Written by: Kiara C.
You want to get high, but there are so many different ways to consume cannabis! For some of you, this might be your first time trying cannabis, and all of these terms and methods can feel a little daunting. For others, maybe you’ve only ever known one way to do it.
These days, people are getting more creative with cannabis consumption, and there are more options than ever. So, you might be wondering: Which cannabis consumption method is best for me?
Finding the right fit really comes down to a few things:
- How quickly do you want to feel it?
- How long do you want them to last?
- How strong do you want the experience to be?
- And what do you prefer to avoid?
Smoking Cannabis: The Classic
People have been smoking cannabis for thousands of years. Literally! Evidence of cannabis being burned and inhaled dates back thousands of years, with evidence of ancient use in Western China as early as 500BCE.
While the method has changed quite a bit over time, smoking flower remains one of the most well-known cannabis consumption methods. It’s pretty straightforward: ignite the flower and inhale the smoke produced.
Whether you prefer a joint, pipe, or bong, smoking traditional cannabis flower is a classic approach. The effects are typically felt within minutes, and the noticeable effects commonly last around two to three hours, although this can vary depending on the person, product, and dose.
Smoking cannabis is a good fit for people who enjoy the ritual of smoking and want to feel the effects quickly while having relatively immediate control over how much they consume.
The downside? Cannabis smoke does have a strong odor, and inhaling smoke can be irritating to your throat and lungs. If you're looking for something more discreet or simply don't enjoy smoking, there are plenty of other options.
Vaping Cannabis: Fast, Potent, and More Discreet
I often run into folks who want to be a little more discreet with their cannabis use. Let’s be honest: the smell of cannabis can be pretty potent.
For my friends looking for a more discreet method, I often suggest vaping.
Vaporizers heat cannabis products—such as distillate, live resin, or rosin—so cannabinoids can be inhaled without burning plant material. Vape pens and other concentrate vaporizers are designed to heat the product rather than combust it.
Like smoking, the effects of vaping cannabis can be felt within minutes and commonly last a few hours.
One of the biggest differences is potency. Cannabis concentrates used in vape products can contain significantly higher levels of THC than traditional flower. That means a little can go a long way, especially if you're new to cannabis or have a lower tolerance.
My advice? Take a small pull and give yourself some time before taking another. It can be tempting to keep going when you don't immediately feel where you're headed, but concentrates can sneak up on you.
Vaping can be a good option for people looking for a more discreet cannabis consumption method, quick effects, and less lingering odor than smoking flower. However, inhaling any heated cannabis aerosol can still irritate the respiratory system.
Edibles: No Smoke, No Vapor, Longer-Lasting Effects
Not everyone wants to inhale cannabis—and that's totally okay!
Sometimes the harshness of smoke or vapor can be too much for someone's throat or lungs. For folks who prefer to skip inhalation altogether, edibles are a popular option.
Edibles include gummies, chocolates, baked goods, infused beverages, and more. Instead of inhaling cannabinoids, you consume them and allow your digestive system to process them. This is where things get pretty cool.
When you consume THC through an edible, your body processes it through the digestive system and liver, producing metabolites that contribute to the distinctive effects of edible cannabis.
The tradeoff is that edibles take significantly longer to kick in than smoking or vaping. Depending on the individual, the product, and whether you've eaten recently, effects may begin anywhere from roughly 30 minutes to two hours, or sometimes longer. Everyone digests a little differently!
But once they arrive, they can stick around. Edibles can produce effects lasting several hours, sometimes eight hours or more.
Edibles are great for people who want:
- A smoke-free cannabis experience
- A discreet way to consume THC
- Longer-lasting effects
There is one very important rule when it comes to edibles: low and slow! Because the effects take longer to appear, it's incredibly easy to think, “Well, I don't feel anything yet, so I guess I'll take another one.” Then the first dose finally kicks in…along with the second.
Nobody wants to spend their evening wondering if time has stopped!
Start with a low dose, be patient, and give the first dose plenty of time to take effect before considering more. Everyone responds differently to THC, so finding your comfortable dose can take some experimentation.
Cannabis Tinctures & Sublinguals: Precise and Discreet
Cannabis tinctures and sublingual products are close cousins to edibles, but they have a slightly different approach.
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that can be placed under the tongue, held briefly, and swallowed, or sometimes added to food and beverages depending on the product's directions.
When used sublingually, cannabinoids can be absorbed through the tissues in the mouth. Some of the product may also eventually be swallowed and processed through the digestive system.
Effects can begin faster than traditional edibles for some people, with onset commonly occurring within approximately 15 to 45 minutes, although individual experiences vary.
Tinctures can be a great option for people looking for:
- More precise cannabis dosage control
- Discreet, smoke-free consumption
- A potentially faster onset than traditional edibles
- A flexible way to incorporate cannabis into a routine
The downside I hear most often?
The taste.
Cannabis extracts aren't exactly known for tasting like a delicious fruit smoothie. Some people love the earthy, botanical flavor, while others absolutely do not. Luckily, there are flavored options and different ways to consume tinctures depending on the product.
Cannabis Topicals: Targeted Relief Without the High
While cannabis is an excellent recreational herb, many people are also interested in its potential wellness and therapeutic uses. Sometimes you don't want to feel high at all. Maybe you just want to give a specific area of your body some attention. That's where cannabis topicals are handy.
Cannabis topicals include products like lotions, creams, balms, salves, and certain transdermal products that are applied directly to the skin. Unlike most cannabis products, traditional topicals aren't intended to produce a mental high. Instead, they're designed for localized application.
Topicals can be a good choice for people looking for localized comfort around areas such as sore muscles or stiff joints without the typical psychoactive effects of THC.
One important distinction: transdermal products are different from standard topicals. Certain transdermal formulations are designed to deliver cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream and may produce systemic effects. Always check the product's directions and cannabinoid content before use.
So, Which Cannabis Consumption Method Is Right for You?
Cannabis is constantly expanding and adapting to fit all kinds of people's needs, and honestly, that's just one of the cool things about it.
Whether you're looking for something that is fast-acting, discreet, long-lasting, precise in THC dosing, or a smoke-free experience, there's likely a consumption method that fits what you're looking for.
Here's the TLDR:
- Want fast effects? Smoking or vaping may be your preference.
- Want something discreet and smoke-free? Consider edibles or tinctures.
- Want longer-lasting effects? Edibles may be worth exploring.
- Want more control over your dose? Tinctures can be a great option.
- Want relief from pain without the psychoactive effects? A traditional topical may be worth considering for localized use.
And remember, everyone's relationship with cannabis is different. Your ideal cannabis consumption method might not be the same as mine or your homie’s and that's totally fine.
I hope this helps you figure out how to consume cannabis in a way that fits your preferences, experience level, and lifestyle. And if you're still not sure, that's exactly what your friends at Nova Farms are here for!
Visit one of our dispensaries in MA, NJ, ME, CT, and RI for expert guidance from our budtenders. We will do their best to match you with a product and consumption method that fits your needs and what you're looking for.
Toodles!
