While most people DO smoke it, you could cut out the risk for respiratory distress by eating it, so if there is anyone who is concerned with their health (beyond smoking for medicinal purposes) they could just eat the stuff

That may be the case for you. Some pack a day smokers live to be 90 with zero problems and some don't live half that. It varies so much person to person and it helps a lot that you are active. Either way you have a valid point and so do I. Probably why no one can make a decision on the matter.