Cannabis Consumption Methods

As a medical marijuana patient, walking into a dispensary can be overwhelming with all the different options and ways to consume cannabis. So how do you know where to begin? Today we are going to dive into the basics of the different consumption methods when medicating with cannabis, keeping in mind that each person’s method and dosing is unique to them and their body’s individual responses.

Topicals:

Cannabis topicals may be an effective way to gain relief in a specific area on the outside of your body. Available in many cannabis ratios, these lotions, gels, roll-on creams, and sprays are easy to use, with many containing essential oils and minerals for additional benefits. Due to its minimal to no psychoactive effects, topicals can be used anytime of day.

Transdermal Patches:

Applied to the outside of your body on an area with a decent amount of blood flow, such as your wrist, cannabis infused patches offer extended release options for medicating. Patients have reported feeling more of a full body effect when utilizing patches for dosing.

Suppositories:

Due to the cannabinoids having a poor absorption rate in the rectum, there are typically minimal to no psychoactive effects. Suppositories may offer a more localized relief, with many patients suffering from prostate cancer, menstrual cramps, and endometriosis reporting them being effective.

Dabbable Oils:

Dabbable cannabis concentrates are made by extracting the THC and other cannabinoids from the plant and crafting them into oils that are classified into the following: wax, crumble, shatter, batter, diamonds, sauces, and more. Due to its high THC content ranging from 70-90%, concentrates are typically used by experienced cannabis patients. Most concentrates are crafted utilizing solvents, but in the case of rosin, it is crafted using just heat and pressure.

Vape Cartridges:

Cannabis oil filled cartridges/pods that attach to a battery. Portable and fast acting, cartridges may be an effective way of micro-dosing and managing daily symptoms.

Edibles:

– Tinctures & RSO:

Provide a discreet and efficient way to dose your cannabis.
With a sublingual transfer, the effects are faster than traditional edibles and come in multiple ratio options.

– Capsules:

Provide precise dosing in a discreet and portable option. Utilizing the stomach and liver, effects can take 45 mins to 2 hours to be felt with the duration lasting anywhere from 3 – 8 hours depending on your body’s response.

– Infused Edibles:

When consuming cannabis edibles the metabolizing cannabinoids bind to the GI receptors on the way to the liver where THC is metabolized from Delta-9-THC to the more psychoactive form 11-Hydroxy-THC before entering the bloodstream. This process is also known as the First Pass Effect. Onset can take up to 2 hours to be felt.

What is Sublingual Transfer?

Cannabinoids applied under the tongue, on the gums, or on the inside of the cheek bypass the First Pass Effect metabolizing by the liver and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream in the Delta-9-THC form. Ideal for patients who have GI issues, no gallbladder, or are looking for a more consistent and shorter onset method of dosing cannabis edibles.

Whether you are new to cannabis or an experienced patient, cannabis consumption options have grown tremendously in the recent years, offering new options and new hope to many patients looking for relief and alternative medicines. Whichever option you choose, it’s a journey that is personal to you since everyone’s Endocannabinoid System responds uniquely to cannabinoids.

Disclaimer: We are not doctors or medical professionals. Always follow your laws in regards to cannabis consumption – stay legal! Remember, from grower to grower strains can and do vary, and effects can also vary person to person.