Cannabis, informally known as marijuana or weed, comes from a flowering plant of the Cannabaceae genus. It’s grown in popularity and use over the last few decades for its many benefits.
Cannabis has both medicinal and recreational uses and very few side effects if taken correctly. More and more states across America are choosing to legalize the use of cannabis for these reasons, and a quick search for ‘cannabis dispensary near me’ will show you a number of reputable dispensaries where you can purchase cannabis-based products.
If you’re new to cannabis and want to try it for yourself, you might be wondering how to consume it safely. Below, we have covered four safe ways to consume cannabis for maximum benefits and minimal side effects.
1. Edibles
You’ve probably heard of the term ‘weed brownies’, which are a unique take on the classic chocolate brownie dessert that everybody loves. Weed brownies are made using cannabis-infused butter or standard butter with cannabis as an additional ingredient in the brownie recipe.
Weed brownies are just one example of edible cannabis products that you can consume. You can also get candies, gummies, chews, and chocolate bars that are infused with cannabis.
2. Capsules and Tablets
If you’re not a fan of smoking or eating cannabis, you can purchase it in the form of capsules and tablets. This is a great way to consume cannabis as a beginner because the doses are accurate, precise, and easy to determine.
As with any form of pill or tablet, you simply swallow cannabis capsules or tablets with some water. They’re a quick and easy way to gain the benefits of cannabis, but make sure to speak to a professional about the best dosing for your needs.
3. Vapes
Cannabis vapes are a popular option in the modern day. Vapes heat cannabis until it forms a vapor that contains cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds. These compounds enter your lungs and your bloodstream when inhaled.
Unlike smoking a joint, no smoke is produced when you use a vape. Therefore, it’s easier and safe to use a vape than it is to smoke a joint, and it offers a more discreet (and less aromatic) way to consume cannabis. Cannabis vape cartridges are easy to come by, and you find a range of vape-appropriate cannabis products, including oils and concentrates.
4. Topicals
Cannabis topicals are applied directly to the skin and include creams, balms, lotions, and gels. They are most commonly used to treat localized pain due to cannabis’s pain-relieving effects. However, when applied to the skin, the cannabis gets absorbed into the bloodstream and can elicit some systemic effects.
Because the cannabis in topicals needs to cross the skin to enter the body, it has a lower bioavailability than other forms of consuming cannabis, such as smoking or eating edibles. As a result, you won’t experience any psychological effects when using topical cannabis.