Cannabis & Me
Cannabis Forms of Consumption
In today’s cannabis world, there are many different forms of consumption methods. Popular cannabis consumption methods include inhalation, vaporization, ingestion, and topical application. Each method produces a different experience, which affects:
- how quickly the effects of cannabis are felt
- how long the effects of cannabis can last
- what part of your body is affected the most
Inhalation
Effects are typically felt immediately or within minutes and can last between 2-4 hours.
Flower
Flower is the “bud” produced by the cannabis plant and is broadly considered to be the most popular or common form of consumption.
Characteristics:
- Consumed by being heated to the level of combustion and inhaling the “smoke/vapor” that is produced
- Very fragrant and flavorful
Vapes
A vaporizer cartridge is a pre-filled or refillable cartridge that contains a concentrated form of cannabis oil. Vapes are known to be an easy and discrete way to inhale cannabis.
Characteristics:
- Come in independent cartridge forms that require a separate “battery” or “device” to power the inhalation. The separate battery/device is designed to be reused
- Come in “disposable” forms that are designed for single use with a battery attached
- Available in various strains and potencies
Concentrates
Concentrates refer to many different “refined” cannabis products such as resin, hash, shatter, etc.
Characteristics:
- The most potent cannabis products. Due to high potency and intense effect, concentrates should be consumed by experienced cannabis consumers
- Can be consumed using a variety of “ancillary” methods, including dabbing and vaporization
Edibles
Edibles refer to any cannabis product that is consumed like food or beverages. Forms include capsules, pills, tablets, chocolate, fruit chews, and drinks.
Characteristics:
- Come in a variety of strengths and flavors
- Effects may take up to 2 hours or longer to be felt
- Effects may last up to or longer than 8 hours
Tinctures and Oral Ingestibles
Tinctures and oral ingestibles refer to products absorbed into the body sublingually/under the tongue. Tinctures can also be added to beverages as an alternative method of ingestion. Forms of oral ingestibles include sprays and dissolvable strips.
Characteristics:
- Come in a variety of strengths and flavors
- Effects typically occur within 15-20 minutes
- Effects typically last several hours
Topicals
Topicals are applied directly to the skin and come in a variety of forms such as lotions, creams, salves and patches.
Characteristics:
- Applied directly to the area of the desired effect
- Effects are long-lasting and may onset within 20 minutes of application
Note: Individual results may vary.
