From Flower to Food: A Look at Cannabis Consumption

This a high level over view of the various methods of cannabis consumption.

The most common way to consume cannabis is by inhaling it. Even when smoking cannabis there are diverse ways to enjoy it. Below are the different ways of inhaling cannabis.

Inhalation is the act of inhaling and exhaling the fumes of burning plant material. This typically involves one or more of methods below:

• • Joints: Rolled marijuana in organic hemp or other paper.
    • Highlights: Portable, easy to use, social, can roll up or fill a pre-rolled cone.

• • Blunts: Rolled marijuana in cigar wrapper.
    • Highlights: Slower burning can hold a larger amount of marijuana than a joint.

• • Pipes/Bowls: Used to smoke dried marijuana.
    • Highlights: Discreet, non-disposable easy to clean, holds a smaller amount of marijuana ideal for personal consumption

• • Bongs/Water Pipe: Water-filtered pipes for smoking marijuana.
    • Highlights: Cooler temperature smoke compared to a bowl or papers, smoother hit, varying bowl sizes for smoking alone or with friends

• • Dabbing: Inhaling concentrated cannabis extracts using a specialized device.
    • Highlights: Need a specialized bowl and torch to properly smoke, very potent, higher temperature smoking

• • Vaping: Using a vaporizer to heat marijuana without combustion, producing vapor instead of smoke.
    • Highlights: Discreet with little to no marijuana smell, No combustion therefore less harmful to lungs, various temperature settings for different effects.

In smoking cannabis offers a quick and direct way to experience its effects. Inhaling the vaporized plant matter allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, leading to a swift onset of desired outcomes. Many users appreciate the ritualistic aspect of smoking, whether it’s sharing a joint with friends or enjoying a solo smoke session. Additionally, the variety of strains and smoking devices available allows for customization of the experience, catering to individual preferences.

Another way of cannabis consumption, is ingesting it. Ingesting is the act of taking substances into the body through the mouth. This typically involves swallowing but can also include other methods like sucking or chewing. It’s the process by which food, drink or medications enter the digestive system. Below are some of the multiple ways to ingest cannabis:

• Edibles: Food or drinks infused with marijuana, such as gummies, brownies, or infused beverages.
  • Highlights: Discreet with little to no marijuana smell, longer onset time to feel cannabis effects, long-lasting effects.

• Tinctures: Liquid extracts of marijuana that can be dropped under the tongue or added to food or drinks.
  • Highlights: Precise dosing, fast absorption under the tongue, versatile.

• Capsules/Tablets: Marijuana-filled capsules taken orally.

• • Highlights: Easy to consume; consistent dosing, multiple flavors, wide variety of applications from swallow pills to tablets you let dissolve

Consuming cannabis edibles offers a unique and potentially potent experience. Unlike smoking, the effects of edibles take longer to kick in, but they can also last significantly longer. Many users appreciate the discreet nature of edibles and the ability to precisely dose their intake. Additionally, the culinary possibilities with cannabis-infused foods and beverages are vast, offering a delightful way to enjoy the plant’s benefits. However, it’s crucial to start with a low dose and be patient, as the effects can be intense if overconsumed.

Topicals are products applied directly to the skin for localized effects. They are absorbed through the skin rather than being ingested or inhaled.

Topical Application: Lotions, creams, and balms: Applied to the skin for localized relief.

Highlights: In the context of cannabis, topical products are infused with cannabinoids like CBD or THC to target specific areas of the body without producing a psychoactive effect (unless THC is present in high enough concentrations).

Noteworthy things about consuming cannabis in any form:

Cannabinoid content (THC, CBD):

• The cannabinoids
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, responsible for the “high” feeling.
• CBD (Cannabidiol) can counteract some psychoactive effects of THC and may offer therapeutic benefits.

Individual tolerance: Regular users may require higher doses to achieve the same effects as infrequent users.

Metabolism: How your body processes cannabis can affect the intensity and duration of effects.

Desired effects: Dosing for relaxation will differ from dosing for pain relief or sleep.

You can always ingest more cannabis, its better to start slow and work your way up. One should start by taking 5mg and going from there. Its best to wait about an hour after consuming cannabis to ensure that you are in control of feeling the desired effect.

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