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Cannabis Consumption Methods in Utah

January 7th, 2022

When you are just starting out on your journey with medical cannabis, there is a LOT to learn! One of the biggest topics to understand is all the different forms of medical cannabis that are legal and available to you in the state of Utah.

Here is everything you need to know about the 6 basic consumption methods available in the Beehive state and at WholesomeCo.

Vape cartridges

Onset: immediate

Duration:1-3 hours

Vaping using a cartridge is one of the most common dosing methods to achieve immediate relief. Many people who suffer from acute pain, nausea, or PTSD opt to use this method. This is because vaped cannabis is absorbed straight into the bloodstream via the lungs. The effects of vape cartridge cannabis happen immediately and can last anywhere from one to three hours. 

Vape cartridges containing cannabis oil are typically used with battery-powered vape pens. This battery is used to power the “atomizer.” This is a small unit that heats the liquid in the cartridge as well as a “wick” that is meant to draw it up into the unit.

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How Do I Use a Vape Cartridge? 

If you are used to smoking cannabis, you will notice that vaping is quite different. What comes out of a vape is not smoke, but fine, cool steam or “mist.” You will also notice that this steam has little or no aroma.

In order to safely and effectively use a “vape cart,” first make sure the battery is fully charged. Then attach the cartridge to the battery unit (i.e., the pen body). Next, inhale the cool steam into your lungs. For most effectiveness, hold the steam in your lungs for about three seconds before exhaling. You can leave the cartridge attached to the battery in preparation for your next use.

Step-by-step

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.

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How much should I take?

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. 

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How to use

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.

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How to vaporize flower

Aerosols 

Onset: 15 min to 1 hour

Duration: 4 to 6 hours but could last longer based on multiple variables

Aerosols administer medication directly into the airway and lungs. An aerosol is a suspension of liquid and/or solid particles, usually administered by a medical device like an inhaler or nasal spray.

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