Eating or Smoking Weed: Which is better for your health? Read on to know more

For the longest time, the most popular way to consume cannabis is by rolling it up and smoking it. Years of doing this have shown that this is an effective way to enjoy the benefits of the plant. However, more and more people are now getting into cannabis-infused edibles or food items that contain the flower itself or its cannabinoids.

This is not a new thing especially as ancient cultures have been infusing this plant into drinks and milk for all kinds of purposes such as ritualistic and medicinal. This mode of consumption is also proven to be effective in harnessing the potentials of the plant. The question now is, which of these two methods is better for your health? Let’s see what is known about Eating or Smoking Weed.

What We Know About Smoking

Smoking cannabis brings you the plant’s effects through your lungs, which are then transferred into your bloodstream. Hence, it = takes less time to take effect. In fact, you can feel its effect within seconds to a few minutes.

The thing about this method is that it burns the dried flowers which you then inhale. According to studies, smoking cannabis may have less atrocious effects on the lungs compared to smoking tobacco, but the risk is there nonetheless. It may not have links to lung cancer, but studies show that it can be linked to worse coughs and more frequent chronic bronchitis attacks.

Is Vaping Any Different?

With cannabis and tobacco smoking, many think that vaping is a better alternative, and if we only look at the mode of transferring the cannabinoids into the system, it definitely looks like it. Basically, what vaping does is it heats the e-juice to vaporize it, then you inhale the vapor, it reaches the lungs, then transferred into the bloodstream.

Back then, little is known about the effects of vaping, especially as it was just starting to gain traction, However, recent studies show that vaping can have adverse effects on the respiratory system, specifically severe lung injuries called EVALI or e-cigarette, or vaping, produce use-associated lung injury.

What Sets Edibles Apart?

Those who are looking for a less risky choice should take a look at what edibles and drinkables have to offer. This mode of consumption provides effects by eating or drinking. The cannabis passes through the digestive system in order to reach the bloodstream and the brain. This takes a long time to effect, usually around 30 minutes to two hours.

The thing is, ingesting provides a more intense effect as the potentials are intensified when the liver processes the cannabinoids. You can also experience the peak longer, typically up to four hours, whereas smoking only provides the peak for only 30 minutes.

So, is Eating Weed Better for Your Health?

Given the harmful effects of smoking in general, eating cannabis is the healthier choice. This option also lets you make the most out of your cannabis flowers. Just make sure you have the time and patience to wait for the effects and for it to wear off, and you are good to go.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is known for its medicinal properties including its effects on the reception of pain, mood, energy, and overall health of the consumer. Because of this, researchers have taken interest in finding out its effectiveness in treating juvenile medical conditions.

The good news is the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug with CBD as the main ingredient for treating a rare form of epilepsy. This medication is called Epidiolex and it an oral solution for seizures known to occur in two types of rare and severe epilepsy namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

As Lennox-Gastaut syndrome has serious effects on children’s development and Dravet syndrome emerges during childhood, this drug is often administered to children. Other juvenile medical conditions that showed positive responses to CBD include behavioral conditions, perinatal brain injury, and neuroblastoma.

If you are a parent whose child suffers from these medical conditions and you are interested in seeing what this cannabinoid has to offer, here’s what you need to know.

Is CBD Legal?

The first thing that comes to mind when looking at any medical solutions related to cannabis is its legality. As a parent, you want to know that you will be implementing treatment aids that are sanctioned by the government.

As mentioned, the FDA has approved Epidiolex as a treatment for rare forms of epilepsy, giving merit to claims that this cannabinoid can address seizures. In fact, there are a lot of studies that show how effective CBD not only in treating seizures, but also inflammations and pain thanks to its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system and CB1/CB2 receptors in different systems of the body.

CBD also shows potentials in treating mood and behavioral disorders, pain relief, and addiction. However, it is important to note that Epidiolex is only an approved medication composed of CBD, and other CBD products that you can typically buy in stores or dispensaries have not been approved as treatments.

