Weed is legal in some states in the United States of America, and other countries in the world. In some, it is legal for research and medicinal purposes and in others, recreational purposes are included. Due to this legalization, various people have a preference on how to consume it. Some prefer taking it by smoking weed while others in edibles. Whichever method you choose you will experience your desired high feeling. 

This articles will focus on smoking weed vs edibles effects 

Smoking weed Effects 

Weed inhaled using various formats. It is smoked using pre-rolled joints and blunts or through bongs and pipes. Either form you choose, will lead to the same smoking weed effects, they include: 

Active compounds enter your bloodstream and your lungs 

When you smoke weed through your mouth, you inhale smoke through your gas pipe into the lungs. Inhaled air containing active weed compounds such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is absorbed into the bloodstream through capillaries found in airbags. The active compounds are then transported all over your body, brain too via your blood. 

Immediate Reaction 

Weeds’ active compounds THC and CBD enter your brain through your bloodstream. THC compound is the most active of all the weed compounds. THC interacts with the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system, triggering a sensation of the euphoria associated with the ‘high’ feeling. This result takes effect in 1minute-2 hours of smoking weed depending on your tolerance. 

Other compounds like CBD come into play too. CBD combines with the weak receptor found in the endocannabinoid system to active stimuli for relieving pain, fighting depression, anxiety among other issues. 

Edibles Effects 

Digestion, metabolized, and absorption process 

Weed is consumed through edibles such as brownies, chewable, cookies, etc. Edibles are consumed through the mouth into the esophagus and in the digestive tract to the stomach. Active weed compounds are then digested and then metabolized by your liver. THC, the most active compound in weed is chemically broken down to 11-hydroxy, a stronger and more durable compound than the original THC. 11-hydroxy THC compound absorbed into the bloodstream as a nutrient. It is transported to all parts and finally reaches the brain. It combines with the CB1 receptor, sending stimuli of the “high” feeling.  

Stronger and longer effects 

Due to the digestion, metabolization, and absorption process, it takes longer for the THC compound in the edibles to reach the brain, so the ‘high’ feeling takes longer to appear too. However, the effects of this compound stay longer in the body of a consumer and are relatively stronger. 

In conclusion, both smoking weed and using edibles have effects, and the choice of preference depends utterly on you. If you are a first-timer, it is advisable to start with low doses of each method of weed consumption.