While it is important to select the correct strain, terpenes, and THC vs CBD ratio, the delivery method you choose will also contribute to your desired outcome. There are several different delivery methods when it comes to consuming Marijuana. The method that will work best for you depends on the type of effect you are looking for, as well as the ailments you are treating. The main methods include inhalation, ingestion, oral absorption, and topical applications. It may also take some experimentation to find the method you like best. Today I am going to go over each consumption method, and how they can benefit you.
[title text=”Inhalation – Smoke, Vape, & Dab”]The first, and most popular, method is inhalation. There are three different ways to inhale Marijuana. You can smoke, vape, or dab marijuana to inhale it. Inhaling provides the quickest onset of the medicinal effects that it provides. Inhaling Marijuana flower requires the use of paraphernalia such as pipes, bongs, or joints. But when it comes to inhalation, each method is not equal. This is because some of the methods of inhalation, such as vaping or dabbing, are done using THC concentrates. Users suffering from chronic pain or illnesses often have a better outcome inhaling concentrates. Since concentrates are pure THC, they can provide a much stronger effect. Dabbing requires special equipment, which allows you to heat the concentrate to a very high temperature in order to produce the vapor/smoke it releases. Among concentrates, vaping requires the least amount of equipment. The only equipment that is needed is a vape battery which allows you to screw the concentrate cartridge onto it. As long as the battery is charged, you are ready to use your product. It is also the most discreet and portable way to inhale marijuana, and you can also find it in a wide array of flavors.
[title text=”Ingestion – Edibles”]Ingesting Edibles is also a popular method of consumption known for its high potency, but the onset of its effects are much slower than inhalation. It can take 30 -120 minutes after ingesting Marijuana for it to reach its full effect. For that reason some users over medicate with edibles. When starting out it is very important to only consume a little bit at a time, until you know how it affects you. The reason for the slower onset is because edibles must go through your entire digestive tract and liver before it can make its way to your bloodstream. Ingesting Marijuana has a very strong effect because the cannabinoids are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier easier than they do with inhalation. Therefore, the cannabinoids are able to bind with more of the endocannabinoid receptors that are found all over your body, creating a very profound body high. For this reason the wait is worth it for some, since it can effectively treat insomnia and provide powerful pain relief. It is a good choice for those who would prefer not to consume Marijuana through inhalation. Like vaping, it is also a good portable choice of consumption, depending on the product you choose. You can find edible products in a wide array of products such as gummies, treats, and drinks.
[title text=”Sub Lingual – Oral Absorption”]Another increasingly common delivery method is oral absorption. This method of consumption is absorbed into your bloodstream on or under your tongue, and through all of the mucus linings that are contained throughout the rest of your mouth. The effects of oral absorption can be felt much quicker than consuming edibles, but not quite as quickly as inhaling Marijuana. It can take 10 minutes to an hour to feel the full effects of this method of consumption. The most popular way to consume Marijuana through oral absorption is with cannabis oil, lozenges, breath strips, and mints. This method hasn’t been around as long as the other two methods, but it is becoming much more popular with the legalization of Marijuana, as there is a much wider array of consumption methods that are accessible to the public. Some people may find oral absorption to be an easy way to consume their Marijuana, as it is very discrete and portable.
[title text=”Topical – Patches & Creams”]The last method of consumption is the topical application of marijuana. Much like oral absorption, topical application is also becoming increasingly common, as these types of products are now readily available to the public. Topical Marijuana can be found in many different forms, such as: creams, lotions, salves, balms, and patches. This method of delivery is unique, in that it provides localized relief from skin irritation, pain, and inflammation. Our skin contains cannabinoid receptors, which topical Marijuana products bind to. Since the effect is local, it does not provide any type of psychoactive effects. But for those who are looking for pain relief without the “high” that the other forms of consumption create, this method may be the best choice. Although, there are transdermal patches that can allow the THC to reach the bloodstream, so make sure to ask a representative at your local dispensary which type of effect each product creates.
[title text=”Experiment with your knowledge”]Now that we have gone through each common delivery method of Marijuana that is available for consumption, hopefully you have an idea of which methods to experiment with. It may take a little bit of experimenting with consumption methods, strains, terpenes, and the THC vs CBD ratio to find what works best for you and your unique needs. Luckily, there is a wide array of products to choose from, which will allow you to experiment with different combinations. I’m here to help! If you have any questions or would like to discuss how marijuana might help you, please let me know!
Until next time,
Dr. Judd, MD