💡 Vaping vs Edibles — What’s Right for You?

Hey friends Buddy here 👋 If you’re new to medical cannabis or just curious about your options, you might be wondering: should I vape or try an edible?

It’s a bit like choosing between a motorbike and a train. One’s fast and nimble, the other’s slow and steady but both get you where you want to go. In this blog, we’ll look at the key differences so you can find what suits you best.

Let’s break it down, clearly, calmly, and with no judgement.

🚀 Fast vs Slow: How Long It Takes to Kick In

Vaping is like flicking on a light switch. Edibles? More like setting a timer on your slow cooker. Vaping: Effects in 1-10 minutes, lasting 2-4 hours Edibles: Effects in 30-120 minutes, lasting 4-8+ hours

📅 Buddy tip: Want fast relief or flexible dosing? Then vaping might suit you best. Need a long, smooth ride (say, for sleep)? Then edibles could be your goto. "Understanding onset and duration is critical knowing when effects will start and how long they last lets you manage your experience rather than be surprised by it."

🧪 How Your Body Processes Each One

Here’s where things get science-y. When you vape, cannabinoids go straight from your lungs to your brain. Edibles have to be digested and processed by your liver first.

That liver step turns THC into a form (11-hydroxy-THC) that can feel more intense.

🔎 Buddy tip: Start low and go slow with edibles. You can always have more, but you can’t take it back once it’s digested!

Stat: Edibles often feel stronger and last longer due to how the liver processes THC.

🚗 Control & Customisation: Real-Time or Set-and-Go?

With vaping, you can adjust as you go, just take a puff, wait, see how you feel. It’s like tuning a radio. Edibles are more like pressing play on a playlist and letting it run.

Pre-measured edibles might seem precise, but digestion varies wildly. One person’s light buzz could be another’s strong trip.

🔹 Buddy tip: If trying edibles for the first time, stick to 2.5–5mg THC and wait a full two hours before deciding if you need more.

"Cannabis isn't one-size-fits-all. Give yourself time to understand how your body reacts."

🪨 Breathing Easy: What About Your Lungs?

One benefit of edibles? No impact on your lungs. That makes them a popular option for people with respiratory concerns.

Vaping is considered cleaner than smoking but still involves inhalation. Stick to trusted, lab-tested products to avoid nasty additives like vitamin E acetate.

🔧 Buddy tip: Prioritise quality. Choose regulated products, especially when vaping.

Stat: Vaping cannabis reduces exposure to harmful toxins compared to smoking.

👀 What It Feels Like: The Experience

Vaping gives a more immediate, manageable experience. You can dial things in quickly.

Edibles? They sneak up on you. The effects can be more intense, partly due to how your body processes them. The delayed onset often leads to accidental overdoing.

🚫 Buddy tip: Don’t redose too soon! Give it time to work before reaching for more.

"The most common mistake with edibles? Not waiting long enough."

🌿 Choosing What Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. It’s about what you need, and when.

Try vaping if you want:

• Quick onset

• Shorter effects

• Flexible control

Try edibles if you want:

• Longer-lasting relief

• No lung impact

• Evening or sleep support
  

🌟 Keep a little journal to track your use, you might spot helpful patterns.

🫳 Buddy’s Takeaway

Vaping and edibles both have their perks. Like tea vs coffee, it depends what you're after. Knowing the difference helps you use cannabis in a way that fits your needs, safely, and with confidence.

Stay smart, stay curious,

Buddy 🌿