There is no right or wrong way to consume cannabis. That said, if you want to partake, the options are nearly endless. The most popular choices today though, are eating it and smoking it.

Each method has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, as well as nuances that can make the experience vary from person to person. Whether you're a seasoned cannabis user or new to the scene, one of the most common questions people ask is: Which method gives you the best experience?

Don't worry, we're going to break it all down here for you by comparing smoking and edible cannabis on a variety of different criteria. Hopefully you'll walk away with a much better understanding of which method would work best for you.

Let's start on the ground floor, though, to make sure we're all understanding each other.

The Basics of Edibles and Smoking: Understanding the Methods

Before diving into the details of each method, let's quickly outline how they work and what makes them different.

Smoking: Smoking cannabis involves inhaling the vapor produced by burning the plant material — either in a joint, a pipe, a bong, or an apple if you're in college in 2002. Once inhaled, the cannabinoids — the active compounds in the plant that create the "high" you feel, primarily THC — pass directly into the bloodstream through the lungs. This allows the effects to be felt almost immediately. Smoking has long been the go-to method for cannabis consumers because of its fast onset and intense effects.

Edibles: These are food or drinks that have been infused with cannabis. After consumption, the cannabinoids must first travel through your digestive system before being metabolized by the liver. In the liver, THC is converted into a stronger compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, which produces a longer-lasting, sometimes more intense effect. While edibles can be really enjoyable, they have a much slower onset and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours in some cases to kick in.

Alright, so now that we're on the same page, let's put these methods side by side in a few different categories.

Onset Time: How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects?

Smoking: Like we said above, when you smoke cannabis, the effects can be felt almost immediately. Since the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream directly through your lungs, the high begins within minutes, usually between 5 to 10 minutes. For many users, this fast onset is one of the biggest advantages of smoking. You can feel the effects pretty much right away, which allows you to gauge how much you need and adjust accordingly.

Edibles: No two ways about it — edibles are a much slower process. After consuming an edible, the THC must pass through the digestive system before it reaches the bloodstream and is processed by the liver. This means that edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in, depending on factors like your metabolism, the dosage, and whether or not you ate something before consuming the edible.

For people who are looking for quick relief or an immediate high, smoking is generally the better option. But if you're not in a hurry and are looking for something that will provide a longer-lasting effect, edibles are the way to go.

Duration of Effects: How Long Do the Effects Last?

Smoking: The high from smoking cannabis tends to be shorter-lived, lasting anywhere from one to three hours. The effects start strong but begin to taper off after about 30 minutes to an hour. For regular cannabis consumers, the relatively quick duration of a smoking high is appealing because it allows you to get back to your day more quickly. However, this short duration means that many users will need to consume more frequently to maintain their high.

Edibles: Edibles, on the other hand, offer a much longer-lasting experience. The effects of edibles typically last between four to six hours, with some users reporting that the high can extend up to eight hours or more, especially with larger doses. This long-lasting high is due to the way THC is metabolized in the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. The result is a more sustained, gradual high that doesn't wear off as quickly as smoking does. For some people, the longer duration of edibles is a major plus, as it provides a more consistent, extended experience.

However, it's important to note that the long-lasting effects of edibles can also lead to unwanted side effects if you consume too much. Overindulging in edibles can result in extreme drowsiness, anxiety, or confusion — so it's important to start slow and give your body time to process the cannabinoids before deciding to take more.

If you're looking for something quick, smoking's the way to go. If you're looking for a fun afternoon on the couch, have yourself an edible.

The Type of High: What's the Difference Between Smoking and Edibles?

Smoking: Smoking cannabis produces a more immediate, intense, and often cerebral high. The effects can be felt quickly in the mind, with users typically experiencing a burst of euphoria, creativity, or enhanced sensory perception. The high is more "up" and energetic for some, making it a good choice for social settings, creative activities, or tasks that require focus. For others, smoking can induce a sense of relaxation and calm, but it's usually a more uplifting effect compared to edibles. Again, this all depends on the person. No angry emails, please.

