Mindscapes

If you’ve ever dabbled in cannabis, you’ve probably faced the dilemma of deciding between smoking, edibles, or hitting a cart (vape). Each option offers its own unique journey, but when it comes down to the ultimate question—Which one messes you up faster?—things get a little more interesting. Whether you’re looking for a quick buzz, an all-night trip to snack heaven, or just want to get really high, the method you choose makes all the difference.

In this face-off between weed, edibles, and carts, we’ll break down how each one works, how fast they’ll hit you, and just how high you can expect to get. Buckle up—it’s about to get hazy.

1. Weed: The Classic Route

Let’s start with the classic—weed. Rolling a joint, packing a bowl, or hitting a bong is the old-school way of consuming cannabis. You light it up, take a deep inhale, and wait for the magic to happen. But how fast does it actually hit you?

Smoking weed delivers the quickest onset of effects compared to edibles and vapes. When you inhale cannabis smoke, the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is absorbed directly into your bloodstream via the lungs, and within minutes, you’re starting to feel the buzz. Depending on the strain, you could experience anything from a mild, uplifting high to a body-melting couch-lock.

• How fast? Within 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll start feeling the effects. For most people, the high peaks around 30 minutes and lasts for 1 to 3 hours.
• How hard? This depends on your tolerance and the strain, but smoking tends to offer a more manageable high. You can gradually take more hits if you want to intensify the effects, making it easier to control how messed up you get.

However, the downside of smoking weed is that it doesn’t last as long as other methods. It’s more of a quick-hit high, ideal for those who want immediate effects but aren’t necessarily looking to be obliterated for hours. Plus, frequent smokers may build up a tolerance, meaning it takes more hits to reach the same level of euphoria.

2. Edibles: The Slow-Burn Monster

If you’ve ever had a bad experience with edibles, you know they’re not to be taken lightly. Edibles are cannabis-infused foods (like brownies, gummies, or chocolates) that deliver THC in a more gradual but potent way. The key difference here is in how your body processes the THC: instead of going through your lungs, edibles pass through your digestive system and liver.

When you eat an edible, the THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more psychoactive form of the compound, which is why the high is often described as more intense and long-lasting than smoking or vaping. However, edibles take significantly longer to kick in, and that’s where most people get into trouble—they don’t feel the effects right away, so they eat more, and before they know it, they’re on the moon for 6+ hours.

• How fast? Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, depending on your metabolism, what you ate beforehand, and the dosage. This long wait time often leads to people eating too much and then getting hit with a tidal wave of high all at once.
• How hard? Once it hits, it hits hard. The high from edibles is often full-body and can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, with some residual effects lingering for even longer. For many, the high is more psychedelic and intense than smoking or vaping.

Edibles are not for the impatient. If you’re the type of person who needs immediate results, these might frustrate you—but if you’re looking to settle in for the long haul, they’re your best bet. Just be careful with dosing. As the old saying goes, “Start low, go slow.” Taking too much can lead to an uncomfortable, paranoia-filled trip that can last way longer than you’d like.

3. Carts: The Convenience of Vaping

Carts (short for cartridges) are pre-filled containers of cannabis oil that you vaporize using a vape pen. They’re the modern-day convenience of the cannabis world—easy to use, discreet, and highly portable. Vaping cannabis oil gives you a similar high to smoking weed, but there are some key differences in how quickly and intensely the effects hit.

Like smoking, vaping delivers THC directly to your lungs, so you’ll start feeling the effects within minutes. However, because carts often contain concentrated forms of THC, the high can be more intense than smoking regular flower. Carts tend to offer a cleaner, more focused high, but that also means it’s easier to overdo it, especially with high-potency THC carts.

• How fast? Vaping hits almost immediately, with effects typically felt within 5 minutes. The high is quicker than edibles and comparable to smoking, though some people report it feels more intense because of the concentrated THC levels.
• How hard? Vaping can give you a stronger, more immediate high compared to smoking, especially if you’re using a high-THC cart. But like smoking, it typically doesn’t last as long as edibles—the high will peak within 30 to 60 minutes and taper off within 2 to 3 hours.

Carts are perfect for people who want discreet hits on the go or are looking for something stronger and faster than smoking but don’t want the long wait time (or commitment) of edibles. However, the potency of some THC carts means it’s easy to take one too many puffs and end up a little more elevated than you planned.

4. The Pros and Cons of Each Method

Weed (Smoking)

• Pros: Fast onset, easy to control, can smoke as much or as little as needed. Great for those who want a classic cannabis experience.
• Cons: The high doesn’t last as long, can be harsh on the lungs, requires rolling/packing, and might not be discreet.

Edibles

• Pros: Long-lasting, more intense high, no need to smoke, and can offer a more psychedelic experience. Ideal for people who want to get deeply high for several hours.
• Cons: Takes a long time to kick in, hard to control dosage, and can lead to overconsumption. If you overdo it, you’re in for a long ride.

Carts (Vaping)

• Pros: Fast-acting like smoking but more potent, discreet, and convenient. Perfect for people who want a quick, strong high on the go.
• Cons: Can be too easy to overconsume due to high THC concentrations. Some carts may contain additives or lower-quality oil (so always buy from a reputable source).

5. Which One Will Mess You Up Faster?

Now for the million-dollar question: Which one will hit you harder and faster?

• Fastest: Carts take the crown when it comes to speed. Because of the high concentration of THC and the efficiency of vaping, carts hit you fast—typically within a couple of minutes. If you’re looking for something that’s going to get you high in a flash, a few puffs of a strong cart will have you lifted in no time.
• Hardest: Edibles win in terms of intensity. While they take much longer to kick in, once they do, edibles provide a full-body high that can last for hours. It’s not uncommon for people to describe the edible high as a “trip,” with effects that go beyond just feeling stoned. The psychoactive nature of edibles, combined with their long duration, makes them the hardest-hitting option for those who want to get truly messed up.
• Most Manageable: Smoking is still the most controllable option. It hits relatively fast, you can easily adjust your intake, and it doesn’t last as long as edibles. If you want to get high but don’t want to commit to an all-night session, smoking is the most forgiving route.

6. The Verdict: What’s Right for You?

When choosing between weed, edibles, and carts, it all comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for:

• If you want fast and intense without waiting for an hour, go for carts.
• If you want a long, deep trip that will leave you chilling on the couch for hours, edibles are your best bet.
• If you’re after a classic, controllable high, where you can adjust your intake and feel the effects quickly, smoking weed is still the way to go.

Just remember—cannabis affects everyone differently, so always start slow, especially if you’re new to a particular method. Whether you’re puffing on a cart, nibbling on an edible, or rolling up a joint, knowing what to expect will help ensure you have a great (and safe) time.