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 methods of taking marijuana influence both the rate of absorption of active substances, but also the effect and ease of absorption.
Let's look at the most important of them.
Smoking marijuana
Smoking is one of the most popular and fastest ways to consume marijuana. It allows for almost immediate action because the active substances are absorbed by the lungs and go directly into the bloodstream. Smoking takes several different forms, the most popular of which is smoking joints, pipes or bongs, where the smoke is filtered through water.
The speed of action, in this case both THC and CBD, is the greatest advantage, hence smoking marijuana is the most popular form of its recreational use . The effects can be felt in just a few minutes, which makes it easier to adjust the dose. The user can stop smoking once the desired effect is achieved, which is more difficult with other ways of consuming marijuana.
Even though it is the most popular way to provide the body with cannabinoids, it also has a lot of disadvantages, which is why it is not a recommended way to take medical marijuana . Why? First of all, there is a combustion process - exactly the same as smoking tobacco.
This involves inhaling harmful tar substances and toxins that can irritate the lungs and respiratory tract and, in the long run, cause respiratory or circulatory system diseases. The second disadvantage is a rather specific smell that remains on clothes and hangs in rooms. Its tolerance is an individual matter. It should also be emphasized that smoking marijuana has a short-term effect , ranging from 1 to 4 hours.
If you are considering combining smoking marijuana with tobacco, we encourage you to read our publication "Combining cannabis and tobacco is a bad idea" .
Vaporization of marijuana
For people looking for an alternative that is less harmful to the lungs and at the same time allows for quick results, vaporization is recommended. This is also the method recommended by doctors who prescribe medicinal marijuana. This is a method of use that involves heating dried marijuana or concentrates to a temperature that releases cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), but without burning any part of the plant . Instead of smoke, steam is inhaled, which reduces the risk of harmful health effects.
Vaporization is gentler on the lungs , brings much fewer side effects, and at the same time allows for much better results - marijuana heated at the optimal temperature allows the release of more cannabinoids, and its regulation optimizes preferences (lower temperature gives a milder effect, higher temperature more intense). Vaporization also improves the taste and aroma and ensures greater discretion , because the vapor has a less intense smell and evaporates faster.
The disadvantage is the cost of the device that must be purchased to use vaporization. We recently wrote about vaporizers in another article, so we encourage you to read the publication "CBD and THC vaporizer for dried marijuana - some tips for beginners" . In the case of vaporization, you also have to take into account a slightly more delicate psychoactive effect .
Oral ways to take marijuana
Not everyone has the opportunity to consume marijuana inhaled, which is why medicine has found several therapeutic alternatives, both those containing only CBD and THC. THC sublingual oils and sprays are usually used for patients suffering from chronic diseases.
THC oils are effective in treating many conditions, but their psychoactive effects and potential legal issues limit their popularity. On the other hand, CBD oils are legal and have no psychoactive effect, making them an attractive choice for people looking for natural remedies. We have written many times about the therapeutic effects of CBD oils on our blog.
An alternative are food products (edibles) , including cookies, drinks and chocolate. In this form, they provide longer and stronger THC effects, but the effect begins later, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. In Poland, the use of medical marijuana in edible form is not recommended due to the difficulty of adjusting the dose . You won't find such products ready to buy either.
It is worth emphasizing that CBD can be purchased in food form . These can be CBD hemp shots, functional gummies or other sweets. You will find all of them in our store .
Topical use of marijuana
Topical use of marijuana, mainly in the form of creams, ointments, balms, gels or patches, is a method of applying cannabinoids (THC, CBD) directly to the skin to relieve pain, inflammation, skin problems and muscle tension. In Poland, only CBD products are available, but the medical marijuana market is constantly developing, so the THC form will probably be available eventually.
Patches or creams have the advantage that they are easily absorbed and act locally , which does not cause psychoactive or numbing effects, which is important for some patients with pain. Topical products are considered one of the safest forms of marijuana application because they do not cause significant side effects .
Which is the best way to consume marijuana?
Marijuana can be taken in a variety of ways, and each has its own advantages, disadvantages, and may or may not suit different groups of people with different needs. The choice of the appropriate form of consumption depends on individual expectations, expected effects, health condition and preferences. When choosing a method for yourself, familiarize yourself with the factors that accompany each of the described methods.
