Popular Methods of Cannabis Intake

Popular Methods of Cannabis Intake

By Holyoke Cannabis

Smoking Cannabis

Onset: 5-10 Minutes | Duration: 1-3 Hours | Starting Dose: 2-3 Inhales

Smoking refers to combusting the cannabis using either a small flame or a glass/ceramic wand heated to combustion temperatures. The cannabis is then converted into a gas like form or “smoke” and inhaled into the lungs. Options for smoking devices and methods are numerous and is up to the individual smoker to choose what they enjoy best. These options include glass water pipes, rolled joints, glass pipes, chillums, apples, bubblers, and many more! Generally cannabis flower when smoked has the fastest onset of all cannabis ingestion methods. This being said, effects from smoking are varied across a large spectrum, and will affect individuals differently(this applies to all cannabis products). Use caution when smoking if previously diagnosed with lung and heart issues. Smoke is an irritant and can exacerbate these negative effects to the user. Those who are pregnant or elderly are also guided away from this option for its potential negative effects.

 

Vaporizing Cannabis

Onset: 5-10 Minutes | Duration: 1-3 Hours | Starting Dose: 2-3 Inhales

Vaporizing cannabis products is considered by many to be a less harmful way to ingest cannabis while still “inhaling”. Generally this is due to the cannabis product being heated to a much lower temperature, turning the psychoactive ingredients into a vapor that one can then inhale. This process also leaves behind many of the harmful carcinogens that are undesirable for the body and are known to be far less irritating on ones lungs. Many users enjoy vaporizing for the same quick onset effects as smoking, without the intense peaks and lows that come with smoking cannabis flower. They’re are various ways to vaporize cannabis and its many different forms. Pre-filled vaporizer cartridges will be your easiest and quickest way to enjoy your product in this form. Cartridges also produce minimal smell and are small and discrete.

 

Cannabis Concentrates

Onset: 1-10 Minutes | Duration: 1-3 Hours | Starting Dose: .07g

Concentrates refer to a broad spectrum of cannabis products that have been refined down to only the base psychoactive ingredients of cannabis, with few foreign substances left behind. Examples of popular concentrates can be, BHO shatter, Co2 oil, budder in any form, wax etc. There are numerous ways to extract and refine cannabis each having its own flavor profiles and varied potency. Extraction methods have a wide range, and can involve compliant solvents that are then removed in post processing or merely gentle water and heat. Concentrates can be vaporized using prefilled cartridges or by “dabbing” on a hot glass surface. Concentrates are extremely powerful and can range from potency levels of 55%-99% Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC) and require far less to reach psychoactive effects. It is recommended to start small, and build to enjoyable levels.

 

Sublingual Absorbsion

Onset: 7-15 Minutes | Duration: 3-4 Hours | Starting Dose: 2.5-7.5mg

Sublingual’s come in few varied forms, with its most popular form being tincture. Sublingual or “under the tongue” typically is ingested in liquid form and is absorbed quickly through small blood vessels in your mouth. Tincture can be used in dropper form to properly dose and administer your sublingual product. Due to its quick onset time, sublingual combines many of the expedient effects of smoking with the relaxing and long lasting effects of edibles. Sublingual’s generally carry minimal to no smell, acting as a discrete way to enjoy cannabis in any environment.

Topical Cannabis Products

Onset: 30 Minutes | Duration: 1-3 Hours | Starting Dose: 20-80mg

Topicals come in a varied range of products, its most popular form being salve. Salve can be equated to a “lotion” and is spread directly onto the skin for specific spot treatment. One of the major benefits of using topicals is its complete lack of psychoactive effect, only working in the places you need relief the most. Many users find these products helpful for conditions like, eczema, psoriasis, muscle tension, and much more. Some users report a slight tingling in the applied area, and general relief of their symptoms around 30mins after application.

 

Capsules 

Onset: 1-3 Hours | Duration: 6-8 Hours | Starting Dose: 5-10mg

Capsules are made by filling small, indigestible vitamin like capsules with activated cannabis product. This allows the body to absorb the psychoactive ingredients much like an edible. Capsules are each individually measured for potency allowing for easy dosing and consistent experiences. Effects from ingesting capsules orally are generally much slower, but can be spread out over a much longer period of time. Many users report feelings of a more psychical reaction felt around the whole body.

 

Edibles

Onset: 1-3 Hours | Duration: 3-6 Hours | Starting Dose: 5-10mg

Edible forms are nearly limitless, with the imagination being its largest limiting factor. Edibles are made with activated cannabis product that is added to any form of indigestible, edible food product. On-set effects from edibles can take a considerable amount of time, and can sometimes be felt throughout the day. Edibles are individually dosed and can be taken in small doses. It is Recommended to start with low dosing if you are without extensive experience with edibles. Waiting an hour+ depending on weight or experience before redosing can be helpful.

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