What’s the difference between smoking, vaping, and edibles?

Cannabis Consumption Methods: Which One Works Fastest And Lasts Longest?

Cannabis is a diverse plant, and it, therefore, offers different modes of consumption. The method you choose to use entirely depends on you and the results you intend to achieve. 

While there are different cannabis consumption methods, smoking vs vaping vs edibles remains the top options. Even though these are popular methods, they tend to deliver different results. 

When you ask your stoner friend about the best method of consuming cannabis, you are likely to end up with different responses based on their preference. 

As usual, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cannabis consumption. The choice entirely depends on your priorities and the results you’re looking to achieve. 

Therefore, the discussion about cannabis consumption methods is endless, with everyone having different options and views about what works for them. 

But in this case, let’s look at smoking, vaping, and edibles. What makes them different, and why are they the most popular options in the industry? 

Before you buy weed online in Canada and find a suitable way how to consume it, let’s dig deeper into this conversation. 

Smoking vs. Vaping and Edibles

Smoking, vaping, and edibles are loved by different groups of people. 

Even though there are major differences between these groups, the most important aspect revolves around the potency of the effects, dosage, and discreteness. 

Let’s check out what makes them different. 

– Smoking 

Smoking is one of the most popular methods of cannabis consumption that has been used for centuries across the globe. 

This method is quick and convenient for anyone looking for a quick cannabis fix. It delivers a quick onset that enables you to feel the effects within minutes.  

When you smoke weed, the cannabinoid compounds are absorbed into the body through the lungs and enter the bloodstream.  

The effects kick in within the shortest time possible and last for approximately 3 hours. The quick onset means that smoking is a predictable method that delivers guaranteed results.  

When cannabis is smoked, it is highly bioavailable, whereby approximately 50% of the cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream.  

This makes it different from other modes of consumption, such as edibles, whereby only 10 or 20% of the cannabinoids are absorbed after undergoing the digestion process.  

As a result, if you are looking for a quick cannabis fix with intense hits, smoking is a more reliable method that you can utilize. 

– Vaping

Vaping is another reliable method of cannabis consumption that works by preventing the burning of cannabis plant matter. 

This means that consumers can avoid the multiple carcinogenic compounds that are found in cannabis smoke that are said to have a series of health implications.  

While many people say that vaping is much safer compared to smoking,  it may not come without its problems. There are cheap vaping cartridges that come with additives that may have negative health effects.  

Vaping cartridges are said to contain concentrated cannabis extracts generated from cannabis flower that enables consumers to enjoy their flower conveniently. 

The low temperature used during vaping ensures that the plant preserves all its essential compounds that are absorbed during the process. 

This is an important aspect when it comes to preserving the delicate cannabis compounds, such as terpenes, which define the aroma and flavor of a given strain.  

Vaping is mostly loved by stoners who love to enjoy their stash discreetly without grabbing the attention of the people nearby.  

A vape pen produces less odor but delivers intense hits that make it easier for you to quench your cannabis cravings wherever you are.  

– Edibles

Edibles are completely different from smoked and vaped cannabis. 

The main difference is that instead of cannabis getting absorbed via the bloodstream or lungs, edibles go through the digestive system.  

Cannabis edibles are basically food staffs that are infused with cannabis oil containing all the essential cannabis compounds. 

These edibles pass through the liver, where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that can be easily absorbed by the body. 

Due to the nature of the digestion process,  the effects of edibles can take up to 2 hours to kick in.  However, they tend to last much longer compared to smoking or vaping. 

Sometimes, the effects of edibles can last up to 8 hours, depending on how much you have taken.  

Due to the nature of their effects, edibles are much more recommended for patients looking for relief from chronic conditions. 

The long-lasting effects mean patients can enjoy relief for several hours before taking another dose.  

Smoking Vs. Edibles Effects 

There is a common claim among cannabis consumers that edibles are much stronger than smoking. Is this true? 

One of the possible explanations is that edibles last up to three times longer than smoking or any other cannabis consumption method.  

Therefore, you are likely to feel the effects for a much longer period when you consume edibles than when you smoke, thus creating a more potent cannabis experience. 

Remember that when you smoke weed, the effects only kick in after a few minutes, unlike edibles, where weed undergoes the entire digestive process. 

Regardless of the effects, remember that the intensity of the outcomes depends on the amount you have consumed.  

So, if you consume the same amount of weed regardless of the method you use, the effects will turn out the same.  

Vaping Vs. Edibles Onset Time 

As mentioned earlier, the effects of edibles take much longer to kick in. Usually, the effects may take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours to show up.  

