When exploring cannabis consumption, individuals have various methods, each offering a distinct experience. Here’s an overview of various consumption methods:
Smoking: Traditional smoking involves inhaling the fumes of combusted cannabis flowers. It delivers rapid effects due to the quick absorption of cannabinoids through the lungs.
Vaping: Vaporizing heats cannabis at lower temperatures than smoking, producing vapor instead of smoke. This method is considered less harmful and allows for precise temperature control.
Edibles: Edibles are food products infused with cannabis extracts. They provide a longer-lasting high due to the slower digestion and absorption process. Common examples include brownies, gummies, and beverages1.
Topicals: Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and oils are applied directly to the skin, providing localized relief without producing a psychoactive high.
Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts infused with cannabinoids. They are consumed sublingually for rapid absorption through the mucous membranes under the tongue.
Dabbing involves inhaling concentrated cannabis extracts (dabs) by vaporizing them using a heated surface. This method delivers potent effects but requires specialized equipment.
Capsules: Cannabis capsules contain precise doses of cannabinoids, offering a convenient and discreet method of consumption, similar to traditional medication.
Sublingual Strips: Dissolvable strips infused with cannabinoids are placed under the tongue for quick absorption.
Beverages: Cannabis-infused beverages, such as teas, sodas, and energy drinks, offer a discreet and refreshing way to consume cannabinoids.
Patches: Transdermal patches deliver cannabinoids through the skin, providing a controlled release over time.
Suppositories: Rectal or vaginal suppositories deliver cannabinoids through mucous membranes, often chosen for their potential therapeutic effects.
Flower: Consuming cannabis in its raw form, often called “flower,” involves grinding, smoking, or vaporizing the plant’s buds. This method allows users to experience the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes2.
When choosing a consumption method, it’s essential to consider factors like onset time, duration, potency, and personal preferences. Additionally, regulations, legal status, and health considerations should guide individuals toward responsible and safe cannabis use.