Different Cannabis Consumption Methods Explained
If you’re new to cannabis, choosing a product can feel overwhelming. Flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures—there are more ways to consume cannabis than ever before.
The good news is that each cannabis consumption method offers a different experience, onset time, and duration. Understanding the basics can make it easier to find a product that fits your preferences.
Whether you’re visiting a cannabis dispensary in Port Angeles or shopping at a cannabis store in Longview, here’s what you should know about some of the most common cannabis consumption methods.
Smoking Cannabis
Smoking is one of the most traditional ways to consume cannabis. Cannabis flower can be smoked using a pipe, bong, or rolled into a joint or pre-roll.
How Smoking Works
When cannabis is smoked, cannabinoids such as THC are inhaled into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. Because cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the lungs, effects are generally felt relatively quickly.
Benefits of Smoking
- Fast onset
- Easy to adjust consumption
- Large variety of flower strains
- Available as loose flower or pre-rolls
Things to Consider
Smoking involves combustion, which can produce smoke and irritate the lungs. Some consumers prefer other cannabis consumption methods because they don’t want to inhale smoke.
Vaping Cannabis
Vaping cannabis typically involves heating cannabis oil or other cannabis material to create an aerosol that is inhaled instead of burning the plant material.
Vape cartridges and disposable vape pens are popular options because they are compact and convenient.
Benefits of Vaping
- Fast onset
- Portable and convenient
- No need to grind or roll flower
- Available in a wide variety of cannabinoid and terpene profiles
What to Look For in Vape Products
When shopping for cannabis vape products, pay attention to the type of extract, THC concentration, cannabinoid profile, and terpene information.
If you’re shopping at The Link in Port Angeles or Longview, our knowledgeable team can help explain the differences between vape products and other cannabis consumption methods.
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-infused foods and beverages that are consumed rather than inhaled. They are available in many different formats and flavors.
Common Types of Cannabis Edibles
- Gummies
- Chocolates
- Baked goods
- Mints
- Cannabis-infused beverages
How Long Do Edibles Take to Work?
Unlike smoking or vaping, edible cannabis products need to pass through the digestive system before their effects are felt. As a result, edibles can take considerably longer to produce noticeable effects.
Because of the delayed onset, it’s important to start low and go slow. Avoid taking additional servings simply because you don’t feel the effects right away.
How Long Do Edibles Last?
Edibles generally produce effects that last longer than inhaled cannabis. The experience can vary depending on factors such as the product, serving size, individual metabolism, tolerance, and whether you’ve recently eaten.
Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures are liquid cannabis products that are typically taken by mouth. Depending on the product and its directions, a tincture may be placed under the tongue or swallowed.
Why Choose a Cannabis Tincture?
Tinctures can be appealing to consumers who want a measured serving and an alternative to smoking or vaping.
- Measured servings
- Flexible dosing
- No smoking or vaping
- Discreet consumption
Some tinctures contain THC, while others contain CBD or a combination of cannabinoids.
Smoking vs. Vaping vs. Edibles vs. Tinctures
Each cannabis consumption method has its own characteristics. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Consumption Method | Typical Onset | Typical Duration | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | Fast | Shorter | Moderate |
| Vaping | Fast | Shorter | High |
| Edibles | Slower | Longer | High |
| Tinctures | Varies | Varies | High |
Keep in mind that individual experiences can vary. Factors such as metabolism, tolerance, product potency, serving size, and whether you’ve recently eaten can affect how cannabis feels.
Which Cannabis Consumption Method Is Best for Beginners?
There isn’t one cannabis consumption method that’s right for everyone. The best option depends on your experience level, preferences, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If You Want a Faster Onset
Smoking and vaping generally produce effects more quickly than edible products.
If You Prefer Not to Inhale Cannabis
Edibles and tinctures provide alternatives to smoking or vaping.
If You Want a Convenient Option
Edibles, tinctures, and vape products can be convenient options when used responsibly and in locations where cannabis consumption is permitted.
If You Want Measured Servings
Products such as labeled edibles and tinctures can make it easier to keep track of how much cannabis you’re consuming.
Start Low and Go Slow
One of the most important principles for new cannabis consumers is to start with a small amount and give the product enough time to take effect before consuming more.
This is especially important with edibles because their effects can take longer to appear than those from inhaled cannabis.
Never drive or operate machinery after consuming cannabis. Always consume responsibly and follow Washington State laws regarding cannabis possession and consumption.
Finding the Right Cannabis Product at The Link
Understanding the different ways to consume cannabis is the first step toward finding products that fit your preferences.
Whether you’re looking for flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, or CBD products, The Link serves cannabis consumers in Port Angeles and Longview, Washington.
Our knowledgeable team can help you understand the differences between products, potency levels, cannabinoids, and consumption methods so you can make an informed choice.
Visit The Link in Port Angeles or Longview and explore the different ways cannabis can fit into your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Consumption
What is the most common way to consume cannabis?
Smoking cannabis flower is one of the traditional consumption methods, while products such as vape cartridges, edibles, and tinctures have also become popular options.
What is the difference between smoking and vaping cannabis?
Smoking involves burning cannabis flower and inhaling the resulting smoke. Vaping generally heats cannabis material or oil to create an aerosol instead of combusting the material.
Are cannabis edibles different from smoking cannabis?
Yes. Edibles are processed through the digestive system, so their effects typically take longer to appear and can last longer than the effects of inhaled cannabis.
Are tinctures different from edibles?
Both are consumed orally, but tinctures are liquid cannabis products that may be taken under the tongue or swallowed depending on the product instructions. Edibles include cannabis-infused foods and beverages.
What cannabis consumption method is best for beginners?
There isn’t a single best method for everyone. Beginners should consider their preferences, experience level, desired onset, and whether they want to inhale cannabis. Starting with a low amount and waiting to understand the effects is an important part of responsible consumption.
Visit The Link in Port Angeles & Longview
Have questions about cannabis consumption methods? Stop by The Link in Port Angeles or Longview and talk with our knowledgeable team about the different products available.
We’re here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about cannabis.
