Edibles vs. Smoking: Which Is Better for You?

Smoking looks cool AF, but edibles might just be the healthier way to go.

• The Slow Burn of Edibles
• Potency and Bioavailability
• Your Lungs and Skin Will Thank You
• But If You’re Going to Smoke…
• Edibles: The Grown-Up Choice
• Ready to Make the Switch?

Let’s be honest — smoking cannabis has always had a certain appeal. There’s something iconic about it: the flick of a lighter, the curl of smoke in the air, the immediate rush of calm. It’s ritualistic, social, and deeply rooted in cannabis culture.

But when it comes to your health — both short-term and long-term — the story changes. Smoking cannabis may feel good now, but your body will pay the price later. And it’s not a vague, far-off “someday” cost. The wear and tear shows up in your middle years. We’re talking about the years where you should feel strong, clear-headed, and energetic — but instead, daily smokers often feel winded going up stairs, struggle with persistent coughs, and start to look… tired.

This is where edibles come in — the underdog of the cannabis world. They may not come with the same flair as a joint or vape pen, but they’re quietly winning when it comes to performance, longevity, and health.

The Slow Burn of Edibles — And Why That’s a Good Thing

Edibles often get a bad rap because they take longer to kick in. Unlike smoking, which delivers THC directly into the bloodstream via your lungs in a matter of seconds, edibles have to take the scenic route — through your digestive system and liver — before you feel the effects. That can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

But that wait time comes with a major benefit: once edibles hit, they last way longer. A high from smoking typically fades in 1–3 hours. Edibles? They stick with you for 4–8 hours, sometimes more, delivering a smooth, body-centered experience that’s ideal for relaxing, sleeping, or managing pain.

Potency and Bioavailability: More Bang for Your Buck

Here’s the science: when you smoke cannabis, only about 10–35% of the THC is actually absorbed by your body. The rest is lost in the air or destroyed by heat. With edibles, the absorption rate might seem lower at first glance, but what your body does with it makes a huge difference.

When THC is digested, it gets converted in your liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively. This means that even a relatively small dose in an edible can feel more intense — and more complete — than a much larger hit off a joint or vape.

In other words: you’re getting more out of every milligram with edibles.

Your Lungs (and Skin) Will Thank You

Let’s not tiptoe around this: inhaling hot smoke — even from cannabis — isn’t good for you. Period.

Sure, it’s not tobacco. But smoke is still smoke, and it still contains toxins, tar, and carcinogens that inflame your lungs and irritate your throat. Long-term smoking is linked to chronic bronchitis, reduced lung capacity, and overall respiratory strain. That deep cough you hear from heavy smokers? It’s not normal — and it’s not harmless.

But it’s not just your lungs at risk. Smoking affects your skin, immune system, and energy levels. It breaks down collagen, reduces blood flow, and accelerates visible aging. Regular smokers often develop fine lines, dullness, and that “worn out” look far earlier than their non-smoking counterparts.

This isn’t about fear — it’s about honesty. If you’re using cannabis as part of your daily or weekly routine, delivery method matters. A lot.

But If You’re Going to Smoke… We’re Not Here to Harsh Your Mellow

Let’s be clear — we’re not anti-smoking. We’re pro-choice. Cannabis is personal, and the ritual of lighting up can be a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and even creativity. It’s immediate, easy to control, and — for a lot of people — deeply therapeutic.

So if smoking works for you, we’re not here to take the joint out of your hand. We’re just here to make sure you know the full picture, and maybe offer some alternatives for those days when you want to give your lungs a break.

Even cutting back a little — subbing in an edible a few nights a week — can make a real difference in how your body feels and functions over time. You don’t have to quit smoking entirely to take better care of yourself. Just like cannabis, wellness comes in strains and spectrums.

Edibles: The Grown-Up Choice

Let’s face it — edibles may not win any style points. They don’t come with the same smoke-circle mystique or the quick-hit convenience of a vape. But they do offer something way more important: a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable way to enjoy cannabis.

They’re discreet, easy to dose, and most importantly, they don’t age your body before its time. No coughing fits, no stinky breath, no red eyes. Just a smooth, extended high that doesn’t come at the expense of your health.

So while smoking might look cooler, it’s worth asking: cool to who? Because your lungs, liver, and skin aren’t impressed. They’re just trying to keep up.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you’re looking for a smarter, smoother way to experience cannabis, our Cloud 9 Edibles line is crafted with exactly that in mind — high-quality CBD, CBG, and THCa-infused chocolate that tastes amazing and treats your body right.

You’ve only got one set of lungs. Treat them with respect. Go edible — even if just sometimes. Your future self will thank you.