Smoking vs. Edibles for Patients: Timing, Control, and Lung Health

When you smoke flower, cannabinoids enter through the lungs and effects show up quickly—often within minutes. That speed makes smoking feel controllable in the moment because you can take a small hit, pause, and decide what you need next.

But smoking also means combustion, and the CDC notes that smoke from cannabis contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.