by Angel Ferrer 5 min read
What’s NOT the best way right?
Fact is, your favorite herb is enjoyable in a great many ways. Which is one of the aspects that makes this miracle herb so wonderful.
But if you really want to be able to call yourself a true Cannabis connoisseur, it is worth expanding your herbal horizon. Consider experimentation to test different methods of consumption in order to find out which best suits your tastes and preferences.
Maximizing the mental and physical benefits of Cannabis is all about finding the right delivery method. Each varying way to use cannabis will bring with it a differing experience, from the intensity, to duration and even flavor, various methods can have a significant impact on the psychological and physiological effects experienced.
Which is best, however, will be largely dependent on the user (i.e. you), their goals and how their body uniquely reacts to each method.
So why not treat this article as a cannabis consumption checklist? Sound like a good idea? Let’s get started then…
There are three main ways to consume cannabis; inhalation, topically and orally. Let’s start with one of the most popular methods; inhalation.
Inhaling cannabis allows the combusted herb (smoke) along with its associated active compounds to enter the lungs where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The two most popular inhalation methods are smoking and vaporization.
Smoking is an ancient custom that dates back as early as 5000 BC. When it comes to cannabis, you have quite a few options including:
Rolling papers provide a classic, unfiltered experience. Dry pipes allow for quick and easy smoking sessions without the need for preparation. Water pipes provide a smooth, filtered and cooler experience that is less harsh on the lungs. And dabs offer a concentrated and intense experience for those looking to kick things up a notch.
As we become more health conscious as a society, the popularity of “smoke-free” ways to consume cannabis have skyrocketed in popularity. But for those that still want the “smoking” experience without worrying about the negative health consequences of smoke can turn to vaping.
With vaping, the herb is heated to a point at which all the good stuff (THC, CBD, terpenes and other cannabinoids) are released as a vapor which can be inhaled without the need for the herb to actually reach a temperature at which it combusts into smoke.
One of the most popular methods of smoking cannabis, hand pipes are convenient, easy to use, discreet (if that’s your thing!) and portable. Hand pipes work by trapping the smoke produced from burning the cannabis, which is then inhaled by the smoker.
A glass pipe is the best choice for anyone wanting to use this method, as they don’t get as hot and they hit real clan. They come in some pretty awesome designs too, so you can even find a pipe to suit your personal style. Spiderman fan? There’s a pipe for you? Love cats? There’s a pipe for you. Really into Peppa Pig? We reckon there’s a pipe for you out there. Plus glass pipes can even be disguised to look like household objects.
They do require some sensitive handling as they can break more easily than a wood or metal pipe and they are a little more expensive but we assure you that the hit will be worth it.
Water pipes come in a number of variations including bongs and bubblers. Some studies have demonstrated that water pipes filter the smoke, reducing the number and concentration of toxins, thus making it a potentially healthier way to consume cannabis. The water cools the smoke too, giving a cooler and smoother hit. Bongs are definitely the most popular methods of consuming cannabis and with so many shapes and styles choose from, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the best ones for you.
Rolling papers are generally used to smoke joints or blunts. A joint is comprised of cannabis rolled in paper and a blunt is typically larger and rolled using a cigar paper. Blunts typically contain nicotine, which can make them a less lung-friendly choice than a hand pipe or water pipe but some smokers favour the flavour of the nicotine, combined with the cannabis.
A less popular method of smoking cannabis, a Hookah can provide a more social smoking experience, as it allows multiple people to smoke simultaneously. However, a Hookah is more commonly used to smoke Shisha and we don’t recommend smoking Cannabis by itself in a hookah pipe, as the low water content causes the plant to burn too quickly. This wastes the herb and doesn’t taste good either. If you still want to try smoking from a Hookah, we recommend sandwiching the Cannabis between tobacco which can also have lung health implications.
If you’re looking for a bit of fun, then a homemade device can allow you to tap into your creativity. We’ve seen everytthing from handmade pipes, to blown glass, and even impromptu apple bongs. From apples to pens, there are plenty of household items you can use. Just make sure any materials you go with are non-toxic.
If you’re a health-conscious cannabis smoker then a vaporizer may be the logical choice for you. A vaporizer heats the herbs to extract the THC, CBD and other cannabinoids instead of burning them, which releases harmful toxins. This is thought to greatly reduce the health risks associated with smoking. It also has the added benefit of a reduced odour, making it a more discreet way to enjoy your smoke anytime, anywhere.
In case you hadn’t guessed, oral delivery refers to any cannabis product that is designed to be consumed by mouth. These include gummies, candies, tinctures, oils and cannabis-infused food and drink. Oral delivery methods can be absorbed through the digestive tract or absorbed through the mouth.
These take the form of a liquid that is placed under the tongue where they are quickly absorbed. They are a great way of consuming cannabis for the health-conscious, who want to avoid the risks of smoking and are looking for a fast, discreet and effective delivery method.
Cannabis Oils can either be swallowed or taken in capsules. One of the most popular oils of this kind is Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) and full-spectrum CBD oil.
Eating or drinking cannabis can provide a different effect to smoking or vaping, as the substance is digested, giving it a longer onset and often a more powerful, full body psychoactive effect.
Topical delivery won’t get you high. Instead, it can offer effective topical relief for a variety of skin conditions, aches and pains.
Common Formulations Include:
We hope this guide provided you with a better understanding of the best ways to consume cannabis. While we can’t say which will be best for YOU, what we can suggest is that you experiment in order to find the right method for your goals.
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