With the rise in cannabis consumption, people are constantly looking for healthier ways to enjoy the benefits of THC without the downsides that come with smoking or vaping. One of the options that’s been growing in popularity is edibles—those tasty THC-infused treats like brownies, gummies, and chocolates. But are edibles really a healthier option compared to vaping or smoking? Let’s take a closer look.
What Exactly Are Edibles, Vaping, and Smoking?
Let’s start by understanding the basics. Edibles are foods or drinks infused with THC, the active compound in cannabis that gets you high. Popular types of edibles include brownies, gummies, cookies, and even THC-infused beverages. When you consume edibles, the THC goes through your digestive system and is processed by your liver before entering your bloodstream.
Vaping, on the other hand, involves heating cannabis oil to create vapor, which you then inhale. Many people think of vape pens or cartridges when they hear about vaping, and it’s often considered a cleaner alternative to smoking since there’s no combustion involved.
Smoking is the traditional method of consuming cannabis—lighting up a joint, pipe, or bong and inhaling the smoke directly into your lungs. While smoking is one of the quickest ways to feel the effects of THC, it also comes with some serious health risks that people are becoming more aware of.
Health Risks of Smoking Cannabis
Smoking is harmful, and that goes for cannabis just as much as it does for tobacco. When you smoke cannabis, you inhale toxins, tar, and carcinogens that can damage your lungs. Over time, this can lead to conditions like chronic bronchitis, respiratory infections, and, in more severe cases, lung diseases like emphysema or even cancer.
One of the biggest concerns with smoking is the direct damage it does to your lungs. Every puff introduces harmful substances into your respiratory system, which causes irritation and inflammation. While some people might argue that cannabis smoke isn’t as dangerous as cigarette smoke, the fact is that inhaling any type of smoke can be bad for your lungs in the long run.
What About Vaping?
Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking. Because there’s no combustion, it’s true that vaping avoids the release of some of the harmful chemicals you’d get from smoking. However, it’s not without its own risks.
In recent years, concerns about vaping have been on the rise, especially after the outbreak of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury). This condition was linked to certain chemicals found in some vape products, like vitamin E acetate and propylene glycol, both of which can harm the lungs when inhaled.
While many vapers report fewer side effects than smokers, vaping can still irritate the lungs, and long-term studies on its safety are still ongoing. The bottom line? Vaping might be less harmful than smoking, but it’s not risk-free.
Edibles: The Healthier Choice?
So, where do edibles fit in? The main advantage of edibles over smoking or vaping is that they don’t involve your lungs at all. When you eat an edible, the THC is absorbed through your digestive system, meaning there’s no inhalation of smoke, vapor, or harmful chemicals. For people concerned about lung health, this makes edibles a much safer alternative.
Edibles also skip the harmful byproducts that come from combustion, like tar or carcinogens. Since there’s no burning involved, you’re not exposing your body to the toxins that can cause lung damage over time. Plus, the effects of edibles are often longer-lasting and more controlled compared to smoking or vaping.
The Downsides of Edibles
Of course, edibles aren’t perfect. One of the main challenges with edibles is the delayed onset of effects. Unlike smoking or vaping, where you can feel the effects within minutes, edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. This delay can lead some people to overconsume if they’re not patient, resulting in an experience that’s much more intense than intended.
Another issue is dosage control. It’s easy to eat more edibles than you need, especially if they’re tasty treats like gummies or brownies. Once the THC is in your system, you’re committed to the effects, which can last for several hours. For beginners, it’s important to start with a low dose and wait before consuming more.
Comparing the Effects on the Body
One of the big differences between edibles and smoking or vaping is how they affect your body. Smoking and vaping send THC directly into your bloodstream through the lungs, which means you feel the effects quickly, but they tend to wear off within a few hours.
Edibles, on the other hand, are metabolized by the liver, which converts THC into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound is much more potent and lasts longer than regular THC, which is why the high from edibles is often stronger and longer-lasting than from smoking or vaping. While this can be a benefit for some, it’s also why edibles can feel overwhelming if you’re not careful with dosing.
Convenience and Social Settings
Another factor to consider is convenience. Edibles are discreet and can be consumed almost anywhere without drawing attention. Unlike smoking or vaping, there’s no smell, no visible vapor, and no need for special equipment. This makes edibles a great option for people who want to enjoy cannabis in public or social settings without standing out.
Smoking and vaping, on the other hand, are much more obvious and might not always be suitable for certain environments. Plus, with smoking, you have the added issue of smell, which can linger and be unpleasant for those around you.
Who Should Consider Switching to Edibles?
If you’re concerned about your lung health, edibles could be the best option for you. Since there’s no inhalation involved, they’re ideal for people with asthma or other respiratory issues. They’re also a great choice for chronic cannabis users who want to avoid the wear and tear that smoking can have on the lungs over time.
That said, edibles do require a bit more patience and caution when it comes to dosing, so they might not be for everyone. If you prefer a more immediate and short-lived high, smoking or vaping might still be your go-to.
Conclusion
So, can edibles be a healthier alternative to vaping or smoking? The answer is yes, especially when it comes to avoiding the potential damage to your lungs. By consuming THC through edibles, you skip the harmful effects of smoke or vapor, which can have long-term consequences on your respiratory health.
If you’re looking for a safer way to enjoy cannabis, edibles are definitely worth considering. Just remember to start low and go slow when it comes to dosing—especially if you’re new to edibles.
At Blazed Bakery, we specialize in creating delicious, high-quality THC-infused treats that are perfect for anyone looking to make the switch from smoking or vaping. Whether you’re after a calming high or a fun, edible experience, we’ve got you covered with our tasty selection!
