For many people, marijuana is still a mysterious plant. It has been legalized in many countries and states, yet it remains largely misunderstood and often feared. But marijuana can be used safely and responsibly, and it can actually provide a number of health benefits.
Marijuana has been shown to be effective for pain relief, nausea, and appetite stimulation. It can also be used to improve sleep and reduce stress and anxiety.
In this article, we’ll explore how to use marijuana properly, from understanding the various types of marijuana to learning the best consumption methods for each type. We’ll also discuss the potential risks associated with using marijuana and how to minimize them. If you’re looking for an informative guide on how is marijuana used, then look no further!
In This Article
Inhalation of Marijuana
Inhalation of marijuana is the most common method of consuming weed. When marijuana is smoked, it is heated and the resulting smoke is inhaled. This delivers THC and other cannabinoids to the body rapidly, resulting in a quick onset of effects. The effects of smoking marijuana can be felt within minutes and typically peak within 30 minutes. They can last for two to three hours when consumed in small amounts.
Pros:
- Quick and immediate effects
- Overall easy process
- Perfect for those who want to taste the weed
- Simple to dose
- Long-lasting effects
Cons:
- Respiratory problems (coughing, bronchitis)
- Increased risk of cancer
- Smell
- Some beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes are lost in the heat
Common ways to inhale marijuana are smoking, vaping, and dabbing.
Smoking Cannabis
Smoking cannabis is the most common way of consuming marijuana. There are a few different ways to smoke, including using a pipe, bong, blunt or joint.
- Joints are the most popular method of smoking cannabis.
- Pipes are easy to use and can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and wood.
- Bongs cool the smoke before it enters your lungs, making for a smoother hit.
Vaping
Vaping is a great way to enjoy marijuana without having to smoke it. You can buy a vape pen or make your own with a few simple supplies. Vaping allows you to control how much THC you consume, so it’s perfect for those new to cannabis or those who want a more mellow experience.
Cannabis Dabbing
Cannabis dabbing is a process of using marijuana concentrate that is heated and then inhaled. The marijuana concentrate can be in the form of wax, oil, or shatter. Dabbing is a quick and effective way to get the full effects of marijuana.
Oral Marijuana Consumption
When it comes to consuming marijuana, there are many different methods that can be used. One popular method is oral consumption, which can be done in a variety of ways including edibles, tinctures, and capsules.
When ingesting weed products like edibles the effects can be as late as 30-60 minutes after the use but they also can last longer than other methods. While each method has its own set of pros and cons, oral consumption generally offers a few key advantages.
Pros:
- Good for micro-dosing.
- Oral consumption is discreet and makes marijuana consumption easy without drawing attention to yourself.
- Perfect if you want to avoid smoking.
- Doesn’t leave a smell.
- You don’t have to taste the cannabis.
- Effects can last up to 12 hours. (yes this is both a pro and con)
Cons:
- Effects usually take a long time to kick in.
- Easy to take too much.
- Effects can last up to 12 hours. (yes this is both a pro and con)
Edibles
Edibles are a popular way to consume marijuana, especially among first-time users. They offer a convenient and easy way to ingest weed, and they can be incorporated into a variety of recipes. These recipes include snacks, desserts, and other foods.
Drinkables
Include marijuana-infused tea, coffee, sodas, and other drinks. One popular way to make a cannabis-infused drink is to make a marijuana tincture, which is an extract that can be added to drinks. Tinctures are easy to make at home and are a great way to control the potency of your drink. You can also buy pre-made tinctures from some dispensaries.
Capsules
Weed capsules are an easy way to take marijuana as you can find them at most dispensaries, and they come in different potencies. Start with a low dose and increase as needed. Be sure to read the labels carefully so you know how much THC is in each capsule.
Cannabis Tinctures
Marijuana tinctures are made by extracting the cannabinoids from the plant material using an alcohol solution. This concentrated form of cannabis can be taken orally, under the tongue, or used topically.
Tinctures offer a high degree of control over dosage since they can be taken in very small amounts. This makes them ideal for those who are new to cannabis use or looking to titrate their dose. Tinctures can also be easily added to food and drink recipes.
To take a tincture, place a few drops under your tongue and hold for 60-90 seconds before swallowing. The effects of a tincture can be felt within 15-30 minutes and typically last 2-4 hours. Start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Oils
Oils are a concentrated form of cannabis that can be ingested in many ways. Cannabis oil is made by extracting cannabinoids from the plant material. This can be done using CO2, butane, propane, or olive oil. The extract is then mixed with carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil.
They can be used to cook edibles, added to drinks, or used topically. Oils can also be smoked or vaporized, but this requires special equipment.
Topical Ways to Use Cannabis
Cannabis topicals are cannabis-infused oils, creams, lotions, salves, and many other products that are used topically on the skin. They have become very popular, especially in the beauty industry.
If you’re interested in trying topicals, be sure to check out high-quality cannabis topical products.
Pros:
- Zero psychoactive effects
- Perfect for irritated skin, eczema, and psoriasis
- Perfect for localized use
- Non-invasive
- Perfect for local pain-relief
Cons:
- Low potency
- Might cause individual allergic reactions
- No way to track dosage and use
Transdermals
A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a precise dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches are used to deliver a wide variety of medications, including painkillers, hormones, and anti-nausea drugs.
Unlike other topicals like lotions, salves, creams, etc., transdermal cannabis actually penetrates the bloodstream, which means it can cause psychoactive effects.
Cannabis Suppositories
Cannabis suppositories are a type of medical cannabis product that is inserted into the rectum or vagina for local or systemic effects. They are used to treat a variety of conditions such as pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.
Cannabis suppositories are made with cannabis oil or a cannabis extract, and they may contain other ingredients such as cocoa butter or coconut oil to help them solidify. They are generally considered to be a more targeted and effective way to deliver cannabis medicine, compared to oral or inhaled methods.
Pros:
- Easily absorbed into the bloodstream
- Little-to-no psychoactive effect
Cons:
- Invasive
- Uncomfortable
No matter how you choose to use marijuana, make sure you start with a low dose and go slow to avoid any unwanted side effects.
While exploring the health benefits of marijuana, be sure to consume it safely. Enjoy!
Heather Wilson is a passionate cannabis enthusiast who has dedicated over four years of her life to working as a budtender. With a deep understanding of the difference between marijuana strains, cannabinoids, terpenes, and their effects, she has helped countless customers find the perfect product for their needs.
In addition to her work as a budtender, Heather is also an enthusiastic cook who loves to try new recipes incorporating cannabis. Whether she's whipping up a batch of infused cookies or cooking a delicious meal with cannabis-infused oil, Heather is always eager to explore the culinary possibilities of this versatile plant.
For Heather, cannabis is more than just a recreational substance. She uses it for her health and is an advocate for safe and responsible use. With a strong desire to spread awareness about the benefits of cannabis and fight the stigma that still surrounds marijuana, Heather is a true champion of this misunderstood plant.
Through her work and cooking, Heather is helping to change the conversation around marijuana and show the world that this plant has a lot to offer, both medically and recreationally. Heather joined with Brian to found Concept420 in 2022.
