Exploring Cannabis Consumption: A Guide to Methods and Experiences

Think cannabis is all about smoke and vapor? Think again! 

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned connoisseur, this guide is your ticket to discovering the many delightful and surprising ways to consume cannabis.

Smoking 

Vaporization 

Oral Consumption 

Topical and Transdermal Applications 

Quiz: How to Choose the Right Method For You 

Discover Your Ideal Cannabis Experience at Euphoria Wellness 

Smoking

Smoking cannabis is one of the most traditional and popular methods of consumption. This category primarily includes joints, blunts, and spliffs.

Joints

Blunts

Spliffs

Joints are perhaps the most iconic, made by rolling cannabis in thin paper. They are preferred for their simplicity and the pure flavor they provide.

Blunts take this a step further by using cigar papers or emptied cigars refilled with cannabis. They are generally larger than joints and have the added flavor and nicotine kick from the cigar wrap.

Spliffs are similar to joints but contain a mix of tobacco and cannabis. This combination is common in many parts of Europe and offers a different kind of high due to the interaction of nicotine and THC.

Another popular method is the use of pipes and bongs.

Pipes

Bongs

Pipes are small, easy to use, and portable. They are ideal for quick and convenient smoking sessions.

Bongs, or water pipes, offer a more enhanced experience. These devices filter and cool the smoke through water, providing a smoother and often more potent inhalation. The water filtration is a key feature, reducing the harshness of the smoke and making the experience more pleasant, especially for those who are not accustomed to smoking.

Vaporization

Vaporization has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional smoking. This method involves using devices like dry herb vaporizers and vape pens to heat cannabis without combustion.

Dry Herb Vaporizers

Vape Pens

Dabbing

Dry Herb Vaporizers are designed to heat the cannabis flower to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without actually burning the plant material.

This results in fewer harmful byproducts compared to smoking.

These devices often allow for precise temperature control, enabling users to customize their vaping experience based on the boiling points of different cannabinoids and terpenes.

Vape Pens are more compact and discreet. They typically use cannabis oil cartridges, providing a clean and controlled dose with each inhalation.

Vape pens can be either disposable or reusable, with varying levels of temperature control depending on the model.

Dabbing is a method of consuming cannabis concentrates, such as wax, shatter, or resin. This is done using a dab rig, which resembles a bong, but has a "nail" instead of a bowl. The nail is heated to a very high temperature, typically with a torch.

Once hot, a small amount of cannabis concentrate is placed onto the nail, instantly vaporizing it. The user then inhales the vapor through the rig.

Oral Consumption

Oral consumption of cannabis offers a different experience compared to inhalation methods, with various options available to suit different preferences.

Edibles

Tinctures and Oils

Capsules

Cannabis-infused edibles are a popular choice for those who prefer not to inhale cannabis. This category includes a wide range of products, such as baked goods (like cookies and brownies), candies (like gummies and chocolates), and even savory snacks. The primary characteristic of edibles is their delayed onset of effects.

Unlike smoking or vaping, where effects are almost immediate, edibles must pass through the digestive system before the cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and the effects are often more potent and longer-lasting compared to inhalation.

Tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extracts that are used sublingually (under the tongue). This method allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream than edibles, as the cannabinoids are absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth. Tinctures can also be added to food and beverages, though this would result in a similar onset time to edibles.

Oils, which are often similar in composition to tinctures, but may use a different extraction method, can also be consumed orally or added to food. The benefits of tinctures and oils include ease of dose measurement, discretion, and the avoidance of respiratory irritation.

Cannabis capsules offer a precise and easy-to-dose method of oral consumption. They are particularly popular among medical cannabis users and those who prefer a no-fuss, no-mess method of consumption. Capsules contain a pre-measured dose of cannabis extract, often in oil form, and can provide consistent and long-lasting effects.

Like edibles, the effects of capsules are subject to the digestive process, meaning there will be a delay before onset, and the effects can be more intense and prolonged compared to inhalation methods.

Topical and Transdermal Applications

Topical and transdermal applications offer a distinct approach, primarily focused on localized relief and medicinal benefits without the psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis.

Transdermal Patches

Topicals

These are adhesive patches infused with cannabis that are applied directly to the skin. The key feature of transdermal patches is their ability to deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream through the skin, offering systemic, rather than just localized, effects. This method provides a slow, consistent release of cannabinoids over several hours. 

They are discreet, easy to use, and eliminate the need for inhalation or oral consumption, making them a suitable option for those who cannot or prefer not to consume cannabis in these ways.

Cannabis-infused topicals, such as creams, balms, and lotions, are applied directly to the skin for localized relief. Unlike transdermal patches, topicals typically do not enter the bloodstream and therefore do not produce psychoactive effects. They are commonly used for targeted relief of pain, soreness, and inflammation.

Topicals are a popular choice for skincare and muscle recovery, offering an easy and non-invasive way to utilize the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of cannabis.

Quiz: How to Choose the Right Method For You

Instructions: Answer the following questions to find out which cannabis consumption method might suit you best. Keep track of your answers to see the recommendation at the end.

Question 1: What’s your top priority when consuming cannabis?

1. A) Immediate effects
2. B) Enhanced overall experience
3. C) Convenience and discreteness
4. D) Long-lasting effects

Question 2: How important is flavor and the overall sensory experience to you?

1. A) Very important; I want to enjoy the full flavor.
2. B) Somewhat important, but not my main concern.
3. C) Not important; I care more about the effects.
4. D) I prefer not to taste it at all.

Question 3: Are you concerned about the health impacts of smoking?

1. A) Not particularly concerned.
2. B) Somewhat, but I’m open to smoking occasionally.
3. C) Yes, I prefer not to inhale smoke.
4. D) I prefer methods with no respiratory impact.

Question 4: How much do you value portability and the ability to use cannabis discreetly?

1. A) Not much; I usually consume at home.
2. B) It’s a bonus but not a necessity.
3. C) Highly important; I need to be able to use it on the go.
4. D) I prefer methods that require minimal preparation and equipment.

Question 5: Do you prefer a more social or solitary consumption experience?

1. A) Social; I like sharing with friends.
2. B) Either is fine, depending on the situation.
3. C) Solitary; I use it for personal wellness.
4. D) It doesn’t matter to me.

Results:

Mostly A’s: Smoking or Vaporization

You seem to prefer immediate effects and enjoy the sensory experience of cannabis. Smoking (joints, blunts, spliffs) or vaporization (dry herb vaporizers, vape pens) could suit you, offering flavor, aroma, and quick onset.

Mostly B’s: Vaporization

Health considerations and flavor are somewhat important to you, making vaporization (especially with dry herb vaporizers) a good middle ground. It offers fewer harmful byproducts than smoking and still provides a good taste.

Mostly C’s: Vape Pens or Edibles

Convenience, discreteness, and portability are key for you. Vape pens offer a discreet way to consume cannabis on the go, while edibles provide a smoke-free option that’s easy to consume anywhere.

Mostly D’s: Edibles or Tinctures

You’re looking for long-lasting effects and methods that have minimal health impacts. Edibles and tinctures offer a way to consume cannabis without smoking, with effects that are potent and enduring.

This quiz is a simplified tool to help guide your exploration of cannabis consumption methods. It’s important to consider your own personal health, legal implications in your region, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns or conditions.

Discover Your Ideal Cannabis Experience at Euphoria Wellness

Cannabis consumption comes in many forms, from smoking and vaporization to oral and topical applications. Each offers unique benefits to fit different preferences and needs. To find what works for you, visit Euphoria Wellness today!