Exploring Cannabis Consumption: A Guide to Methods and Experiences

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.

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.

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.

Desktop Vaporizers

Desktop Vaporizers are larger, more powerful, and typically offer the best vapor quality. They are ideal for home use, providing a more robust and controlled vaping experience. 

Many desktop models feature advanced temperature settings, allowing users to dial in their desired vaping temperature precisely.

Portable Vaporizers, on the other hand, are designed for mobility and discretion. They are smaller and battery-operated, making them easy to carry and use on the go.

While they may not offer the same level of temperature precision as desktop models, many portable vaporizers still provide excellent vapor quality and are sufficiently versatile for most users.

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.

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.