Smoking, Vaping, Edibles: Key Differences
Your consumption method radically changes the speed, intensity, and duration of effects. Understanding these differences helps you make more informed choices.
Combustion (smoking)
The most traditional method. Inhaling smoke delivers cannabinoids to the bloodstream through the lungs in 2–10 minutes. Effects last 1–3 hours. Combustion destroys some terpenes (at temperatures above 230°C) and produces byproducts of burning. It's the most familiar method but the least efficient in terms of usable cannabinoids.
Vaporization
A vaporizer heats cannabis to 160–220°C, enough to release cannabinoids and terpenes without reaching combustion. Onset in 5–15 minutes. Effects are typically cleaner with better terpene expression — many users report being able to taste the specific profile of each strain more clearly. It's the most recommended method for those looking to preserve the plant's full profile.
Edibles
When you ingest cannabis, THC is processed by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC — a more potent and slower-acting metabolite. Onset can take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your metabolism and whether you've eaten. Effects last 4–8 hours and are more intense and longer-lasting than inhalation. The most common mistake: assuming 'it's not working' and consuming more before waiting long enough.
Concentrates and other methods
Concentrates (hash, rosin, oils, shatter, wax) have THC potencies between 40% and 90%+. Usually consumed through dab rigs or specialized vaporizers. Sublingual drops (oils under the tongue) have onset of 15–45 minutes with moderate effects. Topicals (creams, balms) act locally without systemic effects — useful for localized inflammation or pain.
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