Written by Brandon Topp

When exploring cannabis consumption, one question keeps coming up: edibles or smoking?

Both offer unique benefits for some—and some reasons to reconsider for others. Depending on your goals and personal preferences, smoking weed or eating THC edibles may better suit you one day vs another.

Whether you're after fast-acting effects or extended relief, the method you choose can shape your entire experience.

Mood offers federally legal cannabis products made from hemp, including smokable flower and cannabis-infused edibles. If you’re looking for a discreet consumption method or crave the immediate effects of inhaled cannabis, we’ve got you covered.

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Table of Contents

• Hemp vs. Marijuana: Understanding the Key Differences

• Pros and Cons of Smoking Cannabis

• Pros and Cons of Edible Cannabis Products

• Duration, Onset, and Relief

• Dosing and Control

• Convenience and Discretion

• FAQ

• Try Mood Cannabis Products

Hemp vs. Marijuana: Understanding the Key Differences

Before diving into cannabis-infused edibles vs. smoking, it's crucial to understand how Mood’s products differ from traditional marijuana.

Marijuana refers to cannabis plants that contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. These products are regulated on a state-by-state basis and often linked to medical marijuana programs or recreational laws.

Hemp, on the other hand, is legally defined under the 2018 Farm Bill as cannabis containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

But here’s the twist: THCa flower—like the kind sold by Mood—delivers potent effects once heated (i.e., when smoked), offering a nearly identical experience to traditional marijuana.

That means you can legally consume cannabis that provides immediate effects, whether through smoking or eating edibles, without stepping outside federal law.

Want to try it yourself? Explore hemp-derived flower like Super Goof or edible cannabis products like Counting Sheep flower.

Pros and Cons of Smoking Cannabis

Pros of Smoking

• Fast-acting effects: Inhaled cannabis typically hits within minutes, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a soothing cannabis journey.

• Immediate feedback: You can stop once the desired effects are reached.

• Traditional method: Smoking cannabis is deeply rooted in cannabis culture and provides a ritualistic experience.

• Flexible THC ratios: With smokable flower, you can mix strains or layer effects.

Cons of Smoking

• Shorter duration: Cannabis smoke offers a rapid onset, but effects usually fade within 1–3 hours.

• Coughing: Inhaling combusted plant material may irritate you, which isn't preferable for some.

• Secondhand smoke: Smoking indoors or around others could expose them to unwanted effects.

• Not the most discreet: Your cannabis experience is more visible and noticeable when smoking, which isn't always preferable.

Curious about immediate relief? Browse terpene-rich strains like Jealousy or Dante’s Inferno for fast-acting effects.

Pros and Cons of Edible Cannabis Products

Pros of Edibles

• Extended relief: Edible effects last much longer than smoking—up to eight hours or more—making them ideal for chronic pain or sleep.

• No combustion: Eating edibles avoids the potential respiratory irritation linked to cannabis smoke.

• Discreet consumption method: Gummies, chocolate bars, and baked goods are easy to consume privately and odor-free.

• Precise dosing: Our THC edibles come with clear labels, allowing for accurate dosage control.

Cons of Edibles

• Delayed effects: It may take up to two hours to feel the full edible effects due to digestion.

• Not as communal: You can't pass around a gummy like you do a joint

• Sometimes lack other cannabinoids: The entourage effect is at its most dynamic with flower, prior to processing edibles typically require

• Eating Food Products: Sometimes you're at the disposal of the food products available to you, and we're not all partial to gummies or sweets. For a more customizable edibles experience, check out some THC syrup.

Want a slow build to extended relief? Check out relaxing options like Counting Sheep or fruity Pink Lemonade gummies.

Duration, Onset, and Relief

Smoking

• Onset: 1–5 minutes

• Peak: 15–30 minutes

• Duration: 1–3 hours

• Best for: Immediate relief, shorter duration, acute pain

Edibles

• Onset: 30–90 minutes

• Peak: 2–4 hours

• Duration: 4–8+ hours

• Best for: Sustained relief, chronic pain, overnight effects

For those seeking extended relief without the need to re-dose, edible cannabis products are a strong choice.

Not sure where to start? Try a balanced approach—smoke a small bowl and follow with a low-dose gummy.

Dosing and Control

Cannabis consumption is deeply personal, especially when trying to control dosage for desired effects.

Smoking cannabis allows micro-adjustments. You can stop after a puff or two and assess your reaction almost immediately.

Consuming edibles requires patience and planning. The effects are stronger per milligram of THC due to how the digestive system converts cannabinoids.

Tips:

• Start with 2.5–5mg of THC in edible cannabis products

• Wait 90 minutes before consuming more

• Track how you respond based on body weight and tolerance

Need guidance on precise dosing? Shop Mood’s THC edibles with labeled mg per piece.

Convenience and Discretion

Edibles Offer:

• No odor

• No gear needed

• Easy storage and transport

• Better for shared spaces or travel

Smoking Requires:

• Lighters, grinders, and pipes (unless pre-rolls)

• A safe place to smoke

• Time and privacy

For public settings or situations where cannabis use must remain private, edible cannabis is the superior consumption method.

Keep it discreet: Try Mood’s gummies for low-key elevation.

FAQ

Is smoking cannabis more effective than eating edibles?

It depends on your goals. Smoking delivers fast, short-term effects, while edibles offer sustained relief over time.

What are the health risks of cannabis smoke?

Cannabis smoke can affect the respiratory system, particularly with regular use. Risks include coughing, lung irritation, and exposure to secondhand smoke.

How long do edible cannabis products take to work?

Anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Factors include body weight, metabolism, and what you’ve eaten.

What are the benefits of edible cannabis vs. smoking?

Edibles avoid combustion, offer longer-lasting relief, and provide a discreet consumption method. Smoking, on the other hand, offers rapid effects and immediate feedback.

Can you make homemade edibles?

Yes, but dosing can be inconsistent. For precise dosing and reliability, stick to lab-tested products like Mood’s gummies.

Try Mood Cannabis Products

Whether you’re into the classic ritual of smoking or the modern convenience of edibles, Mood has cannabis products tailored for you.

Explore our hemp flower strains like Super Goof and try delicious edible cannabis for discreet, long-lasting effects.

Find your preferred consumption method—and elevate your Mood.