If you shop for THC online, you’ll find a huge variety of products fit for different consumption methods. Most commonly, you find products to eat (gummies, baked goods, all that) and to smoke (flower). Sometimes, you may also find products for vaping, skin application, and even drinking. But that’s a topic for another discussion. Below, we compare smoking THC and eating THC edibles.
THC Joint vs. THC Gummy: 6 Things To Keep In Mind
Before we move to the comparison as such, an important remark is that THC gummies are super varied. For this comparison, we mainly focus on gummies infused with cannabinoid called delta-9 thc. There are also THC and CBD gummies — their effects (onset and duration) should differ.
Onset
When you smoke THC, the effects are immediate. Usually, it takes seconds or a few minutes. Since the THC enters your bloodstream through the lungs, it reaches the brain real fast.
Edibles take longer to produce effects. The THC passes through the digestive system, then, to the liver where it is metabolized. After it, it enters the bloodstream. This can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Duration
When you smoke THC, the high peaks within half an hour. Then, it tapers off after a couple of hours. This is, at least, so if you are calculating thc in a joint and using the right amount of it. Some residual effects might last for up to 24 hours, but they won’t be that intense. All in all, it’s a short controllable experience.
As to THC gummies, once the THC is metabolized and enters your bloodstream, you may experience effects for 6 to 12 hours. They may last even longer in some cases. The peak effects typically occur until about 4 hours after consumption.
Risks
Although hemp-derived THC is legal (at least, at the federal level), it always makes sense to first ask your healthcare provider about its use. If we focus on the differences, when you smoke, you inhale combusted plant material. This irritates your lungs and introduces harmful toxins (just like with tobacco smoke). Over time, this can lead to respiratory issues, particularly if you’re a frequent smoker.
Edibles imply different risks. Most notably, the delayed onset of effects may lead one to consume more than intended. That is, one may think the initial dose wasn’t enough. This can result in over-intoxication. In extreme cases, the latter may require medical attention.
Dosing
We’ve already covered that a bit but let’s sum it up. When you smoke THC, the effects are felt almost immediately. As a result, you better gauge your intake and manage your dosage.
Edibles are more challenging to dose accurately. It’s best to be very careful and start with a small dose. You should wait at least two hours before considering more.
Variety
Smoking offers a wide range of cannabis flower strains. Each has its flavor, aroma, and effects. You may have already heard of Sativa (uplifting) and Indica (calming). But there are many more, of course.
THC gummies are even more varied though. Like other gummies, they have all the flavors you can imagine:
- blueberry
- orange
- cherry
- gelato
- mango, etc.
Some gummies are likewise infused with CBD, which balances the effects of THC.
Costs
Generally, the cost of smoking hemp is lower, as you’re purchasing the raw flower. But, of course, it all varies depending on the quality and strain of the flower. Usually, you could spend $30-$50 on THC flower, which you’ll be using for ages.
THC gummies, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive because they must be produced. Prices would typically start from $60 per pack. But here, too, it all varies depending on the type of gummies.
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To wrap it up, smoking THC seems to be a bit safer in terms of dosage control and a bit cheaper, too. THC gummies, in turn, are more varied and don’t imply any risks to your lungs (they have their own risks though).
