What’s the difference between smoking cannabis and edibles?

Understanding the different effects between smoking cannabis and consuming edibles helps young people make informed choices for safer consumption.

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  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 4 minute read
  • 823 words (2.1 sides of A4)
  • Providing help and guidance on Drugs and Staying Safe
  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

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Understanding the Basics: Smoking Cannabis vs. Consuming Edibles

As the conversation around cannabis becomes more mainstream, with legalisation in parts of the world and a shift in cultural attitudes, it's crucial for young people to be informed about the different methods of consumption and their effects. Today, we're diving into the differences between smoking cannabis and consuming edibles, two popular methods but with distinctly different outcomes and risks.

What's the difference between smoking cannabis and edibles?

Smoking Cannabis: The Immediate But Short-Lived High

Smoking cannabis, whether through a joint, pipe, or bong, involves inhaling smoke derived from the heated cannabis flowers. This method has been the traditional approach for centuries, harnessing the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) by combustion.

How it works: When you smoke cannabis, THC enters your lungs and quickly passes into your bloodstream, reaching your brain within minutes. The effects can be felt almost immediately, peaking within 10 to 30 minutes and typically wearing off within one to three hours, depending on the strength and quantity of cannabis used, as well as your personal tolerance and metabolism.

Edibles: A Delayed Response with Potentially Stronger Effects

Edibles, in contrast, are foods infused with cannabis, such as cookies, gummies, or chocolates. They offer a way to consume THC without inhalation, often preferred for health reasons or for a different type of high.

How they work: Unlike smoking, when you consume an edible, the THC is processed through your digestive system. It's metabolised by your liver, converting it into 11-hydroxy-THC, a potent form of THC that can have a more intense and longer-lasting effect on your body. The onset of effects from edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, and the high can last from four to eight hours, or even longer.

Real-Life Impact of Cannabis on Young People

The method of cannabis consumption can significantly affect your experience both mentally and physically. For teenagers, understanding these differences is key to making informed decisions about their health and safety.

Impact of Smoking: The immediate effects of smoking cannabis allow for easier dose control but also introduce the risks associated with inhaling smoke. This can lead to respiratory issues and might have long-term implications, similar to those seen in tobacco users.

Impact of Edibles: On the other hand, because edibles take longer to kick in and the effects are more prolonged, there is a higher chance for overconsumption, especially for beginners who might not perceive the onset of effects and continue eating more. This can lead to a more intense and possibly uncomfortable experience, often referred to as "greening out."

Practical Strategies for Teenagers Considering Cannabis Consumption

Educate Yourself and Know Your Source

Whether choosing to smoke cannabis or try an edible, it's essential to be well-informed about the product and it's source. Understanding THC content and the presence of other cannabinoids, like CBD, can help predict and control the effects you may feel.

Start Low and Go Slow

Especially with edibles, the mantra to 'start low and go slow' cannot be emphasised enough. Begin with small doses products with 5 to 10 milligrams of THC are generally advised for beginners and wait at least two hours to feel the effects before considering more.

Prioritize Safety

Ensure you're in a safe environment when experimenting with cannabis. This means being in a familiar place and ideally with people you trust, who can assist you if your experience becomes too intense.

Understand the Law

It's also vital to be aware of your local laws regarding cannabis use. In many areas, it is illegal for teenagers to consume cannabis, and getting caught could have significant legal consequences.

Conclusion

Choosing how to consume cannabis is a personal decision and should be approached with careful consideration of the health and legal implications. Whether opting for smoking or edibles, the key is moderation, informed decision-making, and understanding your body's response to different substances.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.