What are the methods of consuming cannabis?

Smoking
Vaporization
Edibles and ingestible oils
Tinctures
Transdermal patch
Ointments
Dabbing
Twaxing
Cannabis storage

Smoking

The simplest and most common way to consume cannabis requires more than just weed and a lighter. You can put cannabis in a pipe, roll it into a joint, or load it into a bong. Smoking cannabis involves inhaling the smoke released by heated flowers or concentrate.

When smoking cannabis, the effects can be felt almost immediately and last from 90 minutes to 3 hours or more, depending on the individual, the cannabinoid content, and the potency of the strain.

Due to the minimal onset time associated with smoking cannabis, dosage control is simple compared to other methods of consumption.

The disadvantage is the possibility of minor irritation of the respiratory tract.

Vaporization

A vaporizer is a device that heats cannabis buds and/or concentrates to a temperature of 157-227 °C, causing the cannabinoids stored in the plant trichomes to evaporate into a gaseous state without burning the plant material.

For reference, the boiling point of THC is between 157°C and 200°C. All other major non-psychoactive cannabinoids vaporize between 160°C and 220°C.

The effects of cannabis are almost immediate when vaporized, making it easier to control the dosage.

Methods of cannabis consumption: smoking and vaping

The cannabinoid-rich vapors (up to 95%) contain no tar or carcinogens, which is beneficial for those who want to avoid potential irritation of the lungs and respiratory tract. As a bonus, many users prefer the taste of vaporized cannabis to that of burnt flower.

Some vaporizers are designed for home use and have digital temperature settings, while small, portable vaporizers allow you to enjoy cannabis and cannabis concentrates on the go.

Food and edible oils

As cannabis has become more accessible for both medicinal and recreational use, the popularity of edibles (food and beverages containing cannabis) has also grown.

The selection of cannabis-infused foods and beverages continues to expand, with dispensaries selling everything from infused lemonades to savory snacks.

Those who live in less tolerant states can easily make their own at home. Essentially, any recipe that calls for oil or butter can be infused with cannabis.

During the preparation process, cannabinoids combine with lipids (fats), and decarboxylation (heating) converts them from their acidic forms into activated states. Activated oil can also be consumed in tablet form.

The effects of eating cannabis last much longer than other methods of consumption (4 to 8 hours or more) and can be significantly more intense. This is because THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, is converted in the liver to the more psychoactive 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound is approximately 5 to 10 times stronger than the original THC.

Smoked/vaporized cannabis does not have the same effect because it does not pass through the liver. For those who want to avoid the “high” associated with consuming THC-containing foods, we recommend foods high in CBD or juicing raw cannabis.

The disadvantage of edibles is the delayed onset, which can take anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes. The onset time is directly related to the digestion process—consuming on an empty stomach leads to faster processing and vice versa. The combination of delayed onset and differences in potency increases the difficulty of controlling dosage.

Tinctures

A tincture is a liquid cannabis concentrate obtained by extraction in alcohol. Tinctures were once the most common form of medicinal cannabis use in the United States before they were banned in 1937.

Tinctures are usually administered sublingually—a few drops of cannabinoid-rich liquid under the tongue is often a sufficient starting dose. Tinctures are available in various potencies, cannabinoid profiles, and flavors.

One of the main benefits of tinctures is their rapid onset compared to orally consumed foods. The solution is absorbed by the arterial blood supply under the tongue within seconds. The mucous membranes inside the mouth and on the tongue itself also play a role in the absorption process.

The effects take effect in about 15 minutes, which makes it easier to control the dosage (compared to edibles). This means that it is best to hold the tincture under the tongue for as long as possible and only then swallow it – this maximizes the rate of absorption into the bloodstream compared to processing through the gastrointestinal tract.

However, those who prefer the effects of food can add the tincture to their favorite beverage.

Transdermal patch

Transdermal patches work in the same way as nicotine patches, delivering cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream over time. After applying the patch to a veiny area of the body, you can expect lasting relief for 6 to 8 hours or even longer. Because delivery into the bloodstream is very effective, transdermal patches require much smaller doses compared to edibles.

Patches come in varying degrees of potency and cannabinoid profiles, both psychoactive and non-psychoactive. The onset associated with transdermal patches is usually faster (15-60 minutes) than with oral administration.

Ointments

Cannabinoids can also be used for topical application in the form of ointments, balms, sprays, oils, and creams. They are applied directly to the skin for local relief of pain and inflammation, making them ideal for treating muscle and joint pain. Another advantage of these products is that they are completely non-psychoactive.

Various ointments have been particularly useful in treating patients with arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis.

Dabbing

Dabbing refers to placing a dose of cannabis concentrate on a heated surface and inhaling the smoke. The most commonly used tools are made of titanium, quartz, or ceramic materials.

Dabbing differs from vaporizing in that the cannabis concentrate is heated to a much higher temperature (from 260-500 °C and above). Depending on the temperature, the heating of the concentrated substance can range between vaporization and combustion (this is still debated) – dabbing can be considered a form of flash vaporization.

The intense effects associated with dabbing concentrates can be felt almost immediately. Dabbing at lower temperatures produces more vapor than smoke.

In addition, dabbing properly made concentrates is a pure aromatic experience without the use of plant material. Because dabbing uses highly concentrated cannabis extracts, it is not intended for novice users.

Twaxing

Another popular technique circulating on Instagram is called twaxing, which involves combining cannabis concentrates with rolled joints or blunts. By adding BHO or similar concentrates, you can dramatically increase the potency of a small joint, which is a convenient solution for sharing with a larger group.

It should be clear that this technique is also not for novice users.

Cannabis preservation

Many people combine consumption methods to achieve combined effects. For example, you can smoke a joint for immediate anxiety relief and eat edibles for more lasting sedative effects before a long flight.

Of course, this issue is more complicated, and we understand that you may not always have the opportunity to treat yourself in the comfort of your own home. Fortunately, this does not mean that transportation has to be a problem. Learn to organize all the moving parts and pack them into a compact travel case that is odor-proof and suitable for all life’s adventures.

Author: Elena Moreau

Photo: AI

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