Cannabis Consumption: 10 Ways to Use Cannabis and the Benefits of Each
Cannabis is a plant that has been used for healing, relaxation, and recreational purposes by humans for centuries. As cannabis continues to gain legal status, more and more people are turning to this versatile plant for its many health benefits and therapeutic properties. From reducing anxiety and inflammation to improving sleep and appetite, cannabis can be a valuable tool for promoting overall wellness.
Cannabis consumption is becoming more popular and socially acceptable, but many people experimenting with cannabis are curious about the best ways to consume it. It can be enjoyed in various ways, each with different effects and benefits. Here are ten ways to use cannabis and the benefits of each.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most common methods of consuming cannabis. It’s also one of the oldest ways to use cannabis, with a long and storied history dating back thousands of years. Smoking cannabis involves inhaling heated smoke from burning plant material. Smoking cannabis can provide almost immediate effects, making it an excellent option for those looking for fast relief from pain or anxiety.
Dabbing
Dabbing is a form of cannabis consumption involving a specialized device known as a dab rig or bubbler. You heat the device up with a small amount of concentrated cannabis extract, which you can then inhale through the rig. Dabbing is a more potent method of consumption and is recommended for experienced cannabis users only, as it allows you to feel its effects almost immediately. The benefit of inhalation is that THC, one of the main components of cannabis that produces its psychoactive effects, can enter your bloodstream quickly and efficiently. You can use a variety of dab rigs, from large bubblers to small dab rigs.
Vaporizing
Vaporizing, or “vaping,” is a newer method of consuming cannabis that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Vaporizers heat cannabis to a high enough temperature to release its active compounds but not so high that it produces smoke. Vaping is a great way to enjoy cannabis without inhaling any carcinogens associated with combustion, like smoking. This lack of carcinogens makes it less harmful to the lungs than smoking and provides a cleaner, purer high.
Edibles
Eating cannabis-infused food or beverages, known as edibles, is an increasingly popular method due to convenience and discretion. Edibles are a delicious and discreet way to consume cannabis. From brownies to gummies, a variety of edibles are available to suit every taste. You can even make your own edibles, so you have complete control over flavor and dosage. The effects of edibles can take longer to kick in than smoking or vaporizing, but they can also last much longer, making them a great option for those looking for sustained relief.
Tinctures
Tinctures are a liquid form of cannabis that you can add to food or drinks or dissolve under the tongue. These are liquid extracts made by dissolving cannabis flowers or resin in alcohol or oil. Tinctures are an excellent option for those looking for a discreet way to consume cannabis without the need to smoke or eat edibles.
Topicals
Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and oils that you can apply directly to the skin. Cannabis topicals are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to target specific areas of pain in the body, such as soreness from a workout or inflamed muscles. One of the most significant benefits of topicals is that they can provide more localized relief to the exact place you put them. Unlike other forms of consumption, these products do not produce any psychoactive effects since they don’t enter your bloodstream but rather bind directly with endocannabinoid receptors near the skin’s surface, providing localized relief. This lack of psychoactive effects makes them a good choice for those who want the benefits of cannabis without the “high.”
Suppositories
Suppositories are a less common method of cannabis consumption, but they can be effective for those looking for fast-acting relief from pain or nausea. They are small, solid figures inserted into the rectum or vagina for transdermal absorption into the body’s circulatory system, bypassing normal metabolic processes. Suppositories are often used to relieve chronic pain and inflammation associated with chronic pain conditions such as Crohn’s disease and colitis, among others.
Smoking resin
Resin is the sticky substance that builds up in dab rigs after extended use. Resin can contain traces of THC and other cannabinoids, though its potency can vary significantly depending on how much it’s been used. Smoking resin is not the healthiest method of consumption, but it can provide a quick and potent high when no other options are available.
Moon rocks
Moon rocks are a combination of cannabis buds, concentrate, and kief, which are the resinous crystals on cannabis flowers. The combination creates a potent effect when consumed, providing users with an intense high that lasts longer than traditional forms of cannabis consumption, such as smoking or vaping. Moon rocks are highly potent and should be used cautiously, especially by novice users.
Rick Simpson oil (RSO)
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a type of cannabis concentrate created by Canadian activist Rick Simpson, who developed the oil to cope with his pain after being diagnosed with skin cancer. RSO is a highly concentrated form of cannabis oil used to treat various medical conditions, including cancer. It is often recommended for medical use due to its high potency and ability to provide targeted relief from certain conditions such as chronic pain or anxiety disorder symptoms. RSO contains significant amounts of THC and other beneficial cannabinoids, including CBD, CBN, and CBCV.
Parting shot
Cannabis offers a variety of ways to enjoy its unique properties. From smoking to edibles to topicals, there is a consumption method to suit every taste and need. By understanding the various forms of consuming cannabis and their respective benefits, individuals living with certain conditions may find relief from symptoms while reducing the risk of making things worse through improper management techniques. It’s essential to choose a method that’s right for you and to use cannabis responsibly, so use this guide to decide which consumption method is best for you.