The Different Methods of Consuming Cannabis


Written: editor | February 13, 2023

With marijuana legalization sweeping across the nation, smoking marijuana is becoming more mainstream than ever before. If you are a marijuana enthusiast, you will be delighted to know that smoking marijuana has several health benefits. In this blog, we’ll talk about different ways of smoking marijuana and how each method can affect your mind and body. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of smoking marijuana.

Inhalation methods

Inhaling cannabis is the most common method of consuming cannabis. It is quick and easy, but can be damaging to your lungs. Smoking cannabis refers to the use of cannabis by smoking it. This method involves burning cannabis plant matter to produce a smoke that is then inhaled through a pipe, water pipe, or joint. The smoke contains THC and other cannabinoids, and this is why you’ll feel the effects quickly. However, smoking cannabis can be harmful to your lungs and may result in chronic lung disease and cancer.

Another inhalation method is vaping. With this method, cannabinoids are heated using a vaporizer pen or electronic cigarette, which causes them to vaporize and be inhaled. This avoids combustion, which exposes users to harmful carcinogens, but it still provides fast-acting effects. Finally, another popular way to consume cannabis is edibles. edibles are foods or beverages that contain cannabinoids for consumption. These can be eaten or taken orally as edibles can take longer to onset than with smoking or vaping. To enjoy edibles safely, use responsibly and never consume more than recommended amounts of cannabinoids per edible.

Gravity Bongs (bucket bongs, waterfall bongs, etc.)

Gravity bongs use the force of gravity to pull marijuana smoke into a chamber. Common materials used to make gravity bong include plastic bottles, jugs, milk cartons, and buckets. They are best reserved for smokers with more experienced lungs as they can be more intense than other methods. However, gravity bongs are a popular form of bong and are often used to get extremely high. Making a gravity bong requires a large plastic bottle, a bucket of water, and the force of gravity to push the smoke into a holding chamber. They are powerful and easily transportable making them an ideal choice for parties and outdoor smoking sessions. However, gravity bongs require constant supervision due to their intensity and should only be used by experienced users.

Vaporization (Vaping)

Vaporization, or vaping, is an inhalation method of consuming cannabis that uses a vaporizer device to heat cannabis flower or concentrate below the point of combustion. Vaporization is believed to be healthier than smoking, as it does not release tar or carcinogens into the air. Vaping is often more discreet than smoking and can be better for the health as it does not contain any smoke or ash. There are two common types of vaporizers: desktop vaporizers that require a solid surface and portable vaporizers that can be taken with you anywhere. An alternative to Smoking is vaping. Vape pens are specifically designed for oils or distillates and offer a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes.

Dabs

Dabbing is the consumption of cannabis that has undergone a process known as dabbing. Dabs are a concentrated form of cannabis, and typically consist of butane hash oil (BHO). In dabbing, the cannabis is heated on a hot surface, usually in a dab rig or e-rig, before being smoked in a dabbing rig or vaporizer. Dabbing offers an intense high due to its potency; dabs are more potent than smoking joints or bongs. Dabbing is healthier than smoking due to the high heat used during the extraction process.

Dabbing provides an instant and intense high, making it popular among cannabis users looking for an alternative to smoking traditional joints or blunts. However, it is important to remember that dabbing must be done safely and with proper precaution. Always use safety equipment such as vaporizers or rigs when dabbing to avoid skin irritation and combustion. Additionally, it is important to clean your vaporizer thoroughly after each use to prevent any buildup of residue that could cause health concerns over time.

Oral methods

Oral consumption of cannabis is mainly done through edibles and tinctures. Edibles are edible cannabis products, such as edibles, that are eaten or drunk for the purpose of getting high. Edibles include cannabis-infused foods, such as brownies and snacks. Edibles can be made from marijuana or cannabis extracts. Some edibles contain different ingredients such as nuts, sugars, and other ingredients to make them more palatable.

Tinctures are created by steeping cannabis in alcohol and are absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue (sublingually). Sublingual tinctures have a quicker onset of effects compared to edibles since they are absorbed instantly under the tongue. Once edibles have been consumed, effects can last for hours or even days. However, tinctures taken sublingually cannot last as long and can have rapid onset of effects as well as another onset later like edibles.

Suppositories are alternative ways to consume cannabis that provide relief for muscle pain and menstrual cramps. They can be used to provide relief for these symptoms without smoking or vaping marijuana or cannabis extracts.

Oils

Oils are highly-potent and highly-concentrated forms of cannabis that produce a fast-acting, intense high. They can be ingested in different ways, such as cooking, baking, or mixed with food or in capsule form.

Cannabis oils are typically extracted from the cannabis plant using a solvent such as butane or carbon dioxide. This method allows for the extraction of cannabinoids and other rich natural ingredients from the plant without the use of heat or harmful chemicals. Cannabis oils can also be administered by placing drops under the tongue for fast absorption. This method allows for cannabinoids to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the walls of the mouth, thus producing a faster effects than when smoking or vaping cannabis. Overall, oils are an increasingly popular method of consuming marijuana and have proven to be a reliable and effective way to enhance marijuana’s medicinal properties [101, 102, 103, 104].

