Types of Consumption & Considerations

Understanding various consumption methods can help you choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

1. Smoking

Description: Smoking involves inhaling smoke from combusted cannabis flower, delivering cannabinoids like THC and CBD into the bloodstream via the lungs. Common methods include:

Method of Consumption:

  • Pure Cannabis: Smoking cannabis without additives.

  • Mixing with Tobacco: Combining cannabis with tobacco is common in Europe, often to help the joint burn more evenly.

  • Glass Pipes or Bongs: Used to provide a smoother smoking experience, though they do not eliminate the inhalation of harmful substances.

Effects and Duration:

  • Onset: Effects are typically felt within seconds to minutes after inhalation.

  • Duration: Effects can last up to 6 hours, with some residual effects potentially lasting up to 24 hours.

Considerations:

  • Lung Health: Smoking cannabis can lead to respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis, cough, and phlegm production.

  • Mixing with Tobacco:

    • Increases exposure to harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide.

    • Can result in higher THC inhalation per gram of cannabis.

    • May lead to increased dependence on both substances.

    • Associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes.

  • Alternative Methods: Considering vaporization or edibles may reduce respiratory risks associated with smoking.

2. Vaping

Description: Vaping involves heating cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids in the form of vapor without burning the plant material.

Method of Consumption:

  • Vaporizers: Devices designed to heat cannabis flower or concentrates to produce vapor.

  • Vape Pens: Portable, battery-powered devices often used with cannabis oil cartridges.

Effects and Duration:

  • Onset: Effects are typically felt within seconds to minutes after inhalation.

  • Duration: Effects can last up to 6 hours, with some residual effects potentially lasting up to 24 hours.

Considerations:

  • Potency and Effects: Vaping can deliver higher concentrations of THC, leading to stronger effects than smoking.

  • Product Safety: Some vaping products may contain harmful additives; users should be cautious about their product choices.

  • Health Risks: While vaping may expose users to fewer harmful substances than smoking, it has been linked to cases of acute lung injury.

3. Edibles

Description: Edibles are food or beverage products infused with cannabis extracts, offering an alternative to inhalation methods.

Method of Consumption:

  • Cannabis-Infused Foods: Baked goods, gummies, chocolates, and other solid edibles.

  • Cannabis-Infused Beverages: Teas, sodas, and other liquid-based edibles.

Effects and Duration:

  • Onset: Effects typically begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption.

  • Duration: Effects can last 6 to 12 hours, with residual effects possibly extending into the next day.

Considerations:

  • Delayed Onset: There is a risk of overconsumption if additional doses are taken too soon.

  • Start Low, Go Slow: It’s advisable to start with a low dose and wait at least 2 hours before considering more.

  • Individual Factors: Metabolism, body weight, and tolerance can influence both the onset and duration of effects.

4. Oils

Description: Cannabis oils are concentrated extracts derived from the cannabis plant, typically infused into a carrier oil such as MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) or hemp seed oil. These oils can be administered sublingually (under the tongue) or ingested orally.

Method of Consumption:

  • Sublingual Administration: Placing the oil under the tongue and holding it for 30-60 seconds before swallowing.

  • Oral Ingestion: Swallowing the oil directly or mixing it with food or beverages.

Effects and Duration:

  • Sublingual Administration: Effects typically begin within 15-30 minutes and can last between 2-4 hours.

  • Oral Ingestion: Onset of effects may be delayed (30 minutes to 2 hours), with effects lasting longer, often between 4-6 hours.

Considerations:

  • Faster Onset with Sublingual Use: Allows for relatively rapid onset and more precise dosing compared to ingestion.

  • Longer-Lasting Effects with Oral Ingestion: Can provide sustained relief but requires careful dose control.

5. Topicals

Description: Cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions applied to the skin for localized relief.

Method of Consumption:

  • Topical Application: Directly applying cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions to the skin over the affected area.

Effects and Duration:

  • Onset: Provides localized relief without psychoactive effects.

  • Duration: Varies depending on the product and individual factors; effects can last several hours.

Considerations:

  • Targeted Relief: Ideal for addressing localized pain or inflammation without systemic effects.

  • Non-Psychoactive: Topicals typically do not produce psychoactive effects, making them suitable for users seeking relief without euphoria.

By understanding different consumption methods and how cannabis interacts with mental health, you can create a safer and more beneficial cannabis experience tailored to your needs.

Next Steps
Continue to: Harm Reduction & Best Practices