Ways to Use Cannabis
When shopping for cannabis, there are many products available. As cannabis becomes widely available to the public for recreational and medical purposes, consumers should understand how cannabis can be used and benefit them. Below we will show you the most common ways that cannabis can be used, making your next cannabis product purchase a breeze!
Inhalation:
Inhalation (inhaling smoke or vapor into the lungs) is the most common method of cannabis consumption. Not only is inhalation readily absorbed, creating a quick onset, it is very easy to dose and is convenient to use. However, there are a few downsides, heat and smoke irritate the respiratory tract and lungs and could potentially worsen conditions such as asthma and COPD. Odor can also be an issue for those around non-customers and within public spaces.
Smoking Cannabis Flower
Onset within 10 minutes. Duration 1 - 2 hours.
The flowers of the female cannabis plant (buds) are dried and smoked via bongs, pipes, rolling papers (joints), and vaporizers.
Vaporizing Cannabis Flower
Onset within 10 minutes. Duration 1 - 2 hours.
Alternatively, dried cannabis flower can be vaporized. Vaporization allows the customer to enjoy a cleaner, better tasting experience and healthier experience avoiding inhaling irritants or potential carcinogens. Vaporization devices are available in many form, from large tabletop setups, to portable handheld units. While vaporizing, dried cannabis is heated to a temperature between 180-190°C in order to vaporize (not combust) the active ingredients, reducing respiratory toxins while delivering a light inhale of activated cannabinoids. (THC, CBD, Etc.)
Vaporizing Cannabis Oils
Onset within 10 minutes. Duration 1 - 2 hours.
Vaporized cannabis oil is considered less harmful than traditional smoking because the process doesn’t produce as many carcinogens or tar. Cannabis oil is poured into a vaporizer—a device that heats the flower or oil to the point just before it burns, releasing the active ingredients like cannabinoids and terpenes. It produces vapor, which is then inhaled from the mouthpiece of the vaporizer. Unlike flower, cannabis oil doesn’t release much of a smell when used in a vaporizer. It’s far more discreet than vaporizing flower, and there’s fewer steps involved since the product is generally all ready to go. Some users say that vaporizing oils provide a “fuller” experience when it comes to tasting and smelling the product, in comparison to vaporizing flower. Finally, cannabis oils are much more concentrated than flower, which means less quantity is needed per dose to achieve the desired effects.
Oral Forms:
A popular alternative to cannabis inhalation, cannabis-infused foods and beverages offer consumers a method of consumption that is discreet, odorless and smokeless. Consumers with respiratory issues or supplemental oxygen dependence frequently turn to edibles if smoking or vaporizing is not an available option. There are many choices of edibles available within the legal cannabis market including gummies, candies, chocolate, baked goods and dried fruits.
Cannabis products can be made at home by using cannabis infused olive oil, coconut oil, butter or honey. These ingredients provide an array of options to create the perfect cannabis edible at home, no matter the dose size.
Edibles:
Onset within 3 hours. Duration 2 - 6 hours.
When cannabis is eaten and digested it is metabolized by the liver. This process creates a different effect compared to inhaled cannabis, with a stronger and longer-lasting psychoactive reaction or “high.” This is due to the slower absorption rate of the cannabinoids through the tissues of the digestive tract and also the first pass through the liver that serves to detoxify and degrade the cannabinoids. With edibles it can be difficult to achieve the correct serving size, mostly because it takes so long to know if you have taken too little or too much. We emphasize caution when ingesting cannabis edibles; it is a good idea to start with a very small amount (2-5mg), wait 2-3 hours, and then repeat the serving as needed. While it is not dangerous to over consume edible cannabis with THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids, the effects can be quite unpleasant. For a more mild and predictable edible experience, we suggest trying CBD, CBN, CBG or 1:1 (THC and CBD).
Tincture:
Onset within 30 minutes. Duration 1 - 6 hours.
Tinctures are concentrated liquid extract of cannabinoids, often mixed in a solution of alcohol or glycerin. Tinctures are intended to be mostly absorbed directly through the mucous membrane in the mouth for faster onset, but when swallowed directly they can act like a longer-lasting edible. Tinctures are dropped under your tongue and is held for 30-60 seconds before swallowing, to maximize sublingual absorption. Tinctures are a popular delivery system because they are convenient; discrete: (minimal odor), and easy to serve. Start with a few drops and increase slowly to test the effects and determine the correct dosage. If the taste or smell of the tincture isn’t something you like, you can drop the tincture into other liquids or onto other food items making it much easier to ingest.
Capsules:
Onset within 1-2 hours. Duration 2 - 6 hours.
Much like edibles, cannabis oil capsules present another alternative to smoking. Cannabis capsules allow you to feel the full effects of cannabis without the fats or sugars, creating a much healthier option.
Sublingual:
Onset within 15 minutes. Duration 1 - 3 hours.
Sublingual cannabis products are readily absorbed through the mucosal membranes throughout the mouth and under the tongue. As we mentioned before, tinctures are a great way to introduce cannabis to your sublingual membranes. Other methods of delivery include breath strips, dissolvable tablets and lozenges. Simply place these in your mouth and let them melt or dissolve without swallowing to allow the product to fully absorb.
Topicals:
Onset within 30 minutes. Duration 1 - 4 hours.
Cannabis can be topically applied through infused lotions, creams, balms, salves and patches. Topical cannabis applications do not induce psychoactive effects. (They do not get you high) Cannabinoids combined with a penetrating transdermal agent can enter the skin and body tissues and allow for direct application to affected areas. According to an article published in the Journal of Dermatological Science, “The abundant distribution of cannabinoid receptors on skin nerve fibers and mast cells provides implications for an anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive action of cannabinoid receptor agonists and suggests their putatively broad therapeutic potential.” The benefits of using cannabis through topical application have been demonstrated in treating an array of skin ailments ranging from allergic reactions to inflammation and severe pain. Use of topical products with adequate THC and CBD content has been shown to provide notably beneficial pain relief and anti-inflammatory results. The efficacy of a topical preparation may depend on its potency and ingredients.
Anecdotally, they’ve also been shown to help with a broad range of ailments like psoriasis, headaches, and cramping. Unlike other cannabis delivery methods, topicals are not psychoactive and are used strictly for therapeutic benefits. Topicals work by binding to a network of the body’s receptors, called CB2. These receptors, found throughout the body, are switched on by the body’s own endocannabinoids or by cannabis compounds, like THC and CBD, found in the plant. Despite containing cannabinoids like CBD and THC, topicals won’t get you high—they’re meant to make you feel good on the outside, not on the inside. Topicals are reportedly considered a safe treatment. They don’t get you high and you can’t over consume while using them. However, as with any other cream or lotion, avoid touching your eyes or mouth during or after you apply the topical. It’s also best to avoid bathing or steaming after application. Feliz Canabis offers multiple varieties of cannabis topicals, our favorite is the cannabis infused sunscreen!
Next time you are shopping for a cannabis product remember these tips to make sure that you make the best choice for your needs! Always remember to consume cannabis responsibly, start with a low dose and go slow. If you are brand new to using or trying cannabis, we recommend CBD, CBN or a low dose mixture with THC as to not be overwhelming. As always, if you need any assistance you can always reach out to your knowledgeable friends at Feliz Canabis! Salud!