How Do You Do Weed?
An Introduction to Consumption Methods
by Caroline Platzman
Flower may be the original (and still most widely enjoyed) way to consume weed, but in today’s market there are lots of different ways to do it. Whether you’re new to weed or a seasoned cannabis lover, read on to learn more about the different ways you can access its benefits.
Flower
According to a 2020 NORML survey, smoking remains the reigning champ of cannabis consumption. Smoking weed is the OG method of ingestion, and has remained popular throughout history for the euphoric high it initiates within mere minutes of inhalation. Smoking is quick, convenient, and can be done in countless ways–from joints and blunts to bongs and bowls, portable one-hitters, chillums, and more. While smoking weed is a common method, it isn’t the cleanest–keep in mind the risks that do exist with combustion. Any form of inhalation (smoking, vaping or inhaling other concentrates)) typically provides effects for two to four hours.
Vaporizer
Vaporizing (vaping) is another popular method of inhalation that heats weed without combusting it by producing cannabinoid and terpene-rich vapors as opposed to smoke. Vaping can be more potent than smoking, yet easier on the lungs. Vaping is portable, discreet, and allows for a more controlled method of dosing, as the temperature at which the weed is vaped can often be adjusted, ultimately fine-tuning the therapeutic experience. Since vaping is so new, more research on it is needed, but so far it’s accepted that while vaping is not necessarily safe, it likely leads to fewer respiratory effects as compared to smoking.
Concentrates
Weed can also come in the form of concentrates, an umbrella term that refers to a wide array of concentrated cannabis products such as hash, waxes, distillates, shatters, and more. Concentrates primarily refer to parts of the plant that have been isolated, extracted, and processed into a highly refined, extraordinarily potent product. Concentrates may contain THC levels that exceed 80%, and because of their potency they need to be handled and consumed with care. Concentrates can be inhaled through a vaporizer, ‘dabbed’ using a dab rig, sprinkled on top of a bowl to smoke, or even made into edibles. Dosing with concentrates usually requires particular equipment and immense skill, due to their ability to produce a fierce, fast-acting high.
Edibles
Edibles are foods and beverages infused with a cannabis extract, including anything from the classic brownie to gummies, chocolates, sodas, teas, cooking oils, and more. Edibles are the ideal method of consumption for those who prefer a tasty, smokeless, and hard-hitting method of dosing. Edibles travel through the body’s digestive system after ingestion, meaning a dose takes longer to kick in than inhalation methods, but is highly potent in comparison, boasting effects that can last several hours and even the entire day. Evidence suggests that edible highs may also feel more intense and euphoric compared to other methods of consumption since the well-known and loved delta-9 THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent. Many folks report that edibles hit different and since we’ve all heard stories of an edible experience gone bad, it’s essential to start low and go slow when dosing with edibles. Wait at least an hour or two before taking more.
Topicals and transdermals
Do you want to do weed without smoking or even eating it? Topicals are transdermal creams, lotions, oils, mists, balms, and salves that are infused with weed, applied directly onto the skin to soothe localized aches, pain, and inflammation. Most topicals will not get you high, however, even if they contain THC. Topicals are ideal for those who are interested in feeling the therapeutic effects of weed, but not necessarily the intoxicating effects. Topicals are easy to store and apply. If you are looking for a topical that may produce intoxicating effects, transdermal patches are an option that offer a slow release of benefits and very deep targeted relief.
Tinctures
Tinctures are infused oils that contain varying concentrations of THC, CBD and/or other cannabinoids and terpenes. While you can consume tinctures like an edible and simply swallow them, they were designed for “sublingual” (under the tongue) dosing. With this consumption method, holding the tincture under your tongue for a minute or two delivers the cannabinoids and other active ingredients to your bloodstream through the mucus membranes in your mouth. The effects come on fairly quickly, within 15 - 30 minutes, and last for about two to four hours. Tinctures offer a quick, easy and accurate way of dosing cannabis that can be taken on the go and enjoyed discreetly.
Find your way to do weed
Now that you have the basics down on all of the different ways to consume the much loved plant—from joints to oils to gummies and even patches—hopefully your interest has been piqued. We carry a wide range of all these consumption methods from some of the best and most conscientious brands out there. Contact us about the different consumption methods we offer and you might just find a new and enjoyable way to do weed.