How Is Cannabis Used?
A Beginner’s Guide to Every Method
It feels like there are more ways to use cannabis than ever before. When you see everything from vape pens and edibles to drinks and lotions, it can be hard to know where to even start. If you are feeling a little lost trying to understand the options, you are not alone.
To put it simply, cannabis is mainly used in three ways: inhaling it, eating it or taking it orally, or applying it to your skin.
This guide will walk you through each one of those methods. We will explain how they work, their pros and cons, and the kind of experience you can expect from each. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which approach might be right for you.
Just remember, this information is for educational purposes only. It is always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical reasons.
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis can be used in three main ways: by inhaling it, eating it, or applying it to your skin.
- Smoking or vaping works almost instantly, while edibles can take a long time to kick in but last for hours.
- Topical creams and lotions can be used for sore muscles and do not cause a psychoactive high.
- It is always a good idea to start with a very small amount when trying a new method, especially with edibles.
The Main Ways Cannabis is Used
All the different cannabis products you see can be sorted into three main groups. These categories are based on how the cannabis enters your body.
Here are the three main ways cannabis is used.
- Inhalation. This means breathing in cannabis vapor or smoke. It is the fastest way to feel the effects, which can happen almost instantly.
- Oral. This includes anything you eat or swallow, like edibles, oils, or capsules. This method takes much longer to start working, but the effects are stronger and last longer.
- Topical. This means applying a cannabis-infused product directly to your skin, like a cream or lotion. This method is used for localized relief and does not cause a “high.”
The Fastest Way to Feel Effects
Inhaling is the most well-known way to use cannabis. When you breathe in the smoke or vapor, the cannabis compounds go directly from your lungs into your bloodstream, which is why the effects are felt so quickly.
1. Smoking cannabis
Smoking is the classic way to use cannabis. It works fast and is simple, but it can be harsh on your lungs and creates a strong, noticeable smell.
Joints, blunts, and spliffs
These are all different types of cannabis cigarettes.
- A joint is cannabis rolled in a thin paper.
- A blunt is cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf wrap.
- A spliff is a mix of cannabis and tobacco rolled in paper.
Pipes and bongs
These are reusable devices for smoking. A pipe is a small, simple tool for smoking cannabis flower. A bong, or water pipe, is a larger device that uses water to cool and filter the smoke, making it feel smoother to inhale.
2. Vaping cannabis (vaporizing)
Vaping is a newer method that heats cannabis without burning it. This creates a vapor, not smoke, which many people find is less harsh on the lungs and has a less powerful smell.
Dry herb vaporizers
These devices heat the actual cannabis flower until it creates a vapor that you can inhale. They allow you to use your own cannabis flower without the smoke.
Oil and concentrate vape pens
These are popular because they are so convenient. A vape pen is a small, battery-powered device that heats a pre-filled cartridge of cannabis oil, creating a vapor.
Oral Consumption: Long-Lasting and Smoke-Free
Oral consumption is any method where you eat, drink, or swallow cannabis. This is a popular smoke-free option, but it works very differently from inhalation. When you eat cannabis, your liver processes it, which makes the effects much stronger and last for a very long time.
Because of this, it is extremely important to start with a low dose and go slow. The effects can take up to two hours to fully kick in, so you should always wait before thinking about taking more.
Edibles
Edibles are any food or drink that has been infused with cannabis. They are a popular and discreet way to consume cannabis.
- Common types. Edibles come in many forms, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, and even sodas.
- Onset and duration. You may not feel anything for 30 minutes to 2 hours, and the effects can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.
- Dosing. Always check the package for the dose, which is measured in milligrams (mg) of THC. A standard starting dose for a new user is typically 2.5mg to 5mg.
Tinctures and oils
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that you can take directly. They offer more control over dosing than edibles.
- How to use them. The most common way is to place a few drops under your tongue and hold it there for about a minute before swallowing.
- Faster onset. Because some of the cannabis is absorbed directly into your bloodstream, tinctures work faster than edibles, usually within 15 to 45 minutes.
- Precise dosing. The included dropper allows you to measure your dose very accurately.
Capsules and pills
For a simple, no-taste option, cannabis also comes in capsules or softgels. You swallow them just like any other pill. They work in the same way as edibles, with a slow onset and long-lasting effects, but they offer a very precise dose every time.
Topical Applications: Localized Relief Without the High
You can also use cannabis on the outside of your body. These products are called topicals, and they are designed to be applied directly to your skin for targeted relief in a specific area.
The most important thing to know about topicals is that they will not make you feel “high.” The cannabis compounds are absorbed into your skin and muscles to provide localized effects, but they do not enter your bloodstream.
Here is a quick overview of how topicals are used.
- Types of products. Topicals come in many forms that you may already be familiar with, such as lotions, balms, salves, and massage oils.
- How to use them. You simply rub the product directly onto the part of your body where you want to feel relief, like a sore shoulder or an aching knee.
- What they are used for. People often use topicals to help with things like muscle soreness, joint pain, and skin irritation in one specific spot.
A Comparison of Cannabis Consumption Methods
With so many options, it can be helpful to see them all side-by-side. This simple chart breaks down the main differences in how fast they work, how long they last, and what they are best for.
Method | Onset Time | Duration | Best For |
Smoking | 0-10 minutes | 1-3 hours | Immediate effects, social use |
Vaping | 0-10 minutes | 1-3 hours | Fast effects, more discreet than smoking |
Edibles | 30-120 minutes | 4-12 hours | Long-lasting effects, smoke-free option |
Tinctures | 15-45 minutes | 2-6 hours | Precise dosing, faster than edibles |
Topicals | Varies | Varies | Localized relief without a “high” |
How to Choose the Right Method for You
Now that you know the basics of each method, you can start to think about which one might be the best fit for you. The right choice really depends on what you are looking for.
Here are a few things to consider based on your goals.
- If you are looking for fast relief: Inhalation methods like smoking or vaping will provide the quickest effects.
- If you want long-lasting effects: Edibles or capsules are the best choice to make the effects last for many hours.
- If you need to be discreet: Tinctures, capsules, edibles, or vapes are much less noticeable than traditional smoking.
- If you want to avoid a “high”: CBD-only products or topicals are perfect for getting benefits without any psychoactive feeling.
- If you are shopping at a dispensary: Your choice may also depend on what is legally available. For example, the selection of edibles versus vape pens at a dispensary in Carlsbad, NM, might influence your decision, so it’s always helpful to speak with a knowledgeable staff member about your needs.
Finding Your Preferred Method
As we have covered, there are many ways to use cannabis. You can choose inhalation for fast effects, oral methods for long-lasting results, or topicals for relief in a specific spot without a high. There is no single “best” method, only the one that works best for your personal needs, goals, and lifestyle.
The most important thing is to be informed and responsible. If you are new to cannabis or trying a new method, always remember to start with a very low dose and go slow. This is especially true for edibles, where it is best to wait at least two hours to see how you feel. Finding your preferred method is about safe and mindful exploration.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you know all the different ways cannabis can be used, you might be ready to find the product that fits your lifestyle. At The Cannabis Store, our knowledgeable team is here to help answer your questions and guide you to the perfect choice from our wide selection of flower, edibles, and tinctures.
If you have questions, concerns, or are ready to find your fit, we would love to hear from you. Send us an email at info@thecannabisstore.com or give our team a call at (575) 689-1910.