Is there a best way to consume cannabis? The pros and cons of each method

How should you consume cannabis? Some ways, like smoking, vaporizing, and eating edibles, have proven to be preferable than others, but no one method is necessarily the best.

Preferences aside, for medical marijuana patients, different conditions may require different consumption methods. For example, skin problems are likely to need topicals and salves, whereas conditions like Parkinson’s or Crohn’s may need the more immediate relief of vaporizers or inhalers. Some consumers require multiple methods for the relief of different symptoms.

Each method affects users differently. Some produce longer-lasting effects, while some are more potent. Overall, there are distinct pros and cons to each cannabis consumption method, and knowing what those pros and cons are can help you choose the best product for your needs.

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Smoking marijuana – rolling papers, pipes, bongs, chillums

Smoking cannabis is perhaps the oldest method of consuming the plant. It’s the “tried and tested” method most associated with the cannabis enthusiasts of recent decades. However, due to potential health problems, smoking cannabis is fast becoming less popular.

There are several different ways to smoke cannabis. It can be rolled in paper (joints) or smoked in a variety of pipes, ranging from small, pocket-friendly chillums to towering bongs. The potency of your high can be very dependent on the size of your smoking apparatus, as large bongs, for example, produce far more smoke per draw.

Pros of smoking marijuana

Here are some reasons you might enjoy this cannabis consumption method:

• Quick and immediate effects are very useful for those needing fast relief from symptoms
• Does not require huge technical know-how to use properly
• Many people enjoy the taste of smoking cannabis, appreciating cannabis’ flavonoids and terpenoids
• Quite simple to dose, even if the dosage amount is not precise
• Effects last around 2-3 hours, which is ideal for remaining functional each day

Cons of smoking marijuana

Although some argue that cannabis smoke is not the same as tobacco smoke, this doesn’t mean cannabis smoke is not potentially harmful to the mouth, throat, and lungs. Breathing in smoke of any kind is not the ideal method of consumption, especially for medical patients. In addition, the cons of smoking marijuana include:

• Not suitable for minors
• Not one of the healthiest ways to enjoy cannabis in general
• Some beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes are lost in the combustion process – not the most efficient consumption method
• Cannot measure dosage with precision
• Effects may not be long-lasting enough
• Perhaps the smelliest way of ingesting cannabis – keeping it discreet can be difficult
• The immunocompromised and those with breathing issues should be particularly careful with smoking cannabis
• May lead to respiratory problems like chronic cough, excess phlegm production, wheezing, and acute bronchitis as a result of injury to the lungs
• Rolling papers can contain damaging compounds of their own. Some brands are better than others, but even the best add more burning matter. Blunt wraps are usually made from tobacco, which is addictive and harmful to health.

Are pipes, bongs, and chillums a better method for smoking cannabis compared to blunts and joints?

Pipes and similar devices can prevent the need for extra burning matter in the form of rolling papers, but otherwise there is no major difference between smoking methods. Ice and water bongs may help cool down the smoke for a more pleasant experience, but smoke is still smoke. Pipes and bongs also require fewer hits, but they can still produce larger volumes of smoke, and cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and lungs.

Vaporizing

Vaping has become the preferred way for many to consume cannabis, with the perception that it’s the healthier alternative to smoking. This is not always the case, however, with the number of bad-quality vaporizers, and products containing additives like vitamin E oil. Moreover, in the non-regulated hemp oil market, disposable vaporizers have been found to contain synthetic cannabinoids.

Generally, cannabis vapes sold at licensed dispensaries are far more trustworthy, as they’re less likely to contain harmful additives or cheap materials. Licensed dispensaries may carry a number of exceptionally well-made vapes that are worth trying.

Pros of vaporizing cannabis

• Immediate effect
• No smoke – vaporization heats the cannabis in a partial vacuum, turning the cannabinoids and terpenes into a breathable vapor
• Dosage is easy to control, although precise dosages are still difficult to determine
• Quite an efficient way of using cannabis, as a little cannabis is needed to get the desired effect
• More discreet than smoking (i.e., less of an odor)

Cons of vaporizing cannabis

• High-quality vaporizers can be quite expensive
• Bad-quality vaporizers can be extremely dangerous – you do not want to breathe in harmful chemical additives, burning metals, or plastic
• For disposable vaporizers, some manufacturers suspend their cannabinoids in an e-liquid solution. Not all such solutions are necessarily safe and, if improperly heated or if ingredients like vitamin E acetate oil are used, may be carcinogenic and/or cause severe lung damage.
• Consistent dosing is difficult because you cannot easily measure the intake of a specific amount of cannabinoids
• There is less smell with vaporizing compared to smoking, but there is still some
• Some ready-made vape products have been found to contain synthetic cannabinoids, which could be more dangerous than plant-based cannabinoids
• Long-term effects are difficult to determine, as there are few studies on long-term use due to vaping being a newer technology

Consuming cannabis with dab rigs

Dab rigs are like bongs, except they are designed for the consumption of cannabis extracts (e.g. rosin, shatter, wax, etc.). Dab rigs are usually smaller in size and more mechanically complex than bongs.

