The cannabis industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with an increasing number of people utilizing it for both recreational and medicinal purposes. While smoking remains a popular method, many are venturing into alternative methods like vaping, eating edibles, using tinctures, topical application, dabbing, consuming capsules, patches, sublingual, and even microdosing. The choice of consumption method can greatly influence the overall cannabis experience, so it’s beneficial to understand each one to select the best for you.
Smoking is the traditional method of consuming cannabis. This involves burning the cannabis flowers and inhaling the smoke to deliver THC, CBD, and other beneficial cannabinoids into your system. Smoking can be done using various devices like pipes, water bongs, and joints. The effects are instantaneous, but the potential harm to lungs from smoke inhalation is a significant downside source for smoking.
Vaping is a modern alternative to smoking that is believed to be less harmful. Unlike smoking, vaping involves heating cannabis to a temperature that turns its active ingredients into vapor. It’s a popular method due to its discrete and controlled dosage features. However, uncertain health risks associated with vaping have been a point of contention in recent times source for vaping.
Edibles have evolved beyond traditional pot brownies and candies. Today, you can find cannabis-infused tea, coffee, cookies, chocolates, gummies, and even gourmet meals. Consuming edibles is a discreet way to consume cannabis, but the effects take longer to exhibit and last longer because the cannabinoids must pass through the digestive system source for edibles.
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts consumed under the tongue (sublingually). The cannabinoids are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the abundant blood vessels in this area, leading to faster effects than edibles. Tinctures are great for precise dosing and can even be added to food and drinks source for tinctures.
Topical applications like lotions, creams, balms, or transdermal patches can be applied directly on the skin. They’re mostly used for localized relief, targeting areas like sore muscles or skin conditions. The cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream, making it a non-psychoactive method of consumption source for topicals.
Dabbing involves heating a small amount of cannabis concentrate, or a “dab,” to produce a vapor that is inhaled. It’s a method prevalent among experienced cannabis users due to the high concentration of cannabinoids it delivers, enabling immediate and intense effects source for dabbing.
Cannabis capsules, similar to edibles, need to pass through the digestive system, leading to delayed effects. But they’re favored for their convenience and pre-measured dosages, which offer consistent effects source for capsules.
Transdermal patches, under the topical category, allow a slow release of cannabinoids into the bloodstream through the skin for systemic effects. They’re useful for sustained relief over a duration source for patches.
Sublingual consumption involves placing the cannabis product under the tongue and letting it dissolve. It’s a fast-acting method that offers longer-lasting effects compared to inhalation source for sublingual.
Lastly, microdosing refers to consuming small amounts of cannabis throughout the day. This method allows users to experience the benefits of cannabis without the ‘high’. It is especially useful for medicinal purposes source for microdosing.
Variations in methods of cannabis consumption cater to unique needs and preferences. As consumption methods advance, it offers both novice and experienced users to tailor their cannabis experience to better suit their lifestyle, medical condition, or recreational needs.
