Smoke it in a pipe

The use of pipes for Cannabis consumption dates back to 500 BCE when Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, was the first person to make mention of cannabis in literature. He describes Scythians inhaling the fumes of burning leaves from a pipe-like object. Native Americans are also well-known for incorporating cannabis into their ritualistic ceremonies. Some believe that there is a connection between the spiritual world and the cannabis plant. The term “peace pipe” comes from Native American culture, and tribe elders would generally hold meetings while smoking cannabis from a pipe.

Pipes offer a convenient, mess-free way for consuming cannabis. They can be small and discreet or sizeable and bold, but regardless of the aesthetics, the result is the same.

Cannabis is consumed through a pipe by placing a small amount of ground-up flower into the bowl of the pipe and inhaling the smoke. Pipes come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials, like silicone, glass, metal and plastic.

Vaporize your weed 

Vaporizers are a more modern invention compared to cannabis joints or pipes. The first vaporization devices were introduced to the market in the ’90s, but the technology significantly advanced since then. Vaporizers now come in many different forms — some are disposable and pre-filled, while others are portable and pocket-sized. There are three main types of vaporizers: flower vaporizers, concentrate vaporizers and hybrid units. The type of vaporizer determines the form of cannabis being consumed.

Vaporizers were created with the medical cannabis customer in mind so that the cannabis is only heated to the point of releasing cannabinoids and terpenes, rather than the point of combustion. Vaporization reduces airway irritation and eliminates the ingestion of carcinogens that are produced when cannabis flowers are combusted.

Vaporizers contain a coil element that gently heats the cannabis product to release the cannabinoids and terpenes. This process is extremely efficient and releases more cannabinoids and terpenes than consumption methods that involve combustion.

Choose an oil to ingest orally

Cannabinoid oils are gaining popularity as they offer a smoke-free method of consumption. Cannabis oils are made by infusing a carrier oil (typically coconut oil) with cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, CBG and CBN. One of the benefits to oils is that they can isolate specific compounds, like THC or CBD, to create a product with very specific applications. They can also be used as a full-spectrum product that contains an array of cannabinoids and has a broader application.

Oils are used by spraying or dropping the oil sublingually. The oil is placed under the tongue for maximum absorption, and its effects usually take full effect within 60 to 90 minutes. Dosing can be more difficult with oils as they take longer to take effect — but once you determine the appropriate dosage, the results can be replicated time after time.

Smoke it in a joint

Smoking cannabis joints dates back to 1865 when a professor in Mexico noted that workers were mixing cannabis with their tobacco. 

Smoking a cannabis joint involves rolling finely ground flowers into papers, either by machine or by hand. Papers can suit any rolling and smoking style, including rice papers, fine organic hemp papers and even flavored rolling papers.

Smoking cannabis joints remains one of the most popular and convenient consumption methods. There’s no need to buy expensive consumption equipment and joints can be rolled quickly and taken on the go. Joints are great for sharing with friends and offer a fairly discreet method of smoking cannabis.

Swallow it in a capsule

Capsules are a newer method of cannabis ingestion like edibles. Capsules tend to be popular amongst athletic and fitness-minded consumers as they offer a smoke-free and sugar-free option for cannabis consumption.

Cannabis capsules will be filled with a tincture, oil or decarboxylated flower mixture. They are typically vegetable-based for vegan consumers. The effects are similar to taking a tincture, oil or edible and are generally not felt for 60 to 90 minutes.

One of the benefits of cannabis capsules is their discreet nature and specific dosing. Figuring out the correct dose can be a process of trial and error, but discovering that sweet spot will generate reproducible results for the customer. Capsules are mess-free and easy to take to a yoga class or on a hike.

Eat it in an edible

Edibles are the most enjoyable way to consume cannabis for the majority of people. Lighting up a joint or a bong can be great, but isn’t eating a brownie or cookie even better? Edibles are foods infused with cannabis, like gummies, cookies, brownies, honey and other confections. They typically contain cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Edibles are generally made with infused oils or tinctures, but can also be made with decarboxylated flowers. Decarboxylation is a process in which the flowers are gently heated to convert THC to THC-A. This process activates the THC in the flowers and makes them bioavailable to the body.

The trick with edibles is to start low and go slow with dosing. Edibles take up to 90 minutes to fully kick in, so it’s important to be patient. Finding the right dose is a process of trial and error, but once you have determined your optimal dose, you can achieve the desired effects time after time.

Cannabis edibles are extremely discreet and can be taken anywhere. They are great before a night out or at the movies, or anytime smoking or vaping is not an option.

Apply it with a topical

Health and beauty topicals, pain creams and CBD balms have become all the rage in mainstream America. CBD topicals might be the most common, but they can also be made with THC. ‘Topical’ is a broad term for any cannabinoid-based product that is applied externally. This method of cannabis won’t make the customer feel high, unlike some more traditional cannabis consumption methods. 

When cannabinoids are used topically, they never enter the body’s bloodstream, which is why they won’t make you feel high. A cream could contain 100% THC, but it still won’t have the psychoactive effects often associated with other methods of THC consumption.

Topicals can come in a wide variety of forms, like pain-reducing creams, lotions, face creams, body balms, gels, oils and even intimate lubricating products. 

Add it to a drink as a tincture

Tinctures are similar to cannabinoid-infused oils and provide a smoke-free consumption method. Tinctures are alcohol-based substances that incorporate different cannabinoids like THC and CBD. But unlike oils, tinctures should not be taken sublingually as they will cause a burning sensation. Instead, cannabis tinctures are meant to be added to drinks or food. But similar to edibles, the effects can take 60 to 90 minutes to kick in fully.

Tinctures are a popular way to make infused cocktails at home. All you have to do is add a few drops of the alcohol-based tincture to your favorite drink and enjoy. Like oils, tinctures can be made in an isolated form or a full-spectrum format. Finding the right dose is a process of trial and error, but once you find the right dose the desired results can be attained repeatedly.