Cannabis is hotter than ever, and there is more awareness as well as curiosity surrounding this versatile plant. With its growing popularity, the different ways to enjoy cannabis has grown too! Whether you’re an old pro or just starting to dip your toes into the world of weed, there are plenty of options for how you can consume it.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the top three ways people enjoy cannabis: smoking, vaping, and edibles. We’ll dive into the benefits of each method so you can decide which one’s right for you.

Smoking Cannabis

Let’s kick things off with the OG of cannabis consumption—smoking. Whether it’s through a joint, a pipe, or a good ol’ bong, smoking is probably what comes to mind when most people think about cannabis. Smoking cannabis consists of burning dried buds (herb) and inhaling the smoke. It’s one of the quickest ways to get the effects of THC—the main compound responsible for the high—into your system. Of course, the experience can differ depending on the strain you’re smoking and your own body’s reaction.

There are a variety of methods to smoke cannabis, and each offers a unique experience. Joints are the classic choice—simple, portable, and easy to roll using just paper and ground cannabis. If you want to skip the rolling process altogether, pipes are a convenient go-to, providing a quick, straightforward way to smoke without any extra fuss. Bongs, on the other hand, take things up a notch by filtering the smoke through water, giving you smoother, cooler hits and a more intense high. Whether you’re keeping it casual with a joint or going big with a bong, there’s something for every smoker’s preference.

Benefits:

• Instant Effects: One of the biggest perks of smoking is how fast you feel the effects. If you’re looking for a quick hit of relaxation or euphoria, this method is for you.
• Control Over Dosage: When smoking, you can go slow and hit as little or as much as you want. You have the freedom to stop once you’ve reached your desired high, which makes it easier to avoid overdoing it.

Vaping – Sleek and Stealthy

For something a little more modern and more discreet, vaping is a good choice. Vaping cannabis is a popular method for many for its sleek, less invasive approach. The way vaping works is by heating up cannabis flower or concentrates just enough to release all those lovely cannabinoids and terpenes without actually burning. This means you get the good stuff in vapor form, which for some feels easier on the lungs compared to smoke.

Most vaporizers are pretty simple: they’ve got a heating element, a battery for power, and a mouthpiece to inhale that sweet vapor. When you fire it up, the heating element warms the cannabis to the perfect temp, turning the active compounds into vapor without charring the plant.

There are two main ways vapes do this: conduction and convection. Conduction vaporizers heat the cannabis by direct contact with a hot surface, while convection vaporizers use hot air to heat things up more evenly. Some high-end devices even use both methods to give you the best of both worlds—super smooth and flavorful vapor every time.

Exploring the Different Types of Cannabis Vaporizers

When it comes to vaping cannabis, there’s a whole range of devices to choose from, each with its own vibe and advantages. Let’s take a look at the different types of vaporizers and what makes each one stand out.

Concentrate Vaporizers: These are also called dab pens, and are made for cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, or oil. Since concentrates are super potent, you can expect strong flavors and effects. Perfect for users that like an extra punch in their session.

Hybrid Vaporizers: Can’t decide between flower and concentrates? Enter hybrid vaporizers! They offer flexibility to switch it up, so you can have your cake and vape it too. You can choose between some herb or a potent dab.

Desktop Vaporizers: While not something you’ll be stuffing in your pocket, desktop vapes are perfect for home use. These devices are powerful and are thought to deliver superior vapor quality and precise temperature control, giving you a top-tier experience right from your living room.

Disposable Vape Pens: For an easy and convenient option, disposable vape pens are pre-filled and designed for one-time use. They’re discreet, can be safely disposed of when you’re done, and great for on-the-go sessions. Just know, they may not offer the same customization or quality as reusable options. Always make sure to dispose of them responsibly.

Benefits:

• Easier on the Lungs: Vaping heats cannabis just enough to release the cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the plant material. This means a smoother experience for your lungs.
• Discreet and Portable: Vape pens are tiny, easy to carry, and way less noticeable than lighting up a joint or pipe. The vapor they produce is also less pungent, making it a good choice for when you want to be discreet.
• Flavor Explosion: Without the burnoff, you really get to taste the flavors of different strains. Vaping lets the terpenes in cannabis shine through, giving you a more flavorful experience.

Edibles – Tasty, Potent, and Long-Lasting

Lastly, let’s talk about edibles. Missouri has some fantastic options, from infused gummies to chocolates and even baked goods that rival your grandma’s recipe. Edibles are perfect for those who don’t want to smoke or vape and prefer a more culinary approach to their cannabis experience.

Cannabis edibles are basically any food or drink that’s been infused with cannabis extracts, giving you a smoke-free way to enjoy your weed. Edibles are super popular because they’re convenient, easy to dose, and pack a long-lasting punch. When you eat cannabis, your body processes THC differently than when you smoke or vape. Instead of going straight to your lungs and into your bloodstream, the THC takes a detour through your digestive system and gets metabolized by your liver. This turns THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent version that crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, making the effects stronger.

Since edibles take their time, you won’t feel the high for 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating. But once it kicks in, it can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on factors like dosage, your metabolism, and tolerance. So, patience is key; start low, and go slow!

Benefits:

• No Smoke, No Problem: Since edibles are consumed like regular food, you don’t have to worry about your lungs at all. This makes them a great option for those who are health-conscious or simply don’t like inhaling smoke or vapor.
• Long-Lasting Effects: Edibles take longer to kick in (we’re talking anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours), but once they do, you’re in it for the long haul. The effects can last 4-6 hours, making edibles ideal for people who want an extended experience.
• Potent and Precise: Edibles are known for being strong, and many come with clear dosage guidelines. In Missouri, you’ll find pre-dosed options, so you know exactly how much THC or CBD you’re consuming. This makes it easy to control your experience—just remember to start low and go slow!

Keep in Mind: Patience is key with edibles! Because they take longer to set in, it’s easy to eat too much too fast. The last thing you want is to be stuck in an overly intense experience for hours. Start with a small dose and wait at least an hour before deciding if you need more.

Cannabis Edibles: Dosage Tips

When it comes to cannabis edibles, proper dosing is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate edible consumption:

1. Start low and go slow: Begin with a low dose, typically 2.5 to 5 mg of THC for beginners. Wait at least 2 hours before considering taking more.
2. Read labels carefully: Always check the THC content per serving and the total amount in the package. Some products may contain multiple servings.
3. Be patient: Remember that edibles take longer to take effect. Resist the urge to consume more if you don’t feel immediate effects.
4. Consider your tolerance: Regular cannabis users may require higher doses, but it’s still advisable to start low when trying a new product.
5. Be aware of other factors: Your metabolism, body weight, and recent meals can all affect how quickly and strongly edibles impact you.
6. Keep a log: Track your experiences with different doses and products to find what works best for you.
7. Store safely: Keep edibles in their original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.
8. Avoid mixing with alcohol: Combining cannabis edibles with alcohol can intensify effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions.

When purchasing edibles from a cannabis dispensary, you can ask a budtender for advice on dosing and product selection. They can provide valuable information about different products and their effects.

Conclusion

The exploration of cannabis consumption methods sheds light on the diverse ways people can experience this versatile plant. Smoking, vaping, and edibles each offer unique benefits and considerations, catering to different preferences and needs. As the cannabis landscape evolves, it’s a good idea for users to stay informed about the pros and cons of each method, enabling them to make choices that suit their needs and lifestyle.