How you consume cannabis impacts the experience. It can impact the onset, strength, and duration of your experience.
The most common cannabis consumption methods are smoking and vaporizing. Smoking involves burning, whereas vaporizing heats up concentrate to produce a smokeless, inhalable vapor. Both deliver fast-acting effects.
Inhalation
Cannabis contains chemicals called cannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. It is available in many forms at the best dispensaries in Chicago, including smoked flowers, concentrates, and edibles. Smoked flower is rolled into hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or placed in a pipe or water-filtered bong. Cannabis can also be vaporized using a vaporizer or added to foods such as baked goods or tea.
The most commonly reported method of cannabis consumption is inhalation. Inhalation can produce a wide range of therapeutic effects. It is essential to note the mode of ingestion and any associated side effects, especially when trying new types of cannabis. Keeping a cannabis usage log can help maintain an optimal treatment regime. It is also helpful to avoid consuming cannabis with medications that interact with marijuana, such as barbiturates, theophylline, disulfiram, and sedatives.
Ingestion
Cannabis can be ingested as edibles (cooked into food or added to drinks) and tinctures. When ingested, the cannabinoid chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive system.
THC and other chemicals found in cannabis interact with each individual’s Endocannabinoid system to produce unique reactions. THC can induce psychotropic effects, including depersonalization, derealization, drowsiness, and altered internal and external perceptions. CBD, which does not induce these psychotropic effects, can reduce some side effects.
Tinctures use ethanol alcohol to extract and hold the cannabinoid molecules in a liquid. Tinctures can be added to food and drinks or applied topically. Using a tincture allows for more precise dosing than smoking or vaping. When consuming a tincture, it’s essential to start with small doses and wait 2 hours before increasing your dosage if necessary.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals provide relief by binding to cannabinoid receptors located directly on the skin. Depending on the cannabis-infused product, they may deliver benefits like pain and inflammation relief or produce a more euphoric experience. Various options are available, from gels and creams to sprays and patches.
The absorption of cannabis-infused topicals depends on the thickness of the application and the amount applied. Once absorbed, the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream and are distributed throughout the endocannabinoid system.
Topical products are popular because they offer targeted relief and do not create the intoxicating effects that other consumption methods can produce.
Topical cannabis-infused products are a great alternative to over-the-counter medications and do not require a medical marijuana card or state license to purchase. However, it’s important to note that using any cannabis-infused topical before or while driving could lead to a DUI charge in Chicago. For this reason, it’s essential to avoid consuming any cannabis in the car and make sure your kids don’t either.
Vaping
Vaping, also known as vaporizing, is similar to smoking, but the cannabis is not burned. Instead, it is heated by electronics until a light vapor is released. This more discreet and cleaner process allows for a more distinct plant flavor. It can also feel more clear-headed than smoking because it doesn’t contain the same amount of smoke.
While smoking remains the most common way to consume cannabis, vaporization has become increasingly popular. The devices are similar to e-cigarettes but can be filled with tobacco or cannabis extracts such as oil ‘pods’ or solid concentrates. It is important to note that although marijuana is legal in Illinois, vaporizers are not regulated like cigarettes.
As a result, youth are more likely to report using nicotine-based vaporizers than cannabis-specific ones. Therefore, it is essential to know that if you are a non-citizen working in the cannabis industry, you may be subject to federal law and immigration consequences.
