You may think the only way to partake in cannabis is to smoke it, but there are so many other ways to consume it.
Consuming cannabis doesn’t have to be plain jane (see what we did there). This cannabis 101 guide will show you all the different ways to consume cannabis so you can decide on the way that’s right for you.
Smoking
The most basic way to consume cannabis as the song goes is to “roll it up, light it up, smoke it up, inhale, exhale”. Rolling up a pre-roll is preferred among cannabis users because it takes the least amount of time and money and has been the “standard” for years.
You can also buy a pipe or bong to smoke it in, but did you know you could DIY your own pipes or bongs? If you are feeling extra creative, here are some examples of things you can use to smoke cannabis:
- Apple
- Starburst
- Strawberry
- Pumpkin
- Pear
- Avocado
- Watermelon
- Chocolate Easter bunny
- Life Savers
The list can definitely go on indefinitely. As you can see, you can handmake a pipe out of many fruits and vegetables; while these are mainly one-time use pipes, they can provide an additional pleasant flavor and smell when you smoke cannabis.
If it can conceivably be rigged to be a pipe or bong, then you can most likely smoke out of it. So feel free to experiment with the various items you have in your house! Just practice caution when doing so.
Vaping
Vaping is similar to smoking but is less harsh on your throat. You also inhale, but instead of smoke, it’s a vapor.
If you just can’t get the hang of smoking cannabis, then you can try vaping as an alternative. Do note that you’d have to pick up a battery (like an e-cigarette). They range in price and come with a variety of features, so go to the dispensary with an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.
Dabbing
Dabbing is similar to vaping but involves higher concentrations of THC extracts.
To dab, you’d take something like a crumble and heat it up on a glass or metal nail with a butane torch. Then, you’d smoke the resulting vapor.
Because you’re dealing with high concentrations of THC, this is one of the most potent ways to ingest cannabis. For this reason, it’s not recommended for beginners.
Edibles
If you’re not a fan of lighting up and inhaling, then you can try edibles. As you’d expect, there are several ways you can get cannabis into your stomach. Do note that edibles take longer to take effect. However, they last longer as well.
Here are some of the most common types of edibles.
Baked Goods
Baking is a very pleasant way of consuming cannabis. You get to have a tasty treat that results in some nice effects afterward. While THC cookies, brownies, and other edible treats do have a slight taste of cannabis, it’s usually not strong enough to detract from how delicious the edibles are.
If you’re planning on baking your own edibles, you have to do so skillfully. If you bake the treats for too long or at too high a heat, then you risk destroying the terpenes.
If you have a subpar oven or don’t trust your baking skills, it’s best to purchase edibles from a reputable dispensary instead. Or if you want to eliminate the hard step of making THC butter but still make your own edibles, you can order the butter from a dispensary and use that to bake with.
Gummy Bears
Do you love the taste of gummies or other small treats? Then this might be an excellent choice for consuming cannabis without getting too much of a high.
They’re very discreet and you can just slip them into your purse or bag when you’re on the go. There’s also no prep work, so all you have to do is just buy and eat them.
Capsules
Looking for a quick way to get a dosage of THC? Then try capsules.
These pills have a premeasured dose of cannabis oil, which you can swallow with water or add into your food or drink. Like the other edibles on this list, it can take a while to take effect. However, you’ll get to ingest it quickly and discreetly!
Meals
Remember the THC butter we mentioned above? Not only can you make baked goods with it, but you can also sprinkle your meals with this butter too.
For any recipe that calls for oil or butter, you can substitute it with cannabutter. This leaves you free to experiment with all sorts of food made with this special butter!
Tinctures
Tinctures are where cannabis is made into an oil and put into a slim glass with a dropper. To take it, you’d put a few drops underneath your tongue, hold it for 30 seconds, then swallow.
Considering it may be hard to gauge your THC dosage through edibles, tinctures allow you better control, as well as quicker effects. This is also a discreet method, which means you can take it with you and ingest as needed while you’re on the go.
Use This Cannabis 101 Guide for a Better Time
With this Cannabis 101 Guide, you should have a better picture of how to smoke and consume cannabis.
So feel free to experiment to figure out which you like best. By trying these methods out, you’ll be able to figure out your tolerance and the best way to consume cannabis in various situations.
Ready to check out some strains in person? Then stop by Inyo today.
