As many people around the world continue to adopt a more relaxed and accepting view of cannabis, we can now freely discuss and put to bed some of the preconceived notions about cannabis use.
Today, for many people, cannabis can be used in a variety of ways to enjoy its benefits both recreationally or medicinally (or even spiritually). There are numerous ways to get your daily dose of THC either individually or in combination with other substances. Here are just a few of the most common ways cannabis is enjoyed recreationally by people around the world.
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1. Smoking Joints or Blunts
There’s no doubting the popularity of smoking cannabis — it’s probably one of the fastest and easiest ways to get your daily dose of THC depending on how much you smoke. Smoking is also an easy way to enjoy cannabis with other people — especially if there’s a joint or blunt involved.
The difference between the two is that a joint is made from rolling cannabis in a thin paper (like a cigarette), while blunts are made from cigar wrappers that have been emptied then filled with the ground herb (usually along with some form of sweetener and/or tobacco).
If you’re not smoking anything already, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws around where you live so that no legal trouble comes your way.
2. Vaporizing Cannabis
Vaporizing cannabis, also known as vaping, is a much healthier alternative to smoking cannabis. A vaporizer uses heat within the device to heat up the cannabis without burning it. It immediately heats the substance to the point of sublimation (going straight from a solid into a gas) but doesn’t reach combustion temperature (the point where any substance burns and turns into smoke). This means that you’re only inhaling vaporized cannabinoids — not any other byproducts of combustion.
Vaporizing is a great way to enjoy cannabis as it doesn’t affect your lungs as much as smoking and you don’t have to worry about wasting any cannabinoids that may be burning off in the smoke during a traditional smoking session.
3. Bongs and Pipes
Bongs are usually larger than pipes and are filled with water to help cool down the smoke before inhaling it. A bong’s extra function acts like a percolator (increasing surface area of your cannabis) or an ice catcher (adding ice cubes to the water for cooling).
When talking about all of these, it’s important to keep in mind that the choices are mostly made based on personal preference and what one is more comfortable with. There are plenty of options to choose from, as you can see at TGA’s bulk dispensary, and they’re becoming more easily available. So feel free to go with whatever catches your attention the most.
Many people prefer using bongs because they can get more ‘bang for their buck’ — or more efficient consumption of cannabis. However, pipes are more discreet and easier to carry around, while bongs require more preparation and cleaning.
4. Vaporizing Cannabis Oil
If you’re into cannabis concentrates, then this one’s for you. Vaporizing cannabis oil offers a very different experience than just simply vaping plant matter such as bud or hash — the effects are intensified and hit much faster than traditional methods.
This method of consumption also requires different equipment than typical on-the-go vape pens and is usually done with a bit more time and effort (and often requires the help of friends).
5. Edibles
For those who like to enjoy cannabis in food form, edibles are an excellent way to take your THC dosage in small quantities over a period of time instead of all at once. Depending on the type of edible you make and how much cannabis you add, the effects can last anywhere from a few hours to all day long.
Cooking with cannabis is an art in itself and there are lots of tasty recipes available online if you’re interested in giving it a go. Keep in mind that, while edibles can take a bit longer to kick in, they also tend to be on the stronger side, so be patient and enjoy them one bite at a time.
6. Fatty Oil Infusions
Another common way of using cannabis is infusing it in fatty oils such as coconut oil. Often used for topical purposes, this method can also be used orally — just make sure you know how much THC and other cannabinoids are contained in your infusion first (the amount of cannabutter or other infusion required varies depending on its potency). You can start growing your own pot and with some research, you can learn how to determine the best potency.
This method is great for people who don’t like to smoke or vape their cannabis but still want to enjoy it in their food every once in a while, without the hassle of cooking an entire batch of brownies.
There’s no shortage of options when choosing how you want to consume cannabis and this list only scratches the surface of what’s available. Cannabis-infused topicals provide another way to enjoy the plant while also providing pain relief and other effects that can be beneficial for people with certain conditions.
Cannabis can even be taken orally in a variety of different forms such as capsules, mints, or even lollipops. Many would consider this method the most effective way to enjoy cannabis as it will provide effects for upwards of six hours. No matter what method you choose to use, remember to be responsible and know your limits.