It was a fine evening with you enjoying yourself with your friends, when suddenly the topic of cannabis arose. The discussion was not limited to recreational usage of cannabis and chasing the “high”, but also about wellness and connection.
Even if you haven’t tried cannabis, the discussion would have surely piqued your interest.
If you are intrigued about cannabis, but with so many cannabis consumption methods available, you are wondering about where to begin.
This guide holds all the answers for you right here. So, without further delay, let’s get started.
Top 5 Cannabis Consumption Methods
There are a lot of cannabis consumption methods, with some of them acting immediately while others take time to show their full effect. Some last longer than others. Some are smoke-free while others are not.
Thus, it might take a bit of trial and error to figure out which suits you the best among all the cannabis consumption methods. So let’s dive in and discuss some of the most common ones.
1. Smoking
Starting with the most traditional method, smoking. It is a fast-acting method. Whether you are going to roll a joint or smoke weed in a pipe or bong, smoking remains one of the most straightforward methods, especially among beginners.
When you light up the cannabis, the cannabinoids present in it get activated by heat. These, via inhalation, enter your body and reach your bloodstream through the lungs. Smoking offers quick results within minutes.
Pros
- Fast acting
- Accessible and affordable
- Easy to control dosage
Cons
- It might irritate the throat or lungs, especially for beginners
- Strong lingering odor
- Potential health risks due to combustion
2. Vaping
Now, if you want a cleaner alternative to consume cannabis, you can opt for vaping. This method has garnered popularity, especially among the youth, as it’s a hassle-free and smoke-free method to consume cannabis.
In vape pens, vaporizers heat cannabis flower or oil, which in turn releases the cannabinoids like THC and CBD without combustion. It offers a smoother and flavorful experience than traditional smoking.
Thus, vaping is a beginner-friendly method and great for those looking for a more controlled and moderate high.
Pros
- Fast acting
- Cleaner than smoking
- More discreet as vapor dissipates quickly and has less odor
- Non-abrasive vapor
- Portable and easy to use
Cons
- It can be a bit expensive
- Some vape cartridges might contain additives
With THC being the mainstreamed cannabinoid, many times, you might have heard about another one known as Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). If you want to learn more about HHC and its potential recreational and therapeutic effects, our guide on what HHC is will be helpful.
3. Edibles
Smoking and vaping are different ways to smoke weed, but if you think that they are the only ways to consume weed, you might want to think again. If inhalation is not your cup of tea, you can easily opt for edibles. They are one of the most enjoyable ways to eat weed.
They offer great control over your dosage and come in different forms, such as gummies, brownies, chocolates, etc., each offering a unique flavor profile.
It is worth mentioning that it takes time (30 to 90 minutes) for edibles to show their full effects; therefore, start low (5-10 mg of THC) and go slow. On the bright side, the effects of edibles are long-lasting, sometimes lasting for several hours.
Pros
- Long-lasting effects
- No inhalation required; therefore, an excellent option for anyone suffering from respiratory issues
- Versatile
- Great option for discreet use
Cons
- Slow onset of effects (30-90 minutes)
- Dosage can be a bit tricky, as it is easy to consume too much
If you are wondering about different dosages, we urge you to check out our weed measurements guide, which will surely help you calculate and plan your weed intake better.
4. Tinctures
Now comes one of the fastest acting and discreet cannabis consumption methods, that is none other than the tinctures.
These are the cannabis-infused oils or alcohols that are taken sublingually. They are placed under the tongue, where they get absorbed and quickly reach the bloodstream. They produce their effects within 5-10 minutes, peaking after 30 to 45 minutes.
Moreover, they are also one of the most discreet ways to consume cannabis, especially in settings where smoking and vaping are not allowed.
Pros
- Fast acting when taken sublingually
- Precise dosing via dropper
- Discreet and odorless
Cons
- Taste can be a bit bitter, depending on the type of tincture
- Alcohol base might not be acceptable to everyone
Tinctures can be used for medical purposes, especially to alleviate pain, anxiety, and help with sleep. But before trying anything new, it is better to consult a medical marijuana doctor near me for a more informed approach.
5. Concentrates
If you want to level up, then you might want to go for concentrates, which are the most potent and efficient way to use weed.
They are a powerful way to consume cannabis and are known for their high THC content. For instance, a 1-gram syringe of cannabis concentrate, Rick Simson Oil (RSO), contains about 600 mg of THC. Thus, they are not for the faint-hearted.
Moreover, concentrates are also well-known for their medical usage owing to their therapeutic effects, such as RSO oil, which helps treat pain and improve sleep.
Concentrates come in different forms, including wax, live resin, shatter, and more. Generally, they are either dapped or vaporized for a fast-acting effect.
Pros
- Highly potent
- Small doses required
- Medical-grade options are available
Cons
- Too intense for beginners
- Not ideal for casual use
- Requires experience to dose safely
It is worth mentioning that apart from these top 5 cannabis consumption methods, there are also topicals that are most well-known for their pain-relieving properties.
So, if you are looking for pain relief without the “high” associated with cannabis, then topicals might be the best option for you.
Topicals are the cannabis infused balms, creams, or lotions that are directly applied to the skin and work best to alleviate localized pain, inflammation, or skin issues.
Our caring physicians in Naples are here to help you qualify for your medical marijuana card. Book your appointment now.
Conclusion
There isn’t any particular way to consume cannabis that is suitable for all. It comes down to your preference, lifestyle, and comfort level, whether you want a flavorful puff or a tasty cannabis infused chocolate.
It is best to stay informed, do your research, do some trial and error with different cannabis consumption methods, and then choose which one suits you the best.
Remember that cannabis isn’t only about getting “high,” but it’s about wellness, balance, and intentional exploration. So, choose your path and enjoy your journey.
FAQs
What are the most common methods of cannabis consumption?
Some of the most common cannabis consumption methods include smoking, vaping, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, and topicals.
How to smoke weed without a pipe?
You can use bongs, blunts, or even roll a joint if you do not have a pipe.
How to smoke weed without a bong?
You can try using a pipe, a blunt, or even rolling a joint to smoke weed without a bong.
How to get high without smoking weed?
You can opt for edibles that offer you a tasty cannabis infused treat, and that too with a lot of variety. Moreover, you can also go for tinctures that are taken sublingually.