Edibles: The high from edibles tends to be more body-centered and longer-lasting. Once the THC is metabolized, it is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that produces more intense physical effects, such as deep relaxation or even sedation. This can make edibles great for people looking for a calming, soothing experience or those using cannabis for pain relief or sleep issues. For some people, the high may not be as cerebral or mentally stimulating as smoking, but it's often more relaxing and physically grounding. You're definitely going to get some changes to your thought processes, but it's a little more relaxing.

If you're looking for an immediate, short-duration, heady high — go with smokable flower. If you want a more relaxing, full-body, melt-into-your-couch high, edibles might be the better vehicle.

Control and Dosage: Which Method Provides More Control?

Smoking: Smoking cannabis gives you some level of control over your dose, but it's not like reading a label on a bag. It's more about the feedback. Since the effects of smoking are felt almost immediately, you can gauge how much you want to consume and stop when you've had enough. Let's say you're smoking a joint. You can take a few puffs and stop if you're where you want to be.

Edibles: These are less immediate in terms of their effects. The delayed onset means that you can't really feel how much you've consumed until it kicks in. This can make edibles tricky for newcomers who may not know their ideal dosage. It's easy to take too much, thinking you're not feeling anything, only to find yourself overly high an hour or so later. The good news in this regard is that if you buy your edibles from reputable brands like Sherpa, you can be confident you know exactly what's in them. If it says 12mg THC, you know you're consuming 12mg of THC. Once you know your sweet spot, it's incredibly easy to hit it every time.

So here's the takeaway — if you want precise control over your experience, manufactured edibles are the way to go. If you want to wing it and go on vibes alone, smoking can be better.

Health Considerations: Which Is Better for Your Lungs and Body?

Smoking: This is pretty obvious,  but we'll go ahead and say it. Smoking cannabis involves inhaling smoke into your lungs, which can irritate the airways and lead to chronic coughing or bronchitis if done frequently. While smoking cannabis is generally less harmful than smoking tobacco, it still exposes your lungs to harmful substances, including carcinogens. If you have a pre-existing lung condition, such as asthma, smoking may not be the best option for you.

Edibles: Since edibles are ingested and not inhaled, they do not have the same respiratory risks as smoking. Consuming edibles is a great option for people who want to avoid smoke-related health issues. The long-term health impact of consuming cannabis edibles is still being studied, but for now, it's generally considered safer than smoking for your lungs.

No real takeaway in this category. Edibles take the cake when you're talking about healthy modes of consumption.

Convenience and Discretion: Which Method Is Easier to Use?

Smoking: Smoking cannabis requires more preparation and equipment, such as rolling papers, a lighter, or a pipe. It's also not the most discreet method, as any college kid with a rolled-up towel can tell you. The smell of cannabis smoke can linger and is often noticeable to others. If you're in a public or non-smoking environment, this may not be the best option.

Edibles: Edibles are incredibly discreet. Since they don't produce any noticeable odor, you can consume them in public or private without drawing attention. They are also easy to transport, making them a convenient choice for on-the-go users. Again, the clear winner when it comes to conveniences is clearly edibles.

So in these last two categories edibles were the head-and-shoulders winner, but that doesn't mean that they're right for every occasion and for every person. We'll give you a quick checklist to help out before we wrap up.

To Eat or To Smoke: Which Method Is Right for You?

Choosing between edibles and smoking ultimately depends on your lifestyle, goals, and personal preferences. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:

Choose Smoking if:

• You want quick effects
• You don't mind feeling things out when it comes to dosages
• You need something convenient and fast
• You don't mind the smell of cannabis, and neither would the people around you
• You're looking for a lighter, more energetic high

Choose Edibles if:

• You prefer long-lasting effects
• You're looking for a more body-centered or relaxing high
• You need a discreet and convenient method
• You're willing to be patient and careful with your dosage
• You're using cannabis for therapeutic or sleep-related purposes

Edibles or Smoking: The Age-Old Question

When it comes to cannabis use, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to which method provides a better experience. Both edibles and smoking offer unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Smoking is great for quick relief and more immediate control, while edibles provide a longer, more sustained experience.

Experiment with both and see which one fits your lifestyle best. That's the fun of this. But, as always, start slow and be mindful of your dosage. No matter which method you choose, moderation is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable cannabis experience.