Two different experiences

Smoking cannabis and eating cannabis produce different experiences. The difference is large enough that they should be considered separate products with different use cases. This is a clear comparison.

The onset difference

Smoked flower: effects begin within 5 to 10 minutes. Peak around 30 minutes. Full duration 2 to 3 hours.

Edibles: effects begin 45 to 90 minutes after consumption. Peak around 2 hours in. Full duration 4 to 8 hours.

The longer onset for edibles is the most common source of overdose. Users who don't feel anything at 30 minutes consume more, then the full first dose hits an hour later compounded with the second dose. The result is the dreaded "edibles overshoot" — too high for too long.

The experience difference

Smoked cannabis is mostly head-focused initially with body relaxation following. Edibles are heavier on the body throughout, with cognitive effects that can be more dissociative.

Some users describe smoked cannabis as "thinking faster" and edibles as "feeling more." This is reductive but captures something real about the mechanism difference. Smoked THC reaches the brain quickly and directly. Edible THC is metabolized through the liver first, producing different active compounds that interact with the body differently.

What to choose when

Smoked flower for: evenings with social activity, sessions where you want predictable timing, beginners learning their tolerance, situations where you might need to stop early.

Edibles for: long-duration sessions (full evening or overnight), users who don't want to smoke, sleep applications, sessions where the slower onset and longer duration are desirable.

Edible dosing

Start at 5 to 10 mg of THC for first-time edible users. Wait the full 90 minutes before considering additional dose. Most negative edible experiences come from impatience during the onset window.

Experienced cannabis users with high smoked-flower tolerance often need a smaller edible dose than they expect — the bioavailability is different and the heavier body effect makes 10 mg of edible THC feel stronger than the same amount of smoked THC.

What we stock

Edibles at the lounge include gummies in measured dose units, baked goods at higher dose, and CBD-only edibles for users who want the body experience without psychoactive effect. Each product is dose-labeled. Ask staff for the right starting dose for your tolerance level.

Related: First-Time Guide · CBD vs THC · Edibles