The different ways to consume cannabis

Smoking is not the only way to consume cannabis. Flowers and their derivatives can be inhaled, ingested, or administered sublingually. There are also topical products made with cannabinoids, although these are not strictly considered a form of consumption.

Each method has differences in the onset, intensity, and duration of the effects. These also depend on the concentration of cannabinoids, the amount used, tolerance, and each person’s individual characteristics.

Although some cannabinoids are used or researched for therapeutic purposes, this does not mean that any homemade preparation can be considered a treatment. Cannabis-based medications intended for specific diseases must be used under medical supervision. The available evidence is limited to specific indications, such as certain rare forms of epilepsy, and does not allow for general medicinal properties to be attributed to any cannabis product.

There are many ways to consume it. You can use dried flower or subject it to different processes to obtain concentrates, tinctures, and other products. Below, we review the most well-known forms.

Consuming cannabis dry, just as we cut and dry the plant:

Smoking:

This is one of the most well-known forms. Dried flowers can be smoked as a joint, using a pipe, or using a bong.

Since combustion occurs, smoke, carbon monoxide, and other irritants are also inhaled.

Consuming cannabis in a vaporizer:

When we use a marijuana vaporizer, the material is heated without reaching the point of combustion. This releases cannabinoids and aromatic compounds without producing the same combustion as smoking. The resulting effect is usually much greater, as up to 90% of the initial cannabinoids in the plant can be absorbed.

There are different types of vaporizers: desktop models, portable ones, those intended for dried flowers, those prepared for concentrates such as the Puffco Plus model, and devices compatible with both formats.

Consuming cannabis ingested:

Cannabis can also be incorporated into recipes, butters, oils, capsules, and other preparations. On our blog, you can find different recipes, such as these marijuana brownies.

When ingesting cannabis, the effects take longer to appear than when inhaled and can last for a longer time. The onset and intensity depend on the preparation, the amount of THC, and each person’s metabolism and tolerance.

This delay can lead to consuming a second portion before noticing the first. That is why it is important not to repeat the dose hastily or use a standard amount based solely on grams of flowers, as their concentration can vary greatly.

Also, 100% of the cannabinoids are not absorbed. Oral bioavailability is variable, and some of the compounds are transformed during digestion and hepatic metabolism.

Cannabis infusions:

Infusions are one of the most well-known ways to use different plants. However, cannabinoids barely dissolve in water, so submerging cannabis flowers in hot water does not guarantee an effective extraction or a controlled dose.

Currently, you can find hemp infusions marketed as food products. Their composition, cannabinoid content, and preparation instructions must be correctly indicated on the packaging.

It is not advisable to automatically attribute psychoactive or medicinal effects to them, as these will depend on their composition and the regulations applicable to the product.

Cannabis liqueurs

If you have any liqueur that you usually drink, you can dissolve the cannabinoids from your plants in it and thus ingest your relaxing dose with each glass. The only thing we must do is put our dried marijuana inside the liqueur. It is best to do it in a glass jar and leave it in the dark. The alcohol in the drink will act as a solvent for the resin of our plants, and in about 6 weeks, we will be able to filter it and store it in its bottle.

Combining alcohol and THC can increase impairment, dizziness, nausea, and loss of coordination. Furthermore, a homemade preparation does not allow for knowing with precision the amount of cannabinoids present in each glass.

For these reasons, it is not recommended to establish universal proportions or maceration times. The potency will depend on the plant material, its concentration, the process used, and the amount consumed.

Consuming cannabis extracts and derivatives:

Hashish:

Hashish is one of the most well-known cannabis extracts. It is obtained by separating and concentrating the trichomes present on the flowers through dry processes, friction, or extraction techniques with mesh bags, water, and ice.

Once collected and pressed, the resin forms a piece of hashish. It can be smoked or used in certain vaporizers compatible with concentrates.

Its THC and CBD concentration varies greatly depending on the genetics, plant material, and extraction method. As it is a concentrated product, it can produce more intense effects than dried flowers.

The most common way is to smoke it in a joint, although there are pipes and vaporizers to be able to consume this substance vaporized as well.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) extraction:

BHO is a concentrate made through butane gas extraction. It can have high concentrations of cannabinoids, although the exact percentage depends on the product and must be confirmed through analysis.

These concentrates are usually used in specific vaporizers or dabbing devices.

Cannabis tinctures

Tinctures are liquid preparations in which cannabinoids are dissolved in alcohol or another suitable vehicle. Oils usually use a fatty base.

They can be administered in drops, which facilitates measurement when the product has a known and correctly indicated concentration. However, the number of drops does not by itself represent a dose, as each preparation can contain a different amount of THC or CBD.

You can make it in many ways; we show you in this blog article one of the most potent medicinal tinctures available. It is practically a BHO extraction dissolved in olive oil, 1 g/30 ml of oil.

Cannabis products for cutaneous use

Topical products are applied directly to the skin and are not considered a way to ingest or inhale cannabis. Within this category are creams, balms, body oils, and other CBD cosmetic products.

They are effective for soothing pain, itching, and skin irritation, as well as for healing… The way to make it is very similar to that of the tincture. BHO is made, but then it is melted with coconut oil like cannabis butter, at a ratio of 1 g/250 ml of coconut oil.

The CBD concentration and application instructions will depend on each product. Before using it, it is advisable to check its composition and avoid applying it to eyes, mucous membranes, or damaged skin, unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise.

Which way of consuming cannabis produces faster effects?

Inhaled methods, such as smoking or vaporizing, usually produce faster effects. In contrast, ingested cannabis takes longer to take effect and can maintain them for a longer time.

There is no method that allows for absorbing a specific percentage of cannabinoids every time. The response depends on the product, the method used, and each person’s characteristics.

In summary, these are some of the main ways to consume cannabis and its derivatives. A bong and a pipe belong to the smoking method; a recipe or butter, to the oral method; and oils or tinctures can vary according to their formulation and mode of administration. In all cases, it is important to know the composition of the product and avoid confusing traditional or recreational use with medical treatment.