With the legalization of cannabis in many states and countries, people are starting to realize the potential benefits of this plant. Whether you’re looking for a way to relax after a long day or a natural remedy, there are many ways to use weed.
From smoking and vaping, the options are endless. In this blog post, we’re going to take a deep dive into the different ways to use weed and show you how you can make the most out of this versatile plant.
Here are the 4 ways to use weed.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most traditional and well-known ways to use weed. It involves inhaling the smoke produced by burning the flower of the cannabis plant. There are several ways to smoke weed, including:
- Joints: A joint is a rolled cannabis cigarette. To roll a joint, you’ll need ground cannabis, rolling papers, and a filter (optional). Rolling a joint can take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a quick and easy way to smoke cannabis.
- Pipes: Pipes come in various shapes and sizes and are a convenient way to smoke cannabis. They can be made of glass, metal, wood, or other materials. Pipes have a bowl where you put the cannabis and a stem through which you inhale the smoke.
- Bongs: Bongs are similar to pipes, but they have a water chamber that cools and filters the smoke, making for a smoother and cooler hit. Bongs come in various shapes and sizes and can be made of glass, acrylic, or ceramic.
- Vaporizers: Vaporizers heat the cannabis to a temperature that’s hot enough to release THC and CBD but not hot enough to combust the plant material, resulting in inhaling vapor instead of smoke. This method is considered less harsh on the lungs.
Smoking weed has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it’s one of the quickest and most efficient ways to feel the effects of weed. The onset of effects is usually within minutes of inhaling the smoke. Additionally, smoking allows for precise dosing, as you can take as many or as few hits as needed.
On the downside, smoking can be harsh on the lungs and throat, and it can lead to respiratory issues over time. Additionally, smoking produces a distinctive odor that can be difficult to eliminate.
Vaping
Vaping is one of the ways to use weed that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves heating weed to a temperature that is hot enough to release the active compounds (THC and CBD) but not hot enough to combust the plant material, resulting in inhaling vapor instead of smoke.
Vapes come in various shapes and sizes, including portable vaporizers, desktop vaporizers, and vape pens. Portable vaporizers are small, battery-operated devices that can be taken on the go, while desktop vaporizers are larger, plug-in devices that are typically used at home. Vape pens are similar to portable vaporizers, but they are designed for use with vape cartridges that contain pre-filled cannabis oil.
One of the benefits of vaping weed is that it is considered to be less harsh on the lungs compared to smoking. Additionally, vaping allows for precise dosing and can produce a stronger and more consistent effect. Vaping can also produce less odor compared to smoking.
On the downside, vaporizers can be expensive, and they require regular maintenance to keep them in working order. Additionally, not all vaporizers are created equal, so it’s important to choose a quality vaporizer and use it correctly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Topicals and tinctures
Topicals and tinctures are two alternative ways to use weed that offer unique benefits.
Topicals are cannabis-infused balms and oils that are directly applied to the skin. They are typically used for localized relief, soreness, or inflammation. They are also used for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions that can be treated with cannabis. Unlike smoking or eating edibles, topicals do not produce a psychoactive effect as they are not absorbed into the bloodstream. This means that users will not experience the high commonly associated with cannabis use.
Tinctures are liquid extracts of cannabis that are consumed orally, usually by putting a few drops under the tongue. Tinctures are one of the convenient and discreet ways to use weed, and they are typically used for medicinal purposes. They also offer a fast onset of effects and allow for precise dosing. Tinctures are made using high-proof alcohol or glycerin as the base, and the THC and CBD are extracted from the cannabis plant using these solvents.
When using topicals and tinctures as ways to use weed, it’s crucial to read the label and understand the dosage and THC content. Topicals and tinctures can provide localized or systemic relief, but it is important to keep in mind that the effects of topicals are limited to the area of application and don’t produce the psychoactive effects tinctures do.
Edibles
Edibles are one of the popular and discreet ways to use weed. They are food products that have been infused with cannabis, typically in the form of cannabis-infused butter or oil. Some common types of edibles include brownies, cookies, gummies, chocolate bars, and more. Consuming edibles can be a great option for those who want to avoid the harshness of smoking or the strong odor associated with smoking or vaping.
The effects of edibles can take longer to onset compared to smoking or vaping, usually around 30 minutes to 2 hours, and can last much longer, up to 6 hours. This is because the THC in edibles needs to be metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream, which can delay the onset and prolong the effects.
When consuming edibles, it’s important to start with a low dose and go slow, as it can be easy to consume too much and experience unwanted side effects. It’s also important to read the packaging and the label of the edibles carefully to know the exact dosage and THC content.
It’s also possible to make your own edibles at home using cannabis-infused butter or oil. This can be a great option for those who want to control the dosage and ingredients in their edibles.
As we have seen, there are many different ways to use weed and each one offers unique benefits. Whether you prefer to smoke, vape, eat edibles, or apply topicals, there is a method of consumption that will suit your needs. It’s important to understand the unique effects and potential risks of each method and to consume weed in a safe and legal environment.
The different ways to use weed have come a long way and the possibilities are endless, with new and innovative ways to consume cannabis constantly emerging, it’s important to stay informed and educated about the different options available. Embrace the versatility of weed and discover how it can improve your life.
