The Best Ways To Consume Cannabis

As cannabis enthusiasts, understanding the variety of consumption methods available is crucial to optimizing your experience. Each method has unique characteristics that influence the onset, intensity, and duration of effects, from the classic joint to advanced vaporizers. In this guide, we delve into the most popular ways to consume cannabis—smoking a joint, using a bong, dry herb vaporizer, weed oil vape pen, edibles, and tinctures—examining their pros, cons, and costs.

Method 1. Using A Bong

Bongs are water pipes that filter smoke through water before inhalation. This method provides smoother, cooler hits than using a hand pipe, often resulting in a more enjoyable smoking experience. High-quality glass pieces—such as those from Lookah—elevate this experience even further, combining artistic design with innovative filtration for optimal performance.

Absorption and Effects

Like joints, bongs offer rapid cannabinoid absorption, with effects felt within minutes. However, the water filtration can cool the smoke, making larger hits more tolerable and potentially leading to a more intense experience.

Health Considerations

The water filtration in bongs removes some water-soluble toxins and cools the smoke, reducing respiratory irritation compared to joints. While the combustion process still produces harmful byproducts, premium bongs like those crafted by Lookah are designed to deliver smoother draws, helping to minimize discomfort during use.

Cost

• Bong: $20-$200+ depending on quality and material
• Cannabis: $10-$15 per gram

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Immediate effects
• Smoother, cooler hits
• Potentially more intense experience

Cons:

• Health risks from combustion
• Requires regular cleaning
• Less portable and discreet

Method 2. Dry Herb Vaporizer

Dry herb vaporizers heat cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids without reaching the point of combustion. This method preserves more cannabinoids and terpenes, enhancing flavor and potency. Lookah Ice cream

Devices like the Lookah Ice Cream dry herb vaporizer are a great example of this efficient technology, offering a smooth and flavorful experience without the harshness of smoke.

Absorption and Effects

Vaporizers provide rapid effects similar to smoking, with onset occurring within 1-5 minutes. Depending on the strain and user tolerance, the effects can last 1-3 hours.

Health Considerations

Vaporizing is healthier than smoking because it avoids combustion, significantly reducing the intake of harmful toxins. This method is especially suitable for health-conscious users who want to preserve the integrity of their cannabis.

Cost

• Vaporizer: $50-$300+ depending on features
• Cannabis: $10-$15 per gram

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Healthier than smoking
• Preserves flavor and cannabinoids
• Immediate effects

Cons:

• Higher initial cost
• Requires maintenance and a learning curve
• Battery dependency

Method 3. Smoking A Joint

Smoking a joint is one of the most traditional and popular methods of cannabis consumption. It involves rolling ground cannabis in a paper and smoking it like a cigarette. This method is favored for its simplicity and the communal experience it often fosters. Even if you don't know how to roll a joint, you can enjoy this method of consumption, as most dispensaries sell a variety of preroll joints to choose from.

Absorption and Effects

When you smoke a joint, cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream, leading to almost immediate effects. Typically, users start feeling the effects within 1-5 minutes, with the peak occurring around 20-30 minutes and the total duration lasting 1-3 hours.

Health Considerations

While smoking joints is straightforward, the combustion process releases harmful toxins and carcinogens, posing risks to respiratory health. Despite these risks, joints remain popular due to their ease of use and social aspect.

Cost

• Cannabis: $10-$15 per gram
• Rolling Papers: $1-$3 per pack

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Immediate effects
• Simple and portable
• Socially engaging

Cons:

• Health risks from combustion
• Shorter duration of effects
• Inefficient cannabinoid use

Method 4. Weed Oil Vape Pen

Weed oil vape pens are portable devices that vaporize cannabis oil contained in pre-filled cartridges. These pens are highly convenient and discreet, making them popular among users seeking a hassle-free experience. The concentrated THC in the vape cartridges is much more potent than cannabis, so just a few puffs on a vape pen can deliver the same high as smoking a joint.

Absorption and Effects

Like dry herb vaporizers, oil vape pens offer rapid effects, usually felt within minutes. The duration of effects can range from 1-3 hours, influenced by the concentration of the oil.

Health Considerations

Vape pens eliminate combustion-related toxins but have raised concerns regarding additives and diluents in some cartridges. Choosing high-quality, reputable products is essential to minimize health risks.

Cost

• Vape Pen Battery: $20-$60
• Cartridges: $30-$50 per 0.5-gram cartridge

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Discreet and portable
• Immediate effects
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Quality variability
• Battery dependency
• Potential health concerns from additives

Method 5. Edibles

Edibles are cannabis-infused food products, ranging from gummies and chocolates to beverages. They provide a smoke-free alternative, appealing to those who prefer not to inhale cannabis.

Absorption and Effects

Edibles are absorbed through the digestive system, leading to a delayed onset of effects, typically between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The effects can last significantly longer than inhaled methods, often up to 8 hours or more.

Health Considerations

Edibles avoid respiratory issues associated with smoking or vaping, making them a healthier option. However, dosing can be challenging, and overconsumption can lead to intense, prolonged effects.

Cost

• Edibles: $15-$30 for a pack (usually 100mg THC total)

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Long-lasting effects
• No respiratory health risks
• Discreet consumption

Cons:

• Delayed onset
• Difficult dosing
• Potential for overconsumption

Method 6. Tinctures

Tinctures are cannabis extracts dissolved in alcohol or oil, administered sublingually (under the tongue), or added to food and drinks. They offer precise dosing and are easy to use.

Absorption and Effects

When taken sublingually, tinctures provide effects within 15-45 minutes, as cannabinoids are absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue. The effects can last 4-6 hours, offering a balance between the immediacy of inhalation and the duration of edibles.

Health Considerations

Tinctures are a smoke-free option, posing no risk to respiratory health. They are also highly customizable in dosage, allowing users to find their optimal dose.

Cost

• Tinctures: $20-$50 per bottle (typically 300-1000mg THC or CBD)

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Precise dosing
• Quick absorption when taken sublingually
• No respiratory health risks

Cons:

• The taste may be unpleasant for some
• Higher price point
• Some tinctures contain alcohol.

Conclusion

Each cannabis consumption method offers unique benefits and drawbacks, catering to different preferences and needs. Here's a quick summary for comparison:

• Immediate Effects: Smoking a joint using a bong, dry herb vaporizer, or weed oil vape pen.
• Healthiest Option: Dry herb vaporizer (reduced toxins, better cannabinoid preservation). Edibles and tinctures have no respiratory health effects, but take longer to kick in.
• Longest Duration: Edibles (up to 8 hours or more).
• Cost-Effective: Smoking a joint, edibles, or using a bong (lower initial investment).
• Discreet and Convenient: Weed oil vape pens, tinctures, and edibles.

Ultimately, the best method depends on your preferences, health considerations, and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize rapid onset, health benefits, or discreet consumption, there's a cannabis consumption method suited for you. As always, ensure you're using high-quality products and consuming responsibly.