In the world of cannabis, two consumption methods dominate the conversation: smoking and edibles. Each offers its own pace, flavour, and style of experience, making the choice more about what fits your lifestyle than which is “better.” Whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to try something different, understanding how these methods work, their advantages, and their trade-offs will help you make a more confident choice.
Smoking Cannabis: A Traditional Method
Smoking has been part of cannabis culture for centuries, offering fast-acting effects and a sense of ritual many enthusiasts enjoy. It’s a hands-on experience that lets you feel in control, from rolling your own joint to packing a bowl in your favourite piece.
Quick Onset of Effects
When cannabis is smoked, cannabinoids like THC and CBD enter the bloodstream through the lungs, producing effects within minutes. This immediate response is especially appealing for those seeking fast relief or an instant recreational high.
Dosage Control
Smoking allows you to adjust your intake in real time: take a puff, wait a moment, and decide whether to have more. This kind of flexibility makes it easier to avoid overdoing it, something that’s harder to achieve with edibles.
Variety of Accessories
From classic rolling papers and hand pipes to glass bongs and high-end pieces, smoking accessories add a personal touch to the experience. Many people enjoy exploring different setups, each offering its own feel, flavour, and even aesthetic appeal.
Potential Health Risks
Despite its cultural roots and convenience, smoking involves combustion, which produces tar and other potentially harmful substances. Over time, this can impact lung health, so it’s important to weigh the enjoyment and control smoking offers against the possible long-term effects.
Top Selected Pre-Rolls
Benny Blunto Pre-Rolls (3 x 0.5g)
Ready-to-smoke and perfectly rolled, these pre-rolls offer a smooth, enjoyable hit with balanced effects ideal for beginners and seasoned users alike. View Product ›
White Chocolate Pre-Roll (10 x 0.5g)
A tasty, creamy-flavoured pre-roll that delivers a relaxing and uplifting experience. Great for social occasions or unwinding after a busy day. View Product ›
10th Planet Pre-Rolls (10 x 0.5g)
These convenient pre-rolls provide a consistent, flavorful smoke with a smooth cerebral buzz perfect for daytime use. View Product ›
Double Dutchies Double Up Pre-Rolls (2 x 1g)
A larger size for those who want a longer-lasting session, featuring robust flavour and balanced effects. View Product ›
BC Organic Harlequin Pre-Roll (5 x 0.3g)
A CBD-rich option with a gentle, calming effect and organic quality for health-conscious users. View Product ›
Explore more pre-rolls at our Scarborough cannabis dispensary ›
Edibles: A Different Approach to Cannabis Consumption
Edibles offer a completely different cannabis experience, one that’s slower to arrive but often longer lasting. From gummies and cookies to chocolates and infused beverages, they bring variety, discretion, and flavour to the table.
Long-Lasting Effects
When you consume cannabis in edible form, it’s absorbed through the digestive system and processed by the liver. This transformation can create stronger, longer-lasting effects, often stretching from 4 to 8 hours. For those wanting an extended, steady experience, edibles are a top choice.
Discreet and Diverse
Edibles let you enjoy cannabis without smoke, smell, or extra gear. Whether you’re into fruity gummies, decadent brownies, or refreshing cannabis drinks, there’s something to suit every taste. This makes them ideal for situations where discretion is important.
Predictable Potency
Many packaged edibles clearly list their THC and CBD content, making it easier to measure and repeat a dose you enjoy. This level of consistency can be especially helpful for newcomers learning their ideal amount.
Delayed Onset
The main trade-off with edibles is the wait. Depending on your metabolism, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for effects to kick in. This delay sometimes tempts people to take more before the first dose has taken effect, leading to a stronger experience than expected.
Consider Your Metabolism
Because edibles are processed internally, factors like your metabolism, body weight, and what you’ve eaten can all affect the onset and intensity. Start small, be patient, and give your body time to respond before having more.
Top Selected Edibles
Gems 5.0 (15-Pack)
Delicious and convenient, these perfectly dosed gummies offer a balanced 5mg THC per piece, ideal for steady, controlled effects. View Product ›
Harlequin Organic Live Rosin 1:1 THC: CBD Gummies (4-Pack)
A premium blend of THC and CBD in organic gummies, delivering gentle effects and therapeutic benefits. View Product ›
Fruit LPZ Organic Live Rosin Gummies (4-Pack)
Bursting with natural fruit flavours and crafted with organic ingredients, these gummies offer a smooth and flavorful cannabis experience. View Product ›
Fully Blasted Pink Lemonade Gummy (1-Pack)
A tangy and refreshing treat with uplifting effects, perfect for daytime enjoyment. View Product ›
Fully Blasted Strawberry Mango Gummy (1-Pack)
Sweet and tropical, this gummy combines delicious flavour with a balanced, mellow high. View Product ›
Discover more edibles at our cannabis shop in Scarborough ›
Edibles or Smoking: Making the Choice
Choosing between smoking and edibles comes down to your goals and setting. If you want immediate effects and fine-tuned control over dosage, smoking may be your go-to. If you prefer a smoke-free, longer-lasting option, edibles might fit the bill. Many people enjoy both methods for different occasions, using smoking for quick, short-term effects and edibles for a slow-burn experience.
Exploring the Middle Ground: Vaporizers
If smoking feels too harsh and edibles take too long, vaporizers offer a balanced alternative. Vaporizers heat cannabis just enough to release cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the plant material, which means you avoid the toxins associated with combustion.
There are two main types:
- Portable vaporizers – discreet and easy to use on the go, ideal for personal sessions.
- Desktop vaporizers – bulkier but great for precise temperature control and fuller flavour.
The effects of vaping typically kick in within minutes, making it easier to control your dosage compared to edibles. Plus, many users report a cleaner, smoother experience with less lingering odour.
Final Thoughts: Finding What Works for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cannabis consumption; the “best” method depends on your lifestyle, tolerance, and personal preferences. Whether you choose the tradition of smoking, the patience of edibles, or the smooth balance of vaping, the key is to start slow, pay attention to your body, and enjoy the process.
And if you’re ever in doubt? Your local dispensary staff can help guide you toward the right products and consumption methods to fit your needs.