THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two main chemical compounds (cannabinoids) found in marijuana. It is their effects that are most desirable when consuming cannabis. The ways in which cannabis is consumed affect both in the rate of absorption of the active substances, but also in the effect or ease of assimilation.
Let's take a look at the most important ones.
Smoking marijuana
Smoking is one of the most popular and fastest ways to take marijuana. It allows for almost immediate effects, as the active ingredients are absorbed through the lungs and go directly into the bloodstream. Smoking takes several different forms, the most popular of which is smoking joints, pipes or bongs, with the smoke filtered through water.
Speed of action, in this case of both THC and CBD, is the greatest asset, hence Smoking marijuana is the most popular form of recreational use. The effects can be felt after just a few minutes, allowing for easier adjustment of the dose. The user can stop smoking when the desired effect is achieved, which is more difficult with other ways of taking marijuana.
Despite being the most popular way to provide the body with cannabinoids, it also has quite a few downsides, which is why is not a recommended way to take medical marijuana. Why? First, there is a combustion process - exactly the same principle as smoking tobacco.
This involves inhaling harmful tar and toxins that can irritate the lungs and respiratory tract and, in the long run, cause respiratory or circulatory diseases. The second disadvantage is quite peculiar smell, which remains on clothes and hangs up indoors. Its tolerance is an individual issue. It should also be emphasized that smoking marijuana brings short term effect, which oscillates between 1 and 4 hours.
If you are considering combining marijuana smoking with tobacco, we encourage you to read our publication "Combining hemp and tobacco is a bad idea"..
Cannabis vaporization
For those looking for an alternative that is less harmful to the lungs, yet still allows for quick results, vaporization is indicated. This is also the method recommended by doctors who prescribe medicinal marijuana. It's a method of consumption that involves heating dried marijuana or concentrates to the temperature at which cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) are released, but the without burning parts of the plant. Instead of smoke, steam is inhaled, reducing the risk of harmful health effects.
Vaporization is gentler on the lungs, has far fewer side effects, while allowing for much better effects - marijuana heated at the optimal temperature allows for the release of more cannabinoids, and its regulation optimizes preference (a lower temperature produces a milder effect, while a higher temperature produces a more intense effect). Vaporization also enhances the taste and aroma and provides greater discretion, because the steam has a less intense odor, which evaporates more quickly.
As a downside is indicated cost of the device, which you need to purchase in order to use vaporization. We recently wrote about vaporizers in another article, so we encourage you to read the publication "Cannabis vaporizer dried CBD and THC - some tips for beginners".. In the case of vaporization, you also have to reckon with slightly milder psychoactive effect.
Oral ways to take marijuana
Not everyone has the ability to consume marijuana in inhaled form, hence medicine has found several therapeutic alternatives, both those containing only CBD and THC. Sublingual oils and sprays with THC are usually used for patients affected by chronic diseases.
THC oils are effective in treating many conditions, but their psychoactive effects and potential legal problems limit their popularity. On the other hand, CBD oils are legal and have no psychoactive effect, making them an attractive choice for those seeking natural remedies. We have written about the therapeutic effects of CBD oils many times on our blog.
Alternatives are food products (edibles), including cookies, drinks and chocolates. In this form, they produce longer and stronger THC effects, but the action starts later, as it usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. In Poland, the use of medical marijuana in edible form is not recommended due to the difficulty of matching the dose. Nor can we find such products ready to buy.
It is worth noting that CBD can be purchased in edible form. These may be hemp shots CBD, functional jellies or other sweets. You can find them all in our store.
Topical use of marijuana
Topical use of marijuana, mainly in the form of creams, ointments, lotions, gels or patches, is a method of applying cannabinoids (THC, CBD) directly to the skin to relieve pain, inflammation, skin problems or muscle tension. In Poland, only products with CBD are available, but the medical marijuana market is still developing, so it is likely that a form with THC will eventually become available.
Patches or creams have the advantage that. are easily absorbed and have a topical effect, which does not produce psychoactive or stupefying effects, which is important for some patients with pain complaints. Topical products are considered one of the safest forms of cannabis application because they do not cause significant side effects.
Which method of marijuana consumption is nalejpsze?
Cannabis can be taken in a variety of ways, each with its own advantages, disadvantages and may or may not suit different groups of people with different needs. Choosing the right form of consumption depends on individual expectations, expected effects, health status and preferences. When choosing a method for yourself, familiarize yourself with the factors that accompany each of the methods described.
