A comprehensive guide of the 10 most common methods to consume Cannabis

There are many ways to consume medicinal Cannabis, the way you consume Cannabis can affect your response. Each method has a different onset time, discreetness level and could interact differently with your symptoms.

Tinctures and Oil

Cannabis tinctures and oils are concentrated liquid extracts from Cannabis flowers. They are often placed under the tongue (sublingually) for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Effects can be felt within 15-45 minutes. Tinctures provide a more accurate dosage than smoking from a joint, pipe or bong, and the effects tend to last longer. They can contain THC, CBD or a hybrid. Oils are the most common way medicinal Cannabis is prescribed. CBD oil in isolation contains no THC and will not show up in most standard drug tests. 

Topicals

Cannabis-infused topicals include creams, balms, and lotions applied directly to the skin. They do not produce a psychoactive "high" but may provide localised relief for pain, inflammation, or skin conditions.

Vaping

Vaping involves heating Cannabis flowers or oils to a temperature that releases the cannabinoids and terpenes as vapour, which is then inhaled. Effects typically onset within minutes, similar to smoking. Vaping devices include pens, cartridges or desktop devices. Vaping is considered a healthier alternative to smoking because the product is heated to a specific temperature, and the flower or oil doesn't burn, so the carcinogenic effects of smoking are minimised, which is especially important if you have a compromised respiratory system.

Capsules

Cannabis capsules contain measured doses of cannabis oil or powder and are taken orally like any other medication. Effects typically onset within 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Sublingual Strips

These are thin strips infused with cannabis extract that dissolve under the tongue. They offer a discreet and quick way to consume Cannabis.

Suppositories

A cannabis suppository is a small capsule with a specially formulated mixture of Cannabis compounds intended to be inserted into the rectum or vagina. These compounds are absorbed through the mucous membranes in the lower digestive tract or vaginal canal. Suppositories allow for the efficient absorption of cannabinoids while bypassing the digestive system and first-pass metabolism in the liver. Some patients prefer this method for its potential for rapid onset of effects. It can also benefit patients with swallowing, gastrointestinal, or vaginal-specific health conditions.  

Oral Sprays

A cannabis oral spray is a product that contains a liquid formulation of cannabinoids. The spray is administered orally. Patients spray the liquid directly under the tongue or onto the inside of the cheek. This area of the mouth is rich in blood vessels and capillaries, allowing for relatively quick absorption of the cannabinoids into the bloodstream bypassing the digestive system, resulting in a faster onset of effects. 

Sprays might benefit patients who require accurate and consistent dosages for symptom management or patients looking for a discreet way to administer medicinal Cannabis.  

Smoking

Smoking Cannabis involves inhaling the smoke produced when the dried flowers or buds are ignited, which can be done via joints (also known as rolled cigarettes), pipes, or bongs (water pipes). It provides fast onset of effects (within minutes) but has a shorter duration than other methods. It should be noted, however, that regular smoking of Cannabis can negatively impact health due to the inhalation of excessive heat into the lungs. As a result, doctors rarely recommend smoking.

Image credit:  Kindel Media

Edibles

Edibles are Cannabis-infused food products, such as gummies, brownies, cookies, or beverages. When you ingest an edible, the cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. The effects may take longer to kick in (usually 30 minutes to 2 hours). The duration of the effects is generally longer than smoking or vaping. Since the effects can take a while to take hold, it can be easy to overconsume, so a start low, go slow approach to dosage is strongly recommended. Because edibles are so diverse, they can suit various tastes ranging from sweet candies to savoury butters and spreads, coming a long way from the pot brownies of yesteryear. 

Dabbing

Dabbing involves vaporising Cannabis concentrates, such as wax, shatter, or budder, using a heated surface (called a dab rig). Dabs refer to a highly concentrated oil extracted from the resin glands of the Cannabis flower. Dabbing produces very potent and immediate effects and is not recommended for new patients.