Posted on September 16, 2023 by Munchies

In today’s ever-changing cannabis world, consuming cannabis has evolved from the option of smoking to having tantalizing flavors meet therapeutic wonders—cannabis edibles.

Now, the big question is—which one gives you a stronger effect? Is it the quick high from smoking or the slow buildup from eating these tasty edibles?

No doubt, both can be amazing, but in different ways. But which reigns supreme in potency?

Today, we will determine which is more potent, giving you a clearer understanding of which might better suit your preferences and needs.

Key Takeaways 

  • A 10 mg THC edible can produce significant psychoactive effects, especially for users with low tolerance, due to the conversion of THC into the more potent 11-hydroxy-THC.
  • Edibles have a delayed onset (30 minutes to 2 hours) but provide prolonged effects lasting 6 to 12 hours.
  • Smoking a joint produces rapid effects within minutes, typically lasting 2 to 3 hours, depending on the strain and roll quality.
  • Edibles offer precise dosing but lower bioavailability (4-20%), while smoking provides immediate absorption with higher bioavailability (10-35%).
  • The choice between edibles and smoking depends on user goals; edibles offer long-lasting relief, while smoking provides faster, controllable effects.

How Strong is a 10mg Edible?

​A 10 mg THC edible can be considered a moderate dose that typically produces a noticeable psychoactive effect, especially for individuals with lower tolerance levels or those new to cannabis use.​ 

While a 10 mg edible can be considered moderate, its effects can vary widely based on individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and tolerance levels. Users should be mindful of the potential intensity even at this dosage level and allow ample time before consuming more.

Onset and Duration

  • Delayed Onset – Effects of a 10 mg edible may not be felt immediately, as the effects generally take 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin. This delay is due to digestion and metabolism in the liver, where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent metabolite.
  • Duration – Once the effects take hold, they can last significantly longer compared to smoking, typically ranging from 6 to 12 hours, with peak effects occurring around 2 to 4 hours after consumption.

Intensity

  • Potency – A 10 mg dose is generally strong enough to produce substantial psychoactive effects in most users, particularly those who do not have a high tolerance. This is because the metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC impacts the brain more intensely than THC absorbed through inhalation.

Recommended Usage

For first-time users or individuals with a lower tolerance, starting with a lower dose, such as 2.5 to 5 mg, is often recommended to gauge the body’s response before consuming a full 10 mg edible. This cautious approach helps avoid the risk of overconsumption, which is easier with edibles due to their delayed onset effects.

How Strong is a Full Joint? 

The strength of a full joint largely depends on the THC content of the cannabis being used, which has significantly increased over the years. The potency of cannabis is typically measured by the percentage of THC, the primary psychoactive component responsible for the “high” feeling. 

THC Potency Trends

Over the past few decades, the average THC content in cannabis has risen considerably. For instance, in 1995, the average THC content was about 4%. By 2017, it had increased to approximately 17% and has continued to rise.

In recent years, cannabis strains commonly contain THC levels around 20% or higher, with some concentrates reaching as much as 95% THC.

Typical Effects of a Joint

  • Immediate Onset –  Smoking a cannabis joint results in the rapid absorption of THC into the bloodstream, with effects felt within minutes. The psychoactive effects typically peak within 30 minutes and can last for 2 to 3 hours.
  • Psychoactive Experience – Smoking a full joint can induce a range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, altered perceptions, and increased appetite. However, it can also cause dry mouth, red eyes, or anxiety in some users, particularly with high-potency strains.

Factors Influencing Strength

  • Cannabis Strain – The specific strain of cannabis plays a significant role in the joint’s potency due to varying THC and other cannabinoid levels.
  • Joint Size and Roll Quality – The amount of cannabis in a joint and how well it is rolled can also influence the product’s strength. A larger joint or one that is more tightly packed may deliver more THC with each puff.

10 mg Edible vs. a Full Joint: Which one is More Potent? 

Edible is more potent compared to smoking joints. The conversion of Delta 9 THC to 11-hydroxy-THC in edibles generally results in a more intense and longer-lasting high than the quicker, shorter-lived effects of smoking. 

Although smoking allows for greater immediate bioavailability of Delta 9 THC, the intensity of the high from edibles can feel stronger and prolonged due to the metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC. Remember, whether an edible or a joint is more “potent” can vary based on personal tolerance, individual body processes, and the context of use.

When comparing a 10 mg edible to a full joint in terms of potency, it is important to consider how THC is processed differently in each form and the overall effects it produces. While both forms deliver THC, the body absorbs and metabolizes them in distinct ways, leading to varying experiences and potencies.

THC Content and Bioavailability

Edibles

A 10 mg edible contains a precise dose of THC, which undergoes digestion and liver metabolism. During this process, THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent metabolite with stronger psychoactive effects than THC itself. Due to digestion, the bioavailability of THC from edibles is between 4% and 20%. This means that although the dosage is accurate, not all of the ingested THC enters the bloodstream.

Smoking Joint

The average THC content in a typical joint is approximately 40 mg, assuming it contains about a third of a gram of cannabis with a THC concentration of 12%. However, the bioavailability of inhaled THC is significantly higher, ranging from 10% to 35%. This form of THC enters the bloodstream rapidly, with effects felt almost immediately.

Which is Better? Consuming Edibles or Smoking? 

Neither method can be universally declared “better,” as the choice largely depends on individual needs, the desired duration of effects, health considerations, and personal preferences.​ Moreover, each method has unique characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks, so finding a match between the user and the method is important.

Some users may prefer smoking for quick relief or recreational use in social settings due to its immediate effects. In contrast, edibles may be preferred for sustained relief from medical symptoms or discrete and smoke-free consumption.

Beginners are generally advised to start with low doses of edibles, as their effects are more potent and less immediate compared to smoking, which offers more control over dosing.

Final Thoughts 

Understanding the comparative potency of a 10 mg THC edible versus a full joint provides valuable insight for cannabis consumers. While edibles deliver a more intense and prolonged experience due to the conversion of THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, smoking joints offer quicker, albeit shorter-lived effects. 

Each method has unique pros and cons, making the best choice dependent on individual preferences, tolerance levels, and desired outcomes. Whether seeking rapid onset or sustained effects, users should prioritize safe consumption practices and tailor their approach to meet their needs.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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