THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two main chemical compounds (cannabinoids) found in marijuana. Their effects are most desirable when consuming cannabis. The method of consuming marijuana influences both the rate of absorption of the active substances and the effect and ease of absorption.

Let's take a look at the most important of them.

Smoking marijuana

Smoking is one of the most popular and fastest ways to consume marijuana. It allows for almost immediate effects, as the active substances are absorbed through the lungs and enter the bloodstream directly. Smoking takes several different forms, the most popular being joints, pipes, or bongs, where the smoke is filtered through water.

The speed of action, in this case both THC and CBD, is the biggest advantage, hence smoking marijuana is the most popular form of recreational use. The effects can be felt within minutes, allowing for easier dose adjustments. Users can stop smoking once they reach their desired effect, a feat that is more difficult with other methods of cannabis use.

Even though it is the most popular way to provide the body with cannabinoids, it also has a lot of disadvantages, so is not a recommended way to take medical marijuana. Why? First, there's the combustion process—exactly the same principle as smoking tobacco.

This involves inhaling harmful tar substances and toxins that can irritate the lungs and respiratory tract, and in the long run, cause respiratory or circulatory system diseases. The second disadvantage is the relatively specific smell, which remains on clothes and hangs around in rooms. Its tolerance is an individual matter. It should also be emphasized that smoking marijuana brings short-term effect, which ranges from 1 to 4 hours.

If you are considering combining marijuana smoking with tobacco, we encourage you to read our publication “Combining cannabis and tobacco is a bad idea”.

Vaporizing marijuana

For those looking for an alternative that is less harmful to the lungs while still allowing for quick results, vaporization is recommended. It's also a method recommended by doctors who prescribe medicinal marijuana. This method of use involves heating dried marijuana or concentrates to a temperature at which cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) are released, but without burning any parts of the plant. Instead of smoke, you inhale vapor, which reduces the risk of harmful health effects.

Vaporization is gentler on the lungs, brings significantly fewer side effects and at the same time allows for much better effects – marijuana heated at the optimal temperature allows for the release of more cannabinoids, and its regulation optimizes preferences (lower temperatures produce a milder effect, while higher temperatures produce a more intense one). it also increases the taste and aroma and provides greater discretion, because the steam has a less intense odor that dissipates faster.

It is indicated as a minus cost of the device, which you need to purchase to use vaporization. We recently wrote about vaporizers in another article, so we encourage you to read the publication “Cyclod and THC Dry Marijuana Vaporizer – Some Tips for Beginners”.In the case of vaporization, you also have to take into account a slightly milder psychoactive effect.

Oral ways to take marijuana

Not everyone has the opportunity to consume marijuana in inhaled form, so medicine has found several therapeutic alternatives, both those containing only CBD and THC. THC oils and sublingual sprays They are usually used in patients suffering from chronic diseases.

THC oils are effective in treating many conditions, but their psychoactive effects and potential legal issues limit their popularity. On the other hand, CBD oils They are legal and do not produce psychoactive effects, making them an attractive choice for those seeking natural remedies. We've written about the therapeutic effects of CBD oils numerous times on our blog.

The alternative is edibles, including cookies, drinks, and chocolates. In this form, they produce longer and more potent THC effects, but the effects begin later, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. In Poland, the use of medical marijuana in edible form is not recommended due to the difficulty in adjusting the dose.. We also won't find such products ready for purchase.

It is worth emphasizing that CBD can be purchased in edible form. These could be hemp shots CBD, functional jellies or other sweets. You'll find them all in our store.

Topical use of marijuana

Topical marijuana, primarily in the form of creams, ointments, balms, gels, or patches, is a method of applying cannabinoids (THC, CBD) directly to the skin to relieve pain, inflammation, skin problems, and muscle tension. In Poland, only CBD products are available, but the medical marijuana market is constantly evolving, so a THC-based form will likely become available eventually.

Patches or creams have the advantage that are easily absorbed and act locally, which does not cause psychoactive or numbing effects, which is important for some patients with pain. Topical products are considered one of the safest forms of marijuana application because they do not cause significant side effects.

Which way to use marijuana is best?

Marijuana can be consumed in various ways, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and may or may not suit different groups of people with different needs. Choosing the right form of consumption depends on individual expectations, desired effects, health status, and preferences. When choosing a method for yourself, familiarize yourself with the factors associated with each method.