How should cannabis be consumed? There are certainly better ways to consume cannabis, but there isn’t the best way. Different dietary approaches are necessary for various conditions. Skin issues, for example, are more likely to require salves and topicals, whereas diseases like Crohn’s or Parkinson’s may require the quicker relief provided by inhalers or vaporizers. For the treatment of various symptoms, some clients might need to use several different ingestion techniques. These are the benefits and drawbacks of each cannabis consumption technique.

Smoking Cannabis – rolling papers, chillums, bongs, pipes

The oldest known way to consume cannabis is probably by smoking. It is the approach that cannabis fans most closely relate with in recent decades as being “tried and tested.” However, cannabis smoking is becoming less and less popular due to potential health risks.

Pros of Smoking Cannabis

Here are a few explanations for why you might like this method of consuming cannabis.

∙         For people who need fast relief from symptoms, quick and immediate benefits are highly helpful.

∙         Does not require technical expertise to use it correctly.

∙         Many individuals appreciate the taste of smoking cannabis’s terpenoids and flavonoids that are contained in it.

∙         Even if the amount is not precise it is still very easy to dose.

∙         For staying functional, effects last for about 2-3 hours.

Are chillums, bongs, and pipes a better method of smoking cannabis?

There are no significant differences between smoking methods, despite the fact that they can eliminate the need for additional burning material in the form of rolling papers. Still, ice and water bongs may make your experience more pleasurable. 

Vaporizing

Many people now prefer to vape their cannabis because they believe it is a healthier alternative to smoking. Due to the number of bad quality vaporizers and products with chemicals like vitamin E oil, this isn’t always the case. Disposable vaporizers also contain synthetic cannabinoids in the unregulated hemp oil market. It appears that vaporizers are secure only if they are of really high calibre, such as the Volcano vaporizer.

Pros of Vaporizing Cannabis

Instant impact.

There is no smoke since cannabis is heated during vaporization in a partial vacuum, turning the cannabinoids into breathable vapor.

Despite the fact that exact amounts are still challenging to determine, the dosage is simple to manage.

It’s a really effective approach to using cannabis because only a small amount is required to provide the desired result.

It is more discreet when compared to smoking (i.e., less of an odor).

Ingesting Cannabis with Dab Rigs

Similar to bongs, dab rigs are intended for the ingestion of extracts of cannabis (e.g. wax, shatter, rosin, etc.). To prevent potency loss, dab rigs are often smaller and mechanically more complicated than bongs. Dab rigs also need a metal plate to be heated with a torch.

Benefits of Dab Rigs

Extreme pain or nausea may be relieved by rapidly ingesting a large number of cannabinoids in a short amount of time.

Clear, strong flavor.

Compared to using flowers, burning plant material is less.

Consuming Cannabis Edibles

For many years, cannabis users who were concerned about their health would choose to eat their herb rather than smoke it. The main issue was that the edibles usually came in sugary treats, usually to cover up the taste of the cannabis. While this has changed considerably over time, it is still common to combine cannabis with sweet treats. It is well known that cannabis edibles are far stronger and more psychotropic than cannabis smoked or vaped. This is due to the liver’s role in the digestion and processing of cannabis, which results in the formation of the powerful 11-hydroxy-THC.

Pros of Cannabis Edibles

You may make your own cannabis butter or oil and use it in a variety of dishes, making it versatile.

Long-lasting, strong effects can be ideal for chronic pain or insomnia.

Compared to vaporizing or smoking, it is much more discreet.

The burning carbon produced by the combustion of plant materials does not need to be inhaled, thus maintaining the health of your lungs.

It takes very little to have therapeutic effects.

Micro-doses of well-made items are possible.

High doses of edibles can last 12 hours or longer, and occasionally even beyond 24 hours. This can be both a pro as well as a con. This completely relies on the metabolism of every person.  

Cannabis Consumed with Tinctures

For the majority of people, the best way to ingest cannabis is through lab-tested, high-quality tinctures in which MCT, olive, or coconut oil serves as the primary cannabinoid-terpenoid carrier.

Pros

While the length of the effects is comparable to that of edibles (6-8 hours), they are much easier to manage in terms of dosage and start to take action more quickly (usually between 15 and 30 mins rather than one to two hours).

Versatile — can be applied topically, in food or drinks, or even just as is.

People of ages can use this method of ingestion.

Discreet

With a variety of cannabinoid ratios to choose from, it is widely accessible.

Undoubtedly one of the most effective methods for consuming cannabis.

Can include a huge variety of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids.

For micro-dosing, capsules may be available.

Full-Spectrum Oil, aka Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)

Cannabis in the concentrated form known as RSO has been “stripped” of its cannabinoids and terpenoids using a solvent (such as ethanol, butane, or isopropyl alcohol). The mixture is then evaporated from its solvent, leaving a thick, brownish-blackish oil in its place. You can also eat this.

Pros of Full-Spectrum Oil

Versatile- Can be used both externally and internally

For diseases like cancer and persistent pain, high doses of terpenoids and cannabinoids may be very beneficial.

Consuming Cannabis with Inhalers

Cannabis use through smoking and vaporizing does not have a medicinal connotation. They can be beneficial methods of consumption, but they also come with a lot of health risks. For illnesses like multiple sclerosis, asthma, Parkinson’s, or unexpected panic attacks, inhalers provide rapid relief but without the use of vapor or smoke.

Pros of Inhalers

Consistent dosage can be achieved.

An appropriate ingestion strategy for people with asthma or other breathing difficulties because it has an immediate effect without the need for smoke or vapor.

Cannabis Balms, Salves & Topicals

For disorders including psoriasis, eczema, and acne direct treatment to the skin is required. Cannabinoids can be used internally or externally

Pros of Cannabis Topicals

No psychoactive effect.

Helpful for soothing inflamed muscles and skin.

Topicals and salves have the potential to be used for localized nerve pain and disorders like arthritis since they may be applied directly to a specific area.

Non-invasive.

Bacterial skin infections may benefit from the usage of substances like CBG and pinene.

Cannabis Suppositories

When other means of intake are unsuccessful or when trying to introduce cannabis into the stomach or colon, suppositories may be used.

Pros of Cannabis Suppositories

Easily absorbed into the bloodstream; high bioavailability.

No or very little psychoactive effect. This may make suppositories effective for situations requiring strong cannabis dosages.

Cannabis Transdermal Patches

A transdermal patch is a skin-applied, medicated adhesive patch. Transdermal patches can have psychoactive effects because they can deliver a particular dose of drug into the bloodstream by penetrating through the three layers of skin (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue).

Pros of Cannabis Transdermal Patches

Can continuously emit a certain amount of cannabinoids over a period of time.

High rate of bloodstream absorption.

Can offer effective and long-term treatment for, nausea, arthritis, muscle spasms, nerve pain, and vomiting.

Can offer relief from localized pain.

Discreet.

Cannabis Tablets and Pills

The majority of drugs are taken orally as tablets or pills. This type of consumption is well-known and is usually associated with taking medications.

Pros of Cannabis Pills

Many patients prefer tablets or pills because they are comfortable with them.

It is possible to provide preparations for slow release.

Exact dosages

Can be made to protect against acids, digestive enzymes, etc.

Simple to use

The Best Cannabis Consumption Method

Is there any “best” method of consuming cannabis? Not always, as various conditions call for various consumption techniques. Generally speaking, tinctures appear to be well-tolerated, adaptable, and have a larger range of uses for a wider number of people; but still, alternative ingestion techniques may be required as an adjunct to provide instant, long-lasting, or localized effects when necessary. You can get advice from a doctor about how to use cannabis in the most effective way for you.