Vaporizing concentrates, known as “dabbing,” is more different from smoking than one may think. Concentrates are thick substances that require higher temperatures to vaporize, and most are heated using a torch, although electronic devices do exist.

The most important thing to know about dabbing is that it offers an incredibly high potency level, so it’s best saved for experienced users with a high tolerance to THC.

Pros of dab rigs

• Ingestion of a large number of cannabinoids in a short amount of time can be useful for extreme pain or nausea
• Clean, prominent taste
• Less burning plant matter compared to using flower
• Almost instantaneous effects

Cons of dab rigs

• Using such a large amount of cannabis concentrate in such a short time can prove overwhelming
• Concentrates need to be clean and free of solvents, and not all of them are due to the methods used to produce them
• Dab rigs can be hard to travel with due to their shape and size
• Using such a high amount of cannabinoids may not be necessary for therapeutic effects. And, it may increase the likelihood of suffering from negative side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, extreme sleepiness (when not desirable), cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), and even blackouts.

Consuming cannabis edibles

For many years, health-conscious cannabis fans have chosen to eat their marijuana rather than smoke it. Historically, edibles have been sugary-sweet treats, masking the earthy taste of cannabis. Now, with more advanced extraction techniques, edibles generally taste better, and don’t need as much sweetness added to them.

Edibles are known for being considerably stronger and more psychoactive than smoking or vaping cannabis. This is because cannabis is digested and processed by the liver, converting THC into a more potent metabolite, 11-Hydroxy-THC.

Pros of marijuana edibles

• Versatile – you can make your own cannabis oil or butter and use it to produce homemade edibles
• Strong, long-lasting effects can be ideal for insomnia or chronic pain
• Much more discreet compared to vaporizing or smoking
• You don’t need to inhale burning carbon from the combustion of plant matter, keeping your lungs healthy
• A little can go a long way in terms of therapeutic effects
• A number of edibles are made for microdosing
• This can be both a pro and con, but high doses of edibles can last 12 hours or longer — sometimes even over 24 hours! This depends very much on a person’s metabolism.

Cons of marijuana edibles

• Effects usually take a long time to kick in — one to two hours. This is not ideal for those who need immediate relief.
• Easy to take too much and suffer an unpleasant experience
• Dosages in the product are uneven and unpredictable – ensuring that a product has an even spread of cannabinoids throughout the product is extremely difficult
• Many edibles on the market do not contain the cannabinoid concentration stated on the packet, sometimes going below the stated value but often way above the stated value
• Many users must “build up” their tolerance to cannabinoids before eating them
• Too much can cause extreme anxiety and panic, leading to high blood pressure and heart problems
• While general THC use is not advised for those with a history of psychosis, the high potency of edibles could potentially increase the risk of psychotic episodes

Consuming cannabis tinctures

Tinctures, aka cannabis oils, are diluted cannabis extracts that come in dropper bottles. While they’re versatile products, they’re usually administered sublingually – that is, below the tongue. Alternatively, they can be applied topically or added to dishes or drinks.

Tinctures come in various strengths, bottle sizes, and even flavors. The ideal formula is a high-quality, lab-tested tincture, where MCT, hempseed, or olive oil is the main carrier oil.

Pros of tinctures

• Effect duration is similar to edibles (six to eight hours) but with far more dosage control, and a shorter onset time (usually between 15 and 30 mins rather than one to two hours)
• Versatile — can be used as-is, in food or beverages, or even as a topical
• Suitable ingestion method for people of all ages
• Discreet
• Widely available, with a range of cannabinoid ratios to choose from
• Perhaps one of the most efficient ways to consume cannabis due to the permeability of the sublingual tissue
• Can contain a very wide range of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in cannabis
• A variety of strengths to choose from (according to milligram)

Cons of tinctures

• As with edible cannabis, the effects can be overwhelming, especially if the tincture has a high amount of THC
• Again, as with edible products, the label is not always accurate. Tinctures do not always contain the cannabinoids that are stated on the label.
• Badly-made tinctures may contain harmful chemicals, cutting agents, pathogens, and synthetic cannabinoids

Full-spectrum oil concentrate, aka Rick Simpson oil (RSO)

RSO is a concentrated form of cannabis oil where the cannabinoids and terpenes of a cannabis plant are “stripped” using a solvent (such as isopropyl alcohol, butane, or ethanol). The solvent is then evaporated from the mixture, leaving behind a thick, brownish-black oil. It’s usually ingested, and comes in syringe form.

Pros of RSO

• Versatile – can be used both internally and externally
• High doses of cannabinoids and terpenoids may be particularly useful for conditions like chronic pain and some types of cancer

Cons of RSO

• Effects can be overwhelming
• Not necessarily suitable for all types of cancer, and there is no particular evidence suggesting that extremely high doses of cannabinoids are needed. Indeed, many may benefit more from a precise dosage.

Consuming cannabis with inhalers

Smoking and vaporizing cannabis can offer valuable relief, but they may not be as medically sound. Inhalers, meanwhile, provide a similarly immediate effect, and can be useful for people with asthma, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, or sudden panic attacks, but without the need for smoke or vapor.

