Ingesting vs. Inhaling THC: Which Is Better?

The Differences Between Inhaling And Ingesting THC

When it comes to consuming THC, there are two main ways to do it: ingesting and inhaling. Both have their own set of pros and cons, and it can be tough to decide which is the better option for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between ingesting and inhaling THC and help you decide which is the better option for you.

Why Consumption Methods Might Matter To You

Your body’s cannabinoid receptors are located all throughout, but they’re particularly plentiful in your brain. THC binds to these receptors and causes changes in perception, mood, and other effects that people experience when they get high.

The method of consumption can affect how quickly THC enters the bloodstream and binds to these receptors. Inhaling THC will cause it to enter the bloodstream and bind to receptors much more rapidly than ingesting it will.

This can be a good or a bad thing, depending on what you’re looking for. If you want the effects of THC to kick in as quickly as possible, inhaling it is the way to go. However, if you want the effects to last longer, then ingesting it is a better option.

Ingesting Cannabis

When you ingest cannabis, you are taking it in through your digestive system. You can do this in a few ways, the most popular of which are cannabis-infused edibles and tinctures/oils. THC enters the bloodstream through the lining of the stomach, meaning it takes noticeably longer to feel the effects (usually 30 minutes to an hour).

However, those effects tend to be more long-lasting than when THC is inhaled. Because 11-hydroxy-THC is produced when THC is metabolized by the liver, the psychoactive effects of ingesting cannabis are usually more intense than when smoking or vaporizing. It’s important to note that edibles can be particularly potent, so if you’re trying them for the first time, it’s best to start with a relatively small dose and wait a minimum of 2 hours before taking more.

One downside of eating cannabis edibles is that it can be tough to determine how much THC you’re consuming, especially if you’re new to using cannabis products. So start low and slow with edibles until you get a feel for how they affect you. Another potential drawback is that the delayed onset time can sometimes lead people to consume more edibles than they intended, resulting in an uncomfortable experience known as “greening out.”

Inhaling Cannabis

When you inhale cannabis, you are taking it into your lungs, where it is then absorbed into your bloodstream. This is typically done by smoking or vaporizing cannabis flowers, but it can also be done with cannabis oils and concentrates. The effects of inhaled cannabis are felt almost immediately (usually within seconds or minutes), but they don’t last as long as when cannabis is ingested (2-3 hours).

Because THC enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs, inhaling smoke or vapor is generally considered the fastest and most effective way to experience the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, it’s important to note that inhaling smoke or vapor can irritate your lungs, so if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, it’s best to avoid this method of consumption. 

The primary downside of smoking or vaping cannabis is that it can be harsh on your lungs, especially if you’re not used to inhaling smoke or vapor. Additionally, the effects of inhaled THC can wear off more quickly than other methods, which means you might need to consume more cannabis to maintain the desired level of effects.

However, there are a number of easy ways to reduce the negative lung impact of smoking, such as using a water pipe (bong) or vaporizer. And there are also high-potency cannabis products available that can deliver longer-lasting effects. 

Related Article: What Is Live Rosin and Why Is It Important in THC Products?

So, Which Is better? Ingesting Or Inhaling THC?

The answer ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking to get out of your cannabis experience. If you’re looking for immediate relief from pain or other symptoms, which many who use medical marijuana are, inhaling cannabis is probably your best bet. If you’re looking for more long-lasting relief or want to avoid irritating your lungs, ingesting cannabis might be a better option. 

No matter what method you choose, make sure to start slow and go low until you figure out what works best for you! While you’re deciding, Danu invites you to take a look at our full selection of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products online and in our Bedford, Texas Wellness Center.