When it comes to weed, what is the safest way to consume it? Edibles vs. smoking marijuana is a debate that often arises. Teenagers using marijuana is a growing concern, especially since marijuana use can lead to addiction. If your teenage son is struggling with marijuana abuse, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our teen drug rehab treatment services to help your child recover.
Understanding Marijuana Edibles
Marijuana edibles are marijuana products that are eaten instead of smoked or vaporized. These edibles come in many different shapes and forms, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Some popular types include:
- Baked goods – These can range from classic brownies and cookies to more gourmet options like cakes and pastries.
- Gummies and chews – Often fruit-flavored and available in various shapes, these are a favorite for their convenience and taste.
- Hard candies – Lollipops, mints, and other hard candies offer a discreet and slow-release way to consume marijuana.
- Drinks – From teas and sodas to juices and even coffee, marijuana-infused beverages are becoming increasingly popular.
- Savory foods – These include items like pretzels, peanut butter, and biscuits, providing an alternative for those who prefer savory over sweet.
- Marijuana-infused cooking oils – These oils can be used in home cooking, allowing for creativity in how marijuana is incorporated into meals.
Each of these food products is infused with THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. They come in a variety of dosages, from very small amounts of THC to exceptionally high concentrations. Because of this variety, consumers can choose the dosage that best suits their desired experience, whether it’s a mild relaxation or a more intense effect.
Additionally, the effects of edibles can take longer to set in compared to smoking or vaping, as they must pass through the digestive system first. This delayed onset can lead to a longer-lasting and often more intense high. It’s important for consumers to be mindful of the dosage and start with small amounts to gauge their tolerance.
What’s Safer? Marijuana Edibles vs. Smoking Marijuana
Those who use edibles vs. smoking marijuana might experience different physical side effects, psychological effects, or problematic use patterns.
Physical Side Effects
In terms of physical side effects, marijuana edibles are likely safer than smoking marijuana. When a person smokes marijuana, they inhale combusted material, which can cause substantial lung irritation.
Smoke from marijuana has many of the same negative effects as tobacco smoke. It contains several carcinogens, toxins, and irritants, which can lead to blood vessel damage and scarring of the lungs.
In contrast, marijuana edibles have a minimal set of physical side effects, except those produced by THC. The most commonly reported side effect is a sensation of nausea or stomach discomfort, which occurs in people who smoke marijuana.
Psychological Effects
Comparing the risk of adverse psychological effects is much less clear. The most significant danger for any marijuana use is the risk of the user developing an addiction. This can occur with both edibles and smoked marijuana.
Two factors play key roles in whether someone will develop an addiction: how much of the drug is taken and how long it takes to feel the effects of the drug.
The THC content in marijuana edibles can be much higher than in smoked marijuana. Furthermore, the effects might not kick in for up to two hours, leading many teenagers to take more marijuana edibles and receive a much higher dose than expected. High doses are a significant risk factor for developing an addiction.
In contrast, smoking marijuana kicks in almost instantly, which is another risk factor for substance use disorders. Yet people who smoke marijuana often have better control of their dose since they feel the effects straight away.
Neither type of marijuana use is risk-free.
How Marijuana Addiction Treatment Can Help
Whether teenagers smoke marijuana or choose to eat edibles, they are at high risk of developing an addiction. The likelihood of a person developing a substance use disorder is significantly higher when they use marijuana during adolescence. This is due to the brain’s ongoing development during these formative years, which makes it more susceptible to the harmful effects of substances. However, teen weed abuse services can provide the necessary support to help them end the cycle of addiction.
Using evidence-based therapies and treatments, a dedicated team of professional addiction experts can teach teenagers essential skills to resist substance use. These skills often include:
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms
- Improving emotional regulation
- Enhancing their understanding of the triggers that lead to drug use
Preventing relapse is also a major focus, with strategies tailored to each individual’s needs. Through comprehensive care and support, these services help teenagers learn to live stronger and healthier lives in recovery, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future.
Teen Weed Abuse Services with Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®
Is your teenage boy struggling with marijuana abuse? If so, reach out to the team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® by calling 866.300.5275 or using our online contact form. Our marijuana addiction treatment program is specifically for adolescents and can provide the targeted mental health services they need to recover.
Breaking free from addiction is hard work. However, it is possible, and teenage boys can thrive in their new lives in recovery.
