TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT METHOD FOR YOU
When it comes to consuming cannabis, I’ve tried most things, from top to bottom. Like, literally, bottom—suppositories are an effective form of medicinal cannabis. As most people, I have my preferred way to consume cannabis, but I also know the right time to try a different method. For example, it’s not ideal to bring a fat blunt to a celebration where you should be discreet about cannabis. Though some people stand by their preferred method, but there’s no harm in branching out. I’ve learned these pros and cons of cannabis consumption methods over years of trying new things, budtending at cannabis dispensaries, and regularly consuming the plant.
SMOKING FLOWER
There are many kinds of cannabis products, but flower remains a popular choice across generations. Headset data showed that the market share of smoking products grew 28% from 2021 to 2022.
The thick smoke, quick onset of effects, and often rich flavor could be why many connoisseurs return to smoking flower after dabbling with other consumption methods. But while smoking cannabis is likely not as harmful as smoking tobacco, smoking is smoking when it comes to vascular health.
A 2013 review of animal and human studies showed that regularly smoking cannabis caused minor lung injury and chronic bronchitis that cleared up after cessation of use. Habitual cannabis smoking increased airway resistance, but a few epidemiological studies showed no increased risk of lung or upper airway cancer with low or moderate smoking.
While lighting a baton joint or ripping a tube can be a simply delightful experience, pulmonary risks are worth considering.
DABBING
When I was budtending in medical dispensaries, I noticed that patients who sought to replace prescription opioids with cannabis coveted extract products. I watched the eyes of many patients on this journey slowly regain their sparkle visit after visit as they shed pharmaceuticals in favor of cannabis products. The high THC in extracts made them more effective for people used to fast-acting, intense pain-relieving opioids.
For those who don’t have a high tolerance or need a large concentration of cannabinoids, the heightened effects of dabbing may cause uncomfortable paranoia or anxiety. These consumers might like dabbing CBD extracts. I love to dab high-CBD strains like Harlequin when I’m
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