Smoking cannabis is the traditional way to use this plant, be it recreationally or medically. However, not everyone enjoys smoking, be it for health reasons or personal preference, and it tends to hold them back from exploring all that cannabis has to offer. To help fix that, here are four ways to use cannabis without smoking that you can try.
Edibles: A Smoke-Free Cannabis Experience
If you're interested in experiencing cannabis without the smoke, edibles are a great place to start. Edibles are food items that have been infused with cannabis, ranging from the classic brownie to complex gourmet dishes. Typically, their main cannabis component is a cannabis oil or butter, which makes it easy to create some for yourself in addition to buying them. They offer a unique, lingering effect that can last much longer than other consumption methods, which makes them ideal for those who need long-term relief from ailments like chronic pain or insomnia.
Dosage and Effects
“Start low and go slow” is the golden rule of edibles. Their effects can be potent, and they tend to come on slowly and last a long time. This is because when you eat cannabis, it's processed by your liver, converting THC into a more potent form. Around 5 to 10 milligrams of THC is the recommended starting dose, so see how you feel after about two hours before you take more. Sensations of relaxation, euphoria, and heightened sensory perception are common while high.
Tinctures and Sublingual Consumption
Cannabis tinctures are essentially alcohol-based cannabis extracts. To put it simply, it's cannabis-infused alcohol, although glycerin can also be used by those who wish to avoid alcohol. Tinctures come in small bottles with a dropper for easy and precise dosing. Tinctures can be placed under the tongue for sublingual consumption, added to foods or beverages, or even applied topically, depending on your preferences.
Dosage and Effects
Sublingual, or under the tongue, is one of the most common ways to use a cannabis tincture. This method involves placing a few drops of the tincture under the tongue and then holding it there for about 60 to 90 seconds before swallowing. This allows the cannabis to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the thin tissues of the mouth, bypassing the digestive system and liver metabolism to enable a quicker onset of effects, which can happen in as little as 15 minutes and lasts several hours.
Vaporizers: Smokeless Cannabis Inhalation
Vaporizers can offer a smokeless cannabis experience that still allows inhalation. These devices heat cannabis to a temperature that releases its active components as vapor, which can then be inhaled without any combusted material or smoke for a cleaner, purer cannabis experience.
Types of Cannabis Vaporizers
There are various types of vaporizers available, ranging from desktop models to portable handheld ones. While some are designed specifically for dried cannabis flowers, others are designed for cannabis concentrates, and some can accommodate both.
Benefits of Vaporizers
Vaporizers avoid many of the toxins inhaled through smoking cannabis. The onset of effects is also nearly as fast, making it much more efficient than other no-smoke methods. Take care in how you use your vaporizer, though, as finding the right temperature setting to avoid burning your cannabis and maximizing the release of active compounds will make a difference in the quality of high you can get.
Topical Cannabis Products
Topical cannabis products include creams, balms, oils, and lotions infused with cannabis. These are applied directly to the skin, providing localized relief for pain, inflammation, and other conditions without causing a psychoactive high.
Benefits and Usage Tips
Topical cannabis can provide relief for conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, and muscle pain. When using, apply a generous amount to the affected area and rub it thoroughly for the best results. As stated above, topical cannabis products will not get you high. This is because compounds like THC and CBD do not reach your bloodstream, so this method is not ideal for those seeking that kind of effect from their cannabis.
Considerations for Home Growers
Home growers have the advantage of knowing exactly what goes into their cannabis products. This allows them to choose the right strain for their needs, control the quality, and even save money in the long run.
You also have more freedom in the kind of consumption method you’d like to use. The right consumption method for you depends on your personal preferences, medical needs, and lifestyle. Experimenting with different methods can help you find what you like.
Growing your own cannabis also provides full control over the strength of your products. As a home grower, you can choose strains with specific THC/CBD ratios and create customized edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Always ensure you're abiding by local laws when growing cannabis at home. Additionally, maintain a safe environment by securely storing your cannabis products away from children and pets.
Find the Right Method for Using Cannabis Today
There are a good number of smoke-free cannabis consumption methods to explore, each offering unique benefits and experiences. Whether you prefer the long-lasting effects of edibles or the quick relief of vaporization, there's a no-smoke cannabis use method that's right for you. Start exploring these options with Kind Seed Co for a healthier, more personalized cannabis experience today.