This is mainly because edibles go through the digestive tract, where the liver takes time to process THC before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.  

Even though the effects of cannabis edibles set in gradually they can last anywhere between 4 to 8 hours. 

However, the slow onset means that it is pretty easy to overdose. So, we recommend starting small and increasing your dosage gradually after the effects kick in. 

On the flip side, vaping works almost instantly. The effects kick in within just a few minutes since the cannabis compounds are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.  

Unlike edibles, the effects of vaping last for only 1 to 3 hours. This makes it ideal for stoners looking for quick relief.  

Cannabis Bioavailability: Smoking Vs. Vaping Vs. Edibles

When choosing the best method of consuming cannabis, always remember that not all methods are designed the same. 

The bioavailability of cannabis is mainly determined by your consumption habits and the method you choose to use.  

But what is cannabis bioavailability? This refers to the amount of cannabis compound that enters your bloodstream after consumption and has active effects. 

Note that not every substance is 100% bioavailable. Therefore, a less bioavailable substance is required in high doses compared to a more bioavailable one. 

Factors Affecting Bioavailability of Cannabis

Just like any other aspect, the bioavailability of cannabis is affected by various factors. These are 

• Diet
• Consumption rate 
• THC tolerance levels
• Dosage or potency
• Personal metabolic rate 

This explains the reason why cannabis is likely to affect people differently, even when they have taken the same dosage.  

– Bioavailability of Vaping and Smoking

A study conducted in 2020 looked at the bioavailability of inhaled cannabis—this refers to vaping and smoking. 

It revealed that the bioavailability of inhaled cannabis ranges anywhere between 10% and 35%. This range was found to be consistent across different individuals, including both light and heavy users.  

Another study conducted in 2016 examining four different types of weed vapes found that the bioavailability rate was as high as 50 to 80%. 

However, this research was done using dry herb vaporizers instead of cartridges. 

Note that there is no further study that differentiates between smoked and vaped cannabis. All we have is consumed versus inhaled cannabis.  

Factors affecting the bioavailability of inhaled cannabis include how big of a hit you take and how deep you inhale it. 

– Bioavailability of Edibles

Many people take 10 mg of edibles and expect that that’s exactly what the body consumes. But the truth is that the body does not take all of that. 

The bioavailability of edibles is said to range anywhere between 12% and 20%. 

The main reason why edibles are less bioavailable is due to the process they undergo before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Edibles go through the stomach and pass the entire digestive system, where THC is processed by the liver and converted into a compound that can be absorbed by the body. 

Remember that the state of your digestive enzymes and gut health may have an impact on the absorption of THC in the body.

This tells you why people tend to experience different results even after taking the same amount of edibles. 

Pros and Cons of Smoking, Vaping and Edibles

Smoking, vaping, and edibles have their upward and downward side that you need to consider before you choose the best method of cannabis consumption.  

Even though everyone has their preferences, it’s also important to look at the advantages and disadvantages.  

Let’s look at the pros and cons of this cannabis consumption method.  

Smoking

• Pros

• Easy to dose and control
• Convenient for on-the-go hits 
• Quick onset of effects
• A perfect option for social experience

• Cons 

• Shorter duration of effects
• Respiratory health risks
• Odor and stigma

Edibles

• Pros 

• Discrete mode of cannabis consumption
• No respiratory health risks
• Potent and long-lasting effects
• Delivers consistent dosage

• Cons 

• Difficult to dose
• Delayed onset of effects
• A lengthy high duration
• Potence levels can be unpredictable

Vaping 

• Pros 

• Delivers instant hits
• A healthier alternative to smoking
• No noxious odor involved 

• Cons 

• Note found everywhere
• Steep learning curve

Smoking vs. vaping vs. Edibles – Summary

Choosing your preferred mode of cannabis consumption depends on various factors. The option you choose mainly depends on the results you intend to achieve and the options available at hand. 

To get access to different options for cannabis consumption, you need to find an online dispensary that is dedicated to offering you all the options available.  

DispensaryNearMeNow is one of the few online weed dispensaries in Canada that gives you access to different cannabis products with different consumption methods.  

When you shop with us, you can choose anything you want from our pre-rolls for smoking, vape pens for vaping, or go for your favourite edibles. 

Which simply gives you access to the entire cannabis world right in the palm of your hand. 

Still wondering about which method can work best for you? Reach out today and let’s help you find a perfect cannabis consumption method that will help you achieve your desired results.