Pros of inhalers

• Consistent dosage can be achieved
• Immediate effect without the need for smoke or vapor – basically, an ideal method for those with asthma or other breathing disorders

Cons of inhalers

• Effect duration may be too short-lasting for some people
• Bioavailability (how efficiently the active ingredients absorb into the body) can depend upon the patient’s inhaler technique and the size of cannabinoid particles

Cannabis balms, salves & topicals

Topicals are very popular these days, offering potential relief without causing psychoactive effects. Cannabinoids can be applied externally to the affected area, and for conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, direct application to the skin is necessary. They may also provide relief from localized pain and inflammation.

Pros of cannabis topicals

• No psychoactive effect
• Useful for soothing inflamed skin and muscles
• As topicals and salves can be applied directly to a particular area, they can potentially be used for localized nerve pain as well as arthritis
• Compounds like CBG and pinene can be useful for bacterial skin infections

Cons of cannabis topicals

• Some people may suffer from contact dermatitis with cannabis products

Cannabis suppositories

Suppositories may be used when other methods fail, or when trying to get cannabinoids directly into the colon or stomach.

Pros of cannabis suppositories

• High bioavailability – is easily absorbed into the bloodstream
• For those with gut issues or diseases affecting the stomach, bowels, or other parts of the digestive system (e.g. IBS, IBD), suppositories may provide targeted relief
• Little-to-no psychoactive effect, which could make suppositories useful when high doses of cannabinoids are needed

Cons of cannabis suppositories

• Very invasive – most people do not enjoy applying a suppository, let alone walking around with one
• Highly uncomfortable and low absorption rate after rectal or anal surgery (although cannabinoids could potentially be very useful for battling inflammation after such surgeries as well)
• Can make using the restroom a bit more difficult and awkward

Cannabis transdermal patches

A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is applied to the skin. As transdermal patches penetrate through the three general layers of skin (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue), they deliver a specific dose of medication into the bloodstream, which can have psychoactive effects.

Pros of cannabis transdermal patches

• Can release a sustained amount of cannabinoids over a period of time
• High rate of absorption into the bloodstream
• Can provide long-lasting relief from chronic pain, arthritis, muscle spasms, nausea & vomiting, and nerve pain
• Can provide localized pain relief
• Discreet

Cons of cannabis transdermal patches

• Not necessarily conducive to everyday life – bathing, exercising, and cooking can be more difficult, as water and sweat can reduce the efficacy of transdermal patches
• Can sometimes take a long time to take effect
• Little is known about the long-term effects of using cannabinoid-infused transdermal patches, as it’s a new product type

Marijuana tablets and pills

Most medications involve the use of pills and tablets. This method of consumption feels familiar, and that’s a big reason why it’s a popular choice among medical marijuana patients.

Pros of marijuana pills

• Tablets/pills are familiar and are preferred by many patients
• Slow-release formulas are available
• Precise dosages
• Can be formulated to protect from digestive enzymes, acids, etc.
• Easy to use

Cons of marijuana pills

• Most medications have a very slow absorption rate with low bioavailability
• Pills and tablets have an unpredictable absorption rate due to degradation by the stomach’s acids and digestive enzymes
• Not suitable for those who are vomiting profusely
• If someone is already taking a lot of pills, adding another one can contribute to “pill fatigue,” which can reduce motivation to take medication

Key takeaway: Each consumption method has something to offer

So, is there a “best” way to consume cannabis? Not necessarily, as different conditions require different consumption methods. Generally, tinctures seem to be the most well-tolerated, versatile, and user-friendly option among medical cannabis patients, but other methods may be needed as an adjunct to allow for immediate, long-lasting, or localized effects.

One of our healthcare providers can help you determine the best cannabis consumption method for you. Contact Leafwell today and apply for your medical marijuana card.

Frequently asked questions

What is the healthiest way to smoke weed?

While it’s never “healthy” to smoke anything, using a high-quality vaporizer for cannabis flower may be ideal. Rather than combusting plant material, vaporizers turn cannabis flowers into vapor, which may be easier on the respiratory tract.

Are cannabis edibles healthier than flower?

“Healthy” is a subjective term. After all, while edibles don’t cause you to inhale smoke, they can be dangerous to someone who’s allergic to an ingredient in a marijuana gummy. Moreover, the psychoactive effects of eating cannabis are more potent compared to inhalation.

Still, cannabis edibles are one of the healthiest ways to consume cannabis in terms of their impact on the respiratory tract. If you’re prone to respiratory problems like asthma or breathing issues, edible cannabis products may be the best choice for you.

What are the different ways cannabis is consumed?

In general, cannabis can be consumed via ingestion, inhalation, sublingual absorption, or topical absorption. Medical cannabis patients should speak with a licensed physician to figure out which method is best for them.

Resources

• Cannabis and Lung Health: https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/lung-health.html
• Vitamin E as a Plausible Cause of Acute Vaping-Related Illness: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6952050/
• High-potency cannabis and the risk of psychosis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2801827/