Legal ways to consume marijuana

The use of medicinal marijuana is having a major global impact, as more and more countries are allowing the use of cannabis preparations in certain treatments. Cannabinoids continue to be the subject of study for their potential applications, although their effects and uses depend on each compound, the dosage, and the available evidence.

In some cases, medications and preparations containing cannabinoids are used to alleviate specific symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, certain refractory epilepsies, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, or specific chronic pain. This has favored the emergence of different presentations for those who do not want to or cannot inhale cannabis.

In countries where its commercialization is regulated, one can find food, drinks, and other products with THC or CBD. In Spain, since 2025, there has been a framework for the medicinal use of standardized cannabis preparations, but it is limited to magistral formulas prescribed by medical specialists and dispensed through hospital pharmacy services. Therefore, the food and drinks with THC that we will see below correspond mainly to other countries and are not over-the-counter products in Spain.

Edibles; legal ways to consume marijuana

Cannabis-based foods are sold in dispensaries and authorized establishments in those countries where their medicinal or recreational use is regulated. In these places, there is a wide range of foods with different amounts of THC and CBD, which must be indicated on the labeling. Some dispensaries also sell cannabis flowers, whose proportion of THC and CBD must be correctly identified.

Cannabis cakes or space cakes: in Spain, many people are familiar with cannabis cakes, although their preparation and consumption must comply with current legislation. In countries where medicinal or recreational cannabis is legal, these products can be purchased pre-made and with a composition indicated on the packaging.

In Amsterdam, space cakes became especially famous, reaching great popularity. From this type of preparation, other similar products appeared, such as cookies, brownies, or small cakes. When ingested, their effects usually take longer to appear than through inhalation, but they can also last for a longer time.

Cookies and similar items: these constitute another of the presentations available in some regulated markets. Their effects are not immediate and can last for several hours, depending on the amount of cannabinoids, the portion ingested, and each person’s tolerance. Therefore, in legally marketed products, it is essential to check the concentration and the amount indicated per serving.

Sweet spreads: taking a slice of bread and spreading a cream on top is a common way to consume these types of products in some countries. Peanut butter, for example, has versions made with cannabinoids in certain regulated markets. You can also find flavors like walnut or chocolate, with different concentrations of THC or CBD clearly marked on the packaging.

Candies and similar items: from cannabis extracts, different products can be made, including hard candies, lollipops, lollipops, and gummies. In markets where they are permitted, there are products with THC or CBD, but also candies that only incorporate flavorings or aromas related to cannabis. The latter do not contain cannabinoids nor do they produce their effects.

Cannabis drinks

Tea: hemp or cannabis infusions are sold in different formats, although their composition can vary significantly. Some contain only authorized parts of the hemp plant, while others incorporate cannabinoids in those countries where it is permitted. Therefore, not all contain CBD or THC nor do they produce the same effects.

Energy drinks: in Spain, we find energy drinks made from hemp or with aromas related to cannabis, but this does not mean they contain cannabinoids. In countries where certain cannabis products are regulated, one can also find drinks with THC or CBD, whose concentration must be indicated on the labeling.

Since 2025, Spain has had a specific framework for using standardized cannabis preparations for medicinal purposes. However, access to them is limited to magistral formulas prescribed by medical specialists and dispensed through hospital pharmacy services.

This does not imply the legalization or over-the-counter sale of edibles, drinks, or flowers with THC. The products described in this article are found mainly in countries where medicinal or recreational cannabis has broader regulation.