Cannabis Consumption Methods

Inhalables: Flower, Concentrates, Vape

The most known way to consume cannabis is through inhalation. This is typically loved for the rapid effects and the level of control with the doseage. 

Inhalation effects can peak around fifteen minutes but can last anywhere between two to four hours. Inhalation is recommended for anyone who wants instant effects and to control how intense effects they desire. 

Inhalation avoids the digestive system which makes it beneficial to those who suffer from symptoms such as nausea or digestive issues. 

Ingestibles: Edibles, RSO, Tinctures

Edibles are one of the most popular way to consume cannabis. Not everyone enjoys smoking and the effects of edibles typically last longer. Edibles can also be found in many forms and flavors. They range from hard candies, lollipops and gummies to classic cookies and brownies, to products like RSO (Rick Simpson Oil, a form of concentrate that is ingestible), along with tinctures. 

Effects can peak after an hour to two hours and can last anywhere between four to six hours and are often used in a “layered” approach depending on the desired effects. Ingestibles are recommended for those who want a long lasting effect and are okay with waiting for the effects to kick in.

External Topicals: Lotion, Salve, Massage Oil, Transdermal Patch  

Topicals are applied – you guessed it – topically on the skin. They come in many forms such as lotions, salves, massage oils and even transdermal patches. These are typically used for pain relief along with alleviating skin problems. 

Transdermal patches are essentially the same concept as a nicotine patch but instead of nicotine it can be THC, CBD, or THC/CBD ratio. Depending on where you live, you can find other patches with other cannabinoids such as CBN and CBG. 

Topicals effects can kick in almost instantly and vary on how long they last depending on your body and how much used. Topicals are recommended for those who have joint or muscle pain, or inflammation issues, and who do not want to feel the typical effects of cannabis.

Internal Topicals: Suppositories

Topicals that are placed internally are also considered suppositories. There are anal and vaginal suppositories and can offer relief to patients who suffer from symptoms such as pain or nausea. 

Suppositories are also helpful for those who can not easily ingest cannabis yet want something that lasts longer than an inhalable product. 

Friendly Reminder

The key to finding your ideal cannabis consumption method is to determine the effects you are seeking, and your desired time to effect and time to offset.  Everyone’s body is different and you may respond differently than someone with similar symptoms.