Understanding the Difference Between Edibles and Smoking
Marijuana can be consumed in different ways, including smoking and consuming edibles. Smoking refers to inhaling and exhaling smoke from burning cannabis flowers, while edibles are cannabis-infused food products. The way you consume marijuana affects how it interacts with your body and how long it stays in your system.
The Process of Smoking
When you smoke marijuana, the active compounds in the plant, such as THC, are absorbed through your lungs into your bloodstream. The effect is almost immediate because the compounds bypass your digestive system and go straight to your brain. Smoking marijuana can produce a stronger and faster effect compared to consuming edibles.
The Process of Consuming Edibles
When you consume edibles, the active compounds in the plant are absorbed through your digestive system. The compounds are broken down by your liver into a more potent form that produces a stronger and longer-lasting effect. Edibles take longer to produce an effect because your body needs to digest the food first.
How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System?
The length of time marijuana stays in your system depends on several factors, such as the type of product you consumed, the amount you consumed, and your body’s metabolism. In general, smoking marijuana produces a shorter effect compared to consuming edibles, but it also leaves your system faster.
Smoking
When you smoke marijuana, the effect can last for a few hours, but the compounds leave your system within a few days. However, frequent use can cause the compounds to accumulate in your body, leading to a longer detection window. Typically, marijuana can be detected in your system through a urine test for up to 30 days after use, but the detection window varies depending on the frequency of use and the amount consumed.
Edibles
When you consume edibles, the effect can last for several hours or even up to 24 hours, but the compounds can stay in your system for much longer. THC, for example, can be detected in your system through a urine test for up to 77 days after use. The long detection window is because the compounds are stored in your fat cells and released slowly over time.
Understanding the Risks of Edibles
While edibles can provide a longer-lasting and stronger effect, they also pose some risks that smoking does not. Because edibles take longer to produce an effect, some people may consume more than they intended, leading to an overdose. Overdose symptoms can include paranoia, hallucinations, and a rapid heart rate.
Dosing
Edibles also pose a dosing challenge because the potency of the product can vary greatly. A single edible may contain a different amount of THC depending on the manufacturer, and the labeling may not always be accurate. This makes it difficult to determine the appropriate dose for your needs, especially if you are new to edibles.
Delayed Effect
Finally, the delayed effect of edibles can also be problematic. Some people may consume more than they intended because they do not feel the effect immediately, leading to an overdose. It is also important to note that the effect of edibles can vary depending on your metabolism, so it is best to start with a small dose and wait for the effect before consuming more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smoking and consuming edibles are two different ways to consume marijuana, and they affect your body differently. Smoking produces a faster effect but leaves your system faster, while edibles produce a stronger and longer-lasting effect but can stay in your system for much longer. It is important to understand the risks and benefits of both methods and to consume marijuana responsibly. Always start with a small dose and wait for the effect before consuming more. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the experience, not to overdose.
