The Special Effects of Cannabis

The Different Types of Highs Produced by Smoking, Vaping, or Eating Psychoactive Cannabis.

Cannabis is a versatile plant that offers a variety of psychoactive effects, depending on the method of consumption. While the core compound responsible for the “high” is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), how it is delivered into the body significantly impacts the intensity, duration, and overall experience. Smoking, vaping, and eating cannabis each provide distinct highs, ranging from quick and intense to gradual and long-lasting. Understanding the differences between these consumption methods can help users choose the best option for their desired experience.

Smoking Cannabis: A Fast and Potent High

Smoking cannabis is one of the most traditional and popular methods of consumption. It involves inhaling the smoke from combusted cannabis flowers through a joint, blunt, pipe, or bong. When smoked, THC quickly enters the bloodstream through the lungs, producing near-instant psychoactive effects.

Effects of Smoking:

• Onset: The high from smoking typically begins within seconds to a few minutes.
• Peak and Duration: The peak occurs around 30 minutes after smoking, with effects lasting between 1 to 3 hours.
• Psychoactive Sensation: Smoking cannabis often produces an immediate and sometimes intense cerebral high. Users typically experience euphoria, creativity, and an uplifted mood. It can also cause a pleasant body buzz, which is why it is popular for both recreational and medicinal use.

Pros of Smoking:

• Quick onset makes it ideal for immediate relief from pain or anxiety.
• Easy to control dosage by gradually smoking more.
• Provides a full-spectrum experience with all cannabinoids and terpenes present.

Cons of Smoking:

• Inhalation of smoke can irritate the lungs and throat.
• Some cannabinoids and terpenes may be burned off at high temperatures.
• Shorter-lasting effects compared to edibles.

Vaping Cannabis: A Smoother, Controlled High

Vaping cannabis has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to smoking. It involves heating the cannabis flower or oil at a lower temperature (without combustion), creating a vapor that is inhaled. Vaping provides a fast-acting high, but the experience is often described as smoother and cleaner.

Effects of Vaping:

• Onset: Similar to smoking, the effects are felt within minutes.
• Peak and Duration: The peak occurs around 30-45 minutes after vaping, with effects lasting 1 to 3 hours.
• Psychoactive Sensation: The high from vaping is often described as clearer and less foggy compared to smoking. Some users report a more energetic or creative high, possibly due to better terpene preservation.

Pros of Vaping:

• Less harsh on the lungs compared to smoking.
• More flavorful due to the preservation of terpenes.
• Controlled temperature settings allow for customized experiences.

Cons of Vaping:

• Requires a vape pen or device, making it less convenient than smoking.
• Some vape cartridges may contain additives or thinning agents, which can be unhealthy.
• Effects are still shorter-lived than edibles.

Eating Cannabis (Edibles): A Slow-Building, Potent High

Consuming cannabis-infused edibles is an entirely different experience from inhalation methods. When cannabis is eaten, the THC is metabolized by the liver into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is significantly more potent and longer-lasting than smoked or vaped THC.

Effects of Edibles:

• Onset: The high takes 30 to 90 minutes to kick in due to the digestion and metabolism process.
• Peak and Duration: The peak occurs between 2 to 4 hours after consumption, and effects can last 4 to 8 hours (or longer).
• Psychoactive Sensation: The high from edibles is often described as more intense, sedating, and full-bodied. Many users experience stronger relaxation, couch-lock effects, and a heavy mental fog.

Pros of Edibles:

• Long-lasting effects, making them ideal for pain management and insomnia.
• No lung irritation.
• Discreet and easy to consume.

Cons of Edibles:

• Difficult to dose properly—effects are delayed, making it easy to overconsume.
• Potency varies depending on metabolism and individual tolerance.
• Can cause anxiety or paranoia if too much is consumed.

Key Differences in the Highs

1. Intensity:
   • Smoking and vaping deliver a faster, sharper high that tapers off relatively quickly.
   • Edibles provide a slower onset but can lead to an overwhelming and longer-lasting high, especially for inexperienced users.
2. Body vs. Head High:
   • Smoking and vaping often produce a balanced cerebral and body high, but the effects are generally milder than edibles.
   • Edibles are known for their potent body-heavy high, which can be highly sedating.
3. Duration:
   • Smoking and vaping effects last between 1 to 3 hours.
   • Edibles produce effects that can linger for 4 to 8 hours or longer.
4. Dosage Control:
   • Smoking and vaping allow for easier dosage control, as users can stop after a few puffs.
   • Edibles, due to their delayed onset, are harder to dose accurately, making overconsumption more common.

Choosing the Right Method for the Desired High

• For a Quick, Mild High: Smoking or vaping is ideal for those seeking immediate relief or a short recreational experience.
• For a Long-Lasting, Potent High: Edibles are best for individuals who want prolonged effects, especially for medical conditions like chronic pain or insomnia.
• For Flavor and a Clean High: Vaping is a great option for preserving terpenes and avoiding the harshness of smoke.

The method of cannabis consumption significantly impacts the type of high a user experiences. Smoking and vaping deliver fast-acting and relatively short-lived effects, while edibles create a longer, more intense body high. Each method offers unique benefits and drawbacks, making it essential for consumers to consider their personal preferences, tolerance, and desired effects when choosing how to enjoy psychoactive cannabis.

Sid Prince

Photo credit: Sid Prince