Edibles vs Smoking and Others: Exploring the Best Way to Consume Weed
You’ve got plenty of options these days for how to enjoy your weed. Some hit faster, some feel smoother, and others just fit better with your lifestyle. So, how do you figure out the best way to consume weed for you?
What Does “Best Way to Consume Weed” Really Mean? Factors to Consider
What’s “best” depends on what you care about most. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but thinking about a few key factors can help you decide.
- Onset time: Some methods of getting high kick in fast, like smoking or vaping. Others, like edibles, take longer to kick in but can last much longer.
- Duration of effects: Smoking and vaping usually wear off in a few hours. Edibles and tinctures can keep you feeling the effects for 6–8 hours.
- Discretion: Not everyone wants their room smelling like smoke. Options like tinctures, topicals, and edibles are more smoke-free and subtle.
- Health impact: Smoking anything isn’t great for your lungs. Many people prefer vaping cannabis, using cannabis tinctures, or edibles as a healthier alternative to smoking.
- Potency: Dabbing and extracts pack a big punch if you’re after intensity.
- Convenience: Rolling papers and a lighter are simple. But a pre-measured gummy or a quick drop of tincture is even easier.
Keep these in mind as you go through each method of getting high.
Smoking Cannabis
This is the most classic way to consume cannabis. You roll it up in rolling papers or pack a bowl, light it, and inhale.
Smoking hits fast, usually within minutes. That’s why many still love it—it gives you instant feedback, and you can stop as soon as you feel good.
But it’s not the healthiest way to consume weed, since you’re breathing in smoke that can irritate your lungs over the long term. It also tends to leave behind a strong smell and can feel harsh if your throat is sensitive.
Some smokers prefer heating cannabis in a water pipe or bong, which cools the smoke a little. You can also try joints or blunts for a more social experience.
But smoking comes with risks like coughing, lung irritation, and in rare cases, something called hyperemesis syndrome, which causes severe nausea from heavy, frequent use.
Edibles
Edibles are food products infused with cannabis. Think gummies, brownies, chocolates, and even savory snacks. They’re one of the more popular ways to consume weed, especially if you want to avoid smoking.
One thing to know about edibles: they take longer to kick in. It can be 30 minutes to 2 hours before you feel much better. That’s because your body has to digest and metabolize the active ingredient, THC, through your liver. But the effects last much longer—sometimes up to 8 hours.
Edibles are a good alternative to smoking if you want long-lasting, steady effects. But it’s easy to take too much if you’re impatient. Always start low, like 2.5–5 mg, and wait to see how you feel before eating more.
Drinkables
Similar to edibles, drinkables are cannabis-infused beverages. You’ll find teas, sodas, juices, and even cocktails that are dosed just like edibles.
Drinkables can kick in a little faster than solid edibles—usually within 30–60 minutes—but still last several hours. They’re easy to dose and feel more social than eating a brownie. Plus, they’re a smoke-free option that can fit into a casual hangout or dinner party.
People who don’t want to chew a gummy or eat sweets often pick drinkables for their subtlety and convenience.
Vaping
Vaping heats cannabis flower or oil just enough to release the active ingredient as vapor, without burning it. You inhale the vapor, which feels smoother than smoke and often has less odor.
Vaping cannabis is popular because it’s discreet and convenient, and thought by many to be a healthier alternative to smoking.
Some devices let you control the temperature to get more flavor or a different type of high. The effects are almost as quick as smoking, but a bit cleaner on your throat and lungs.
That said, vaping isn’t risk-free. Some low-quality cartridges have been linked to serious lung damage. Make sure you’re buying from trusted sources, like a Los Angeles cannabis dispensary, to avoid harmful additives.
Dabbing
Dabbing is for experienced users who want a powerful hit. You use a special rig to vaporize cannabis extracts, which are concentrated and very potent.
The effects are immediate and intense, which some love. But dabbing requires more equipment, some skill, and carries a higher risk of overdoing it. It’s not a great choice if you’re new to cannabis or sensitive to strong effects.
If you do dab, go slow and use a small amount at first to see how your body reacts.
Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts you take under your tongue. They’re a middle ground between smoking and edibles.
