Methods of Consuming Cannabis: How Different Consumption Methods Affect Your High

Have you ever considered switching up your consumption routine?

It’s pretty common to rely on one particular method, but you may be missing out on entirely new experiences with the plant you know and love. From personal experience, recently making the switch from bongs to cartridges created an entirely different and, personally, better experience.

The way you consume cannabis dramatically impacts everything from onset time to intensity and duration of effects. Whether you’re using medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes or exploring recreational use, there’s a whole world of cannabis experiences to explore.

Cannabis consumption methods are incredibly different. It comes down to things like pharmacological properties, health effects, and how they interact with your central nervous system. Let’s dive into which one is right for you.

The key difference in consumption methods is how cannabinoids enter your system. This affects everything, including the onset, intensity, and duration of effects.

When you smoke or vape, cannabinoids enter your bloodstream through the lungs, and they do it quickly. You’ll feel immediate effects that peak within minutes. But with oral consumption methods, they pass through the lengthy digestive system for delayed but longer-lasting effects.

It’s all about drug bioavailability—how much of the active compounds your body actually absorbs. Inhalation methods offer higher bioavailability but shorter-lasting effects, while oral consumption has extended effects with slower onset.

Regular users often choose their methods based on the circumstances and lifestyle factors. But those choices greatly impact both therapeutic effects and potential adverse health effects.

Inhalation remains the most popular method among frequent cannabis users. Why? Its fast effects and precise dosing control are a few good reasons. These methods deliver cannabinoids directly to your bloodstream through the lungs for quick and powerful effects.

When you think of using weed, your mind likely goes to smoking marijuana. Common smoking methods like joints are the most traditional and popular way to use the plant, with that pungent and aromatic smoke being something that many cannabis consumers love.

While smoking anything isn’t good for lung or general health, it’s the fastest and easiest way to experience the psychoactive effects of weed.

You’ll get the strongest effects out of all consumption methods besides dabbing and, sometimes, edibles. Because smoking produces such strong effects, it may put the user at increased risk of THC-induced anxiety and paranoia.

But the good part that stoners love? It may also produce intense feelings of euphoria and a powerful buzz.

Just remember that the chronic smoking of cannabis can lead to respiratory disease, including chronic bronchitis and other lung health concerns. But occasional marijuana users shouldn’t have the same adverse health effects as chronic users experience.

Vaping is one of the most popular alternatives to smoking for those who still want a rapid onset of effects. There are various ways to vape cannabis, including dry herb vaporizers, concentrate vaporizers, dual-use vaporizers, vape cartridges, and disposable vaporizers.

Of all consumption methods, the high from vaping tends to be a bit lighter than smoking, but can still be very strong. It’s a great option for those looking to quit smoking but still take advantage of weed’s many benefits.

Many people prefer vaping because it reduces exposure to harmful combustion byproducts while preserving the therapeutic effects of cannabis. And with added temperature control to target specific cannabinoids and terpenes, you can create an entirely customized experience.

If you’d rather vape something that tastes like the flower, look for a cured resin cart. District Cannabis makes its Pavé Cured Resin Cartridge from cured whole buds, which keeps more of the plant’s terpenes and full range of compounds than a typical distillate cart. Pavé is a Paris OG x The Menthol cross from Compound Genetics, with a palate of mint, gas, and plums. It’s best described as a fast mood lift that settles into a relaxed, full-body buzz.

Did you know that dabbing also falls under the category of vaporization? Because dabbing doesn’t involve combustion from a flame, it’s technically a form of vaping.

Of course, there are tons of concentrates to choose from, like shatter, crumble, wax, budder, and others.

These concentrates will produce different effects based on their potencies, cannabinoid content, and terpene profile. Dabbing can be stronger than vaping from a handheld portable device because you can load your preferred quantity of concentrate to produce hefty clouds of potent vapor for a wicked buzz.

Dabbing is usually best for experienced cannabis users with higher tolerances, as the concentrated cannabinoids can produce intense effects that might overwhelm new users.

