Cannabis: Inhaling vs Ingesting

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a plant that has been used for centuries for various purposes, including medicinal, spiritual, and recreational. With the increasing legalization of cannabis around the world, more and more people are turning to this plant for its various benefits. However, one of the main questions people have when it comes to cannabis is whether they should inhale it or ingest it. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between inhaling and ingesting cannabis and the pros and cons of each method.

Inhaling Cannabis

Inhaling cannabis is the most common way to consume it, and it involves smoking or vaping the plant. When cannabis is smoked, the heat from the flame causes the plant material to release its active compounds, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that gives users a “high.” Smoking cannabis involves lighting up the dried plant material and inhaling the smoke, which enters the lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain.

Vaping cannabis involves heating the plant material or concentrate to a temperature that is high enough to release the active compounds but not high enough to cause combustion. The resulting vapor is then inhaled, which delivers the active compounds to the lungs and into the bloodstream.

Pros of Inhaling Cannabis

Quick onset: When cannabis is inhaled, the effects are almost immediate, which means users can feel the effects within seconds or minutes of inhaling.

Easy to control dosage: Inhaling cannabis allows users to control their dosage more easily, as they can take a small hit and wait to see how they feel before taking another.

More potent: When cannabis is smoked or vaped, the heat causes the plant material to release more THC than when it is ingested, which means users can experience a more potent high.

Cons of Inhaling Cannabis

Harmful to lungs: Inhaling smoke or vapor can be harmful to the lungs and respiratory system, which can lead to chronic bronchitis, lung infections, and other health issues.

Short-lived effects: The effects of inhaling cannabis typically only last for a few hours, which means users may need to inhale more frequently to maintain the desired effects.

Smell: Inhaling cannabis can produce a strong odor that can be noticeable to others, which may not be desirable in certain settings.

Ingesting Cannabis

Ingesting cannabis involves consuming it orally, such as by eating edibles, drinking cannabis-infused beverages, or taking capsules or tinctures. When cannabis is ingested, it passes through the digestive system and is metabolized by the liver, which converts the THC into a more potent form that can produce stronger effects.

Edibles are one of the most popular forms of ingesting cannabis and typically come in the form of baked goods, candies, chocolates, and other treats that are infused with cannabis extract. Cannabis-infused beverages are also becoming increasingly popular and can be found in a variety of flavors, such as teas, coffees, and sodas.

Pros of Ingesting Cannabis

Longer-lasting effects: When cannabis is ingested, the effects can last for several hours, which means users may not need to consume as frequently to maintain the desired effects.

No harm to lungs: Ingesting cannabis does not involve inhaling smoke or vapor, which means it is not harmful to the lungs or respiratory system.

Discreet: Ingesting cannabis can be more discreet than inhaling it, as there is no smell associated with it.

Cons of Ingesting Cannabis

Slow onset: When cannabis is ingested, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for the effects to be felt, which means users need to plan ahead and be patient.

Difficult to control dosage: It can be more difficult to control the dosage of cannabis when ingesting it, as the effects can be unpredictable and can vary depending on factors such as metabolism and body weight.

Stronger effects: When cannabis is ingested, the liver converts the THC into a more potent form, which can produce stronger effects than when it is smoked or vaped. This can be a pro or a con, depending on the user’s preferences and tolerance levels.

Which Method Is Right for You?

The decision to inhale or ingest cannabis ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both methods have their pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which method is right for you:

Desired effects: Inhaling cannabis tends to produce a more immediate and short-lived high, while ingesting it can produce a longer-lasting and more intense high. If you’re looking for a quick and mild high, inhaling cannabis may be the way to go. If you’re looking for a more potent and long-lasting high, ingesting cannabis may be the better choice.

Health considerations: Inhaling smoke or vapor can be harmful to the lungs and respiratory system, which may be a concern for some users, especially those with pre-existing health conditions. Ingesting cannabis eliminates this risk and is a safer option for users who want to avoid potential lung damage.

Dosage control: Inhaling cannabis allows for easier dosage control, as users can take small hits and wait to see how they feel before taking more. Ingesting cannabis can be more difficult to control, as the effects can be unpredictable and can vary depending on factors such as metabolism and body weight.

Convenience: Inhaling cannabis is a quick and easy way to consume it, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or preparation. Ingesting cannabis can be more time-consuming and may require some planning ahead, such as making or purchasing edibles or beverages.

Final Thoughts

Inhaling and ingesting cannabis are two popular methods of consumption, each with their own pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision to inhale or ingest cannabis comes down to personal preference and depends on factors such as desired effects, health considerations, dosage control, and convenience. It’s important to remember that cannabis can affect each person differently and to start with a low dosage to see how it affects you before consuming more. Whether you choose to inhale or ingest cannabis, always consume it responsibly and in compliance with local laws and regulations.

We’ve conducted a case study on Cannabis, which you can find in our article How Can Cannabis Clones Save Me Money and Time.

To understand the historical context of Cannabis Clones, we recommend reading our articles on A History Of Cannabis Prohibition In Canada, Connecticut Clears Nearly 43K Cannabis Convictions, and Italian Army’s Mission: Produce More Cannabis.