"Let's cut through the smoke and get to the truth. You've probably heard it all: 'Edibles are too strong.' 'Smoking is more natural.' 'You can't control the dose with edibles.' Well, folks, it's time to put these myths to bed.

What if we told you that one of the most controversial plants on Earth has also been one of the most widely used throughout human history?

For millennia, cannabis has woven its way through human history. From the mists of ancient China to the bustling streets of modern cities, cannabis has served humanity in countless ways.

As a source of fiber and food, a tool for spiritual rituals, and a remedy for a wide range of health problems, its versatility is undeniable.

Key Takeaways

• Smoking poses significant risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health.
• Edibles eliminate respiratory risks but they can have more intense effects.
• The delayed onset of edibles can lead to accidental overconsumption.

Are Edibles Safer Than Smoking?

The short answer is a resounding yes. But let's break down why edibles stand above smoking when it comes to safety and health benefits.

While smoking provides more immediate effects, it's actually edibles that offer more precise dose control. With a gummy, for instance, you know exactly how much THC you're consuming - say, 5mg. When smoking a joint or a bowl, it's much harder to gauge your intake accurately. You're essentially estimating based on the number of puffs or the amount of cannabis used, which can vary widely in potency.

Edibles offer a smoke-free alternative but require more careful dosing due to their delayed and potentially stronger effects.

Smoking cannabis involves inhaling combusted plant material, which can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. On the other hand, edibles bypass the lungs entirely, going straight to your stomach to be digested and absorbed.

Edibles can have more intense and longer-lasting effects than smoking/vaping, which can catch inexperienced users off guard.

Additionally, the delayed onset of effects with edibles (usually 60 minutes to 2 hours) can lead some users to consume more than intended.

Many people report feeling the effects of Cannovia’s THC Edibles in as little as 20-25 minutes.

Smoking: Pros and Cons

Smoking cannabis has been the traditional method of consumption for centuries. It involves inhaling combusted plant material, which has immediate effects on you.

Pros:

• Rapid onset of effects.
• Easier dose dose adjustment due to immediate feedback.
• Shorter duration of effects, which some might prefer.

Cons:

• Potential respiratory irritation.
• Produces odor, which can be a concern.
• Can be harsh on the throat, especially for new users.
• More likely to be habit-forming than edibles.

The primary concern with smoking cannabis is the potential impact on lung health. When you combust plant material, you're not just inhaling cannabinoids – you're also taking in various byproducts of combustion.

While research on the long-term effects of cannabis smoke is still ongoing, it's generally accepted that inhaling any kind of smoke can irritate the lungs and respiratory system.

Edibles: Pros and Cons

Edibles are a smoke-free alternative to consume cannabis without damaging your lungs. They come in various forms, from delicious THC gummies and chocolates to beverages and baked goods.

Pros:

• No risk to lung health
• Longer-lasting effects
• More discreet than smoking
• Often more palatable for non-smokers

Cons:

• Delayed onset of effects
• Stronger and more intense effects
• Easier to accidentally dose too much
• The longer duration of effects may not always be desirable.

Edibles bypass the lungs entirely, eliminating the respiratory risks associated with smoking. They can be more intense and longer-lasting than smoking, which can be overwhelming for inexperienced users.

Is There a 'Safe' Dosage for Cannabis?

The concept of a universally "safe" dosage for cannabis is complicated due to several factors:

• Individual tolerance levels vary widely
• Different consumption methods affect the body differently
• The potency of cannabis products can vary significantly
• Personal factors like body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and overall health play a role

For edibles, it's generally recommended to start with a low dose and wait at least two hours before consuming more. This "start low and go slow" approach helps minimize the risk of overconsumption.

If you’re new and just starting out:

• Start with 2.5 to 5 mg of THC.
• Wait at least two hours before considering additional consumption.
• Increase dosage gradually over time if needed.

If you have a high tolerance:

• 7.5-15 mg of THC is often considered a standard dose.
• Wait at least two hours to assess the full effects before redosing.
• Always err on the side of caution, especially when trying new products.

For those with high tolerance:

• 25 to 50 mg of THC may be appropriate.
• This range is for experienced users with established tolerance.
• Always start at the lower end of this range when trying new products.

Remember, CBD content can also impact the effects of edibles. Products with higher CBD:THC ratios may counterbalance any unwanted effects of THC.

Dosage for smoking is easier measured in puffs or inhalations rather than milligrams of THC. This is why smoking is considered somewhat easier to regulate your intake in real-time.