You’ll feel the effects faster than edibles—usually within 15–45 minutes—but they still last several hours. Tinctures come in small bottles with droppers, making them super easy to dose. They’re also smoke-free, discreet, and travel-friendly.
Many people using medical cannabis choose tinctures for their consistency and convenience. You can even mix them into drinks or food if you don’t like the taste.
Topicals
Topicals are cannabis products you apply directly to your skin. They don’t get you high but can help with localized pain, inflammation, or skin irritation.
Topicals include creams, balms, and patches. They’re great for targeting sore muscles, arthritis pain, or skin conditions without affecting your mind. This makes them an excellent option for anyone who wants relief but doesn’t want to feel high.
Some patches deliver small amounts of THC into your bloodstream, providing a mild, steady effect over time.
Comparing Methods: What’s the Best and Healthiest Way to Consume Weed?
Choosing the best way to consume weed means balancing what you value most—speed, health, potency, or convenience.
Here’s how the main methods stack up:
- Smoking: Fastest onset, but harsh on lungs and not the healthiest way to consume weed.
- Edibles and drinkables: Long-lasting, discreet, but take longer to kick in.
- Vaping: Quick, smooth, and easier on your throat than smoking.
- Dabbing: Intense and fast, but can be overwhelming.
- Tinctures: Controlled, smoke-free, and easy to dose.
- Topicals: Great for pain relief without getting high.
For a smoke-free, lower-risk option, many people choose edibles, tinctures, or vaping. If you’re after something long-term with fewer lung risks, these methods may work better for you.
Tips for Choosing the Right Consumption Method
It’s all about your goals and how your body reacts. These tips can help you pick the best way to consume weed for your needs.
Start Slow and See How You Feel
Everyone reacts differently to cannabis. Always begin with a small dose, especially if you’re trying a new method. This helps you avoid side effects and gives you a chance to adjust as needed.
Choose Smoke Free if You Care About Your Lungs
If you’re worried about your lung health, skip smoking or dabbing. Smoke-free options like tinctures, topicals, or edibles are gentler on your body and still effective.
Consider When and Where You’ll Use It
Think about your environment and how discreet you need to be. Smoking or vaping can leave odors and draw attention, while edibles and tinctures are easy to carry, subtle, and odorless.
Check Your Health First
Your personal health plays a big role in what method you choose. If you have any respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, it’s best to stick with non-inhaled methods like tinctures, edibles, or topicals.
If you’re prone to anxiety or don’t like intense highs, avoid very potent options like dabbing, which can feel overwhelming for some.
It’s also a good idea to talk to a doctor if you’re using medical cannabis, especially if you’re taking other medications.
Buy From Trusted Sources
Quality matters. Always get your cannabis from a trusted Los Angeles cannabis dispensary to avoid harmful additives or mislabeled products. Safe, tested products are worth it.
Experiment to Find Your Fit
There’s no need to lock yourself into just one method. Many people find they prefer one method during the day and another at night, or something mild during the week and stronger on weekends.
Try out a few ways to consume weed to see what you like best. Pay attention to how each makes you feel, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to fit into your daily routine.
Over time, you’ll figure out what works for your body and your lifestyle—and that’s what really makes it the best choice for you.
Finding Your Best Fit Can Make All the Difference
Figuring out the best way to consume weed doesn’t have to feel complicated. It just takes some experimenting and paying attention to how your body reacts.
Maybe you’ll like the quick effects of smoking, the longer-lasting calm of edibles, or the easy control of tinctures. Whatever you choose, focus on what feels good for your health and your lifestyle.
And if you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a trusted Los Angeles cannabis dispensary to explore safe and high-quality options. Enjoy finding your best fit and make your experience a positive one every time.
References
- GP Wellness. (n.d.). The art of cannabis consumption: Different methods and their effects.
- (n.d.). What’s the healthiest way to smoke weed?
- Silver Stem Cannabis. (n.d.). Different methods of cannabis consumption: Pros and cons.
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). (2019). Inhaling vs. ingesting cannabis: Health and safety risks infographic [PDF].
- (n.d.). Which methods of ingestion are there and what are their differences?