When to Give Kids CBD

Being a responsible parent, you want to make sure that you only give your child CBD products or CBD medications upon getting a prescription from their doctor. This is important especially if your child has been taking other medications, which can interact with other substances that enter their body. By consulting their doctor, you are sure that giving this cannabinoid to your kid is under professional medical advisement.

Some Reminders About Kids and CBD Products

If you or anyone in your family has been consuming CBD products, you want to make sure that they are stored out of reach of children. Some products, such as gummies, can be attractive to children and may look like regular gummies to the unwitting eye.

Another thing to remember is that every substance reacts differently to different individuals, which means that the effects of CBD on one person can vary in another.

Conclusion

Children can benefit from the advantages offered by cannabidiol and it is up to parents to seek treatments involving this cannabinoid. With proper advice from physicians and pediatricians, you can consider this route to treat your kid’s medical condition.

Millions of people around the world have been enjoying marijuana since the 50s, but for those of us who are new to the game, knowing more about cannabis living is a great first step. After all, nothing beats practice informed with knowledge. There are so many great resources out from cannabis books, articles, and even cannabis video websites to learn from. So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know about cannabis living and its contributions to culture and lifestyle:

A Brief Background on Cannabis Living

With marijuana becoming mainstream only in recent years, you might think that the beneficial uses of this plant are a new discovery. However, did you know that our ancestors used this plant for a wide variety of purposes? From farming and industrial to arts and recreation, humans valued the plant throughout our history. Processing fibers of hemp allowed our ancestors to create textiles, papers, ropes and plastics. Studies show that before the use of cannabidiol oil, some significant historical figures utilized this herb for spiritual and creative purposes.

From the hippies of the psychedelic 60s to the new generation’s hipsters, smoking marijuana has been a part of countercultures around the world. In fact, the term ‘420’ came to be because of a group of high school kids’ code for “let’s meet up at 4:20 to smoke weed.” The group of boys, known as The Waldos, were going against the grain by smoking this wonder plant. This was in 1971 and the term stuck until today, only containing a much more mainstream and inclusive meaning.

Now that marijuana is becoming accepted in many parts of the globe, the plant can cease being a counterculture element and start being part of the mainstream. Today, a whole lot of subcultures across the world throughout the years have some level of marijuana use integrated into their respective ways of life.

What’s more fascinating is even non-marijuana users are aware of and acknowledge the celebration of Weed Day. Come April 20, you see thousands of people (enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike) greeting one another with a hearty “Happy 420!”

The Influence of Cannabis in Culture

Aside from creating their own personal holiday, enthusiasts have enjoyed a taste of marijuana in culture as well. A lot of creative works can thank marijuana for their existence. Studies show that this plant plays a role in the creative process, making it a viable source of inspiration for artists.

In Literature

A good number of literary works were written while the authors were under the influence of marijuana. This includes Les Miserable, a literary masterpiece writer Victor Hugo, who was a member of Club Des Hashinchins a group of enthusiasts who used the plant during some of their meetings. This club also includes other writers such as Alexandre Dumas, Charles Baudelaire and Honore de Balzac.

In Music

Perhaps one of the most popular parts of the cannabis culture is music. From Noble Prize awardee Bob Dylan to Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie, there certainly is a lot of musicians who get their inspiration from this plant. In fact, Dylan has a song saying that “everyone must get stoned.” Meanwhile, Urie, who has ADHD, is a medical marijuana card carrier.

Aside from individual artists using this herb, there is an entire music genre that highlights marijuana. You guessed it: it’s Reggae. Originating from Jamaica, this genre is said to support the herb. Many Reggae musicians tackle this herb in their songs. Bob Marley even worked to develop a marijuana brand called Marley Natural.

Other cultural aspects that marijuana has penetrated include fashion and design, especially with the rise of cannabis-inspired fashion labels such as Sundae School. There are even retailers now that offer marijuana accessories like a marijuana ring and weed necklaces.

The Role of Cannabis in Lifestyle

Aside from its prevalence in culture, marijuana also plays a great role in lifestyle. It has created a niche in many markets including medicine, beauty and health aids. Many people have incorporated this herb in their everyday routine, proving its potential as a lifestyle plant.

