Consumption Methods – Smoking, Edibles, and Topicals

When it comes to consumption there are several diverse ways to enjoy cannabis. From inhalation (smoking) to liquid edibles, solid edibles, and topicals, each method has its own benefits, and every person has a preference on how they like to consume. Each method has its own onset time and duration of effects, and for some individuals, one consumption method could be too intense. We will look at the separate ways to consume cannabis and how each method varies.

Inhalation

When you smoke cannabis THC is absorbed into your bloodstream through your lungs and is the fastest way to feel the effects of the strain you consumed. For some people smoking can hit a little too fast, going from 0 to 100 in just a couple of minutes. The effects of smoking tend to last for an hour or two, depending on several variables: the potency of the cannabinoids, the terpene profile, and how much you consume. There are many ways to smoke cannabis, you can smoke using a pipe, a bong, a flower vaporizer, or pre-rolls. You can also vape concentrates using a cartridge and battery. Concentrates are a higher potency compared to flower and pack a bigger punch.

Edibles

When consuming edibles there are several things to keep in mind edibles take A LOT longer to hit your system, and your smoking tolerance does not affect your edibles tolerance. When you ingest edibles, THC is processed through the digestive tract and metabolized by the liver, therefore you have a longer onset time to feel the effects. The average onset time for edibles is 1.5-2 hours and can vary based on if you have a full or empty stomach. Liquid edibles can hit your system faster than solid edibles due to the fact you start to absorb some THC sublingually (under the tongue). Edibles come in all forms, from gummies to hard candies, chocolates, drinks, and even tinctures. Tinctures are liquid edibles that can be consumed sublingually or mixed with a beverage or food.

Topicals and Transdermal

Topicals and transdermal lotions are very popular for several reasons. Before we talk about what topicals and transdermal lotions are used for let’s talk about the difference between the two. Topicals do not pass the epidermis, therefore they do not have intoxicating effects. Transdermal lotions on the other hand penetrate deeper and can enter the bloodstream; depending on the THC percentages you can experience intoxicating effects from transdermal lotions. Both products are very popular if you are looking to target a specific area. Topicals and transdermal lotions come in a variety of consistencies. Some are more of a lotion consistency whereas others are more of a balm. These products have a quick onset and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. If you are looking for a good topical or transdermal come in and speak to one of our cannabis specialists.

https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/guide-to-cannabis-consumption

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/factors-that-affect-your-cannabis-high

https://www.cannify.us/education/faq-cannabis-education/what-is-the-difference-between-topical-and-transdermal/