Edibles VS Vaping: Which One Is Best For You?
There are a number of different ways you can consume delta-8 THC, and two of the most popular options on the market are vapes and edibles. Many people prefer either of these two for different reasons. For some, it is the time it takes to feel the effects, and for others, it is how long said effects last, among other things.
However, there is a growing debate among users about which is better between the two. To a fairly reasonable extent, this might warrant a subjective answer. Nevertheless, to help you better decide which of these two consumption methods is right for you, we will place them side by side and compare their strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths of Vaping as a Method of Delta-8 THC Consumption
Vaping has been a popular consumption method for quite some time. The exciting thing is that this method of consuming delta-8 THC goes beyond delta-8 alone, as nicotine and CBD consumers use it too. Considering its wide acceptance, it is evident this method is getting something (or a couple of things) right. We will outline them below, in case you were not already familiar with them:
Reduced Health Risks Associated with Smoking
Smoking offers plenty of similar characteristics that vaping does, including speed and duration of effects. However, its safety has been a source of concern for quite some time, considering the human lungs are not designed for smoking.
Thankfully, vaping does not contain any smoke. Instead, it only has delta-8 infused vapor. As a result, you will not have to worry about the health risks associated with smoking.
Speed
If you are looking to have a lovely, relaxing evening with delta-8 THC, it could be frustrating if you have to wait several minutes for the effects to kick in. However, with vaping, you do not have to deal with this frustration. Almost as soon as you inhale the vapor from your cartridge, it goes into your bloodstream. From there, you will begin to feel its effects, and you can ride the wave as long as you want.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is an increasingly popular phrase that refers to a situation where you combine different compounds and then consume them together to get the collective effects and benefits. Vaping makes it much easier to get this effect, because you can simply combine different delta-8 distillates and terpenes and inhale them at once.
Increased Dosage Control
With some other consumption methods, the dosage is already predetermined — usually in milligrams. However, with vaping, you have a lot more control over how much you consume. As a result, you can decide how much delta-8 to dial in and how much to inhale.
Excellent Usability and Convenience
A vape is excellent in more ways than one for users of all types. For starters, it can be very portable, making it super easy to store and carry around. Additionally, given its unique design, you can simply pull it out and take one or two puffs. Once you are done, you can keep going about your day as usual.
Wide Variety
As far as vaping is concerned, there are a variety of product options from which to choose. This makes it possible for you to experiment, keeping you interested and excited.
No Threat to Your Dental Health
Delta-8 THC often comes in candy flavors, which usually helps add a bit of finesse and eliminates the typical taste of delta-8 THC that some may find off-putting. However, if you are eating these flavors in the form of gummies, it could raise concerns about contributing to cavities. However, with vaping, there is no actual chewing going on. Since you are only inhaling, you do not need to worry about getting cavities with this method.
No Need to Count Calories
Vapor does not go into your digestive system. So, in essence, you do not need to count calories or feel any of the guilt that might come alongside other forms of delta-8 THC consumption.
Satisfying Process
Vaping itself is an enjoyable process. However, different users have reported getting an all-too-pleasing harshness at the back of their throat after each hit.
Strengths of Edibles as a Method of Delta-8 THC Consumption
Edibles are also another popular and preferred means of consuming delta-8 THC. They offer several advantages that leave users coming back for more. Some of these are as follows:
Great If You Have a Sweet Tooth
Delta-8 edibles, especially gummies, are pieces of candy with different tastes infused with delta-8 THC. Their natural sweetness makes them perfect if you have a sweet tooth.
The Perfect Reward
After a tedious day at work, delta-8 edibles would make an excellent reward. This is because you would get to enjoy the effects of eating a snack and having the relaxing, delta-8 effects kick in at the same time.
Variety
“Edibles” in the context of delta-8 THC is a broad term that refers to foods infused with delta-8 THC. The most common among users are gummies. However, beyond those, there are cakes, cookies, pies, etc. Therefore, you can quite literally have your delta-8 THC in almost all of your favorite snacks or desserts.
The Entourage Effect
While you might not be able to do it yourself, your delta-8 edible manufacturer could infuse different cannabinoids and terpenes into your edibles. That way, you will get to experience the entourage effect.
Potency
Edibles offer an incredibly potent means of consuming delta-8 THC. However, they do take longer to get absorbed into your bloodstream, but once they do, you can expect the effects to be long-lasting.
Lasts Longer
Unlike other methods of consumption, edibles take a while before they leave your system. This is largely because they have to go through your digestive system before they get absorbed into your bloodstream. Then, once they do, they remain for a couple of hours.
Discretion
Most edibles look like regular food. So, you do not necessarily need to worry about someone figuring out that you are consuming delta-8 THC. Moreover, you do not have to draw attention to yourself with vapor or smoke. Instead, simply pop one out and have a bite or two.
Weaknesses of Vaping and Edibles as Methods of Delta-8 THC Consumption
Quite frankly, we would love to tell you all about how these methods are perfect and would work great for you no matter what. But, that would not entirely be true. So, here are the weaknesses of each method of consumption:
Vaping
Lack of Discretion During Consumption
The product design of most vapes makes them pretty easy to store and carry around. However, when you eventually start consuming it, you will exhale very noticeable clouds of vapor. If you are in public, it may turn a few heads in your direction. This means you can only vape in private spaces or in areas where vaping would not come off as inappropriate.
Requires a Battery
Most vapes for delta-8 THC are battery-powered. As such, you will have to carry one or two around, depending on your vape model. Additionally, you might have to charge it pretty often.
Harsh After-Effects
The reported after-effect is satisfying for some people — a little like the burn in your muscles after a good workout. However, for others, the harshness at the back of the throat after or while vaping is anything but pleasant. If you are opposed to this factor, then you might find this a major turn-off.
Edibles
Takes Longer to Kick In
Edibles are naturally slow actors. as you might be forced to wait as long as 20 minutes to an hour before you start feeling any of the effects. If you have a naturally slow metabolism, you may wait even longer before feeling anything at all. All of that time spent waiting could be relatively frustrating.
Reduced Control Over Dosages
With vaping, you decide how much delta-8 THC to turn into vapor for inhalation. With edibles, however, it is not the same. If you are buying from an established manufacturer, the dosages are already present in each gummy/edible. So, if it is 25mg per gummy, there is nothing you can do about it.
Could Get a Little Messy
The main ingredient in edibles is the food itself. So, if your edibles come in the form of gummies, you might have to deal with sticky fingers, as you would with almost all other forms of candy. With cakes, cookies, or pies, it could get equally as messy, as you could get crumbs on or around you.
Conclusion
Vaping and edibles are both excellent ways of consuming delta-8 THC, however, they both have their weaknesses and disadvantages. However, all of the downsides are things you can easily work your way around. Ultimately, after weighing the pros and cons, you should choose the method that is most suitable for you and your needs.