Differences Between Inhaling or Eating Cannabis

Two of the most common ways to consume cannabis are inhalation or ingestion - smoking it or eating it. Read on to learn more about the differences between inhaling cannabis and ingesting edibles.

The primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the way that it is consumed can take many forms. Two of the most common ways to consume cannabis are inhalation or ingestion - smoking it or eating it. The high feeling and effects can feel different between the two methods. Read on to learn more about the differences between inhaling cannabis and ingesting edibles.

Inhaling: Smoking or Vaping

When cannabis is inhaled, you will feel the effects from within seconds to a few minutes of inhaling. Full effects can peak within 30 minutes and can last up to 6 hours after use. Some residual effects of the THC can even last up to 24 hours.

Inhaled THC has a different metabolic process than when you eat it. Because your body doesn’t have to process THC by the stomach and liver, it travels directly to the brain. This is why the effects of smoking or vaporized cannabis are felt much quicker and pass quicker too.

It is important to note that smoking may come with certain health risks.

Ingesting: Eating or Drinking

When you ingest cannabis by eating or drinking it, it must first travel to your stomach then to your liver before getting into your bloodstream and brain. The liver processes THC into a stronger form and that combined with the THC from the original product adds to the intensity of the high. Edibles are typically more potent than inhaled cannabis. When eaten, the same amount of cannabis may deliver more intense effects than when inhaled.

It takes a bit more time to feel the effects of edible cannabis as opposed to inhaling it. When you eat or drink cannabis, you will feel its effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours of ingestion. Full effects can peak within 4 hours and can last up to 12 hours after use. Some residual effects may last up to 24 hours.

If you are wondering how cannabis edibles may interact with any prescription medications you are taking or if you have an existing condition, medical advice should be sought from your physician. Always consult with your physician, nurse or pharmacist before taking any THC or CBD products.

Tips for Lower Risk Use

  • If you are new to using marijuana edibles, start low and slow by consuming no more than 2.5 mg of THC. When smoking or vaping cannabis, start with a product that contains no more than 10% THC content.

  • Consuming more edible cannabis within four hours or inhaling too much THC at one time can lead to feelings of over-intoxication.

  • Be sure to read the label of any product carefully for information about THC concentration.

  • Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other substances, which can lead to adverse effects.

If you are new to cannabis edibles and would like to read more, check out our Cannabis Edibles 101 Guide .

Are you interested in making your own marijuana edibles? Read our Cannabutter Recipes post to learn how to make homemade marijuana edibles.

Want to read more about edibles? Check out our other posts that review the best Cannabis Chocolates Edibles and Cannabis Gummy Edibles .

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March 11, 2026
Pot o’ Gold Scratchers Promotion TERMS AND CONDITIONS NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. The March and Ash St. Patrick’s Day Pot o’ Gold Scratcher Promotion (“Promotion”) begins at 6:00:00 AM Pacific Time (“PST”) on March 17, 2026, and ends at 10:00 PM PST on March 23, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Scratchers are valid for redemption through 10:00 PM PST on April 6, 2026. Th e computer clock of the Administrator is the official time-keeping device in the Promotion. ELIGIBILITY The Promotion is open only to customers 21 years of age and over (or 18+ with a valid medical cannabis recommendation) at the time of Promotion participation. By participating, you agree to these Official Rules and to the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. Void where prohibited by law. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. HOW TO PARTICIPATE Make a purchase at any participating March and Ash store during the Promotion Period and receive a scratcher card (“Scratcher”). No purchase is required to receive a Scratcher. To obtain a Scratcher without making a purchase, visit a participating store during the Promotion Period and request one from a staff member. Limit one Scratcher per customer, per day, regardless of the number of purchases. Scratchers must be redeemed no later than 10:00 PM PST on April 6, 2026. Failure to redeem before the expiration date will result in forfeiture of the prize. SCRATCHER ODDS A total of 15,000 Scratchers are available to be awarded during the Promotion by randomly distributing Scratchers during the Promotion Period as described above. Prize distribution: a. 8,987 Scratchers for $5 off your next purchase of eligible products with a minimum $10.01 purchase before tax. b. 5,982 Scratchers for $10 off your next purchase of eligible products with a minimum $10.01 purchase before tax. c. 31 Scratchers for $100 off your next purchase of eligible products with a minimum $10.01 purchase before tax. Actual odds of winning depend on the num ber of Scratchers distributed and redeemed. SCRATCHER RESTRICTIONS Scratchers have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash. Scratchers are not applicable toward the purchase of accessories or items under $10. Scratchers expire at 10:00 PM PST on April 6, 2026. Scratchers may be combined with store promotions and member group discounts unless otherwise stated. Scratchers must be used in full during a single purchase. Any unused portion will not carry over to future transactions. Scratchers cannot be redeemed on the same day they are received and must be used on a subsequent visit. 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March 11, 2026
Customers who shop at select March and Ash locations may receive a Refer a Friend coupon . Once you have your coupon, share the “For a Friend” portion with someone who has never shopped at March and Ash. When they redeem it, they’ll receive 30% off their first purchase — and you’ll get 30% off your next visit . Two coupons. Two discounts. One great introduction. What Your Coupon Includes For a Friend Give this portion of the coupon to someone new to March and Ash. They’ll receive 30% off their first purchase . For You Keep this portion of the coupon. Use it for 30% off your next visit . How It Works Step 1 — Get a Coupon Customers may receive a Refer a Friend coupon when shopping at select March and Ash locations. Step 2 — Share with a Friend Give the “For a Friend” coupon to someone who has never shopped at March and Ash. Step 3 — They Redeem It Your friend brings the coupon in-store and receives 30% off their first purchase . Step 4 — You Save Too Keep the “For You” coupon and use it for 30% off your next purchase . Who Qualifies The Friend Coupon is valid for customers who: Have never made a purchase at March and Ash Are 21+ with valid ID Present the coupon at checkout Where It’s Valid Valid at participating March and Ash locations including Mission Valley Imperial Valley Availability may vary by location. Important Details • Coupon must be presented at checkout • One coupon per customer • Coupons cannot be duplicated or reproduced • Coupons are valid for a limited time and subject to change or cancellation at any time. What products are excluded? Discount excludes: Accessories Items under $10 CBD / ratio products (Imperial Valley and Palm Desert only) FAQ Can I give the friend coupon to anyone? Yes — as long as the person has never made a purchase at March and Ash before . Can the coupon be used online? No. The coupon must be presented in-store at checkout . Can the discount be combined with other deals? No. Referral coupons cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts . Terms Valid in-store only at participating March and Ash locations. One coupon per customer. Coupon must be relinquished at time of purchase. 30% off first-time purchase valid for new customers only. 30% off next purchase valid on a return visit. Not combinable with other offers. Excludes accessories and items under $10 at all participating locations. Excludes CBD/ratio products at Imperial Valley and Palm Desert locations only. Limited time offer. See store for details.
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