Consuming cannabis can be done in a number of ways, with smoking and inhaling being the well-known option. However, not everyone likes to smoke. Smoking cannabis can bring an unpleasant burning to the throat, coughing from a harsh inhale, or the aftertaste of the smoke. For those who prefer an alternative method, stay tuned as we list 6 different ways to consume cannabis without smoking!

Vaporizing

Cannabis does not require a torched lighter to still reap the benefits. In fact, its chemical compounds vaporize at a much lower, less harmful temperature. The vapor is easier on the lungs than inhaling smoke from a pipe. The taste of vaporized cannabis is often preferred to that of combusted flower. Larger table-top vaporizers can offer high-quality vapor with advanced temperature settings, while small hand-held devices let you enjoy cannabis flower or oils wherever you go. These days there are many affordable vaporizers to choose from if you’re interested in trying out this smokeless form of cannabis consumption.

Edibles

Edibles are cannabis infused food or drinks, allowing you to eat the THC rather than smoking. The diversity of marijuana edibles are quickly expanding, allowing you to infuse anything that calls for butter or oil, such as cookies, brownies, bread, and much more! 

When you smoke cannabis, the chemicals make their way straight through your bloodstream to your brain, then to the rest of your body. Conversely, when you consume a cannabis-infused edible, the THC gets absorbed into your bloodstream through your digestive tract, before undergoing a first metabolic pass in your liver. Then, and only then, does it enter your general circulation. Why does this matter? Well, in being processed this way instead, your liver transforms the cannabinoid THC into a more potent THC form that’s inclined to wield a stronger effect on you. A more sedative one, too.

Edibles are also likely to last much longer than from smoking or vaping. Think anywhere from from six to eight hours. Peak blood levels occur in edibles that contain THC around three hours. It’s at this point the effects promise to be at peak intensity. As with onset time, the length of an edible high itself is contingent on numerous factors, from the dose to its potency. Your metabolism, your weight, your overall tolerance and other individual factors could further affect duration.

The key to ingesting edibles is to be aware of your dosing. It’s important to start with caution with a low dose and being patient, as edibles take longer to kick in.

Ingestible Oils

Ingestible oils are cannabis concentrates that can be taken orally. They often are packaged in capsule or plastic applicators, either of which could be consumed or sprinkled to any food or drinks. The most effective way to take cannabis oil is sublingually, where the oil is placed under the tongue with a dropper and absorbed by the mucous membranes that lead directly to the bloodstream. This method allows it to bypass the stomach, which raises the bioavailability (the number of cannabinoids that make it to your bloodstream when your body absorbs the medicine) and takes about 15 to 30 minutes to kick in.

Tinctures

For those unfamiliar, tinctures are infused liquids that extract the cannabis compounds using an alcohol soak. Simply place a couple drops of the infused liquid under the tongue, and the tincture will immediately enter the bloodstream. Tinctures allow for quick absorption of cannabis without any clouds of smoke or vapor. They come in small bottles that can easily and safely fit into your purse or pocket. Tinctures don’t have a strong aroma and can be used at almost any time and setting without anyone needing to know about it. A few drops under the tongue (i.e., sublingually) and you’re good to go.

Topicals

Topicals are cannabis infused balms or lotions that can be directly applied to the skin, offering a relief of pain, soreness, or inflammation. Topicals are known to treat the symptoms without leaving the psychoactive effects, leaving you with a clear mind and zero “high” feeling. Using topicals also means it has an effective local treatment, no dose limitations, minimal side effects, and offers a wide variety of different options. 

Dabbing

Similar to vaporizing, dabbing is a method in which cannabis concentrates are placed on a heated water pipe attachment and inhaled for intensely potent effects. Dabbing is a popular method of experiencing a potent high without inhaling harsh smoke. Dabbing is actually cleaner in a chemical sense because cannabis concentrate is free of plant matter, meaning that it is also free of the harmful carcinogens that are a byproduct of smoking the plant fibers. 

Because of this pure form, dabs have stronger flavor and can cause a more intense high. Whether you are suffering from chronic pain or just want to gain a boosted cannabis experience, dabbing offers up an exciting and immediately effective alternative to normal marijuana consumption.

This method is suggested for experienced smokers, as the high concentrates may come as a shock to a first-time cannabis smoker.

The mission of Mary and Main is to provide safe and premium quality products with compassionate service. We provide the best array of options to choose from that suit your health needs.

If you are ready to try medical cannabis, give us a call: (855) 922-6626