content (e.g., 2.5 mg or less for edibles) and wait at least 2 hours before taking another dose. Users should also be cautious about consuming more cannabis within 4 hours, as this can lead to over-intoxication.

Comparative Table: Eating vs Smoking Weed

Here is a table comparing the differences between eating and smoking weed:

The main differences between eating and smoking weed lie in the absorption method, onset time, duration of effects, potency, safety, and social experience. Eating weed (edibles) involves a slower onset of effects and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects, while smoking weed leads to rapid effects within a few minutes. Edibles tend to have a longer duration and stronger potency compared to smoking weed, which has a shorter duration and milder potency. Smoking weed is considered more social than consuming edibles. In terms of safety, eating weed has a lower risk of lung issues due to inhalation, while smoking weed has a higher risk.