As the cannabis industry grows and expands, new innovations in cannabis consumption are popping up all over.

For new consumers, it’s imperative to find a method of consumption that fits your lifestyle. For experienced users, it can be fun to switch up your routine and try a new method!

In this article, we break down the most popular consumption methods in an easy-to-digest format, so you can feel confident in your choices.

Should you smoke cannabis? Vape? Take cannabis-infused edibles?

Which method is right for you?

Whether it’s inhalation, oral, sublingual, or topical, you can experience the world of cannabis consumption with confidence.

Smoking

Effects felt 2-10 minutes after consumption
Effects linger for up to 8 hours
Ideal for consumers who:

• Are looking for quick results
• Do not require discretion

This is the most popular method of consumption. When you inhale smoke from the cannabis flower, active compounds (including THC and CBD) are absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the lungs, ensuring the effects are felt quickly (from seconds to minutes). There are a few methods of smoking cannabis:

A vape cartridge containing a THC concentrate

An Ace Valley Disposable CBD Vape Pen

Vaporizers

Rising in popularity, vapes heat either cannabis flower or concentrate to a temperature that allows the active compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) to turn into vapor. Vaporization is preferable to smoking, as it heats the cannabis to a low temperature to avoid combustion and the release of harmful carcinogens. Vapes can be either portable or “desktop” (stationary).

Redecan pre-rolled joints are newly popular among consumers

Joints

A classic method of consumption in which cannabis is ground into a fine substance and rolled into rolling papers, similar to a cigarette. Joints can be rolled with both cannabis and tobacco (called a spliff). They can be rolled by consumers or purchased pre-rolled.

Pipes

A simple method of consumption, pipes consist of a mouthpiece and a bowl. Cannabis flower is placed into the bowl, heated, and inhaled. Pipes come in a variety of colours, sizes, and styles, including glass, metal, and wood.

Bongs

Also known as water pipes, bongs differ from regular pipes in that they cool and filter cannabis smoke through water, making the experience easier on the lungs. They can be large and in-charge, or smaller and portable (bubblers).

Trailblazer SNAX cannabis-infused Milk Chocolate

Naturally-sweetened cannabis-infused sparkling beverage by Little Victory

Edibles

Effects felt 1-2 hours after consumption
Effects can last up to 24 hours
Ideal for consumers who:

• Prefer not to smoke
• Are looking for a slower onset of effects
• Prefer a discreet method of consumption

Gummies, brownies, cookies, lollipops, beverages; any ingestible item infused with cannabis is an edible. They provide a tasty and less-harsh alternative to smoking. The effects of edibles are slower, as it takes time for the body to digest, metabolize, and absorb the cannabinoid compounds. Effects may not be felt until 1-2 hours after consumption, but this can vary depending on weight, metabolism, and other factors. Consumers who consume edibles should remember to pace themselves, be patient, and start with small portions.

Tinctures

If left under tongue: Effects felt 15-45 minutes after consumption
If ingested: Effects felt 1-2 hours after consumption
Ideal for consumers who:

• Prefer not to smoke
• Want a discreet method of consumption
• Are looking for fast-acting effects

Cannabis tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extracts (aka: cannabis-infused alcohol). Doses are placed with a dropper under the tongue or ingested for the liver to process. They allow precise dosage control, and are faster-acting than edibles. Tinctures are preferable for consumers who don’t want to smoke and prefer to feel immediate effects (approx. 15-20 minutes after consumption).

Tullia fast-absorbing cannabis-infused lotion

Topicals

Effects felt 30- 90 minutes after application
Ideal for consumers who:

• Are looking for effects on an area of the body
• Do not wish to experience a high or psychoactive effects

Cannabis doesn’t have to be consumed internally; it can be absorbed into the skin for a localized effect. Because they offer no cerebral or psychoactive effects, topicals are a great alternative for consumers looking for effects on a specific part of the body.

Topicals include cannabis-infused lotions, salves, balms and oils. New innovations are constantly popping up in the transdermal cannabis market, including long-lasting patches and lubricants.

We hope this guide will help you decide which consumption method is the best fit for you.

Let us know what your favourite cannabis consumption method is!