For a terpene-rich concentrate, try sugar. District Cannabis makes its Banana Acai Mints Sugar from premium cured buds, and it tests at 68.28% THC with 3.63% terpenes. This Banana Punch x Acai Mints cross from Tiki Madman brings citrus, berries, gas, and wildflowers, with caryophyllene leading the terpene profile. You can dab it, load it into a vaporizer, or sprinkle a little on a joint for an extra kick.

Marijuana use through oral consumption provides longer-lasting effects. But patience, my friend. You’ll likely experience a delayed onset of effects as cannabinoids pass through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream.

Ah, edibles. You never really know how you’ll feel until you understand your tolerance. The edibles experience is completely different from inhalation methods. It can take 1-2 hours to feel the peak effects, which gradually set in and may hit you like a truck.

Here’s a short rundown on typical THC doses for different tolerances:

• 1-5mg (Microdosing): Best for beginners with low tolerances or seasoned users looking for minor effects
• 5-10mg: A typical dose, ideal for those with lower tolerances or seasoned users looking for slightly stronger effects
• 10-50mg: Good for brave beginners seeking powerful effects or seasoned users wanting something stronger
• 50mg+: Not for the faint of heart. Ideal for experienced users looking for the powerful effects of cannabis intoxication

The edible high also lasts much longer than other methods, so be prepared to feel effects for up to 4-8 hours. Medical cannabis users might choose edibles for longer-lasting relief.

The cannabis beverage market has absolutely skyrocketed. One report states the U.S. weed beverage market will reach $1.4 billion by 2025.

But what makes them so popular? They’re great for both experienced users and newcomers, coming in a variety of doses and flavors to suit your palate and preferences.

Cannabis-infused drinks are infused with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. They come in various forms, including teas, sodas, and seltzers. Plus, they’re often seen as a healthier and more discreet alternative to smoking or vaping.

The onset of effects is a bit interesting. It can be quicker than edibles but slower than smoking or vaping, but the intensity varies based on THC content and your tolerance. For the most part, expect a mellow, uplifting buzz perfect for social gatherings or relaxing nights.

Pills, softgels, and capsules are the best forms of cannabis consumption for precise dosing and discretion. They’re similar to edibles in that they have different potencies and cannabinoid contents, but they have a delayed onset and longer-lasting effects.

That said, dissolvable pills act differently. They’re absorbed by mucous membranes and produce faster effects—an excellent way to work around the usual waiting game with edibles.

These methods rely on the tiny mucous membranes in your mouth for a faster onset than digestive methods while avoiding the risks that come with inhalation.

Tinctures give you a more natural route. These oils can contain various cannabinoids and potencies, which produce different effects based on your tolerance and the specific formula.

Dosing them is simple. The cannabinoids in tinctures are dropped into the mouth, typically under the tongue, and absorbed by the mucous membranes. Since these cannabinoids don’t have to pass through the digestive tract, you could start feeling effects almost instantly or within 15 minutes.

Some other sublingual products include strips, lozenges, and sprays designed for absorption under the tongue. They generally provide the same benefits as tinctures, but in slightly different consumption methods for your preference.

Have a specific ache or pain in a targeted area? Topical cannabis products like creams, balms, and patches might help. These products are directly applied to the skin, but they won’t produce psychoactive effects.

Instead, they can provide localized relief for pain, inflammation, and skin conditions. Topicals work by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin without entering the bloodstream enough to cause a buzz.

So, which is the healthiest way to consume cannabis?

Let’s be upfront. Non-inhalation methods have fewer risks to respiratory health. Edibles, tinctures, and sublingual products seem to be the way to go if you’re concerned about lung and throat irritation.

However, “healthiest” depends on individual circumstances and medical needs. For some medical cannabis patients, fast-acting inhalation methods might be necessary for symptom relief, while others benefit from the longer-lasting effects of oral consumption.

Here’s what healthy cannabis consumption really looks like:

• Starting with low doses and increasing gradually
• Choosing quality products from reputable sources
• Being aware of potential interactions with other substances
• Avoiding frequent cannabis use that could lead to cannabis use disorder
• Consulting with a healthcare provider, especially when using cannabis for medical purposes

Ultimately, the best cannabis consumption method is all about balance and moderation. Choose your best fit, and don’t hesitate to switch it up.