Cannabis has been around for centuries and is gaining traction in mainstream culture. As it becomes legalized and more widely accepted, everyone is asking: what is the best way to consume cannabis? With edibles, vapes, tinctures, and more, it can often be overwhelming to figure out the healthiest and most effective way to use cannabis. In this blog article, we’ll discuss various methods of ingesting cannabis, and their respective pros & cons.
Introduction to Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant that produces a thick substance rich in chemicals known as cannabinoids. Cannabis has about 100 of these compounds.
The most frequent cannabinoids discovered in cannabis products are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD and THC have the same molecular formula, which consists of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The difference is in the arrangement of the atoms. CBD and THC have different chemical properties as a result, and they impact your body in various ways.
CBD and THC both interact with receptors in the brain that produce neurotransmitters. Our bodies have two types of cannabinoid receptors. THC attaches to receptors in the brain that govern pain, mood, and other emotions. That is why THC may make you feel euphoric and give you a high. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC. CBD on the other hand does not give a high. It is known to interact with other factors in the body associated with feelings of well-being.
How to Ingest THC: 5 Methods
When it comes to how to ingest THC, there are many different methods. Each method has pros and cons that you should consider before making your decision. Below we will go over some of the most popular methods of consuming cannabis.
Smoking
Smoking cannabis is by far the most popular method of consumption. It is also the most effective way to consume cannabis because it allows the user to feel the effects immediately. When smoking cannabis, the THC is quickly absorbed into the blood through the lungs and then transported to the brain, where it binds to receptors and produces its signature high.
Smoking can be done by rolling marijuana into a joint or using a pipe. Smoking cannabis requires heating the plant material to release the THC, which then enters the bloodstream through the lungs. This method of consumption offers immediate onset of effects but also allows for higher doses of THC to be inhaled, which can result in more intense psychoactive effects.
While smoking is one of the fastest ways to feel the effects of cannabis, it can also be harsh on your lungs and irritate your throat. Additionally, smoking cannabis can be difficult to control dosing and leaves behind a distinctive smell that can be difficult to hide.
Vaping
Vaping is becoming an increasingly popular method of consuming cannabis as it is seen as a healthier alternative to smoking because it doesn’t involve inhaling combusted plant matter. This involves heating the plant material to release the THC without combusting it, which results in a less intense experience than smoking but still allows for quick onset of effects. However, vaping can still be harsh on your throat and lungs if not done properly.
Edibles
Edibles are another alternative method of consuming cannabis, especially among those who do not want to smoke or vape. Edibles are infused with cannabinoids from the plant material. The effects of edibles vary depending on how much THC they contain. Edibles can take longer to take effect than other methods, as they must be digested before the THC is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, they offer a longer-lasting experience and allow for more controlled dosing than smoking or vaporizing.
Tinctures/Oil Drops
Tinctures are made by steeping cannabis in alcohol, while oil drops are made by extracting cannabinoids from the plant using carrier oil.
Both tinctures and oil drops can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food or drink. When taken sublingually, you can feel the effects of both tinctures and oil drops within minutes. When added to food or drink, it may take up to an hour for the effects to be felt.
Tinctures and oil drops offer a discreet way to consume cannabis and are also easy to dose.
Pills
Consuming marijuana in pill form allows you to better manage your dosage and monitor how much THC is entering your system. Most people find that the effects of a cannabis pill last much longer than smoking or vaporizing, making them perfect for pain relief. However, it can take an hour or more for the effects of a cannabis pill to be felt.
What Is the Best Way to Consume Cannabis?
There are many methods to consume cannabis, and the best way depends on your personal preferences and goals.
So do you want to get the most out of your cannabis experience? In that case, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider who can help you understand the different consumption methods and how they can affect your mind & body. Cannabis affects everyone differently, so what works for one person may not work for another.
Conclusion
After discussing the various ways of consuming cannabis, it is clear that each consumption method has its own unique set of benefits. Depending on why you are choosing to consume cannabis and how quickly you desire its effects, the best way for you to take advantage of this plant’s many therapeutic qualities will ultimately come down to your personal preference.
Consulting a healthcare professional before deciding what will work best for you can also be beneficial in terms of finding the most effective experience possible.