What are the most common ways for you to enjoy cannabis for your body, needs, and mood?

Cannabis has come a long way from the days when the only option was rolling a joint or hitting the gravity bong. There’s now a wide range of consumption methods, each offering unique experiences and benefits. Whether you’re looking for rapid relief, a smooth and flavorful experience, or a long-lasting high, there’s a delivery method to fit your vibe,  mood, and occasion. Understanding how each method works has two key benefits: it can help you make better choices and it also ensures you get the desired effects based on your setting (talk about a win-win!). Here are the most common ways to enjoy cannabis and find the best fit for you.

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Combustion: Up in Smoke

When most people think of cannabis, they picture someone lighting up a blunt or hitting a pipe. Combustion, the most traditional method, involves burning dried cannabis flower or concentrates and inhaling the smoke. It’s popular for a reason—the effects are almost immediate. When you inhale, major cannabinoids like THC and CBD are absorbed quickly through the lungs into the bloodstream, providing a high within minutes.

While smoking offers quick results and a sense of ritual, you're still combusting and inhaling a raw plant product. It should be noted that inhaling smoke can irritate the lungs and could potentially have longer-term health risks. Despite this, many users still prefer combustion for its simplicity and the immediate connection to the plant. And for many, they just love the routine of rolling a joint and sparking up–whether solo or with their friends.

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Vaporization: Cultivating Good Vape Vibes

Sometimes you can’t smoke, or maybe you just don’t want to. Combusting flower can be a pretty loud statement when you live in an apartment. Vaporization, especially of the more discreet variety like battery vape cartridges, these weed vape devices have become a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts seeking a smoother alternative. Vaporizers heat cannabis flower or dab concentrates to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes without reaching the point of combustion. This means you get the benefits of inhalation without the potentially harmful byproducts found in smoke.

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Live Resin vs Live Rosin Vape Pens

Cartridges, the most common form on the market, make vaporizing hash oil incredibly easy and accessible. They are pre-filled, simple to use, and offer a stronger effect with a richer flavor profile compared to smoking. Live resin and live rosin concentrates often highlight a bouquet of nuanced effects more discernible than just vaping flower. The  fresher the plant product - the more flavorful and potent the product, which is what makes live concentrates a very popular choice at dispensaries.

A hash manufactured from harvested and immediately frozen plants is considered "live" and will have the strongest palate-pleasing profiles. This is because many of the terpenes are lost within that short period between harvesting and drying the plant, so flash-freezing it at its peak preserves all the components that create the perfect effect. Rosin, when paired with the live method (aka the art of extracting oil without any solvents) is the ultimate combination of nature and flavor. Resin is the commercial term for the glands of the plant that can be removed and concentrated and turned into hash. All hash is resin, but the live version is one of the most effective on the market.

Another great benefit of  vaporizers is that they allow for precise temperature control, so you can customize your experience. Effects are still fast-acting, but the impact on your lungs is much gentler compared to smoking.

For those who prefer a milder, smoother alternative to lighting up their bud, vaporizing flower is a great option. It allows users to enjoy the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes without the harshness of smoke, resulting in a cleaner and more flavorful hit.

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Edibles: A Longer-Lasting High

Hungry for a longer-lasting way to enjoy cannabis? Over the past few years, edibles have surged in popularity, offering a completely different cannabis experience without smoke  or vapes needed. From gummies and snacks to ready-to-drink beverages, cannabis-infused edibles provide a longer-lasting and often more intense high. Why is that? When you consume edibles, cannabinoids are processed through your digestive system and metabolized by the liver, which converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC—a compound that produces stronger and longer-lasting effects.

The main challenge with edibles is timing and dosage. It can take 30 minutes to two hours to feel the effects, which often leads to the classic mistake of taking too much too soon. If you’ve ever had seconds from that batch of weed brownies, you know what we’re talking about. But with careful dosing, edibles offer a discreet and potent option for those seeking a sustained experience with no smoking required.

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Drink Up! The Rise of Cannabis Beverages

Cannabis-infused beverages are quickly becoming a popular and refreshing way to consume cannabis, with some experts estimating it will be a $120 billion dollar market by 2030! From fruity sparkling waters and teas to sodas and mocktails, these drinks offer a discreet and enjoyable alternative to smoking or vaping.

The cannabinoids in these beverages are typically nano-emulsified, allowing quicker absorption and faster onset than traditional edibles—often hitting within 15 to 30 minutes. Plus, they make it easy to control your dosage, letting you sip and savor your way to the perfect high. Whether you’re chilling at a BBQ or winding down after a long day, cannabis beverages bring a social, approachable vibe to your experience without the cough–and you don’t have to worry about rolling joints.

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Sublingual Application: Quick and Controlled

Sublingual application is an excellent choice for those who want quick effects without inhaling smoke or vapor. Tinctures and oils placed under the tongue are absorbed through the mucous membranes, allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream directly. If you want to get high quickly, this method provides fast-acting results—usually within 15 to 30 minutes—and usually offers more control over dosage than edibles.

Sublinguals are also discreet and easy to use, making them perfect for those who want a quick dose on the go. Plus, the effects tend to last longer than smoking but aren’t as prolonged as edibles, striking a balance between immediacy and longevity.

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Transdermal and Topical Application: Targeted Relief

Cannabis doesn’t always have to get you high. Topicals—like creams, balms, and lotions—are applied directly to the skin, providing localized relief without psychoactive effects. Many athletes, for instance, enjoy topicals because they’re perfect for soothing sore muscles and inflammation, while those with certain skin conditions can benfit greatly from certain cannabis topicals.

Transdermal patches, on the other hand, deliver cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream, providing full-body effects. These patches can offer steady, controlled dosing over several hours, making them ideal for medical users or those seeking long-lasting relief without the need to smoke or ingest cannabis.

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Suppositories: A Unique Approach

Though less common, cannabis suppositories are an efficient way to absorb cannabinoids, offering rapid effects and high bioavailability. Inserted rectally or vaginally, they bypass the digestive system and provide direct absorption into the bloodstream. This method is particularly beneficial for those seeking localized relief from period cramps, menopausal symptoms, or digestive issues.

While it may seem unconventional, suppositories are gaining popularity for their effectiveness and fast onset. Plus, they offer a discreet option for users who want strong effects without smoking, eating, or drinking their cannabis.

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Finding Your Perfect Match

With so many cannabis consumption methods available, the key is finding what works best for your body and lifestyle. Whether you’re after the quick hit of a joint, the flavorful smoothness of a vaporizer, the long-lasting effects of an edible, or the targeted relief from a topical, there’s an option tailored just for you.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with  different methods, as this can help you discover your ideal cannabis experience. It’s also just a fun way to try new things! Pay attention to how each method affects you, and don’t be afraid to mix things up based on your needs, preferences, or curiosity. The beauty of cannabis is its versatility—so explore, enjoy, and find your perfect match.