How is cannabis consumed? There are surely preferable ways to consume marijuana, but no method is the best. Different conditions require different ingestion methods. For instance, skin problems will likely need salves and topicals, while conditions like Crohn’s and Parkinson’s may need immediate relief in the form of inhalers and vaporizers. There are also some consumers that require more than one ingestion methods for the relief of different symptoms. Here is a short guide on some of the best ways to consume cannabis.
Smoking
Smoking marijuana is perhaps the oldest method of ingesting this herb, using tools like rolling papers, bongs, chillums and pipes. This tried and tested method is most associated with the cannabis enthusiasts of the recent years. However, because of potential health problems, smoking marijuana is quickly becoming less and less popular.
Dab Rigs
Dab rigs are similar to bongs, except that they are designed to consume marijuana extracts like wax, shatter and rosin. These re mostly smaller I size and are more mechanically complex than bongs to prevent loss of its potency. Dab rigs also need the heating of a metal plate with the use of a torch.
For years, health-conscious marijuana fans would opt to eat their cannabis instead of smoking it. The problem with this, however, is that edibles are usually considered a sugary treat to taste the taste of cannabis. This has since changed, though, but infusing marijuana with sweet treats remains popular. Edibles are known for being stronger and more psychoactive compared to vaping or smoking marijuana.
Tinctures
High quality, laboratory-tested tinctures where MCT, olive, or coconut oil is the main cannabinoid-terpenoid carrier is one of the best ways to ingest cannabis for most people.
Inhalers
Vaporizing and smoking cannabis has no medical image. Although they can be useful methods of ingestion, there are too many health issues associated with them. On the other hand, inhalers have the immediate effect needed for conditions like multiple sclerosis, asthma, sudden panic attacks and Parkinson’s minus the smoke or vapor.
Topicals
Cannabinoids can be applied both internally and externally. For conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema, direct application to the skin is needed.
Suppositories
If other ingestion methods do not cut it, or if you are trying to get cannabinoids directly into the stomach or colon, suppositories can be used.
Transdermal Patches
A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch applied to the skin. These patches penetrate through the three main layers of the skin and deliver a specific dose of medication into the bloodstream where they will release their psychoactive effects.
Tablets and Pills
Many medications involve the use of tablets and pills. This method of consuming marijuana is familiar and is usually associated with medicines.
Is there are best way to consume marijuana? Not necessarily. Different conditions need different consumption methods. Tinctures are generally well-tolerated, versatile and have a broader range of uses for the general population, but other methods might be needed as an adjunct to immediate, localized and long-lasting effects when needed.