Tinctures

Tinctures are a form of marijuana extract that can be taken orally, by placing drops under the tongue for fast absorption. They are made using fat- soluble liquids, such as oil or glycerin, or 80- proof alcohol. This makes tinctures highly concentrated, which allows for only a few drops to be required for effective dosage. Cannabis tinctures can be made using different methods, but the most common involves mixing the marijuana plant with a oil or alcohol base to form a paste. This is strained and then vaporized to form the tincture.

Tinctures can be effective in smoking or vaporizing forms of cannabis consumption because they are highly concentrated and deliver their effects quickly. This makes tincture use ideal for those who want to feel the effects of marijuana as quickly as possible. However, tinctures have several drawbacks as well; they are generally expensive compared to other forms of cannabis consumption, require special storage requirements, and can cause side effects if the right precautions aren’t taken during use.

Beverages (drinkables)

Cannabis tincture is a method of consumption that can be added to food or drinks. It can be taken orally as a replacement for regular, daily beverages or as a way to enhance the flavor of food. Since tincture takes longer to absorb than other forms of cannabis consumption, it provides a more delayed onset high and typically lasts between four and six hours. Tincture can also be taken sublingually, another method of oral cannabis consumption, which allows absorption directly under the tongue. This method is useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills but still want a fast-acting, intense high. In addition to tincture and other oral methods of cannabis consumption, some medical marijuana users prefer vaping or smoking marijuana as an alternative form of delivery.

Edibles

Oral cannabis consumption methods include edibles and tincture. Edibles are typically consumed by cooking or baking marijuana into food or using it in beverages or other recipes. When smoking marijuana, it is often combined with other ingredients such as butter, oils, and herbs.

Tincture is another common method of oral cannabis consumption. Tinctures are created by steeping cannabis in alcohol, and can be absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue (sublingually). This method allows cannabinoids to be absorbed more quickly than edibles, but with a delayed onset of 20 to 60 minutes. In addition to smoking marijuana, tincture can also be dabbed or vaporized.

Capsules

Capsules are a form of oral cannabis consumption that offer several benefits over other methods. In particular, they contain a single dose of marijuana extract suspended in a neutral oil. This allows for easy digestion and rapid absorption of the marijuana into the bloodstream, resulting in effects lasting anywhere from six to twelve hours.

While capsules are one of the most straightforward consumption methods available, they can provide an intense high with a fast-acting effect. They are an ideal choice for people looking for a quick and efficient way to consume cannabis.

These capsules provide a fast-acting, intense high, making them one of the best ways to quickly experience the effects of marijuana.

Sprays

Sprays are one of the newest methods of consuming cannabis, with the use of recently developed technology allowing for the release of aerosolized cannabinoids. These devices allow users to quickly vaporize cannabis without smoking or vaporizing it using a traditional vaporizer. This method is particularly useful for those who may be wary of smoking or vaping due to health concerns or personal preference.

Sprays can be used with both oil and distillates and involve users spraying the substance directly into the back of their throat. They are known for their fast-acting effects, making them ideal for use in acute pain and psychological symptoms. Cannabis sprays are a rapidly rising trend, with many users preferring them over other methods due to their convenience and ease of use. They are generally thought to be a safer alternative to smoking or vaping, as they do not produce the same tar or carcinogens as combustion. Overall, sprays are an innovative and convenient way to safely consume cannabis that allows users to tailor their dosage and experience as they see fit.

Smoking

Smoking cannabis is the oldest form of consuming the plant, dating back to 600BC with the Scythians. There are a variety of preparations available for smoking cannabis, including flower, joints, pipes and bongs. When smoking cannabis, it can take between five minutes and one hour for effects to peak and diminish.

As smoking marijuana involves combustion, smoking too much can cause damage to your respiratory system. Besides, smoking marijuana can lead to addiction and dependence. It is hard to overconsume smoking marijuana but it has been proven to be bad for your lungs and can limit the ‘entourage effect’. Rolling a joint is the quintessential way of smoking marijuana, but other preparations such as flower can also be used.

Gravity Bongs

A gravity bong is a smoking device made with a glass pipe, sometimes called a hookah, water, and marijuana. To use one, the user would fill it with water and marijuana and then place it on a level surface. Once the bong is filled with marijuana smoke, the user would then push the bottle down into the water to pull the marijuana smoke into their lungs. This method is best used by smokers with “broken in” lungs who are comfortable smoking marijuana using this method.

The bong is an easy way to consume cannabis but can be very intense. It’s important to use caution when smoking marijuana using a bong as smoking too much can result in nausea or vomiting. Some people may also experience shortness of breath or intense coughing.

