The physical and mental benefits of cannabis depend on its consumption method. Inhalation, Oral, and Topical are the three fundamental methods to consume cannabis. Under these general methods, there are various techniques for utilizing marijuana, and each one is appropriate for different occasions.
Inhalation Method: While inhaling marijuana, the smoke first enters the lungs and then into the blood. There are currently two traditional methods of inhaling marijuana: smoking and vaping. Smoking is an ancient custom most often associated with marijuana, and a user can choose from different smoking methods to enjoy this treat.
- Hand Pipe: The hand pipe is the most widely used smoking device today because it is compact, portable, and easy to use. Hand pipes have become a form of artistic expression and have countless creative designs for decoration and functionality.
- Water Pipe: Shisha or water pipe is slightly different, but not limited to bongs and bubblers. Same as hand pipes, they come in various styles and designs.
- Joint: Users can crush the marijuana flower and roll it on a joint paper.
- Vape: Vaporizers are a logical choice for health-conscious cannabis users. The vape continuously heats the hemp to a temperature to extract THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
Oral Method: Often, people assume that oral intake means swallowing through the digestive tract before entering the bloodstream, but this is not always the case. One may visit any authorized cannabis shop to know more about the strains and modern cannabis-infused products. For instance, a cannabis enthusiast in Massachusetts may visit a licensed weed dispensary in Holyoke, MA, to get the best recreational marijuana available in the market. Here are some examples of how one can take marijuana orally.
- Tinctures: Tincture is a liquid marijuana extract suitable for consumers who want a controlled dose and rapid response without the health risks associated with smoking. In most cases, alcohol is used as a solvent (perhaps effective), but other fat-soluble compounds such as vinegar or glycerin can also be used. Usually, three to four drops of tincture are placed under the tongue to allow the body to absorb it instead of swallowing and digesting it.
- Oil: Ingestible oils are a mixture of food-grade oil and concentrate. They are swallowed and digested like infusion products but usually have an oily consistency. These oils can be consumed directly or encapsulated for easy ingestion.
- Edibles: Eating or consuming marijuana as food is very different from administering directly into the bloodstream, such as smoking or vaping. Edible products are food that contains cannabis. These foods last longer and tend to have a powerful psychological effect on the whole body. In most cases, edibles are made by infusing cannabis extract with butter and olive oil because rich fat ingredients have healing properties.
Topical Method: Topical cannabis uses whole cannabis extract (concentrated decarboxylated oil) to activate cannabinoids. Once activated, cannabinoids can be absorbed through the skin. Topical effects differ from other consumption methods because they do not provide the brain stimulation that users describe as high. Therefore, topical products are suitable for consumers who need a clear mind and relief from muscle or muscle pain. Before purchasing marijuana for recreational purposes, be sure to learn more about the different strains of cannabis.
