Inhaling vs. Consuming Cannabis: Whats The Difference?

When it comes to enjoying cannabis, the key ingredient responsible for that iconic “high” is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This powerful compound interacts with your brain’s cannabinoid receptors, creating those mind-altering effects we all know so well. Whether you’re lighting up a joint, indulging in an edible, or trying a different method, THC’s effects will always be the same, though how quickly and intensely they hit can vary greatly depending on the consumption method. As marijuana laws evolve, especially in places like Washington and Colorado, more people are exploring these methods. Here’s a breakdown of how different ways of consuming cannabis affect your body.

The Many Ways to Consume Cannabis

There are several methods for consuming cannabis, each with its unique twist. Here are the most popular ones:

Smoking Joints or Bongs: When you inhale cannabis smoke, THC enters your lungs and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, delivering an almost instant high. Smoking joints or bongs gives you fast-acting effects, typically peaking within minutes and lasting around 1-3 hours. This method tends to be popular because of how quickly the effects kick in, but it’s important to remember that inhaling smoke, whether from a joint, bong, or otherwise, can irritate the lungs and have long-term effects on respiratory health. While smoking cannabis doesn’t carry the same risks as smoking tobacco, it can still cause issues like airway inflammation and lung irritation, so moderation is key.
Vaping: Vaping cannabis is similar to smoking but uses heat to release the active compounds without burning the plant material. The effects are still fast-acting but tend to feel smoother and less harsh on the lungs than smoking.
Dabbing: Dabbing involves inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrate, which provides an intense dose of THC. This method delivers a quick and strong high but can be overwhelming for beginners due to the potency of the concentrate.
Edibles: Edibles are foods or drinks infused with cannabis. They take longer to kick in—usually 30 minutes to an hour—because they have to pass through the digestive system before the THC enters the bloodstream. However, once the effects start, they tend to last much longer, often 4-6 hours or more, and are generally more intense. This is because the liver metabolizes THC into a more potent form, amplifying its effects. So, while smoking might get you high in minutes, edibles offer a slow burn that can hit harder and stick around longer.
Topicals: These are lotions, oils, and creams infused with cannabis that you apply to your skin. They don’t produce the same psychoactive effects as smoking or eating cannabis, but they can offer localized relief for things like pain and inflammation.
Tinctures: Alcohol-based cannabis extracts that you can drop under your tongue. These provide a fast-acting, discreet way to consume THC, with effects typically kicking in within 15-45 minutes.

Smoking Cannabis: Instant High, Shorter Duration

Historically, smoking has been one of the most common ways to consume cannabis. Whether you’re using a joint, bong, or pipe, THC enters the lungs quickly, and within moments, you’ll start to feel its effects. The rapid absorption means that the high peaks fast, usually within a few minutes, and tapers off after 1 to 3 hours. This quick onset makes smoking a popular choice for those who want to feel the effects immediately. However, as mentioned, smoking can irritate the lungs and has been linked to respiratory issues, so it’s important to be mindful of how often you partake.

Bongs: A Different Kind of Smoking Experience

Bongs are a popular choice for many cannabis users, offering a smoother, cooler hit compared to smoking a joint or pipe. They work by filtering the smoke through water, which cools the vapor and can reduce the harshness of the hit. This can make the experience feel smoother on your throat and lungs, but it doesn’t eliminate the risks associated with inhaling smoke.

Bongs also allow for bigger, deeper hits, which can deliver a more intense high. The effects from smoking a bong hit are still fast and short-lived, with the high peaking in minutes and fading within a few hours, but the smoothness and increased potency of the hit may make it feel more intense than a standard joint. Keep in mind, however, that inhaling large amounts of smoke at once, even from a bong, can be hard on your lungs.

Edibles: A Slow Burn That Packs a Punch

Edibles, on the other hand, provide a very different experience. When you eat something with cannabis in it, the THC has to go through your digestive system before it enters your bloodstream. This means that the effects take longer to kick in—anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. However, the high from edibles is often much more intense and longer-lasting than smoking because of how THC is metabolized in the liver. The liver turns THC into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, which crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, resulting in a stronger, longer-lasting high that can last 4-6 hours or more.

For many, this slower onset and longer-lasting high are ideal for more extended relaxation or for pain management. But because the effects come on gradually, it’s easy to overconsume. People often make the mistake of eating more when they don’t feel the effects right away, only to find themselves way too high once the THC kicks in. Patience is key!

To Conclude the way you consume cannabis can make a huge difference in the type and duration of the high you experience. Smoking—whether through joints, bongs, or pipes—delivers a quick high but wears off just as fast. Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to kick in but offer a stronger, more lasting effect. Both methods have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in your cannabis experience.

If you’re looking for something fast and light, smoking might be the way to go. But if you want a more intense, longer-lasting high, edibles could be your best bet. Whichever method you choose, always use responsibly, and remember that the effects can vary depending on how much THC is in the product, your tolerance, and your personal body chemistry.

About the Author

Our deep love of plants and fascination with Cannabis has enabled over 25 years of successful small-scale Marijuana cultivation from indoor hydroponics, greenhouses, and outdoor growing set-ups.

As Cannabis laws around the world change, *we support the movement toward freedom of choice for responsible, consenting adults who wish to experience the joy and wonder of growing a Cannabis plant.