Getting High - A Guide to Cannabis Consumption: Methods, Effects, and How to Choose What’s Right for You
Weed's going mainstream, and there are a ton of ways to get your fix these days. Whether you're looking to chill out ASAP, ride a long-lasting wave, or just enjoy some bud without stinking up the place, there's something out there for you. Let's break down the most popular ways to consume cannabis, what's good (and not so good) about each, and how to figure out what works for you. Whether it’s cannabis oils, cannabis creams, or cannabis flower, there is a bit of something for everyone.
The Classic: Smoking Weed
Smoking is the OG method for most people. Light up a joint, hit a pipe, or rip a bong - you're inhaling burnt weed and feeling it pretty much right away. It's perfect if you need to kill pain or anxiety on the spot.
The Good:
Hits you fast
Great for quick relief
The Bad:
Not great for your lungs
High doesn't last as long as other methods
2. Vaping: The "Healthier" Option
Vaping's supposed to be easier on your lungs. Instead of burning the bud or concentrate, you're heating it up to release vapor. Less nasty stuff in your lungs, but you still get the good stuff. Cannabis cartridges have become ubiquitous, making it easier than ever to get concentrated doses.
Types:
Vape pens: Portable and easy to use
Desktop vaporizers: Bigger, for at-home use
The Good:
Cleaner hit
Discreet and portable (for pens)
The Bad:
Can be pricey
Some vape stuff might have sketchy additives
3. Edibles: The Sneaky Powerhouse
Weed-infused food and drinks are a whole different ballgame. No smoke, long-lasting high, but they take their sweet time to kick in.
The Good:
High lasts for hours
Easy to be discreet
The Bad:
Takes forever to hit
Easy to accidentally get way too high
4. Tinctures: The Middle Ground
These are liquid extracts you drop under your tongue. They're a nice balance between fast-acting and long-lasting.
The Good:
Kicks in pretty quick
Easy to control your dose
The Bad:
Effects might not last as long as edibles
Can taste pretty funky
5. Topicals: For Your Body, Not Your Brain
Creams, balms, and lotions with weed in them. You rub them on your skin for pain or inflammation, but they won't get you high.
The Good:
Targets specific areas
No head high
The Bad:
Won't help with full-body issues
6. Dabbing: The Heavy Hitter
This is for the pros. You're vaporizing super concentrated weed extracts like wax or shatter. It hits hard and fast.
The Good:
Incredibly potent
Immediate effects
The Bad:
Can be too intense for newbies
Might not be the healthiest option
7. Microdosing: The Subtle Approach
Taking tiny amounts of weed to get the benefits without getting blazed. Good for creativity, mood, or focus.
The Good:
Mild effects
Can use different methods (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc.)
The Bad:
Takes some trial and error to get right
8. Sublingual: Quick and Discreet
Sublingual cannabis products like sprays, lozenges, or tinctures that go under your tongue. They work faster than edibles because they skip the whole digestion process.
The Good:
Fast-acting
Easy to use on the go
The Bad:
Can taste pretty strong
9. Picking Your Strain: Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid
The type of weed you choose makes a big difference:
Indica Effects: Chill, relaxing, good for sleep or pain
Sativa Effects: Energizing, uplifting, good for daytime use
Hybrid: Mix of both, effects depend on the specific strain
10. Finding What Works for You
Choosing the right method depends on what you're after:
Need relief ASAP? Try smoking, vaping, or tinctures.
Want it to last? Go for THC gummies, other edibles, or topicals.
Gotta be sneaky? Tinctures, sublingual stuff, or microdosing are your best bet.
Don't forget to pay attention to THC vs. CBD content, the cannabinoid profile and the terpene profile - they all play a role in how you'll feel.
Wrapping It Up
There's a lot of ways to enjoy weed these days, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned stoner. Smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, topicals, microdosing - each has its own pros and cons. Take your time, start small, and figure out what your body likes. And hey, don't be afraid to ask your local budtender for advice - that's what they're there for!
