The cannabis industry is on a boom with more states legalizing it for both medical as well as recreational purposes. There’s a lot to explore on the recreational front, with many CBD and THC products available for consumption. Vapes and edibles are two options that have swept the consumer market off of its feet. Many have swiftly switched from smoking to vaping and edibles due to lesser potential risks associated with them. The growing influence of vaping/vape pens and edible comes with scores of flavors for users to relish.
There’s no better option when it comes to choosing either vaping or edibles. However, users may develop a liking towards one form of substance over the other after being familiar with their characteristics. In this blog, we will explore how vaping and edibles work, their effects, efficacy, and safety among other factors for you to make a well-read choice.
What are Edibles?
Edibles are cannabis-infused food items. Edibles are obtainable in various forms — candies, gummies, drinks, and baked goods, like brownies. The main edge of edibles is their availability in a sweeping range of products. Some have extended the category to include drinks infused with various flavors such as coffees, teas, honey, lemon, and shots.
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Edibles are also the most convenient way to consume cannabinoids. In between a hectic meeting, on a crowded train, or before a workout sesh, edibles can be devoured anytime anywhere, thanks to their shapes and scopes. Edibles are as flexible as they come.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is a popular alternative to smoking. It is quite popular among generation z (gen-z) and teenagers. Vapes/vape pens are electronic devices through which you can inhale hemp-derived products, nicotine, and other chemicals in a vapor form. E-liquid also known as e-juice is heated and converted into an aerosol that can be inhaled via a vape pen to bring out the flavor of the vapor. E-liquids have a versatile range of flavors allowing users to have a tailor-made vaping experience. They can also optimize your substance strength and gradually increase or decrease it until you build your potent hit.
Vaping has feasibly replaced smoking as some people feel it has a similar experience with an identical hand-to-mouth action but it is way safer on the medical front.
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Vapes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all share the same basic components — a battery, a sensor, and an atomizer/flavor cartridge.
How do Edibles and Vaping work?
Both edibles and vaping are two different methods of consuming hemp and are processed by our bodies distinctively. Edibles are absorbed by the body through the digestive system and then processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream to kickstart their effects.
In vaping, cannabinoids are absorbed directly into your bloodstream via the lungs. This is why vaping takes a quicker time to hit you with a buzz in comparison to edibles. But the effects of vaping can also wear off quicker than edibles.
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Effects of edibles and vaping
While consuming edibles, the active compounds are absorbed through digestive system and then metabolized by the liver before being flushed into your bloodstream. The process is longer in comparison to other methods of consuming cannabis, which can lead to the delayed experience of its effects, but the intensity of effect will vary on the products consumed.
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Once the bloodstream absorbs active compounds, they bind to cannabinoid receptors and will feel mellow effects. Feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and elevated mood are common after you consume a THC edible. But when you devour a CBD-infused edible, you will feel more therapeutic benefits such as reduced anxiety, stress, and tension.
The effects of vaping are felt quickly as in this process the vapor is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the lungs. The effects of vaping can be felt almost immediately, typically within minutes.
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The other factor which controls the effects of vaping is the potency of cannabis-infused in the disposable. THC can produce a feeling of euphoria and relaxation as it is known for its psychoactive effects. CBD, on the other hand, has proven to produce many therapeutic benefits including sleep balance, mood elevation, and reduce pain.
Duration of effect
The effects of cannabis inhaling via vaping can be felt immediately, usually within two to three minutes. Generally, the effect of inhaling cannabis can last for about 2-3 hours.
Edibles/gummies usually take longer to kick into your system, generally takes 30 minutes. However, their effects last longer than vapes/cartridges. People commonly experience the effect of edibles for 6-12 hours.
Dosing and Re-dosing
Edibles are usually labeled and equally dosed to know how much cannabis you are using in one go. Beginners are usually advised to start with a low dose of between 5 mg and 10 mg of THC. Some beginners also opt for micro dosing and start with 2.5 mg. The lower doses allow users to partake in the pleasant buzz without making them “high”.
With vapes, dosing can’t exactly be calculated. The effect of vaping will rely on a number of factors including the strength of the product, your inhaling capacity, and your body’s chemistry.
Vaping happens to be one of the most effective and used delivery methods. It can also immediately hit you right in the feels. Therefore, new users are advised to take 1-2 hits from the vape to begin.
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Efficiency
No substance is lost while taking edibles which is one of the reasons for their higher efficiency. All of the cannabinoids are preserved in the body with an edible.
The effects of edibles last longer as they are more readily absorbed by the body. It may take some time to experience the effects of edibles when compared to other forms of intaking cannabis.
Vaping/vape pen allows you to control your temperature and is generally more convenient. The process of vaporizing allows you to extract the cannabinoids from your dry herb. One can often get multiple sessions from a single batch.
Are Edibles Safer Than Vaping?
Vaping is an alternative to smoking with lesser risks involved. However, due to its inhalation process, it directly affects your lungs, causing cough and irritation.
Edibles, on the other hand, do not carry such risks as they are orally consumed. But the main concern with edibles is the potential for overconsumption. As effects take some time to onset, one may not realize what amount works for them. This can lead to detrimental side effects, especially for those who are new to cannabis/hemp.
Personal preference
Both edibles and vaping have their risks and potential health concerns. So, individuals need to chalk out both benefits and drawbacks keeping in check their health history before making a choice.
Conclusion
What to choose between edibles and vaping? The choice eventually depends on your personal preferences, health history, and what you want to gain from your consumption.
For those who seek a longer-lasting and more intense experience, edibles may be a preferred choice. Though edibles take longer to hit in your system, effects can last for longer hours. But, users should begin with a lower dose and refrain from overconsumption.
If you are looking for a convenient method of hemp consumption, vaping is your friend. It has a quicker onset of effect and also lets you control your dosage. However, those with respiration problems should avoid vaping.