#30: 7 Ways to Get Elevated: A Guide to Cannabis Consumption
#30: 7 Ways to Get Elevated: A Guide to Cannabis Consumption
The use of cannabis dates back thousands of years. From ancient Chinese emperors to Indian sadhus, cannabis has played an integral part in human culture and society. But while popularity of cannabis has waxed and waned over the centuries, it remains as potent and relevant as ever in modern times.
Today, consumption methods have evolved beyond smoking and ingesting cannabis to include a range of sophisticated and innovative techniques. With the emergence of cannabis concentrates, edibles, and other novel forms of consumption, cannabis users are increasingly exploring the art of enjoying their favourite herb.
From traditional smoking methods to cutting-edge advancements in vaporization and edibles, the array of options can leave even the most experienced cannabis user feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, we're here to help! In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular ways to consume cannabis (and some not-so-obvious ones) to help you find the best option for your needs.
Smoking: The classic way to enjoy cannabis
Onset time: 5 to 10 minutes
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Bioavailability: 10-30%
Pros: Easy to prepare, fast-acting, portable
Cons: Burning cannabis can be harsh on the lungs
Traditionalists will tell you that smoking is the only true way to experience cannabis in its raw form, and for good reason. Smoking offers a range of benefits, from instantaneous effects to improved bioavailability. From joints, blunts, pipes, bongs and beyond, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this classic consumption method.
When it comes to selecting the right smoking device, you'll want to choose one that best suits your needs and preferences. For instance, if you're looking for a discreet way to consume cannabis, a small pipe or one-hitter might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more social experience with multiple people, a bong or joint could be the way to go.
Vaporizing: A smoother alternative
Onset time: 1 to 10 minutes
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Bioavailability: 50-80%
Pros: Smooth, flavourful hits with minimal lung irritation
Cons: Bigger learning curve, higher upfront costs, maintenance required
For those looking to enjoy a smooth and flavourful experience with less lung irritation, vaporizing is an excellent option. Vaporizers heat cannabis to lower temperatures than burning, allowing users to inhale cannabinoids and terpenes without the harshness of the smoke. This method also yields greater bioavailability than smoking, making for a more efficient experience.
Methods of vaporization include everything from handheld vaporizers and tabletop units to dab rigs and pens. Selecting the right vaporizer depends on your needs—for instance, a handheld device may be more portable and discreet than a tabletop unit, but it might not provide quite as powerful of an experience. On the other hand, a dab rig offers a more intense and flavourful experience than most other vaporization methods but is far less portable.
Edibles: A delicious way to enjoy cannabis
Onset time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Duration: 6 to 8 hours
Bioavailability: 5-20%
Pros: Discreet, delicious, prolonged effects
Cons: Slow onset time and unpredictable dosage can lead to overconsumption
One of the most popular forms of cannabis consumption today is edibles. Edibles allow users to enjoy a range of effects, from mild relaxation to deep sedation, depending on the dosage and type of edible consumed. From gummies and chocolates to cookies and brownies, there are countless ways to enjoy cannabis-infused edibles.
For the best cannabinoid absorption, opt for an edible with high-fat content. This will allow your body to better absorb the cannabinoids, resulting in a stronger experience. Keep in mind that edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, so start with a low dose and wait at least an hour before consuming more.
Topicals: A targeted approach
Onset time: 10 to 30 minutes
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Bioavailability: < 5%
Pros: Localized pain relief without the psychoactive effects
Cons: Limited to localized effects, low bioavailability
Get all of the cannabinoid goodness in a topical form with cannabis-infused oils, creams, and salves. Not only are these products great for treating localized pain and inflammation, but they also provide an enjoyable way to enjoy the effects of cannabinoids without having to smoke or ingest anything. Topicals don't enter the bloodstream, so you won't experience any psychoactive effects.
From massage oils and lotions to salves, balms, and roll-ons, there are plenty of topical cannabis products to choose from. If you're looking to treat localized pain and soreness or just want a pleasant, fragrant way to enjoy your cannabis, topicals are the perfect solution.
Tinctures: A sublime experience
Onset time: 15 to 30 minutes
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Bioavailability: 20-50%
Pros: Fast-acting, discreet, customizable dosing
Cons: Taste can be unpleasant for some people
For those looking for a discreet, fast-acting way to enjoy cannabis, tinctures (aka cannabis oils) are an excellent choice. Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that can be taken sublingually (under the tongue). This method of delivery bypasses the digestive tract, allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream more quickly and efficiently.
Tinctures come in a range of strengths, so you can easily customize your experience. Most tinctures are formulated with a carrier oil (like MCT oil) and a desired cannabinoid (such as THC or CBD. Many people choose tinctures for their fast-acting effects and their convenience - a few drops under the tongue and you're good to go.
Capsules: Convenient and consistent
Onset time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Duration: 6 to 8 hours
Bioavailability: 5-20%
Pros: Convenient, flavourless, adjustable dosing
Cons: Effects can be slower to kick in than other methods of delivery
For a convenient and flavorless cannabis experience, look no further than capsules. Cannabis capsules are one of the easiest ways to enjoy cannabis without having to deal with any smoke or vapour. All you have to do is swallow a capsule, and your body will absorb the cannabinoids over time. Capsules come in varying strengths, so it's easy to customize your dose depending on your needs.
Capsules also come in a variety of cannabinoid combinations, allowing you to get the exact effects you're looking for. Whether you're looking for the sedating effects of THC or the calming effects of CBD, capsules are a great way to get exactly what you need. Symptom-specific capsules are also available, making it easier to target pain or anxiety.
Suppositories: The unconventional option
Onset time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Duration: 6 to 8 hours
Bioavailability: 50-80%
Pros: Discreet, fast-acting, highly bioavailable
Cons: Unpleasant to use for many users
One of the most unique forms of cannabis consumption is the suppository. Suppositories are small capsules filled with cannabis extract and inserted directly into the rectum or vagina. This method provides a fast-acting and highly bioavailable experience. Studies have shown that suppositories are effective at relieving local pain, inflammation, and nausea.
Suppositories are a great option for those seeking discreet relief from their symptoms. This method of delivery bypasses the digestive tract, allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream more quickly than edibles or tinctures. Keep in mind that suppositories don't provide any psychoactive effects, so they're ideal for medical users looking for localized pain relief.
Experiment, explore, enjoy!
The methods of cannabis consumption have come a long way since early civilizations first discovered the plant. From edibles and topicals to tinctures and vaping, there are now more ways than ever to enjoy cannabis.
So, whether you prefer to stay true to tradition and roll a joint, or something a little more modern like vaping, you can be sure that there is a cannabis consumption method out there for you. Embrace your preferences, experiment with different methods, and find what works best for you. Happy exploring!
