Ways To Consume THC: Which Method Fits You Best – 1906

With so many different ways to consume cannabis these days, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you go for a spirit-type drink, a pill to give you a boost, or a gummy to manage pain? Or, would you prefer to stick with smoking, but want to explore the different inhalation methods?

Either way, we've got you covered! Read on to discover the myriad ways to enjoy cannabis, plus a guide to help you pick the one that fits your needs best.

9 Alternatives to Smoking Cannabis

Smoking is a personal preference that not everyone enjoys. Many want to avoid it for health reasons, particularly because of the long-term impact on their lungs and respiratory system.

The good news is that smoking is easily avoided with these alternative methods.

1. Vaping and vaporizing

By using a vape pen or vaporizer, you're still inhaling, but the big difference is that there's no smoke.

Instead, the cannabis flower or oil is heated, but at a much lower temperature compared to burning. As such, vaporizing cannabis is much easier on the lungs compared to inhaling harsh smoke.

2. Cannabis edibles

Out of all the ways to consume cannabis, this is probably one of the most popular.

Gummies, baked goods, chocolate, candy, and other edibles are delicious, and the effects are stronger and last much longer than smoking. Just be aware that the effects take a while to kick in, usually 1-2 hours, and it's very easy to overdo it.

If you're inexperienced, choose a low-dose edible that also contains CBD, as it can smooth out THC's effects.

3. Pills and capsules

Consuming cannabis in pill form is not only highly convenient, but it also allows for precise and consistent dosing. Therefore, it's an ideal option for those who take THC purely for medicinal purposes.

Moreover, many pills and capsules contain additional plant-based nootropics to reduce pain and anxiety or to stimulate a certain mood. For example, our Chill THC drops contain Magnolia and L-theanine for enhanced relaxation and stress relief.

4. Cannabis topicals

Cannabis-infused topicals are designed to be used directly on your skin and offer relief from localized pain and muscle aches.

Available as a serum, balm, cream, salve, or lotion, some products also contain essential oil blends to enhance the effect. Since topicals are not ingested and don't enter the bloodstream, they do not produce a psychoactive effect.

5. Transdermal patches

Transdermal patches look a little like Band-Aids and are generally applied to the upper arm.

Typically containing cannabis oil, they release a controlled amount of cannabinoids into the bloodstream for a consistent, long-lasting effect.

Because the dose is steady, patches are often used to help manage inflammation or chronic pain.

6. Cannabis infused drinks

Drinks are considered an edible cannabis consumption method. However, we have given them their own category because the effects are not the same as eating edibles.

THC drinks are nano-emulsified, which gives a faster onset. The high you get is also smoother and gentler, so drinks are a good option for beginners, social events, and microdosing.

7. Powdered THC

Powdered cannabis is easily dissolved in water, so you can add it to drinks like coffee or tea. Alternatively, it can be added to food, much like a supplement.

The onset of powder is super fast. For instance, the effects of our Off Duty powder take as little as 20 minutes to kick in.

Typically sold in small sachets, this method offers precise dosing and is another good way to microdose THC.

8. Cannabis flower tinctures

Tinctures are created by soaking the dried flower in alcohol. The process extracts the compounds to produce a cannabis concentrate.

Simply pop a few drops under the tongue, and it will deliver the cannabis straight to the bloodstream for a quick onset. Many individuals like to make their own tinctures, but you can also purchase ready-made versions.

9. Dabbing

Dabbing offers a similar method of cannabis consumption to vaporizing. You use something called a dab rig, which heats cannabis concentrates, like wax. The product vaporizes and is inhaled via a glass pipe.

Dabbing provides an immediate, intense cannabis experience and a strong flavor. Because of its intensity, it's only recommended for experienced users.

Smoking Marijuana: 3 Ways to Do It

Even though there are many forms of cannabis consumption available, smoking it remains the most popular way to enjoy it.

1. Joints

Whether you call it a joint or a blunt, this is the classic method for smoking cannabis. Dried cannabis plant matter or resin is rolled with tobacco and wrapped in rolling paper. It is then lit and inhaled.

The effects are fast-acting, but wear off quickly. Generally, the high lasts a maximum of three hours.

2. Pipes and bowls

Pipes and bowls are convenient methods compared to rolling joints. Fill the bowl piece with your cannabis product, light it, and smoke via the pipe piece.

The smoke is harsher, though, because there's less filtration. However, the hit is quite intense.

3. Bubblers and bongs

Bongs feature a water pipe, which exists to filter and cool the smoke. The result is a smoother inhalation that feels less heavy on the lungs.

Bongs are pretty bulky, so it's not a discreet consumption method. They're best for using cannabis at home or during private parties.

How to Pick the Best Cannabis Consumption Method

If you're still unsure which way to consume cannabis will be best for you, consider the following:

Medicinal reasons: If your cannabis use is medicinal, pick a method that offers a consistent and precise dose. Pills and patches are good options here.
Recreational: Alternatively, if you use marijuana purely for recreational use, smoking, edibles, and drinks are often preferred.
Health issues: Those who suffer from lung disease and other respiratory issues should avoid all combustion and inhalation methods of cannabis consumption.
Lifestyle: Busy people should choose a discreet and easy method, like pills, gummies, or tinctures.
Psychoactive effects: If you want to use cannabis without feeling too high, go for topicals, patches, or low-dose drinks. If you plan to get as high as possible, read the next section!

How to Consume Cannabis for the Strongest Psychoactive Effects

Okay, so you're looking to get the most intense high! Dabbing, using wax or shatter, is widely considered the best way to feel the strongest effects.

Edibles will also give you an intense hit. And because the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, the effects will also last a long time, often up to eight hours.

However, the high you get from any method is determined by the concentration of cannabis. Choose high-concentration delta-9 products, like shatter, oil, wax, and rosin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most efficient way to consume cannabis?

The most efficient way to consume cannabis is by vaping or dabbing it. These methods provide a rapid onset, a potent hit, and don't waste any product.