As an Addition to Medical Treatments

When it comes to medicine, cannabidiol is the cannabinoid that comes to mind. This compound is known for its properties that help alleviate pain, inflammations, and spasms. Moreover, it is also found to be valuable in addressing tumors and treating cancer patients. Patients who suffer from cachexia, nausea, and vomiting due to cancer t­­reatments are given CBD for relief.

As a Sleep Aid

For individuals without debilitating conditions, but who suffer from difficulty in sleeping, this plant is also a viable treatment. Insomnia sufferers who have trouble sleeping but can only get disturbed sleep can take CBD oil to induce a restful slumber. Moreover, this compound is great for boosting energy, so it gives a more energized feeling upon waking up.

For Stress Relief

Whilst CBD is great for helping people with sleep problems, THC is known for its psychoactive effects. This makes it a great stress reliever at the end of a long work week. Moreover, it can also help treat mental and mood disorders including depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other similar conditions.

Cannabis Beauty

Lastly, with the herb’s various medicinal benefits, more and more cosmetic products now have the plant as an ingredient. This is a brilliant idea, especially as this plant has regulating properties, making it perfect for moisturizing dry skin and controlling oily ones. Moreover, its anti-itch, -pain, and -inflammation properties help cannabinoid-infused beauty products treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and even psoriasis.

How You Can Live the Cannabis Life

As the plant becomes more mainstream, especially in light of the legalization in various parts of the world, many people are now free to pursue the cannabis life. In fact, hundreds of dispensaries have popped up to make marijuana products more accessible to more people. So, if you are eager to join this culture and lifestyle, here’s the best way to do so:

Start with Tinctures

Not everyone is comfortable with straight-up consuming dried buds. For those wanting a milder and less adventurous entry to the cannabis world, tinctures are your best bet. Basically, these are hemp oil packaged in bottles with droppers for easier and controlled use. You can consume this sublingually or by placing a few drops under your tongue and wait for it to take effect.

Tinctures are great for various medicinal and recreational purposes because you can get pure CBD oil or one infused with THC oil. This gives you the option to take advantage of CBD’s medical properties or to use THC for its psychoactive effects. With these products, you can easily use cannabinoids for pain relief, anxiety treatment, and sleep aids.

You might be thinking, “How is this a more beginner-friendly product?” Aside from their simple use, cannabinoid oils can be mixed with various food and drinks. You can simply infuse your dishes or beverages with this oil. From savory food such as pasta to baked goods such as cookies, infusing your recipes with this is surely a great way to start.

Get a Taste of the Real Thing

Once your taste buds get accustomed to the weedy taste the oils can give, you might be more comfortable with giving dried buds a try. However, don’t be too overwhelmed by the sheer number of strains you can choose from. There are hundreds of varieties available in dispensaries, each having its own unique properties. Some have high CBD contents, while others have more THC. Some have the usually weedy smell, while others have more pleasant aromas. So, if you ever get overwhelmed, just get help from the budtender present at your local dispensary.

If smoking is not your thing, you can certainly make use of your dried buds in many other ways. Those who liked the ease tinctures bring might want to make their own cannabis oil, especially as cannabinoids bind to fat pretty well. You can also use your leaves to make pesto sauce or incorporate these into baked goods.

Explore Your Options

One of the best things about marijuana legalization is that companies now have the liberty to develop cannabis-infused products. This escalated the number of products to hundreds of options. From CBD vape oil to gummies, you now have the option to ingest this herb in many innovative and fun ways.

You can blend in with vapers by grabbing a vape pen and loading it up with cannabis juice. Moreover, you can grab a non-alcoholic hemp wine and beers to enjoy the beverages without the effects of alcohol but with the goodness of marijuana. If you want to get a fix of this herb without getting suspicious looks, you can simply pop a cannabis-infused gummy in your mouth and get a delicious dose.

Cannabis has made its way into culture and lifestyle, making it a more prevalent option in the mainstream market. With thousands of marijuana products you can choose from, you can start living the pot life right now. Who knows, you might even get to give your own contributions to culture and lifestyle. Now, that would be a great way to live a fulfilling and enjoyable cannabis life!