Understanding Different Marijuana Consumption Methods: Effects, Duration, and Dosing

In the evolving landscape of medical marijuana, understanding the various methods of consumption is essential for both new and experienced users. Each method offers distinct experiences and affects the body differently in terms of onset, duration, and intensity. Let’s explore these methods, their effects, and how to dose them effectively.

1. Smoking: the Time Honored Tradition

• Involves: Inhaling the smoke from burning cannabis flowers using joints, pipes, or bongs.
• Effect on Body: Rapid absorption of THC into the bloodstream through the lungs.
• Onset: Immediate, typically within minutes.
• Duration: Effects peak for about 30 minutes to an hour and can last several hours.
• Fun Fact: The first item sold over the Internet was a bag of marijuana. Over 40 years ago, Stanford students used Arapnet (an early form of the Internet) to buy weed from their counterparts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

2. Vaping: the Modern Approach

• Involves: Heating cannabis to release vapor without burning.
• Effect on Body: Similar to smoking, but potentially less harsh on the lungs.
• Onset: Quick, usually within minutes.
• Duration: Lasts a couple of hours.
• Fun Fact: If you eat a mango 30 minutes before vaping you’ll enjoy a pleasant entourage effect where the mango enhances your relaxation

3. Edibles: A Culinary Adventure

• Involves: Consuming foods or drinks infused with cannabis.
• Effect on Body: THC is metabolized in the liver, converting to a more potent form.
• Onset: Delayed, 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Duration: Can last 4 to 6 hours or more.
• Fun Fact: The concept of cannabis-infused food has ancient roots, but the modern ‘pot brownie’ was popularized in the 1960s by a cookbook author known as “The Brownie Lady.”

4. Tinctures: Precision in Every Drop

• Involves: Cannabis-infused liquids taken orally under the tongue, precisely dosed.
• Effect on Body: Absorbed through the mucous membranes and then into the bloodstream.
• Onset: 15 to 45 minutes.
• Duration: Lasts a few hours.
• Interesting Fact: Tinctures were the most common forms of medical cannabis in the United States before its prohibition in the 1930s, often found in pharmacies.

5. Topicals: The Skin-Deep Solution

• Involves: Application of creams, balms, or lotions infused with cannabis on the skin.
• Effect on Body: Localized relief; does not typically enter the bloodstream.
• Onset: Varies, usually within minutes to an hour.
• Duration: Depends on the product and amount used.
  Fun Fact: Sex can vastly improve, especially for women. Brands now sell cannabis-infused lubricants and oils that contain THC and CBD, providing new sensations in the bedroom.

6. Capsules: Cannabis in a Pill

• Involves: Swallowing precise doses of cannabinoids.
• Effect on Body: Similar to edibles; processed in the digestive system and liver.
• Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Duration: Lasts several hours.
• Fun Fact: The biggest difference between edibles and capsules is in calorie and sugar content—there is typically no sugar or calories in THC pills.

7. Dabbing: The Potent Pick

• Involves: Vaporizing cannabis concentrates on a hot surface.
• Effect on Body: Intense and rapid absorption of THC.
• Onset: Almost immediate.
• Duration: Shorter than smoking or vaping.
• Fun Fact: The word Dab refers to the world of cannabis, while Dabbing refers to the dance move. A “Dab” is a single serving of the cannabis concentrate, and most experts agree that when dosing, “a dab will do.”

Each method of marijuana consumption has its unique characteristics in terms of how it affects the body, onset time, duration, and dosing. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about using medical marijuana effectively and safely. Always consult with Dr. Bresky’s office when starting a new method, especially when considering dosages and the specific effects on your body. Remember, starting low and going slow is key to finding the right balance for your needs.