When it comes to marijuana consumption, it’s easy to overlook your methodology. However, there are various different ways you can consume weed, each providing distinct effects and experiences. To put it in the simplest way, there are three ways to consume cannabis: you can inhale it, you can take it orally, or you can topically apply it to the skin.  

The inhalation method is, of course, the most obvious one. Most people, when they think of cannabis, relate it to smoking joints or hitting a bong. With this method, cannabis enters the lungs before the bloodstream absorbs it, but it is still an extremely quick way to consume cannabis.

Inhaling cannabis

Marijuana can be inhaled in numerous ways, and one of the most common ways (excluding joints and bongs, we all know what they do) to inhale it is a vaporizer. Vaping is a new trend that swept the globe and has had a tremendous influence on the cannabis community, too. A vaporizer heats up the herb steadily to a temperature just high enough to extract its THC. Essentially, vaping your weed helps to reduce health risks that are associated with smoking – you also don’t need to add tobacco or whatever else you would otherwise use to dilute your smoke.

Eating or drinking marijuana

The oral method is also widely used by the cannabis community, and a very prevalent way to orally consume cannabis is through food. Edibles include eating or drinking your weed in products and have proven to have considerably different effects compared to inhalation methods. Edibles are incredibly popular because their effects tend to last much longer, and these effects tend to be powerful, affecting the whole body. Most people have heard of pot brownies, but in most cases, it's actually the butter or the oil that’s used to make the brownies that are infused with cannabis. 

Myriad ways

Applying marijuana in a topical fashion isn’t very common at all amongst recreational users – this is because it doesn’t provide the ‘high’ feeling that most people are chasing when they use weed. Instead, topical cannabis is more suited to those needing localized relief, which is why it is popular amongst people with muscle soreness or stiff joints.

As you can see, and I haven’t even mentioned half of them, there is a myriad of ways to consume your cannabis. Whether you are chasing a high, struggling with pain, or simply just want to relax, there is definitely a method out there that will be perfect for you. It's understandable that a lot of people don’t want to be at risk of the health hazards so commonly associated with smoking, which is why I hope this guide is helpful in aiding anyone who wants to try something different – or entirely new.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. What are the main ways to consume cannabis?
Cannabis can be consumed in three primary ways: inhalation (e.g., smoking or vaping), oral ingestion (e.g., edibles or drinks), and topical application (e.g., creams or balms).

2. How does vaping cannabis differ from smoking it?
Vaping heats the cannabis to a temperature that releases THC without combustion, reducing health risks associated with smoking, such as exposure to harmful toxins. Vaping also provides a smoother experience and doesn't require the addition of tobacco.

3. What are the effects of consuming cannabis through edibles compared to smoking?
Edibles produce longer-lasting and more intense effects compared to smoking. The effects can take longer to set in but often result in a stronger, full-body experience, making them popular for those seeking prolonged relief or a more potent high.

Disclaimer: This content is meant for educational purposes only. It has been compiled with research from external sources. it is not meant to substitute any medical or legal advice. Please see your local laws for the legality of cannabis use.