The Best Ways To Consume Marijuana (Smoking, Vaping, Edibles, & More)

When I first started smoking, that’s all we ever did: smoke.

Sure we mixed it up a bit in terms of how we smoked. There were joints, bluts, bongs, pipes, and knife hits.

Of those, I prefered a bong. And I never liked joints or blunts all that much.

But most of my friends love joints. It is clear that the best way to consume marijuana is not going to be the same for everyone.

It actually depends on a number of different factors, with personal preference being one of them.

And these days, we have far more options than just smoking or eating. Keep reading for a rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of the various ways to consume cannabis. This will help you figure out which methods will be best for you.

 

Best Ways To Consume Marijuana

There are several ways to consume marijuana. These include using topicals and tinctures, smoking, vaping, dabbing, placing sublingual products under the tongue, or consuming edibles.

The best way depends on personal preferences, the kind of product you use, and individual tolerance. You must also consider the medical and legal aspects before choosing your preferred way of consuming marijuana.

 

Smoking

Smoking cannabis involves inhaling the smoke or vapors released by heating its extracts, flowers, or leaves to release its psychoactive compounds.

When you smoke cannabis, your lungs absorb THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and pass it into the bloodstream. Smoking is the most popular way of using cannabis. It is also referred to as smoking pot or smoking weed.

There are various ways to smoke cannabis

• Using pipes of different shapes, sizes, and materials: These are known by different informal terms like joints, bongs, blunts, water pipes, or bowls.
• Solar puffing/solar toking: In this method, you use a magnifying lens to heat the cannabis using the sun’s rays.
• Hoboxing: This method involves smoking both firsthand and second-hand cannabis smoke. It is done in a closed room or a car with the windows closed. This creates a lot of smoke in the area and provides a more intense high.
• Rolling in paper: Similar to a cigarette, this method involves rolling marijuana up in paper. It can be combined with tobacco. Depending on where you are, what is included along with weed, and the type of paper, some names for this rolled up marijuana are joint, blunt, or spliff.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of consuming marijuana by smoking.

Pros

• It is the oldest, traditional method of using cannabis and is readily available.
• Results in a quick onset of effects

Cons

• Could harm the lungs
• Has a strong odor and is not discrete

 

Vaping

In vaping, you heat the cannabis flowers, leaves, or extracts to just below the point of combustion, without burning them. This creates a vapor that you inhale. Some studies show that vaping is less harmful than smoking.

Dabbing is another form of vaporized cannabis consumption where you inhale cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter or rosin, to get high in short periods of time.

This is due to the higher concentration of THC in the cannabis material. Dab pens vaporize cannabis concentrates at higher temperatures.

Pros

• Has reduced respiratory hazards
• Produces stronger effects than smoking, especially for first-time or infrequent users
• Has a milder smell and is discreet to use
• Easy to use
• Provides consistent dose for medicinal users.
• Cheaper than smoking
• You don’t need lighters or matches (unless using a manual dab tool), making this method safer than smoking

Cons

• Some vapes need to be charged or plugged in
• You need a fine grinder to grind your cannabis flowers to the right consistency
• There is a significant learning curve with most vaping devices
• Vaping’s effects are different from those of smoking
• Vape devices need regular maintenance

 

Edibles

You can eat raw cannabis, but the best way to enjoy its effects is by cooking and making it into edibles like cannabutter, gummies, and other canna snacks.

You can also add cannabis to your baked goods or infuse it into drinks. Alternatively, you can get sublingual cannabis products that you place under the tongue. Learn how to make cannabis-infused edibles at home.

Pros

• Ideal for medicinal use: edibles are used for managing everything from chronic pain to cancer.
• Easy to use

Cons

• Edibles are difficult to dose
• They usually take a long time to kick in, often resulting in overconsumption.

 

Tinctures

You create cannabis tinctures by soaking the weed for several days in a base liquid (food-grade glycerin, oil, or alcohol). You then strain out the cannabis biomass, and the resulting base liquid contains all the terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds. You can add tinctures to your drinks or directly place a few drops on your tongue.

Pros

• It provides a speedier onset than edibles; you get a full spectrum of all the cannabinoids and terpenes
• Discrete to use: no smell or smoke
• Versatile: can be added to food and drinks
• They usually do not contain allergens like sugar, gluten, gelatin, or food coloring, unlike edibles
• Flexible to dose

Cons

• No consistency in effects
• May not have as intense or las ong-lasting effects as edibles do
• The taste may be off-putting for some people.

 

Topicals

Cannabis topicals are CBD or THC-infused oils, creams, and lotions. You can apply them directly to your nails, hair, and skin.

Preliminary research is showing that cannabis topicals can improve skin health and ward off premature aging. They can also benefit people with acne, eczema, and even serious issues like skin cancer. Topicals also help with pain management.

Pros

• Cannabis topicals provide targeted pain or inflammation relief
• They do not have psychoactive effects

Cons

• Topicals are not for people looking to get high. Their effects aren’t as strong as those of other products
• They have limited use, mainly external

 

Factors To Consider When Choosing How To Consume Marijuana

If you are not sure which method of marijuana consumption is best for you, here are some factors to consider.

 

Personal Preferences

Your individual preferences and lifestyle will greatly influence how you choose to consume cannabis.

Some users prefer smoking it for its quick effects. Some others may prefer edibles for their ease of use, availability, and medicinal reasons.

Cannabis vapes may appeal to those who want a more discreet option. Some people seeking pain relief without the high might love topicals. Your daily routine, health concerns, and personal taste all play a role in deciding the best method for you.

 

Medical Conditions

Medical reasons and preferences can also significantly affect a patient’s cannabis consumption choices. For example, people with respiratory issues might wish to avoid smoking and can opt for edibles or tinctures.

Patients needing precise dosages might prefer tinctures for better control. For localized pain, topicals are ideal, since they don’t cause a high. Individual preferences also matter—some may dislike the taste of edibles or the act of smoking. Thus, medical needs combined with personal preferences can also guide you in selecting the best consumption method.

 

Legal Considerations

In the USA, marijuana laws vary by state. Some states, like California and Colorado, allow all methods, including smoking, edibles, and vaping, for both medical and recreational use. Other states only permit medical marijuana and restrict certain methods.

In contrast, states like Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, and Wyoming have completely banned all forms of marijuana. You should always first check your local laws regarding cannabis to understand what’s legal.

 

Additional Tips

• Start slow: Always start with a low dose. Cannabis products vary in potency so pay attention to the THC percentages and milligrams. Understand that over-consumption can cause anxiety, confusion, and even behavioral changes.
• Stay informed: Read up on the latest research regarding cannabis to keep yourself up-to-date about new products, long-term health effects, etc.

Experiment responsibly and if needed, talk to your healthcare professional.

 

Best Ways To Consume Cannabis: Final Thoughts

These days, we have a diverse array of cannabis consumption methods at our disposal, each with its own unique advantages and considerations.

From traditional smoking to modern vaping, from discreet edibles to targeted topicals, there’s a consumption method to suit almost every preference and need.

When choosing the best way to consume marijuana, it’s crucial to consider factors such as personal preferences, medical conditions, legal restrictions, and individual tolerance levels.

What works best for one person may not be ideal for another, highlighting the importance of experimentation and self-awareness in finding the most suitable method.

Ultimately, the “best” way to consume marijuana is the method that aligns with your goals, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, while prioritizing your health and safety.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, new and innovative consumption methods may emerge, offering even more options for us in the future. I can’t wait!