Do not use cannabis if you are under twenty-one years of age. Keep cannabis out of the reach of children.
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When it comes to cannabis, there’s no one-size-fits-all experience. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, creativity, pain relief, or just a good time, the consumption method you use can drastically shape how you feel.
Each consumption method—whether you’re smoking dried cannabis flower, enjoying a gummy, or firing up your dab rig—changes the onset of effects, how long they last, and how your body processes the cannabinoids and terpenes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular cannabis consumption methods, what to expect from each one, and how to use them.
The OG method, known and loved by cannabis consumers for centuries, or possibly even millennia!
“Flower” refers to the dried buds of the cannabis plant (aka, the thing most people imagine when they think of weed, ganja, chronic, etc). It’s full-spectrum, aromatic, and endlessly versatile.
Smoking cannabis is the most classic way to consume. We’re pretty sure everyone will agree with us about that.
You can easily roll your cannabis into joints or blunts, pack it into a pipe, or use a water pipe for extra filtration.
Pro tip: Go slow. Inhale gently and wait a few minutes before taking another puff to avoid overdoing it. Want stronger effects from your inhaled cannabis? Pack another one. Already starting to feel adverse effects? Put the flower down and take a moment to chill.
Instead of burning the flower, a dry herb vaporizer heats it just enough to release cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor. This preserves flavor and may be easier on your lungs. Plus, because dry herb vaporizers typically have a small chamber, this consumption method makes precise dosing even easier.
Pro tip: Lower temps = more flavor, higher temps = stronger effects.
Decarboxylated flower (heated to activate THC or CBD) can be infused into oils or butter, then used in cooking or baking. Effects are delayed with cannabis-infused goodies, but much longer-lasting.
Pro tip: Strain well after infusing to remove plant matter and avoid a bitter taste!
A modern favorite for a fast-paced lifestyle.
Vape pens heat cannabis oil into vapor for smooth, discreet inhalation. They’re clean, portable, and smell less than cannabis flower.
These screw onto a battery (often 510-thread) and are ready to go with a push of a button or a pull.
Pro tip: Start with a small inhale. Vape pens can be stronger than expected, especially with high-THC oils.
All-in-one vapes that come pre-filled and pre-charged. Just inhale and enjoy. Once it’s empty, toss it.
Pro tip: Store upright and away from heat to keep the cannabis oil flowing and fresh.
For experienced users, those looking for potent, fast-acting relief, as well as those tired of smoking cannabis flower.
Cannabis concentrates are highly refined extracts made from cannabis material (sometimes frozen flower, other times dried flower, or even trim). They come in various textures and potencies, and can be used in a variety of ways.
These are extracted using solvents like butane, propane, or other hydrocarbons. Once processed and purged properly, they’re tested to ensure safety and purity.
Popular options include:
Note: Solvent-based doesn’t mean unsafe. Reputable brands test every batch to ensure quality and purity.
These are made without chemicals. Depending on the extract, heat, pressure, or mechanical separation is used. In some cases, all that’s used is water, or even just simple agitation. They’re a hit with purists and hash lovers.
Examples include:
The most common method is dabbing heating a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface (a nail or banger) and inhaling the vapor. While it is possible to smoke dabbable concentrates with your flower, using a dab rig will often provide a smoother inhalation experience.
Cannabis users can also:
Pro tip: Start small. Concentrates are potent and will hit fast and hard.
For those who’d rather not inhale anything.
Edibles are foods or drinks infused with cannabis extracts. They take longer to kick in, but when they do, the active ingredients offer strong and long-lasting effects.
Popular for their consistency and taste, gummies and chocolates are the two most popular categories of edible products. Each piece is usually dosed in mg, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Pro tip: Start with 5mg or less if you’re new. Wait up to two hours before taking more—the delayed onset of edibles is real. These tips will help ensure that you achieve your desired experience!
Liquid extracts you place under your tongue (sublingually) for faster onset, or mix into food.
Pro tip: Hold under your tongue for 30–60 seconds for better absorption.
Infused drinks like sodas, teas, or seltzers. Some use nano-emulsification for faster absorption.
Pro tip: Effects may start in 15–30 minutes, depending on formulation.
For relief without the high.
Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, balms, or patches applied to the skin. Most don’t produce psychoactive effects, making them great for localized relief.
Rub into sore or inflamed areas, such as your shoulders, knees, or back. Great post-workout or for arthritis.
Pro tip: Use liberally, focusing on the area experiencing the most discomfort. Your skin absorbs cannabinoids slowly, and this will help this particular brand of cannabis products provide localized relief.
Unlike other topicals, these deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream for full-body effects. Effects are often subtle but sustained.
Pro tip: Apply to a vein-rich area like the wrist or ankle for best results.
Choosing how to consume cannabis depends on your goals, lifestyle, and comfort level. Want fast relief? Try vaping or dabbing. Looking for something long-lasting? Edibles or tinctures may be your best bet. Need help with soreness but want to stay clear-headed? A topical might be perfect.
Whatever path you choose, start low and go slow, especially when trying a new method or product. And most importantly—enjoy the journey.
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