We use cannabis for different use-cases. Many cultures have used weed for recreational relaxation as well as medical treatments since ancient times. Today cannabis is a popular recreational herb used by people of all ages and professions. Medical application of cannabis is also rising with many countries now legalizing the plant for medicinal purposes.
Just like applications, there are various delivery methods for using cannabis. One can inhale it through the lungs, prepare edibles that hit the digestive system, and even rub it on the skin, where it is absorbed. Knowing the science behind each cannabis delivery method makes it possible to discover the best method for you.
Cannabis Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid and semi-liquid extracts that are consumed directly by placing a few drops under your tongue. Most tinctures are cannabis extracts blended in a carrier oil. This delivery mechanism uses a dropper to place the drop under the tongue. The drop is then held for 10-15 seconds for quick absorption by digestive glands present under the tongue.
While tinctures are comparable to edibles, tinctures offer faster-acting results and more control than edible. Tinctures are also a great alternative to smoking as they avoid the harmful side effects of smoking.
CANNARIE™ offers two Cannabis Tinctures:
Anxiety Relief – a perfect stress buster for those hectic days when relaxation is a top priority for your mind and body.
| Pros | Cons |
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Faster acting than edibles |
Slower acting than smoking and vaporizers |
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No harm to lungs |
May lead to green out (take too much and have an uncomfortable experience) as effects are delayed |
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Versatile method, apt for both medicinal and recreational use |
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Easy to carry, provides discreet use |
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Cannabis Tinctures
Topicals are made from decarboxylated (the process of activating cannabinoids by heating) cannabis extracts and oils, which are applied directly to the skin. Cannabis topicals are great for treating localized pain or skin ailments and are very popular among hemp cosmetic enthusiasts. Arthritis oil is one of the most common medicinal applications of topical effectively used by patients all around the world. Topicals can be made into balms, ointment, sprays, lubricants, oils, and lotions.
While topicals are quickly absorbed by the skin, they do not achieve cerebral stimulation and therefore don’t contribute to psychoactive effects. This makes topical one of the safest applications as long as the person is not allergic or having skin reactions to any of the other ingredients that go into the topical.
CANNARIE™ offers two Cannabis Topicals:
Arthritis Oil – An infusion of our classic full spectrum hemp extract in a blend of botanical oil that provides cooling relief instantly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Fast-acting via the skin |
Doesn’t achieve cerebral stimulation |
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Highly suitable for medicinal and cosmetic use |
Each tincture can be used for its specific use only |
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Easy to use |
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Safest method to use cannabis |
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Smoking Cannabis
Smoking Cannabis is one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis. There are various methods to smoke cannabis from rolling joints, bongs, chillums, bubblers, hand pipes, and even hookahs. Some smokers get creative with their smoking devices and can also make devices from household objects like buckets, pet bottles, and even fruits. Smoking is also popular as it is apt for social settings and gatherings.
Since smoking hits the lungs, it’s a consistent delivery method as it offers the quickest onset of effects. This also makes dosing relatively easy to manage. On the downside, smoking marijuana can lead to negative respiratory side effects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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A versatile method for both recreational and medicinal use |
Negative respiratory side effects |
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Apt for social settings |
Often people are exposed to carcinogenic substances when smoking |
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Quickest onset |
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A consistent and convenient delivery mechanism |
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Q:I am concerned about my lungs while smoking what can I do?
A. You can switch to healthier forms of cannabis intakes like edibles, tinctures, and vaporizers.
Don’t mix your cannabis with tobacco or other carcinogenic elements and try to smoke it unadulterated.
Limiting the number of hits you take – this can be achieved by picking up more potent strains that need fewer hits.
Contrary to popular belief, holding in the smoke does not intensify the effects of marijuana. By taking short hits and exhaling at a convenient time one can avoid inhaling too much tar and toxins.
Don’t mix your cannabis with tobacco or other carcinogenic elements and try to smoke it unadulterated.
Limiting the number of hits you take – this can be achieved by picking up more potent strains that need fewer hits.
Contrary to popular belief, holding in the smoke does not intensify the effects of marijuana. By taking short hits and exhaling at a convenient time one can avoid inhaling too much tar and toxins.
Cannabis Edibles
Cannabis-infused food products are commonly referred to as edibles. They are able to produce some of the most intense, full-body, psychoactive, and long-lasting effects. Some of the popular edibles available around the world include baked goods, candies, sodas, and teas. Edibles are processed through the digestive system and once the THC enters the kidney it is broken down into an even more potent variant- 11-Hydroxy-THC, which gives a much more powerful and longer-lasting high.
Edibles don’t take effect immediately and sometimes onset can take more than two hours. Therefore, it’s easy for one to overindulge and accidentally overdose on edibles. It is advised not to do edibles on an empty stomach and not to mix edibles with alcohol.
| Pros | Cons |
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Most intense, full-body, psychoactive effects |
Effect not immediate, onset can be delayed |
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Versatile mechanism useful for both medicinal and recreational purpose |
Easy to over indulge and overdose |
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Effects are long-lasting |
Uncomfortable and intense experience if overdosed |
Cannabis Vaporizers
Vaporizers are an alternative to smoking, and work in similar ways- they allow one to heat the plant extract at a specific temperature and then inhale the resulting vapors. Unlike traditional smoking, the remaining plant material is not heated and therefore one reduces the smoke of byproducts inhaled. Vaping is a more precise form of smoking. Unfortunately, vaping devices are banned in some countries like India and Singapore.
Vaping comes in any form from heavy tabletop volcanoes to portable hand-help pens. Vaping provides a stronger high than smoking while limiting exposure to toxins and lung irritants.
| Pros | Cons |
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A versatile method for both recreational and medicinal use |
Requires expensive devices |
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More effective than traditional smoking |
More effective than traditional smoking |
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Quickest onset |
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Limits exposure to toxins and lung irritants |
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Most precise dosing |
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NOTE:
No matter which delivery mechanism you find suitable for your need, always remember to:
1) Start with low dose
2) Understand and gauge the potency of your plant material/extract
3) Increase dosages in small increments.
4) Consult a medical practitioner about taking cannabis in tandem with other medicinal drugs.
1) Start with low dose
2) Understand and gauge the potency of your plant material/extract
3) Increase dosages in small increments.
4) Consult a medical practitioner about taking cannabis in tandem with other medicinal drugs.