The effects experienced when consuming cannabis will always vary by individual and may be based on many personal factors, including genetics, physical health, mental health history, age, personality traits and sex.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Inhalation of cannabis usually produces effects quickly.
- Ingestion takes longer to produce effects, but the effects can be stronger and last longer.
- Choosing to consume small amounts of cannabis can reduce the risk of harmful or unpleasant effects.
The effects experienced when consuming cannabis will always vary by individual. Effects may also depend on many personal factors, including genetics, physical health, mental health history, age, personality traits and sex. Your body’s response is based on a combination of those factors and the products you choose, the cannabinoid content in the product, and the method of consumption you choose.
Read on to learn about how each method can impact your experience. Use our chart below to compare the differences between methods.
Inhalation
This method involves the combustion (burning) or vaporization of ground dried cannabis flowers. Combustion could involve rolling the dried flower in paper and lighting it with a flame or putting it in a pipe, or water pipe (sometimes called a “bong”), which cools the smoke before it is inhaled. Another way to inhale cannabis is to put it in a vaporizer or “vape.” This electronic device heats the cannabis to an ideal temperature for releasing its active compounds in a vapour, which is then inhaled.
Inhalation delivers the active compounds in cannabis to your body via the lungs. From there, it quickly enters the bloodstream so that an effect will be felt rapidly—one inhalation may be all it takes to feel the effects. You should wait five to 15 minutes after a single inhalation to best gauge your response.
If you’re new to inhaling cannabis, it’s wise to begin with, one inhalation and consider that the more you inhale, the stronger the effects will be. Additionally, while you might feel effects immediately, they may not peak as quickly, meaning that you might not be experiencing the effects in full yet.
It’s also important to understand that inhaling cannabis may come with risks to lung health (as well as other potential adverse effects associated with cannabis use) and should not be done around children.
Ingestion
This method involves eating or drinking cannabis via oral tinctures, capsules, oils or edible products.
When you ingest cannabis, the active compounds enter the body through your digestive system. The bloodstream carries them to your central nervous system and your brain. Because more time is required for the cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream through this method of consumption, the effect takes longer to occur than it does through inhalation. This can lead to the consumption of more cannabis than intended if you are not patient and adequately wait to feel the onset of the effects. The effects of ingestion can also last longer than those experienced from inhalation.
If you’re new to ingesting cannabis, consider sampling a tiny amount and wait at least an hour to determine your body’s response.
Topical Application
Topical cannabis products are used mostly for medical purposes and generally contain a higher CBD to THC content; therefore, they are rarely psychoactive. Even so, it’s wise to apply a small amount on your skin to start.
Other Consumption Methods
There are a variety of other ways to consume cannabis. Currently, Ashario.ca does not sell items in these categories.
Juicing: Fresh cannabis flowers can be used to make juice. The plant’s cannabinoids, vitamins and minerals are still ingested through this method; however, because the cannabis has not been heated in making the juice, the compounds will not be activated or produce any intoxicating effect.
Nasal spray: Similar to sinus medication, this method delivers a standardized dose of THC or CBD directly to the bloodstream.
Tinctures and lozenges: More research into these methods is required, but this method typically produces an effect within 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Suppositories: These may be used medically for specific conditions. More research is required.
Shatter and “dabs”: These terms refer to the concentrated cannabis oil that delivers very high doses of THC through inhalation. The risks of this method include toxic psychosis, orthostatic hypotension and acute impairment.
Important Notice: Content on this website is intended strictly for informational purposes. Ashario does not promote any product or represent that the products mentioned on Ashario's website are treatments for any kind of medical condition. Ashario cannot guarantee that information provided is error-free or complete and is not responsible for the quality of the information provided by users. Ashario does not endorse any user-reported information, any particular strain, product, producer, organization, treatment, or therapy.
Important Notice: Content on this website is intended strictly for informational purposes. Ashario does not promote any product or represent that the products mentioned on Ashario's website are treatments for any kind of medical condition. Ashario cannot guarantee that information provided is error-free or complete and is not responsible for the quality of the information provided by users. Ashario does not endorse any user-reported information, any particular strain, product, producer, organization, treatment, or therapy.
