Since the legalization of cannabis in the majority of the US states, the number of marijuana users continues to grow. More and more individuals are turning to the herb for managing their disorders, such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, etc.

Smoking is the most popular method of cannabis consumption. But, not everyone is a fan of this marijuana delivery method. The American Heart Association says that marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke. Luckily, there are various alternatives available for non-smokers. Let’s discuss them.

Vaporization For Flavorful Experience

This is the most widely used alternative to cannabis smoking. It involves vaporizing cannabis to generate vapors that contain cannabinoids and terpenoids. You can inhale the vapors as smoke, but the vapors are free from tar and toxins. This is because vaping occurs at a much lower temperature than smoking. So, it doesn’t burn the heat-sensitive terpenes, allowing you to have a flavorful cannabis consumption experience.

It’s important to note that when vaping, the entire cannabinoid profile isn’t released at once. Different chemical compounds are released at different temperatures. For instance, CBN is released at 160-180 degrees C. CBN delivers sedative effects. However, the important cannabinoids, such as THC burn at these temperatures.

According to a 2017 study, individuals who vaped cannabis had lower blood levels of CO. Researchers reported that vaping is a safe and effective method of THC delivery.

Dabbing Cannabis Concentrates

Dabbing is the process of heating cannabis concentrates and inhaling the vapors to receive potent effects. It has been popular for more than a decade.

Medical studies have found that dabbing delivers 4-5 times stronger effects than a joint. Cannabis concentrates contain about 50-80 percent of THC while the flowers contain 10-15 percent of THC. There’s a wide range of dabs available, such as oils, soft, hard, etc. based on the method of extraction.

For dabbing, you need to first place a dab on the pre-heated nail. Heating cannabis concentrates generates vapors for inhalation, thus delivering immediate effects. However, many use hash oils (especially teens) to avoid the smell of smoke. Some experienced dabbers use carb caps when dabbing at low temperatures.

Researchers at Portland State University reported that dabbing may expose users to carcinogenic compounds. The more the temperature, the more the number of toxins. So, controlling the nail temperature when dabbing is very important. It’s quite a challenging task, but over time you can learn things.

Delicious Marijuana-Infused Edibles

Ingesting cannabis can help you receive the medicinal effects of chemical compounds such as THC and CBD without inhaling the smoke. Marijuana edibles are available in different forms, such as lollipops, brownies, gummies, chocolate bars, teas, coffees, etc. In addition to ease of use, you can control the dosage.

When you eat marijuana, ΔTHC 9 gets converted into ΔTHC 11, the more potent form, thus delivering stronger effects.

How edibles are different from smoking and vaping? When you eat cannabis-infused foods, it may take 30-90 minutes to feel the effects. Some studies show that consumers may have to wait for at least 2 hours to experience the full-effects of edibles.

Edibles last longer, usually 8-10 hours. That’s why patients with chronic joint pain, anxiety, etc. prefer this marijuana consumption method over other methods.

At medical dispensaries, there’s a wide range of edibles with different concentrations of THC and CBD are available. Always seek professional help from medical marijuana doctors New York before buying edibles.

Topicals & Transdermal Cannabinoids

The 2018 Civilized Culture Poll reported that the marijuana topical market is set to reach new heights. Topicals made from both hemp and cannabis can be used for easing a variety of physical symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, etc. They can help heal skin burns and infections completely and can be used as alternatives to antibiotic creams. However, many athletes prefer using cannabis-infused topicals to get relief from muscular and joint pain.

You can find a wide range of topicals at medical dispensaries, including creams, balms, lotions, etc. When you apply them to the affected areas, chemical compounds in them bind to CB2 receptors in the skin, thus providing immediate effects.

Most topicals can’t reach the bloodstream. They provide relief by penetrating through the skin instead. So, you won’t get high. But, if you use transdermal patches, THC will reach the bloodstream, thus providing psychoactive effects.

Pills, Capsules & Tablets

Pills and capsules usually contain oil concentrates, and usually, they are consumed orally as other pills. Capsules may contain single cannabinoid or full-spectrum oils that provide stronger effects.

Cannabis pills work similarly as edibles. They are taken through the mouth and absorbed through the digestive system. Then, THC is metabolized by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, which delivers more sedative effects than THC alone.

The process of absorption of cannabis pills and capsules is different to everyone. This is because not all consumers have the same body chemistry. Pills usually take 45 minutes to 3 hours to kick in, and the effects last longer depending on the ingredients.

So, Which One You Should Choose?

Well, the answer may be different for every consumer. Analyze your condition and learn about the symptoms you want to ease with cannabis consumption. If you need immediate effects, go for vaping. You can vape either dried flowers or concentrates of different concentrations of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.

Individuals looking for lasting relief from pain, anxiety, or other conditions, can opt for oral consumption methods. Edibles are absorbed through the digestive system, so take longer to kick in and last longer as well. They are available in different forms, such as gummies, brownies, chocolates, etc.

When trying a new method, be sure you start slow. The objective is to learn the kind of effects your body and mind receive. Once you understand how it works, you can increase the dosage gradually.

Before You Visit The Medical Dispensary

In a cannabis legalized state, there’s a wide range of licensed dispensaries available. To access them legally, you require an MMJ card. The card shows that you want to use cannabis for managing your condition, not for recreational purposes.

With telemedicine, you can apply for your card online. Just complete a simple form, and see medical marijuana doctors New York online. You can share your medical history and other details online. After you are approved, you will get your MMJ recs in PDF. So, the process involves 3 simple steps-

Sign up an account
Talk to a licensed doctor through HIPAA-compliant software
Receive MMJ recs in PDF via email

Key Takeaways

Smokeless methods allow you to deliver cannabinoids into the body while avoiding the harmful toxins and carcinogens present in marijuana smoke. Vaping dried flowers/concentrates allows you to inhale the vapors comprising THC, CBD, and other compounds safely. Edibles are absorbed through the digestive system and last longer than smoking or vaping. Cannabis-infused lotions and balms are perfect for localized relief from pain and inflammation. They are absorbed into the skin and ease symptoms without causing high effects.

Different consumption methods provide different effects for different consumers. So, you need to figure out how each method works in your body, and make the right decision.

Talk to medical marijuana doctors New York online to get MMJ recs today.

Different Options to Consume Cannabis Without Combustion