There is a growing range of cannabis ingestion methods available to consumers in the constantly changing cannabis market. These techniques span from time-tested, conventional procedures to
innovative, state-of-the-art methods that completely reimagine how cannabis affects us. This
investigation of delivery systems goes beyond personal taste and touches on bioavailability, onset
time, and overall user experience. Let’s examine and contrast the several ways that cannabis can
be consumed, such as smoking, vaping, edibles, topicals, and transdermal and sublingual strips.

The Traditional Route: Smoking and Its Variants

Smoking: One of the oldest and most well-known cannabis smoking techniques entails burning
dried flower or concentrates. Through the lungs, this process quickly enters the bloodstream and
releases cannabinoids. The main advantages are the quick start time and simplicity of titration. On
the other hand, breathing in burned plant matter could be harmful.

Cannabis is rolled on paper for joints, whereas cigar wraps are used for blunts. Blunts are
tobacco-filled and usually larger. Both have a rapid onset, but because they burn, they could be
uncomfortable for the lungs and throat.

Pipe and Bong: These devices provide a way to smoke cannabis without the paper. Water in
bongs cools the smoke, making it smoother on the throat.

Vaping: A Modern Alternative

Dry herb vaporizers: These gadgets use heat to liberate the cannabinoids from cannabis flowers
without causing combustion, making the flavor last longer and providing a smoother experience.
They do, however, need routine upkeep and cleaning.

Concentrate Vaporizers: Vaporizing cannabis concentrates, such as oils and waxes, provides
discreet use together with high potency. Products range from desktop models to pens that are
portable.

Edibles: The Culinary Experience

Products classified as edibles include brownies, candy, and flavored drinks. Edibles are cannabisinfused foods or drinks that take longer to act since they have to go through the digestive system.
If consumers are impatient, this could result in inadvertent overconsumption.

Topicals: Targeted Relief

Lotions, balms, and creams containing cannabis are intended to provide localized relief. Since
cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream, they do not cause a psychoactive high. For those
who are looking for relief from localized pain or inflammation, topicals are especially tempting.

Emerging Innovations

Transdermal patches provide a consistent, time-released dosage of cannabinoids. They are a
relatively new product on the cannabis market. They stick to the skin and are made to give a
continuous pleasure for a number of hours. Inconspicuous patches are ideal for consumers who
want a more regulated, prolonged effect.

Sublingual Strips: These are tiny, soluble films that are inserted under the tongue, where they
dissolve and allow the body to absorb cannabinoids. When compared to edibles, sublingual
administration provides a faster onset because the chemicals do not transit through the digestive
system.

Inhalable Inhalers: Designed to mimic conventional asthma inhalers, these gadgets provide
accurate dosage and simple operation. Metered dosages of THC or CBD are inhaled by users.
Usually, the effects happen quickly and are simple to manage.

A Matter of Preference and Purpose

The method of cannabis consumption chosen depends on lifestyle choices, personal preferences,
and desired effects. The following elements need to be taken into account:

Onset Time: While edibles and transdermal patches require more patience, smoking and vaping
offer a quicker start.
Dosage Control: While traditional smoking may require more experience for appropriate titration,
edibles and inhalable inhalers enable exact dosing.
Discretion: Vaping and smoking could attract more attention than edibles, sublingual strips, and
inhalers.
Flavor Preservation: Vaporizers are excellent at keeping cannabis strains’ flavors intact.
Localized Relief: Topicals offer targeted relief without the euphoric effects of other approaches.

The Future of Cannabis Consumption

Cannabis ingestion methods are expected to continue to innovate as the drug moves closer to full
legality and widespread adoption. Alternative transdermal treatments, powder formulations, and
beverages infused with cannabinoids are now being developed.

The optimal way of intake ultimately depends on the person and their unique requirements and
preferences. As customers acquire greater knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages
of each approach, the cannabis sector will adjust and keep coming up with new and creative
ways for people to benefit from this amazing plant.


Thomas Walker - Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Consultant
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Thomas Walker is the founder and lead consultant of Walker Cultivation, a consulting firm specializing in commercial cannabis cultivation. From April 2023, Thomas will share his thoughts here on Cantopia, on relevant issues in the field of cannabis cultivation.