The debate around cannabis edibles vs smoking flower comes down to more than personal preference. How do you want to feel? How quickly do you want to get there? And how long do you want the experience to last?

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Quick Comparison: Edibles vs Flower

Here’s a closer look at some of the main considerations when choosing the right cannabis for beginners and seasoned explorers.

Onset Time

• Flower: As a product that is inhaled, flower offers fast-acting results. Most consumers experience the effects within a few minutes and report a peak at about 30 minutes. 
• Edibles: Marijuana edibles vs flower differ most noticeably here. Edibles are ingested and are slower to reach the bloodstream. Effects can vary, but most have a 30-minute to 2-hour delay to fully kick in. 

Duration

• Flower: With peak experience around 30 minutes in, most consumers experience a high that lasts 2-3 hours. 
• Edibles: A high from edibles can last longer than other formats and depends on potency, but most highs will peak around 2 hours in and last 4-6 hours. 

Control and Dosing

• Flower: It can be harder to predict the dosing of an inhaled product, so flower is generally considered a less precise delivery method. Because of the quick onset, consumers are able to adjust their intake based on experience.
• Edibles: Homemade edibles can have unpredictable potency, while pre-packaged options can be very precise. However, some consumers accidentally overconsume because of the delayed onset. 

Smell/Visibility

• Flower: While some strains are less pungent than others, flower is going to produce a noticeable smell when consumed. The scent can linger and stick around in fabrics. 
• Edibles: Edibles tend to be small and consumed quickly without producing any lingering scent. They’re among the most discreet options for cannabis consumption. 

Choose Edibles If…

The bottom line is that edibles are a great option for those who prefer no smoke, either because they dislike the feeling of inhaling cannabis or want to be discreet. They’re also a great option for those who want longer-lasting effects.

Choose Flower If…

If time is of the essence and you want a faster onset, flower is a better choice. It also allows you to start low and slow and adjust to the effects as you experience the high, giving you a lot of control.

Beginner Tips for Either Choice

If you’re a beginner cannabis user, there are some tips that can promote a positive experience, no matter what format you choose. 

1. Know Your Goal

Cannabis comes in a variety of strains that can be mixed and matched for different effects. If you choose your products based on the desired outcome, you’re more likely to have a good experience. Decide whether you want to feel focused, uplifted, or relaxed and go from there! 

2. Start Low

First, start low. You can always increase the dose later, but starting with a low dose allows you to see how the effects feel without being overwhelmed. 

3. Stick to One Format

Another important consideration is to stick to one format at a time, especially early on. Mixing formats makes it hard to know which effects you enjoyed and which you did not like, and it can also lead to unpredictable highs. 

Visit Canna Provisions in Lee or Holyoke and share your preferences with our team. We’ll help you navigate the formats, strains, and doses that align with what you’re looking for every step of the way.

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