Inhalation
Consumers may choose this method as their primary way to consume cannabis because the effects are noticed and felt quickly after use. This is a good way for them to get immediate relief. Medical use through traditional methods of inhalation include smoking the flower in a pipe, a water pipe, and rolling papers. The safest way to consume dry flower cannabis through inhalation is with a vaporizer, this is because it heats the cannabinoid oils to the point where they become airborne vapors without burning the rest of the plant matter. Concentrates can also be consumed through inhalation with vaporizers or by smoking which will be further discussed in the concentrate section below.
Concentrates
Concentrates are an alternative form of marijuana that some patients may choose for medicating. These are created through an extraction process that separates essential cannabinoids from the flower, such as THC and the terpenes, so that the patient has a product that’s catered to their needs. Cannabis concentrates have a much greater proportion of cannabinoids and terpenes compared to flower. These can be consumed by inhalation with a vaporizer or by smoking. Concentrates come in many forms including kief, hash, rosin, live resin, shatter, and distillates just to name a few. One of the biggest benefits of this method of consumption is the ability for the patient to feel instant relief due to the rapid onset time.
Edibles
These cannabis infused products are created by taking the oils extracted from the flower and incorporating them into a variety of foods. These can take many forms including brownies, cookies, gummies, lozenges, and many more. Edibles are a perfect way for someone, who wants to avoid smoking, to consume cannabis. It is important to know that it takes 30-60 minutes and sometimes even longer to feel the full effect. A common mistake people tend to make is they eat a small amount of an edible and think that it wasn’t enough. So, they eat a little bit more. When it finally all hits their system, they realize they have made a mistake and it leaves them much too high and very uncomfortable. Therefore, we recommend that you remain patient and start with small doses to see how your body reacts to these products.
Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extracts, a great alternative for those looking to reap the benefits of marijuana without smoking it. These come in droplet bottles making it easy to consume in a variety of different ways. This method makes it easy to test your desired dosage so you can avoid side effects of being too high. The effects can be felt in 15-45 minutes, it will differ from patient to patient. The preferred method is dropping it directly onto your tongue, but it can be incorporated with almost any meal or drink.
Topicals
Topicals can have both THC and CBD and comes in many varieties including salves, ointments, lotions, and sprays. These are a great way for patients to medicate and treat specific ailments without any psychoactive effects. They are meant to be applied directly to the affected area for relief from arthritis, chapped skin, eczema, muscle soreness, swellings, and joint pain to name a few.
