It’s hard to imagine that just a decade ago, we only had a few options to choose from when it came to weed consumption. But now, with the overwhelming popularity of cannabis and cannabis products, it’s been infused into literally anything you can think of.
Almost every cannabis user out there has had a blunt or bong hit, and since we’re an experimentation bunch, where do we go from there? Which mode of consumption will provide the best high, while keeping us comfortable while we’re at it?
To answer this question, we’ll take a deeper look at three of the most popular modes of marijuana consumption: cannabis flower, edibles, and concentrates. Read on as we evaluate each consumption method to see which one takes the top spot.
What are the Different Forms of Cannabis?
The best thing about cannabis (apart from its medical and recreational benefits) is its versatility. You can consume it in various ways, and each consumption method has its own level of potency and effects.
The most popular methods of weed consumption right now are:
- Cannabis flower
- Edibles
- Concentrates
All these options will get you high. But when it comes to choosing which one among them is the best for you, it all comes down to what you enjoy doing and what you plan to achieve while you’re at it.
Cannabis Flower Vs Edibles Vs Concentrates
1. Cannabis Flower
Cannabis flower is the smokeable part of the female plant (the bud). It’s enjoyed by smoking through a blunt, spliff, or joint. These terms might sound like the same thing for an inexperienced smoker, but there’s actually a difference between them.
A spliff, for example, contains both weed and tobacco, making it a joint hybrid. A joint, on the other hand, contains pure cannabis and usually features filter paper. And a blunt is a larger roll-up of a joint and is typically rolled using cigar paper, which gives it a dark brown colour.
The best thing about cannabis flowers is that you’re not limited to the three choices above. You can also smoke it through a bong or pipe. And if you want a safer and healthier, but somehow more expensive, way of smoking cannabis flowers, you can also try a vaporizer.
Smoking cannabis is the most popular mode of cannabis consumption. This is mainly because it’s cheap, easy, and very convenient.
Onset and Duration
When you smoke cannabis flower, you can expect the effects to kick in within seconds. This is because it enters your bloodstream via the lungs just moments after inhaling it. Its effects peak after about 30 minutes and the high might last anywhere from an hour to three hours, depending on the strain and how much you take.
Pros
- A very simple way to consume weed
- Fast onset of effects
- Cost-effective when compared to other forms of weed consumption
- It’s easier to source
Cons
- Smoking cannabis flower can cause a bit of pain or ache in the throat
- Despite it being legal, smoking weed still has a stigma around it
- Both the cannabis smoke and lighter fluid contain carcinogenic chemicals
- The smell tends to linger on clothes and hair
2. Edibles
A few decades ago, pot brownies were the hallmark of edibles. But, now, literally, any dish can be infused with cannabis. From lollipops and gummy bears to a simple cup of tea, there’s no limit on how you can consume weed orally. And if you want to enjoy the medical benefits of cannabis without getting high, you can also try CBD-only edibles.
The best thing about edibles is that you don’t have to be an expert to take them. All you have to do is eat them like regular food and let your body’s metabolism do the rest.
Edibles generally take a while before they kick in. So, if you’re a beginner, it is advisable that you start small, then slowly work your way up.
Onset and Duration
The time edibles take to kick in after you eat them all comes down to how fast your metabolism is. In most cases, edibles kick in after about 30 to 45 minutes. However, if you have a slow metabolism, it might take up to two hours before you start feeling the effects.
After onset, the effects last for another four to six hours. But, depending on how much you ingested, you might be high for up to 12 hours.
Pros
- The high lasts considerably longer
- No smoke, or the subsequent smells that come with it
- It’s a very discrete method, which makes it perfect for travelling
Cons
- Since they’re real food, you still have to deal with calories, sugars, fats, etc.
- You’re working with a delayed reaction, so getting the right dose might be a little tricky
3. Concentrates
As the name suggests, cannabis concentrates are a concentrated form of cannabis that is created by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. This makes them more potent than any other form of cannabis. But, how concentrated are they?
Well, the most potent high-grade cannabis flower contains about 20 to 30% THC. Concentrates, on the other hand, average between 40 to 99% THC concentration. They go by many names, including budder, honey oil, wax, and dabs. Due to their rather sticky nature, concentrates are mostly inhaled via a dab rig or vaporizer.
With an appropriate vaporizer, you can enjoy cannabis concentrates in the most flavorful and smoothest form. But, when it comes to using a dab ring, extreme heat must be applied (preferably through a blow torch).
Onset and Duration
Like smoking, concentrates take seconds to kick in. Their effects mostly peak at around 30 minutes and can last anywhere between one to three hours.
Pros
- Vaping or dabbing concentrates doesn’t involve smoke
- It gives you instant effects
- Some users think concentrates taste better than smoking
- The vapour is much more discreet and less harmful to your throat
Cons
- Very easy to overdo it
- Vapes are pretty expensive, not to mention the fact that they require hours of charging
- You lose the ‘earthy’ marijuana experience.
The Bottom Line
All these methods have their benefits and limitations. There is no one best way to enjoy cannabis. It all comes down to what suits your preferences. It might take you a bit of experimentation before you get it right, but we can guarantee that the journey will be fun.
