There are currently ten states in which cannabis consumption is completely legal.
If you’re lucky enough to be living in one of them then you’re probably curious about how to take cannabis.
There are a few different routes of administration which people commonly use for bud and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
If you’re trying to figure out what you need to pick up when you hit the dispensary, you’re in the right place. Read on and we’ll go over the three main methods of using cannabis.
The Old Standby of Smoking
Smoking cannabis is still the most popular method of consumption for most people. It’s simple and the effects can be felt within seconds.
Smoking cannabis is usually done with a pipe or bong. Modern strains have too much THC for most casual cannabis connoisseur to smoke a joint to themselves.
Since all you really need is a lighter and a relatively minimal amount of cheap stuff to smoke it’s the route most people opt for.
The biggest disadvantage is… well, you’re still smoking. Cannabis is a benign compound for the most part but any burning organic matter releases tar and carcinogens.
The studies are mixed on whether or not this causes respiratory problems but it’s safe to say that inhaling smoke in any quantity isn’t the healthiest way to go about things.
The New Hotness of Vaping
Vaping took the world of nicotine administration by storm, and cannabis soon followed.
There are a wide variety of different devices for vaporizing cannabis out there. These range from big builds similar to those used for nicotine e-juice to smaller, cigarette-sized models which use proprietary cartridges.
The biggest disadvantage is the upfront cost. Fortunately, there are sites like vapororigin.com which let you get a deep discount on shop prices, although it’ll still run you more than a Bic and a cheap pipe.
Vaping is easier on the lungs than smoking but it can take some time for people to get used to the vapor and coughing will result when you first start.
Oral Cannabis Consumption
Eating cannabis is undoubtedly the safest way to take it in the long term. There are no foreign particles being inhaled.
There are two big problems with them, however, although they can be avoided if you’re purchasing edibles from a dispensary.
Oral cannabis can take a long time to kick in.
More than one stoner has eaten a cookie, waited fifteen minutes, and then gone for more. An accidental marijuana overdose isn’t going to do any lasting damage but it can be extremely uncomfortable.
If it’s your first time with edibles, be careful and remember that you can ride out any negative symptoms with no medical risk.
There’s also the risk of not preparing it properly and achieving no effect for those who prepare them at home and don’t understand the decarboxylation process. THC needs to go through a minor chemical change before it becomes psychoactive when taken orally.
Fortunately, in states where cannabis has been legalized, you can buy properly measured and prepared edibles from any dispensary. The regulation and measurements have opened up a whole new world of edibles for those who prefer to keep their lungs pristine.
Ready to Learn More?
Cannabis consumption is a fascinating subject for those who partake. The endless debates which surround the process say as much about the stoner subculture as it does about cannabis itself.
Fortunately, there’s a few different ways to take it. If one doesn’t suit you, then you may want to try another before giving up entirely.
If you’re looking to learn more about bud, you’re in the right place. Go hit our legal cannabis section for more advice and tidbits.