Are you curious about the different ways to consume cannabis and looking to try something new?
Our latest article is here to guide you through a comprehensive list of cannabis consumption methods, from traditional smoking and vaping to more unconventional methods like edibles and topicals.
With this guide, you can explore the various consumption methods and find the one that works best for you.
Method #1: Smoking Cannabis
Smoking cannabis is an old-school practice that goes way back to a time when sharing a joint was more than just about getting high; it was about connecting with others. Lighting up a joint, ripping bowls out of a bong, or using a pipe is like a bonding ritual that brings people together.
The effects kick in right away, so if you’re looking for a quick buzz, it’s a go-to choice. And when you smoke, you really get to taste all the different flavors and smells of the weed – it’s like a sensory adventure.
Smoking is hands down the quickest and cheapest, fail-proof method to enjoy good flower and catch a buzz.
But the burning process is what is not so fun. When you light up, some not-so-great stuff gets released too, like smoke, toxins, and stuff that is potentially harmful. Breathing in this smoke can irritate your throat and lungs, and if you do it a lot, it might even lead to bigger lung issues down the road.
The pungent smell of cannabis smoke can also linger, making it a less discreet option for consumption.
There are so many ways you can smoke cannabis:
- Pipes: These devices are compact, easy to manage, and highly favored for cannabis smoking. To use a pipe, place the cannabis into the bowl-shaped part at one end (referred to as “packing a bowl”) and light it up. Smoke journeys through the chamber of the pipe and exits through the mouthpiece, from which you inhale.
- Water pipes: Water pipes, which encompass bongs and bubblers, operate in a similar fashion. However, the smoke is sifted through water housed within a chamber. The water cools down the smoke, generating a smoother experience while inhaling.
- Joints: If pipes do not resonate with your preference, joints can be a good alternative. Joints are made by rolling cannabis into rolling papers, similar to crafting a cannabis cigarette. After lighting one end, inhalation takes place through the opposite end. A well rolled joint should stay lit until the very end. Puff, puff and passing with a joint is one of the best ways to enjoy cannabis with friends.
- Blunts: Blunts share similarities with joints, but they employ a thicker, cigar paper instead of rolling papers. Typically, a cigar like a Swisher, Optimo, or Backwoods is emptied of its loose leaf tobacco contents, and is replaced with ground up dry herb instead. Alternatively, empty blunt wraps can be purchased that are ready to roll up. Blunts are generally larger than joints and hold a greater amount of cannabis. They produce a stronger flavor, odor and a slightly different high due to the buzz of the tobacco leaf that makes up the blunt wrap.
Method #2: Vaping Cannabis
Vaping has become a huge thing in the world of cannabis, giving you a cool and low-key way to experience all the good stuff the plant has to offer. Vaping devices heat cannabis at a lower temperature, allowing you to inhale the desired compounds without combustion.
Vaping is available in many forms, but is generally classified as vaping extracts or vaping flower.
The great thing about vaping is that you can skip the bad stuff that comes with smoking, but still get the effects you want. Vaping can be considerably easier on your lungs and throat, which is a big deal for people who care about their health. Learn more about the differences between smoking and vaping here.
Keep in mind that not all vaporizers and vape products are created equal. This goes for both nicotine or e-juice vapes, as well as cannabis vaporizers and thc oil vape pens.
You’ll want to avoid vape products that are made with questionable ingredients or materials that are a cause for safety concern.
If you decide to vape, you should choose high quality vaporizers that use your own dry herb and extracts, purchase lab-tested vape cartridges from licensed dispensaries, or you can buy disposable vapes to fill with your own cannabis oils and e-juices.
Also, make sure you take good care of your vape gear to keep things running smoothly and safe.
There are also so many different ways for vaping:
- Vaporizers: Vaporizers are adaptable for both concentrates and flower. Load the cannabis into the heating chamber, set the temperature, and inhale the vapor via the mouthpiece. Vaporizers are available in both desktop models, which require a stable surface, and portable options.
- Vape pens: Vape pens are crafted specifically for oils or distillates. True to their name, they often resemble pens. These devices consist of a cartridge containing cannabis oil or distillate and a battery that provides the necessary heat. It’s important to procure vape pens from legal, reputable sources, as illicit or non-approved vapes have been linked to health issues.
- Dabbing: Dabbing is a technique for vaporizing cannabis concentrate using a dab rig. This process involves heating a glass, ceramic, or titanium “nail” and placing the concentrate onto the hot surface. The heat transforms the concentrate into vapor, which is then consumed.
Method #3: Edible Cannabis
Edibles offer a unique and flavorful way to experience cannabis. These treats show up in all sorts of shapes, like gummies or chocolates, so you can easily fit them into your everyday routine.
The effects of edibles are distinct from smoking or vaping – they take longer to kick in but tend to last longer. This gradual onset of effects can be appealing for those seeking sustained relief.
However, edibles come with their own set of challenges. The delayed effects can sometimes lead to impatience, causing users to consume more than intended. Achieving precise dosing can be tricky due to variations in metabolism among individuals.
Novice users should exercise caution, as the effects of edibles can be intense and overwhelming. Always start slow with edibles. Start with a small dose. You can always take more if you don’t feel the effects after about an hour. Edibles affect everyone differently. Even a seasoned smoker can accidentally get too high from eating too much pot.
Method #4: Tinctures and Sublingual Cannabis
Tinctures offer a precise and rapid method of cannabis consumption. These liquid extracts are taken sublingually (under the tongue) for quick absorption into the bloodstream.
Tinctures provide a discreet option, making them ideal for those who want to enjoy the effects without drawing attention. The inclusion of a dropper allows you to measure your dosage accurately, giving you control over your cannabis experience.
However, tinctures might not be everyone’s cup of tea in terms of taste. As with all consumption methods, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it is a smart approach to avoid overwhelming effects.
Tinctures are a great option for those that want more precise dosing with measurements in millimeters (ml), as well as for those with digestive issues, those with trouble swallowing, or if you’re sensitive to smoke.
Method #5: Topical Cannabis
Topicals are like specialized helpers for specific issues like pain or inflammation. They don’t mess with your head or make you feel high, which is great if you just want some relief.
They work locally by rubbing them on your skin, and you’ve got options like creams and balms to choose from. It’s all about experimenting to find what works best for you.
The effects of topicals are limited to the area where they are applied, which means they won’t provide the euphoric “high” that some users seek from other methods of using cannabis. They are not designed for systemic effects or a full-body experience.
Finding the Right Method
To sum it all up, enjoying cannabis isn’t just about smoking anymore. There are tons of ways use cannabis now, so you can pick what suits your style.
Whether you’re all about the classic vibes of smoking, the high-tech approach of vaping, the tasty fun of edibles, the precise nature of tinctures, or the targeted relief of topicals, there’s a way for you to personalize your cannabis experience.
