The Many Methods of Cannabis Consumption

Juicing raw cannabis is growing in popularity. This method of consumption involves using raw cannabis and a blender or wheatgrass juicer. Dr. William Courtney claims there are an abundant amount of health benefits from raw, uncured cannabis when juiced. Consumers should not expect a buzz from this method because you only receive THCa from raw cannabis. THCa must be decarboxylated in order to achieve THC which produces an intoxicating effect. 

Smoking joints, bowls, blunts, or bongs are a more traditional form of cannabis consumption. This involves rolling dried cured cannabis into a paper or hollowed-out cigar for a joint or blunt. The cannabis is broken up and cleaned to make sure there are no seeds or stem fragments that might rip the paper. Once a joint or blunt is rolled, one end is lit on fire while you inhale through the other. Packing a bowl or bong is very similar. Once the cannabis has been broken up and cleaned simply fill your bowl or bong, set it aflame, and you are ready to enjoy.

Vaping has increased in popularity over the last decade. Vaping, unlike smoking cannabis, does not contain the carcinogens or byproduct from burning the leafy material. This is why Cannabis Nurse recommends vaping rather than smoking. Cannabinoids extracted from cannabis are added to vegetable glycerin to make an inhalable vapor. Vape cartridges are available in a multitude of varieties. Some having little to no flavor and others having a wide variety of exotic flavors thanks to reintroduced terpenes. 

Dabbing is what is done when you vaporize cannabis concentrates. Concentrates called dabs or extracts come in a wide variety. You have shatter, wax, sauce, jam, sap, budder, juice,  isolate, and distillate to name a few. A quartz Banger, porcelain nail, or titanium nail are heated using a blowtorch or an electronic heating device called an enail are utilized to vaporize the dabs. Dabs are placed on the end of a dab tool which looks like a pointy tool that dentists use to scrape your teeth. The dab is then placed onto the hot banger or nail and smoked much like a bowl, bong, or pipe. Cannabis concentrates are quite potent. They average anywhere between 60 to 99% THC.

Edibles are available in a wide variety of different tasty treats. Candies, cookies, and even breakfast lunch and dinner can be infused with cannabis. Edibles come in a wide variety of different dosages. The Michigan medical cannabis program allows for a max THC concentration of 500 mg per infused edible or drinkable product with a max serving size of 50mg per serving.  Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours before taking effect. If you're giving edibles a try for the first time be sure to start small and be patient.

Topicals are an increasingly popular form of cannabis consumption. There are many different cannabis-infused topical creams, lotions, salves, and balms. Some contain only CBD While others contain CBD, THC, terpenes and other cannabinoids. Unlike other methods of cannabis consumption, there is little to no high associated with topical application of cannabis. The skin is the largest organ of the human anatomy. Phytocannabinoids such as CBD are incredibly beneficial and essential for healthy radiant skin. This is why you might be noticing that CBD has entered the health, beauty, and fitness markets full force.  

Transdermal patches are becoming a favorite with medical patients. In Colorado, a company called Mary's Medicinals makes THC and CBD transdermal patches which may be applied to the skin in specific areas where pain is present. Unlike topical applications where the phytocannabinoids sit on top of the skin and are absorbed by cannabinoid receptors, transdermal absorption takes place almost instantaneously.

Sublingual cannabis tinctures are oftentimes utilized by individuals with epilepsy and other debilitating conditions. Sublingual activation from cannabis is rapid and efficient. Sublingual refers to being administered under the tongue. With this method of consumption, essential cannabinoids from the cannabis product are absorbed into the bloodstream via the mucous membrane in the mouth.  Aside from tinctures, there are also other cannabis sublingual products on the market such as sublingual strips.

Cannabis Pharma is meeting the demands of a new consumer base. Cannabis capsules, eye drops, suppositories, inhalers, and other traditional forms of pharma are being merged with the world of cannabis. With pharma style products, consumers have the option of choosing titrates or estimated dosages that best fit their needs.