If you’re new and have low tolerance:

• Start with one or two shorts puffs
• Wait 15-20 minutes to assess the effects before consuming more
• Gradually increase as needed

If you’re experienced and have a high tolerance:

• Dosage can vary widely based on tolerance and desired effects
• Pay attention to the potency of the cannabis you're using
• Remember that the effects of smoking typically peak within 30 minutes to an hour

Cannabis affects everyone differently. What works for one person may be too much for another. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new cannabis regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

How Smoking Works

When you smoke cannabis, THC and other cannabinoids are absorbed through the lungs and enter the bloodstream almost immediately. From there, they quickly make their way to the brain, which is why the effects of smoking are felt so rapidly.

The bioavailability of THC when smoking (meaning the amount that actually enters your system) is around 31%. However, how deeply you inhale and how long you hold the smoke can also affect this.

How Edibles Work

Edibles take a different route through your body. When you consume a cannabis edible, it first has to be digested in your stomach. From there, it makes its way to the liver, where THC is metabolized into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC.

This process, known as first-pass metabolism, is why edibles can take so long to kick in. It's also why the effects of edibles can feel more intense – 11-hydroxy-THC is actually more potent than regular THC.

The bioavailability of THC in edibles is lower, around 4-12%, but because of the conversion to 11-hydroxy-THC, the effects can actually be stronger and longer-lasting.

But let’s be honest…nobody should have to wait that long. So we did it.

Our products contain nano-ionized™ cannabinoids, which means rapid onset and higher bioavailability.

One nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.

Are THC Edibles Legal?

Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, can be derived from both hemp and marijuana plants. These plants are essentially the same species (cannabis), but they're classified differently based on their THC content.

Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as the final product contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. This means that edibles made with hemp-derived THC are technically legal at the federal level, though state laws may vary.

On the other hand, marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC remains federally illegal.

However, many states have implemented medical marijuana programs that allow for the use of marijuana-derived THC products, including edibles, for qualifying patients.

Some states have gone further and legalized recreational use of marijuana-derived THC products.

Always check your local laws, as they can differ significantly from federal regulations and may change over time.

Even in areas where cannabis is legal, there may be restrictions on where you can consume it. Smoking is often more restricted than edible consumption due to public health concerns and odor.

The Dangers of Smoking Cannabis

Smoking, whether it's cannabis or tobacco, can lead to myriad of health risks that simply can't be ignored:

• Respiratory Issues: When you smoke cannabis, you're inhaling burnt plant material. This can irritate your lungs and respiratory tract, potentially leading to chronic bronchitis, coughing, and increased phlegm production.
• Carcinogenic Compounds: The combustion process in smoking creates harmful chemicals, including some of the same carcinogens found in tobacco smoke.
• Secondhand Smoke: Like tobacco, cannabis smoke can affect those around you, potentially exposing others to harmful chemicals.

The Edible Advantage

Edibles, on the other hand, can be a safer and that eliminates many of these risks:

• Lung Health: By ingesting cannabis orally, you completely bypass the respiratory system, protecting your lungs from irritation and potential damage.
• No Harmful Combustion: Edibles don't involve any burning or smoking, so you avoid exposure to the harmful byproducts of combustion.
• Longer-Lasting Effects: The effects of edibles typically last longer than smoking, which can be beneficial for those seeking extended relief.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing edibles over smoking can be a great way to enhance your cannabis experience. Here's what to consider:

• Health Priority: If you're using cannabis for wellness or medical reasons, edibles offer a cleaner, safer method of consumption.
• Long-Term Effects: Consider the cumulative impact of your consumption method. While occasional smoking might seem harmless, regular use can lead to respiratory issues over time.

Edibles can be easily incorporated into daily routines without the need for special equipment or designated smoking areas.

Conclusion

As we've explored throughout this article, the choice between edibles and smoking isn't just about preference – it's about making a conscious decision for your health and well-being.

We firmly stand behind edibles as the superior choice for cannabis consumption.

By choosing edibles, you're not just avoiding the risks associated with smoking; you're opening yourself up to a world of benefits:

• Precise dosing for more controlled experiences
• Longer-lasting effects for sustained relief
• A diverse range of products to suit your needs and preferences
• A cleaner, more discreet consumption method

Whether you're seeking wellness support or simply looking to enhance your quality of life, we believe that edibles represent the future of responsible, health-conscious THC consumption.

Make the switch to edibles – your body will thank you.