Cannabis edibles and vape cartridges (carts) are two popular and discreet consumption methods. Edibles involve ingesting cannabis-infused food or drink, allowing the digestive system to process the cannabinoids. Carts use a battery-powered device to heat cannabis oil concentrate, producing vapor for inhalation. Comparing them requires examining absorption pathways, health impacts on the respiratory and digestive systems, and risks related to product quality and dosing.
Absorption Pathways and Effects
The fundamental difference between carts and edibles lies in the route the active compounds take to enter the bloodstream. Inhaling vapor from a cart allows cannabinoids to pass directly from the lungs into the systemic circulation, bypassing the liver entirely during the initial absorption phase. This results in effects that begin almost immediately, often within minutes, and typically last for a relatively short duration of two to three hours.
The process for edibles is significantly more complex and delayed, beginning with passage through the digestive tract. Cannabinoids are absorbed in the small intestine before traveling to the liver via the portal vein. This liver processing, known as first-pass metabolism, is where the primary psychoactive compound, Delta-9-THC, is converted into 11-Hydroxy-THC.
This metabolite, 11-Hydroxy-THC, is more potent and crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than Delta-9-THC. The conversion and systemic distribution cause a delayed onset, often taking 30 minutes to two hours. Once effects begin, they are typically more intense and last considerably longer, often six to eight hours or more.
Respiratory Versus Digestive Health Impacts
The primary health advantage of edibles is the complete avoidance of respiratory exposure, making them a lung-friendly alternative to inhalation methods. Edibles circumvent the known risks associated with inhaling heated vapor, which include potential irritation and inflammation of lung tissue. For individuals concerned about their pulmonary health, this is a significant benefit.
Vaping, while avoiding the harmful byproducts of combustion found in smoking, still sends heated vapor and potentially harmful particles deep into the lungs. Studies have suggested that cannabis vaping may be associated with a greater risk of respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, compared to other forms of use. Inhaling any heated substance, even vapor, introduces a degree of respiratory stress and inflammation over time.
Edibles shift the metabolic load from the lungs to the liver and digestive system. While moderate consumption is not considered harmful to the liver, people with existing liver conditions should exercise caution, as the liver converts Delta-9-THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC. Furthermore, many edible products contain high amounts of sugar and fats, which introduce nutritional considerations for frequent users, particularly those with conditions like diabetes.
Contaminants and Dosing Risks
Vape carts introduce unique safety issues related to manufacturing quality and product additives. The cannabis oil in carts sometimes contains thinning agents, such as propylene glycol or medium-chain triglycerides, which can break down into harmful compounds when heated. The 2019 outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) was primarily linked to the use of Vitamin E acetate as a thickening agent in illicit vape products.
Another significant risk with carts is the potential for heavy metal contamination, which can leach into the oil from the heating coil or other hardware components of the cartridge. Metals like lead, nickel, and chromium can be released into the vapor and deposited into the user’s body. This risk is amplified in unregulated or illicit market products.
For edibles, the greatest safety risk is accidental overconsumption, which is directly tied to the delayed onset time. Users who do not feel effects after a short period may mistakenly take a second dose, leading to an intense and unexpectedly long experience once the initial dose is metabolized. The variability of absorption, which can be affected by the contents of the stomach, further complicates consistent dosing and predictability.
While regulated edibles come with precise, labeled doses, the delayed nature of the effect makes self-titration difficult, demanding patience and a “start low, go slow” approach. Conversely, carts offer immediate feedback, allowing users to take one puff and wait a few minutes before deciding on the next, which provides a greater degree of control over the immediate experience.