If you’re interested in trying a gravity bong, be sure to use caution and keep safety considerations top of mind. You can make your own bong using plastic buckets, milk jugs, and other household items.

To vape or not to vape?

In a 2006 study, researchers found smoking cannabis was less harmful to the respiratory system than vaping. This is because vaping involves heating up cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis, which can lead to marijuana smoke but without the harmful effects of combustion.

Vaping also offers increased control over the cannabis experience. Different cannabinoids and terpenes evaporate at different temperatures, allowing for precise dosing. However, vaping products containing THC have been linked to thousands of cases of e-cigarette product use-associated lung injury and death.

It is vital that consumers understand the risks involved with vaping before making a decision about smoking or vaping cannabis. The best method for smoking or vaping cannabis depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Don’t bongs filter out the bad stuff?

In terms of smoking marijuana, bongs are known to provide a smoother hit than smoking cannabis rolled in paper. However, bongs do not effectively reduce toxins due to the water being evaporated by the heat of the smoking session. When using a bong, you must submerge the bottom of the downstem in water and then use it to draw smoke into your mouth. This method ensures that no smoke goes untested by your lungs.

Bongs come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so there is an ideal bong for every user. Though bongs may offer a smoother hit, your lungs may not recognize the difference. Besides, smoking marijuana using bong is healthier than smoking it via other methods.

Smoking Marijuana – rolling papers, pipes, bongs, chillums

There are many different ways to consume cannabis, but smoking marijuana is one of the oldest methods. Smoking marijuana can cause heavy smoking and lung damage. Smokers should consider alternative smoking methods, such as vaporizing or edibles, instead. The different smoking methods create different effects and experiences, but there isn’t a major difference between them. Some people prefer smoking marijuana with ice bong, water bong, or pipe bong. These bongs help cool down the smoke for a more pleasant experience.

Rolling joints is another popular way to smoke marijuana. To roll a joint, break down weed, add a filter, and fill the rolling paper with crushed weed. Some people may use bong water to help make their joints even more flavorful and potent. However, smoking marijuana is associated with many health risks, so it’s important to use age- Appropriate bong and smoking marijuana responsibly

Pros of Smoking Marijuana

As a method of consumption, smoking marijuana offers a number of advantages. Smoking marijuana produces an immediate and psychoactive effect, allowing users to titrate their dosage with precision. The effects can be long-lasting, with some studies reporting effects lasting up to several days after use. Additionally, smoking marijuana is discreet; it can be done in the privacy of one’s home or in a discrete location away from work or public spaces. However, rolling papers may contain harmful compounds that can damage the health of the user over time. Overall, smoking marijuana is an effective and safe method for experiencing the psychoactive effects of the cannabis plant.

Cons of Smoking Marijuana

Sharing smoke from any method is not ideal for medical marijuana consumption. Proper vaporization and tincture use are better methods for patients seeking effective, consistent dosage. Inhaling smoke of any kind is not the best method of consumption, especially for medical patients who are seeking a more efficient and effective way to achieve the medicinal effects of cannabis. To ensure that medical marijuana users get the most out of their cannabis, they must carefully research different ways to consume it and tailor their routines to suit their individual needs. So as to avoid health issues and complications, it’s important to stick to an established vaping or tincture routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 2 ways of using cannabis?

Cannabis can be consumed in various ways, either for medical or recreational purposes. Here are two of the most popular methods of using cannabis: Inhalation: Cannabis can be inhaled through smoking or vaping. Joints are one of the most popular ways of smoking cannabis, though other preparations of cannabis can also be smoked such as blunts, pipes, and bongs. Vaping cannabis is another way to inhale cannabis, and is less harsh on the lungs than smoking it. Oral Ingestion: Cannabis can be ingested orally by eating edibles, tinctures, and cannabis oil capsules. Another method is sublingual absorption, where tincture or cannabis oil is placed under the tongue for absorption by the mucous membranes. Finally, topicals are cannabis-infused creams, balms, lotions and transdermal patches that are directly applied to the skin for localized relief.

Do you want to know which methods of cannabis consumption are best for beginners?

If you’re a beginner in cannabis consumption, you have to consider the method of use as well. Smoking cannabis is often the most popular method amongst beginners, due to its rapid onset of effects and cost-effectiveness. However, this method can be harmful to your health, as the act of burning the plant (combustion) can produce adverse effects.

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

Pipes, bongs, and chillums are a popular method of smoking cannabis as they help prevent the need for extra burning matter in the form of rolling papers. Additionally, bongs may use ice and water to cool down the smoke for a smoother toke. However, bongs do not necessarily filter out any bad stuff like cannabinoids and tars that are inhaled during smoking.

There are many ways to smoke marijuana and different people use different methods. While vaporizing marijuana is the healthiest way to smoke it, smoking marijuana is not bad at all. As long as you’re smoking marijuana in moderation, it shouldn’t be a problem. Besides, smoking marijuana has been proven to help people relax and get a good night’s sleep!