Please note: This post was originally published February 2019.
There has been an increase in the use of both medical and recreational cannabis throughout the years.
This could be contributed to the growing trend of legalization or the medical claims it can cure or treat diseases. Regardless of the reason, people want to know the most popular ways to consume cannabis.
People from all walks of life are searching for the right answers about cannabis.
Since extensive data is hard to come by due to it being federally illegal, we have to draw conclusions based on limited studies or personal experience. The good news is the data we do have allows us to confidently share our findings on consuming cannabis.
Smoking Flower
Traditionally, smoking has been the most popular ways to consume cannabis, but this is quickly changing in favor of edibles and vaping.
Smoking flower, the dried green plant normally called “buds”, is done through joints, bongs, pipes, or vaporizers. The high heat is what activates the THC or CBD. When you inhale the smoke, it enters your lungs and bloodstream, delivering the benefits of the flower.
Vaping Concentrates
Vaping consists of heating cannabis concentrates without burning it. The heat turns the concentrate into a vapor, releasing it’s properties in a fine mist to be inhaled into the lungs.
Vaping is done using a vaporizer, a device that comes in many shapes and sizes. The cannabis or CBD concentrates come in the form of oil, shatter, wax, crumble or resin.
Vaping is often viewed as a healthier way to consume cannabis, since vapor does not release the tar and carcinogens created during the burning of the flower.
Eating or Drinking Edibles
Edibles are taking the world by storm! Cannabis can be incorporated into different types of foods or drinks, making it easier to consume. The most popular products are gummies and chocolates. It’s also more discreet to use and cheaper to buy than flower.
Unlike smoking or vaping, eating cannabis is considered safer to use because it does’t affect your lungs. This method offers delayed effects, since it takes the body time to break down the CBD oils, but also lasts longer. But you have to be careful!
Since edibles take so long to feel the effects, people often consume too much, leading to a serious marijuana high. This is why you should GO SLOW and go LOW DOSE to start. Always use caution.
Taking Cannabis Oil Sublingually
Sublingually is just a fancy word for under the tongue. The cannabis oil is placed under your tongue with a dropper, held for 30-60 seconds, then swallowed. It’s the most popular way to consume THC or CBD.
Since cannabis oils don’t need to pass through the digestive tract or liver, the effects are more rapid and more predictable than edibles. You will usually feel the benefits within 30 minutes and the effects can last up to six hours.
Other ways to consume cannabis products
There are many other popular ways to consume cannabis including capsules, topicals, dabbing (not the dance), bath bombs and even suppositories. Yup!
Each method provides benefits depending on what you want to use it for, but even with the increasing options, cannabis users seem to stick to these four basics because they are the most effective.
If you need help deciding what’s right for you, reach out to us. We’ll be “happy” to help you learn the options and give you advice on getting started.
Alexa, play Bob Marley “Kaya.”