Interested in using cannabis? Did you know that there are now a variety of ways to consume cannabis? With the Maryland cannabis market continuing to grow, more and more products are entering the dispensaries and allowing patients of all types to get the relief they deserve.
There are 4 main types of cannabis delivery methods. These methods include inhalation, ingestion, topicals and liquid extracts. Each of these delivery methods offer their own benefits and advantages. Here are what make each of them unique:
Inhalation Overview
Inhalation offers the quickest onset time because when cannabis is inhaled, it rapidly passes from the lungs and into the bloodstream. Inhaling cannabis can be done in a few different ways, through smoking flower or through vaporizing. Vaporizing is beneficial because it can be less irritating to the lungs because it heats cannabis without combustion.
On-Set: ~1-5 minutes
Duration: ~1-6 hours
Advantages:
- Best choice for those who need quick relief
- Flower provides whole plant medicine (multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and minor constituents)
Featured products: Natures Heritage, Verano Brand, gLeaf, Rythm Vape Pens
Topicals (External Use) Overview
Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions and oils. They are placed onto the affected area and are then absorbed through the skin. Topicals are best for localized relief of pain, soreness, and inflammation. They come in a variety of forms such as lotions, salves and transdermal patches. There are a variety of topical treatments that include THC, CBD, CBN, THCA, CBDA and other cannabinoids. Some also feature essential oils that can also help provide natural relief.
On-Set: Varies
Duration: Varies
Advantages:
- Great for localized pain
- Non-impairing
- Very discrete (easy to apply and no smell)
Featured products: Dixie Synergy Balm, Mary’s Medicinals
Liquid Extracts Overview
A tincture is a liquid cannabis concentrate. Tinctures are made by extracting out the plant’s beneficial cannabinoids and constituents. Since no heat is required during the extracting process or during administration, tinctures can preserve many of the beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and minor constituents
On-Set: ~10-45 minutes
Duration: ~2-8 hours
Advantages:
- Very discrete
- Allows for easy and precise dosing
- Longer lasting effect
- Healthier alternative to smoking
Featured products: Healer Drops, Feel Collection, RSO
Ingestion Overview
Consuming cannabis though cannabis infused products can provide stronger and longer-lasting effects than inhalation and use of tinctures. When you ingest cannabis through a food items such as baked goods, drinks, gummies or other food items, you are able to utilize a more potent THC metabolite.
On-Set: ~1-2 hours
Duration: ~4-12 hours
Advantages:
- Discrete
- Long-lasting
- Healthier alternative to smoking
- Tends to provide a more intense effect
- Produces a more consistent effect
Featured products: Betty’s Eddies, Liberty Infused Oils, Dixie Elixirs