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How To Use

Consumption Methods

Every way to consume cannabis, compared. From smoking to edibles to topicals — find the method that works for you.

Smoking (Joint/Pipe/Bong)

The most traditional method. Cannabis is burned and inhaled. Joints use rolling paper, pipes are handheld, bongs filter through water for smoother hits.

Onset
1-5 min
Duration
1-3 hours
Bioavail.
15-25%

Advantages

  • +Fast onset
  • +Easy dose control
  • +Full terpene experience
  • +Social/ritualistic

Considerations

  • –Smoke irritates lungs
  • –Combustion creates carcinogens
  • –Short duration
  • –Strong smell

Vaporizing

Heats cannabis to 315-440°F to release cannabinoids as vapor without combustion. Available as portable pens, desktop units, or concentrate vaporizers.

Onset
1-5 min
Duration
1-3 hours
Bioavail.
30-40%

Advantages

  • +Healthier than smoking
  • +Better flavor
  • +Higher bioavailability
  • +Less smell

Considerations

  • –Device cost ($50-400)
  • –Battery management
  • –Learning curve
  • –Maintenance required

Edibles

Cannabis-infused food and drinks. THC is metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting than inhaled THC.

Onset
30-120 min
Duration
4-8 hours
Bioavail.
4-20%

Advantages

  • +Long duration
  • +No lung irritation
  • +Discreet
  • +Precise dosing available

Considerations

  • –Slow onset (easy to overconsume)
  • –Hard to dose without labels
  • –Metabolized to 11-OH-THC (stronger)
  • –Unpredictable timing

Tinctures (Sublingual)

Liquid extracts held under the tongue for 60-90 seconds. Cannabinoids absorb through sublingual blood vessels, bypassing liver metabolism for faster effects.

Onset
15-45 min
Duration
2-6 hours
Bioavail.
20-35%

Advantages

  • +Faster than edibles
  • +Precise dosing with dropper
  • +Discreet
  • +No lung irritation

Considerations

  • –Alcohol-based can burn
  • –Taste can be unpleasant
  • –Less available in some markets
  • –Moderate onset time

Topicals

Creams, lotions, balms, and patches applied to the skin. Cannabinoids interact with local CB2 receptors without entering the bloodstream (except transdermal patches).

Onset
15-60 min
Duration
2-4 hours
Bioavail.
N/A (localized)

Advantages

  • +No psychoactive effects
  • +Targeted pain relief
  • +No drug test issues
  • +Safe for beginners

Considerations

  • –Local effects only
  • –Won't produce a high
  • –Varying potency
  • –Can be greasy

Concentrates (Dabbing)

Highly concentrated cannabis extracts (wax, shatter, rosin, live resin) vaporized on a heated surface. Potency ranges from 60-90% THC. For experienced users only.

Onset
Instant
Duration
1-3 hours
Bioavail.
40-60%

Advantages

  • +Extremely potent
  • +Instant effects
  • +Full terpene profiles (live resin)
  • +Less plant material inhaled

Considerations

  • –Very high potency (60-90% THC)
  • –Equipment needed
  • –Not for beginners
  • –Tolerance builds fast

Capsules & Pills

Cannabis oil in gel capsules or pressed pills. Behave like edibles metabolically but offer pharmaceutical-grade dosing precision.

Onset
30-90 min
Duration
4-8 hours
Bioavail.
4-20%

Advantages

  • +Exact dosing
  • +No taste/smell
  • +Familiar format
  • +Discreet

Considerations

  • –Slow onset like edibles
  • –Limited selection
  • –No terpene experience
  • –Metabolized by liver

Pre-Rolls & Blunts

Pre-made joints sold at dispensaries. Blunts use tobacco wraps, adding nicotine. Infused pre-rolls contain added concentrates for extra potency.

Onset
1-5 min
Duration
1-2 hours
Bioavail.
15-25%

Advantages

  • +Ready to use
  • +No preparation needed
  • +Widely available
  • +Variety of options

Considerations

  • –Combustion risks
  • –Can be harsh
  • –Inconsistent quality
  • –Blunts contain tobacco