Cannabis Consumption Methods

Vape cartridges

Onset: immediate

Duration:1-3 hours

Vape cartridges work in conjunction with vape pen batteries. The vape battery will power an atomizer in the cartridge that heats up the oil, activating the cannabinoids in it. Cannabinoids are then absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs.

Advantages

• More convenient and easier to use compared to using flower in a dry herb vaporizer
• Onset is immediate
• Titration is easy to monitor and adjust
• No harmful byproducts from smoking
• Cooler and less irritating mist instead of smoke
• Less messy compared to vaporizing flower

Disadvantages

• Depending on the processor and extraction method there may not be as many cannabinoids and terpenes compared to vaporizing flower
• Inexpensive batteries can clog or malfunction cartridges
• There may be additives that can cause irritation

How to use

• Make sure the battery is charged
• Attach the cartridge to the battery
• Inhale...Hold for 3 seconds...Exhale
• You will notice you exhale a mist with very little smell
• You can leave the cartridge attached to the battery until your next use

Edibles

Onset: 1.5 to 2 hours

Duration: 6 to 10 hours

Edibles include gelatinous cubes, tablets and capsules. When digested, cannabinoids are broken down in the gastrointestinal tract and then metabolised by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This metabolism of THC in the liver can produce a greater psychoactive effect.

Advantages

• Long duration and stronger effects
• Dosing may to easier to consume compared to other dosage forms

Disadvantages

• Onset of effects is delayed considerably by absorption through the digestive system
• Most are made with sugar and ingredients that may be food allergens
• It's easy to over-consume due to the long onset time
• Dose titration is difficult
• High risk of accidental cannabis poisoning to children and pets - store edibles in a locked safe
• Increased risk for drug interactions since
• Heavily metabolized by the liver

How much should I take?

• Start low and go slow
• Too small a dose produces no relief and too large a dose can produce extreme psychoactivity causing paranoia and discomfort
• Because of the long onset time it may take several attempts to find the optimal dose
• Start with 1/2 of a gelatinous cube
• New users should start with 1-5mg
• Experienced users typical dose is 5-10mg
• Do not mix with alcohol or other substances
• Consuming edibles on an empty stomach may intensify effects

Tinctures, sprays, sublingual drops

Duration: 2-8 hours

The effects of oral mucosal delivery are felt more quickly than edibles but not as quick as inhalation.  These are absorbed best under the tongue and absorb directly into the bloodstream. 

Advantages

• Easy to use and titrate
• Cannabinoids and terpenes are included in some formulations
• Can be added to food or drinks
• Long shelf-life and flexibility in dosing
• Discreet and portable

Disadvantages

• Delayed onset if swallowed or added to food or drink
• If you have allergies to carrier oils use caution

How to use

• Start low and go slow
• When trying a new product it's always best to start with a small amount (0.1ml - 0.25ml) and increase the dose every 3 days until you get the desired effect
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for a recommended starting dose
• Drop or spray under the tongue or between the gums and cheek where a huge number of blood vessels reside, and keep it there for a few minutes before swallowing
• Avoid drinking or eating anything for 10 minutes following administration

Topical cannabis

Duration: 30 minutes to 3 hours

Topicals are often used for localized application of medical cannabis. Topical applications other than patches do not provide psychoactive effects. Cannabinoids react with receptors under the skin, but they do not reach the bloodstream.

Mechanism of action: cannabinoids like thc and cbd cross the skin

Barrier and bind to cb1 and cb2 receptors

How to use:

Apply directly to the affected area. Apply a small amount of ointment, salve, cream, or lotion to clean dry skin avoiding mucous membranes. Rub in. Wash hands after use. 

Flower

Onset: immediate

Duration: 1-3 hours

Vaporizing uses a stream of heated air to vaporize the active ingredients in cannabis flower without combustion. Cannabinoids are then absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs.

Cannabis flower is identified by strain names. The strain names can give us clues to a strain's genetics. You can get more detailed information about the cannabinoid and terpene profiles by looking at lab testing on the labels.

Advantages

• Onset is immediate
• Less irritating compared to smoking
• Titration is easy to monitor and adjust
• No harmful byproducts from smoking
• Vaporizing flower allows access to more cannabinoids compared to smoking
• Vaporizing is more efficient because less medication is lost in the air compared to smoking
• Vaporizing flower allows you to access the full spectrum of the plant
• Higher quality devices are easily cleaned with ethanol

Disadvantages

• Patients need to learn how to use their machine
• Higher initial investment (although it usually pays off in the long run)
• Vaporizers must be cleaned and maintained
• Lower quality vaporizers must be replaced once clogged

How to vaporize flower

• Select your desired strain
• Grind your flower and pack the desired amount into your dry herb vaporizer
• Turn it on and select your temperature
• After it's ready...Inhale. Hold for 3 seconds. Then exhale
• After the flower has been vaporized you will notice it turns a brown color
• New patients are advised to wait 15 minutes between inhalations