Cannabis has come a long way from the days of just rolling up a joint. These days, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it, but with so many choices, how do you know which method is right for you? That’s where we come in. Each cannabis consumption method has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, from how quickly you’ll feel the effects to how discreet it is.
Let’s break it all down so you can make an informed choice—because cannabis is all about enjoying the experience in a way that works best for you.
Smoking (Joints, Blunts, Pipes, and Bongs)
Pros
- Fast-Acting Effects: When you smoke cannabis, the effects kick in almost instantly, making it easy to control your experience in real time.
- Easy To Control Dosing: Since the effects are immediate, you can take a hit, wait a moment, and decide if you need more. Simple!
- Traditional and Social: Many cannabis consumers embrace it as a familiar and time-honored ritual in their routine.
Cons
- Harsh on the Lungs: Inhaling any kind of smoke isn’t great for your respiratory system. Over time, frequent smoking can lead to coughing, throat irritation, and other lung-related issues.
- Distinctive Smell Lingers: The scent of burning cannabis sticks to clothes, hair, and furniture, making it a less discreet option. If you need to be mindful of smell, smoking may not be the most convenient method.
- Requires Rolling or Packing: If you’re new to cannabis, rolling a joint or blunt can be tricky. Even packing a bowl or cone takes some practice to get the perfect hit. Sadly, mistakes can lead to an uneven burn or wasted product.
Vaping (Flower and Concentrates)
Pros
- Smoother on the Lungs Compared to Smoking: Vaping heats cannabis rather than burning it, producing vapor instead of smoke. This creates an overall gentler experience that’s easier on your throat and lungs.
- More Discreet: Vapor dissipates faster than smoke and doesn’t cling to clothes or furniture as strongly, making it a more low-key option.
- Temperature Control Customization: Many vaporizers allow you to adjust the temperature, which can enhance flavor and potency. Lower temps bring out the terpenes for a flavorful hit, while higher temps deliver stronger effects.
Cons
- Requires a Device: Unlike smoking, which only requires flower and a lighter, vaping requires a vaporizer, which can range from affordable to high-end and expensive.
- Learning Curve for Different Vape Types: There are dry herb vapes, concentrate vapes, pod systems, and cartridges, each with different usage methods. Figuring out how to load, heat, and inhale properly can take some trial and error.
- Vape Maintenance: Unlike rolling a joint, vapes require upkeep, such as charging batteries, replacing coils, or cleaning chambers.
Edibles (Gummies, Chocolates, Baked Goods, etc.)
Pros
- Long-Lasting Effects: Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles provide effects that can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
- No Impact on the Lungs: Edibles completely bypass the respiratory system, making them a perfect option for people with lung sensitivities or anyone looking for a smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis.
- Wide Variety of Flavors and Forms: From gummies and chocolates to infused drinks and savory snacks, there’s an edible for every taste.
Cons
- Takes Longer to Kick In: Edibles have to go through the digestive system before taking effect, which means there’s a delayed onset of about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Can Be Difficult To Do Correctly: Because edibles take time to kick in, it’s easy to accidentally take too much while waiting for the effects. Start low and go slow to avoid an overwhelming experience.
- Effects Can Be Intense: When THC is processed through the liver, it leads to stronger and sometimes longer-lasting effects. For some this can result in an experience that feels overwhelming or uncomfortable.
Tinctures and Sublinguals
Pros
- Fast-Acting: When placed under the tongue and held for about 30-60 seconds, effects kick in within 15-45 minutes, making it one of the fastest-acting non-inhaled options.
- Precise Dosing: Tinctures come with measured droppers, allowing for accurate and consistent dosing.
- Discreet and Easy: A few drops under the tongue, and you’re good to go! No smoke, no strong odor, and no bulky equipment.
Cons
- Potentially Bitter Taste: Some tinctures are made with high-proof alcohol, which can create a harsh or bitter flavor. Although oil-based alternatives exist, not all consumers enjoy the taste of cannabis extracts.
- Can Be Confusing for First-Time Consumers: Between sublingual absorption, mixing into food, and different cannabinoid ratios, tinctures can feel a bit complicated at first.
- Effects Can Vary: Taking tinctures under the tongue leads to faster effects, but swallowing them (or mixing into food) means they act more like an edible, taking longer to kick in.
Topicals (Creams, Balms, and Transdermal Patches)
Pros
- Great For Targeted Relief: Topicals are designed to be applied directly to the skin, making them a great option for addressing localized pain, soreness, or skin concerns like eczema.
- Non-Psychoactive: Most cannabis-infused topicals do not enter the bloodstream, meaning they won’t produce a head high.
- No Impact or Lungs or Digestion: Since topicals are absorbed through the skin, they completely bypass the lungs and digestive system.
Cons
- Some Want The High: While great for pain relief and inflammation, traditional topicals won’t produce the euphoric or cerebral effects that many associate with cannabis.
- Effects Can Vary: Unlike inhaled methods, which work almost instantly, topicals take time to absorb and may not work the same way for everyone.
- Limited to Localized Relief: Since traditional topicals don’t enter the bloodstream, they only work where they’re applied.
Dabbing (Concentrates like Wax, Shatter, and Live Resin)
Pros
- Extremely Potent: Dabs are made from highly concentrated cannabis extracts, meaning a small amount goes a long way.
- Fast-Acting: Much like smoking or vaping, dabbing delivers effects almost instantly.
- More Flavorful: Because dabbing preserves the full terpene profile of the strain, it often provides a richer, more flavorful experience.
Cons
- Requires Special Equipment: Unlike a simple joint or vape pen, dabbing requires a rig, a blowtorch (or an e-nail), and other accessories.
- Can Be Overwhelming: New consumers may find the effects too intense, especially if they’re used to lower-dose consumption methods.
- Higher Tolerance Builds Quickly: Because concentrates contain significantly more THC than flower, frequent dabbing can lead to increased tolerance.
Find Your Favorite Consumption Method at Aura Dispensaries
Finding the right consumption method comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Not sure where to start? Aura Dispensaries has a wide selection of high-quality cannabis products, from flower and vapes to edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Our knowledgeable staff is always here to guide you through your options and help you find the perfect fit.
Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or you’re just getting started on your cannabis journey, our extensive menu offers something for every user. Also, don’t forget to explore our blog page to stay informed. Find an Aura Dispensary near you and explore the world of cannabis with confidence!
The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
