Cannabis is one of the most versatile plants on our planet. As more consumers begin to see and experience the benefits of marijuana, they are also starting to look for easier ways to make edible, topical solutions, oils, and much more. There are literally dozens of ways to consume cannabis, and each method has its own benefit associated with it. Throughout this page we at Cannabis Connection, Canyon Lake’s finest Cannabis dispensary, are going to help you understand your options for cannabis consumption. Be it for medical or recreational purposes, let us explain the basics of cannabis and how THC works.
What is the Difference between Marijuana, Hemp, and THC
A common misconception when it comes to cannabis is how the words seem to be interchangeable. For example, Marijuana, Hemp, Cannabis, THC, etc. are often thrown around conversationally to mean the same product or experience. As you’ll soon discover, each of those terms is distinctly different. Let’s dive in.
What is Marijuana?
The cannabis plant can be divided into two subsets. One of those subsets is what we all know as marijuana. Marijuana has a psychoactive effect, commonly referred to as a “high.” Many states, including California, have approved marijuana for consumption for both medical purposes and recreational use. The FDA has even approved some chemical pills and pills containing THC and CBD.
What is Hemp?
The second, or other, subset of the cannabis plan is called Hemp. Hemp has significantly lower doses of THC, and therefore consuming hemp does not have the same psychoactive effects as marijuana. Both marijuana and hemp contain cannabinoids and terpenese. The two dominant cannabinoids in both plants are: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
What is THC?
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in both marijuana and hemp. THC is significantly more present in marijuana than in Hemp. TCH, unlike CBD, can cause a person to feel the “high” when consumed. Scientifically, this high is caused by THC activating the body’s endocannabinoid system.
How to Consume Marijuana
Now that we’ve given you a general understanding on cannabis plants, marijuana, hemp, THC, CBD, and the effects typically assocaited with consuming each, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most popular methods to consuming cannabis and their respective effects and impacts on the body.
Pills or Capsules
THC pills or capsules have become a popular method for ingesting marijuna. Also known as Cannacaps, these pills contain marijuana, typically suspended in an oil. THC pills are suitable for people with respiratory issues, for whom smoking marijuana is not an option. THC pills can deliver an accurate dosage and is used to treat multiple illnesses. A potential con in taking THC pills is one’s natural body digestive system my interfere with the absorption of the THC into the bloodstream. Benefits to using Cannacaps include targeted dosage amounts, discreet use due to not smell or smoke, and the THC has a long duration of effect.
Dabbing
Dabs are concentrated forms of cannabis through THC extraction, using a solvent. The end result is a very sticky substance often referred to as a wax, shatter, budder, butane hash oil, rosin, ice water hash, and kief. In order to use dabs, consumers must use a specific piece of equipment. Equipment used for dabbing can be either a dab rig, torch, or e-nail. Dabbing has grown in popularity thanks to the rise of vape pens and cannabis extract cartridges. When done correctly, dabbing can deliver a clean, high dose, and pure product that is easier on the lungs than other methods of consumption.
Bongs
Bongs are one of the most popular devices from which to consume marijuana. We offer a wide variety of bongs in our store and online. Bons are a type of water pipe used with cannabis flower favored by more experienced smokers. Bongs range in size and design, and they use the water to cool the smoke before it hits your lungs, making it smoother to inhale. Bongs are popular because they provide quick, and often, intense high.
Bowls
Nearly equal in popularity and convenience for consuming marijuana is to use a bowl. Bowls are small hand pipes, and are very similar to tobacco pipes. Bowls allow users to consumer smaller doses without having to use rolling paper as one would for joint. Bowls are usually made of glass, but can also be metal, ceramic, wood, or even silicone.
Joints
Arguably the most commonly used method to consume cannabis and marijuana is to smoke a joint. Joints are easy to make and only require two ingredients: paper and weed. Consumers have their choice from a wide variety of rolling papers as well from different sizes, to hemp papers, to wood pulp paper, even flavored rolling papers. As with most things marijuana, choosing the type of paper in joint will will impact your experience. All rolling papers are designed to provide a smooth, even burn.
Blunts
Nearly equal in popularity and convenience for consuming marijuana is to use a bowl. Bowls are small hand pipes, and are very similar to tobacco pipes. Bowls allow users to consumer smaller doses without having to use rolling paper as one would for joint. Bowls are usually made of glass, but can also be metal, ceramic, wood, or even silicone.
Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures are alcohol or oil-based extracts that can be taken sublingually and/or incorporated into a variety of cannabis recipes. The under the tongue administration of cannabis tinctures has a slower uptake than smoking but occurs quicker than edibles, while having a longer effect duration than smoking but shorter than edibles. In many ways, cannabis tinctures deliver the best of both worlds; a high that builds over time and lasts a while. Because tinctures are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream they are often used in medical marijuana therapies and treatments. The dosage is easy to regulate, and are a great alternative for those looking to experiment with smokeless marijuana.
Edibles
An edible refers to any food item that contains cannabis. Nowadays there is a vast, we man VAST, variety of options for consumers when it comes to edibles. Weed cookies, brownies, and cannabis ice cream are classic examples, but now you can find cannabis infused candies, snacks, and ingredients to be used in baking your own treats. The high from an edible can up to to two hours before it it felt, but the high from edibles is much more intense than other ingestion methods and usually lasts longer. Edibles don’t require THC in order to be termed an “edible.” Edibles are a common therapy used for those who rely on cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Other Popular Methods of Cannabis Consumption
The above methods more cannabis and marijuana consumption are by fay the most popular and commonly used. However, consumers are always finding new ways to ingest their favorite plant. Here are some other methods in which consumers are ingesting cannabis and marijuana responsibly:
- Oils
- Pens
- Vaporizers
- Sprays
- Drinks
- Creams
- Transdermal Patches
Cannabis Connection: Canyon Lake Dispensary and Shop
As advances in THC and CBD extraction methods continue, we expect to continue to see innovations in how consumers ingest cannabis and marijuana. For now, we encourage you to visit in person at our dispensary to see all the available methods in which you can purchase marijuana products, or view our cannabis products and accessories online. If you have any questions about our products, accessories, or just want to say hello, feel free to contact us directly.