Why do edibles feel different ?
In today's evolving cannabis landscape, patients and consumers are no longer limited to lighting up. From infused drinks to transdermal creams and chocolate bars, cannabis can now be inhaled, eaten, absorbed through the skin - or all of the above.
But as the methods of consumption multiply, so do the questions.
One of the most common?
Why are edibles such a different experience than smoking?
Let's break it down.
Inhaling cannabis: fast, direct, and short-lived
When you smoke or vape cannabis, THC (the psychoactive compound) passes through your lungs and quickly enters your bloodstream. Within seconds, it reaches your brain and begins to take effect.
This rapid onset is one of the reasons many users - especially medical patients seeking quick relief - prefer inhalation. The high is typically felt almost immediately, peaks quickly, and wears off within a few hours.
Simple, effective, but relatively short-lived.
Cannabis ingestion: slow burn, deeper effects
Eating cannabis, however, sends it on a very different path.
When you consume a cannabis-infused edible-be it a gummy, cookie, or capsule-it must first pass through your digestive system. That means the THC has to be broken down in your stomach, processed by your intestines, and metabolized by your liver before it ever reaches your bloodstream.
Here's where it gets interesting
During this liver metabolism, THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC-a compound that is more potent and longer lasting than the original THC molecule. This is why edibles often produce a stronger, more physical high that can last four to eight hours or more.
It also explains the lag. Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, depending on individual metabolism and whether you've eaten recently.
Understanding the key differences
Onset time
- Smoking / Vaping = Within seconds to minutes
- Edibles = 30 to 120 minutes
Peak effects
- Smoking / Vaping = Within 30–60 minutes
- Edibles = After 2–4 hours
Duration
- Smoking / Vaping = 1–3 hours
- Edibles = 4–8 hours (or more)
Potency
- Smoking / Vaping = Immediate but shorter-lived
- Edibles = Delayed but stronger, due to 11-hydroxy-THC
Why it matters to medical cannabis patients
Knowing the difference isn't just a matter of preference - it's essential for proper dosing, especially for new users or medical patients. While smoking may be appropriate for quick relief of symptoms like nausea or anxiety, edibles are often chosen for their longer-lasting therapeutic effects, such as pain relief or insomnia support.
But with great power comes great responsibility:
Start low, go slow.
Beginners should start with 2.5-5 mg of THC, then wait at least two hours before considering more.
Final thoughts: different ways, same goal
Inhaling or ingesting - both methods ultimately deliver THC into your system, but the experience is shaped by how your body processes it.
Cannabis affects everyone differently, and the ideal method depends on your goals, physiology, and level of experience. The important thing is to understand what's happening in your body so you can choose the approach that best suits your needs.
