Weed Drinks vs. Edibles: What Works Best for You?
The world of consuming cannabis has evolved so much from simple smoking. Now, there are all manner of delightful options for consumers, from slightly sweet weed drinks to an enticing mix of weed edibles. Both have their own unique benefits, but knowing their distinctions is essential to deciding exactly which will work best for you and the vibe you’re going for. In this Doobie blog, dissect the intricacies of these favorite ways for people to consume cannabis.
Difference #1: Onset Time
Arguably one of the most notable differences between weed drinks and weed edibles is the time to onset. The effects do tend to hit much faster than with an edible when you drink a THC product though. That’s because the liquid form is absorbed faster into your bloodstream via the lining of your mouth and stomach. You may start to feel the effects within 15 to 30 minutes, and you should be peaking at an hour. This quick action gives you better control of your experience, enabling you to measure the effects and ingest as per your requirement.
How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?
Now, you may be wondering, “How long do edibles take to kick in?” Since weed edibles must be digested and processed through the liver before entering your bloodstream, the effects take longer to kick in — usually around 30 minutes to 2 hours, but the onset time can sometimes vary depending on your metabolism, what you’ve eaten, and other factors, including the specific edible.
Weed Drinks vs. Edibles: A Difference in Absorption Rate
The variation in absorption contributes to differences in the intensity and duration of those effects. Though the high from weed edibles can be intense, the high from THC drinks is typically more pronounced at first and may not last quite as long as the former due to faster absorption. The feeling is like a softer wave, rising fast before dying down over hours.
Weed edibles tend to produce a more intense and longer high. In the liver, THC is then metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is even stronger and circulates throughout the body. It can result in a more intense high which lasts for a few hours and potentially longer. As a result, weed edibles are often chosen by people seeking a more relaxing high, alongside medical patients who need extended periods of relief from their symptoms, such as chronic pain or sleep disorders.
Beyond THC: CBD Edibles and Drinks
In addition to THC, there is a world of edibles and drinks that are CBD-based. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you “high.” Common reasons people choose CBD edibles or drinks include their potential wellness benefits, such as the ability to relieve anxiety, stress, and pain, along with their general lack of psychoactive effects. These are available in a variety of formats, ranging from sweets and chocolates to capsules, CBD alcohol beverages, and fruit-infused sparkling waters, offering a discreet and convenient way to supplement with CBD. Although it takes a little longer for CBD edibles in particular to take effect than other methods, the benefits can be well worth the wait.
The “best” decision between weed drinks and weed edibles is completely personal and comes down to your own taste as well as the kind of high you’re looking for and your relationship to the situation. If you’re seeking a quick onset, a more manageable high, and a quicker shift back to sobriety, THC beverages could be the ticket for you. If you’re looking for a stronger, more lasting feeling, or are seeking wellness perks from CBD edibles, munching might be more your hue. Both at low doses can give you just a taste of what works best for you and give you some structure to your cannabis choices anytime. Remember to always start low and go slow, especially with edibles because of the time it takes to feel their effects. If you are unsure what you want to experiment with first, consult with a pro, as they can best advise you on where to begin.
Photo by Margo Amala on Unsplash
