The Pros and Cons of Different Ways to Consume Cannabis

Cannabis consumption has come a long way from the traditional methods of smoking joints or pipes. With all of the innovation in the cannabis industry, we now have so many different ways to consume cannabis, each with its own unique experiences.

Regardless of your level of experience with cannabis, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of different consumption methods so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and health needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to consume cannabis, along with some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Note: Just a quick note before we start, this list doesn’t capture every possible pro or con for every method of consumption. It’s important to do your own research into your preferred method of consumption.

Smoking

Smoking is probably the most popular method of consuming cannabis. It would be classified as any form of consumption that involves inhaling the smoke from burning cannabis flower through a joint, pipe, or bong.

Pros:

Immediate Effects: Smoking delivers THC and other cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream via the lungs, leading to almost instant effects. This makes it easier to control dosage based on how you’re feeling.
Widely Available: Cannabis flower is widely available at dispensaries, and you don’t need special equipment aside from rolling papers or a basic pipe.

Cons:

Health Risks: Smoking anything, including cannabis, can irritate the lungs and throat, and may increase the risk of respiratory problems over time. While some preliminary studies have shown that cannabis smoke is generally less harmful than tobacco smoke, inhaling combusted plant material still carries health risks.
Shorter High: The effects of smoking tend to wear off more quickly than other methods, lasting 1-3 hours, which may lead to more frequent consumption for some users.

Vaping

Vaping cannabis involves heating cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes in vapor form, which is then inhaled.

Pros:

Immediate Effects: Like smoking, vaping delivers cannabinoids quickly to the bloodstream, allowing for fast onset of effects.
Discreet: Vapes produce less odor than smoking, making it a more discreet option for those who want to consume cannabis without drawing attention.

Cons:

Cost: Vapes, especially high-quality ones, can be expensive upfront. Additionally, vaping cartridges or concentrates may be pricier than traditional cannabis flower.
Potential Health Concerns: While generally considered safer than smoking, there are still concerns about the long-term effects of vaping, especially when it comes to additives in some vape cartridges (like vitamin E acetate, which has been linked to lung injury).

Edibles

Edibles are cannabis-infused food or drinks that are consumed orally. Common examples include gummies, brownies, chocolates, and beverages.

Pros:

Long-Lasting Effects: Edibles provide a longer-lasting high than smoking or vaping, often lasting 4-8 hours or more. This can be ideal for those seeking sustained relief from symptoms like pain or anxiety.
Discreet and Convenient: Edibles are easy to consume and highly discreet since they look just like regular food items. They’re a great option for people who don’t want to inhale smoke or vapor.

Cons:

Delayed Onset: Edibles take longer to kick in, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. This can lead to accidental overconsumption, especially for new users who may not feel the effects right away.
Difficult to Dose: It can be tricky to control dosage with edibles, especially homemade ones. The THC content in edibles can vary, making it easier to consume too much and experience an uncomfortable high.

Tinctures and Oils

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that are taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food or drinks. They can come in dropper bottles for easy dosing.

Pros:

Discreet and Portable: Tinctures are discreet, portable, and easy to consume in any setting. They don’t produce smoke or vapor, and there’s typically no noticeable smell.
Fast and Controlled Dosing: When taken sublingually, tinctures provide relatively quick effects (within 15-45 minutes), and the dropper allows for precise dosing. You can easily control how much THC or CBD you’re consuming.
Versatile: Tinctures can also be added to food or drinks for a slower onset, making them a versatile option for users who want more control over how they consume cannabis.

Cons:

Taste: Some people find the taste of cannabis tinctures unpleasant, especially when taken directly under the tongue.
Delayed Onset When Added to Food: While tinctures are fast-acting when used sublingually, adding them to food or drink can delay the effects, similar to edibles.

Topicals

Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions applied directly to the skin. These products are commonly used for localized relief from pain, inflammation, or skin conditions.

Pros:

No Psychoactive Effects: Since topicals don’t enter the bloodstream, they don’t produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC, making them ideal for users seeking relief without getting high.
Targeted Relief: Topicals are great for targeting specific areas of the body, such as sore muscles or joint pain, providing localized relief.

Cons:

Limited Use: While topicals are effective for pain or inflammation, they don’t provide the full-body relief or high that other consumption methods offer. Their effects are limited to the areas where they are applied.
Variable Potency: The effectiveness of topicals can vary based on the formulation, and users may need to experiment to find a product that works for them.

Dabbing

Concentrates can be consumed by vaporizing concentrated cannabis extracts, such as shatter, wax, or oil, using a special device called a dab rig. This is often referred to as dabbing

Pros:

High Potency: Dabs are extremely potent, providing a stronger and more intense experience than other methods. This makes it ideal for experienced users or medical patients who need fast, powerful relief.
Fast Onset: Like smoking and vaping, dabbing delivers immediate effects, making it an efficient option for those seeking quick relief.

Cons:

Complex Setup: Dabbing requires specialized equipment like a dab rig, torch, and concentrates, which can be intimidating for beginners. It also requires more effort and precision compared to simpler methods.
Potential for Overconsumption: Because concentrates are so potent, it’s easy to consume too much, especially for inexperienced users, leading to overwhelming effects.

Every consumption method has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so the “best” method is going to depend on your personal preferences and desired effects. The key is to experiment responsibly and find the method that’s going to work best for your needs.

For whatever consumption method you choose, NatureMed has got you covered! Our knowledgeable budtenders will be able to help you with whatever you need! Check out our online menu to see a full list of what we have to offer and visit our specials page to see all of the ways that you can save!