The two most common questions I get are typically some form of asking about how to take things like CBD and THC and how much to take. The main focus of this article will be a discussion of some of the most common ways you can use our products. Although many people are aware of the different ways to use cannabis, I think many people still do not understand the difference between the common ingestion methods. Oftentimes, I see people give up on cannabis when in reality they simply may have been using the wrong ingestion method. Let’s get into it!
INHALATION:
When you heat up cannabis you are essentially converting cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) into its active form and therefore creates the “high” effect people associate cannabis with. Although many people are familiar with the method of cannabis inhalation, I very rarely recommend this method for a therapeutic effect. Once inhaled, the cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) enter the bloodstream and therefore can quickly make it to the brain. When someone inhales cannabis they will typically experience a strong effect that oftentimes will not last as long as other methods. Another potential problem with the inhalation method is its difficulty to get a high enough dose for its therapeutic effect, especially in more serious conditions. My final reason why smoking cannabis is not ideal would be the impact smoke has on the respiratory system and potential long term negative effects.
EDIBLE:
As you eat and digest an edible you must know that this delivery method will typically take longer for someone to experience an effect. For some individuals it may take a couple hours before you notice anything at all. With that said, it is important to be patient when using edibles and not attempt to take another dose because you feel it isn’t working. The key reason an edible may produce a different experience is because the cannabinoids in an edible will make their way to the liver prior to entering the bloodstream. The liver may convert the cannabinoids to a much stronger molecule that may be many times more powerful than other methods.
TINCTURE:
Tinctures are essentially a liquid form of concentrated cannabinoids you can place under your tongue and then swallow. The concentrated oil is created by using a solvent to strip the plant of its essential oils and cannabinoids. The cannabis oil can be extremely advantageous for providing large doses as well as precise micro-doses. Typically tinctures are made by combining the cannabinoids and other plant compounds with what is called a “carrier oil” to help increase the amount that reaches the bloodstream. Like edibles, using a cannabis oil will typically cause a longer effect.
TOPICAL:
Topicals are an excellent way of targeting a specific area. Common reported reasons for using a cannabis topical are things like joint aches and pain/inflammation. When using the topical method, the cannabinoids may interact with the skin but typically will not reach the bloodstream in enough concentration to cause a full body effect. Soothing salves are another option available when looking for a topical product. Soothing salves provide additional plant compounds that may help with things like itchy and dry skin as well as other skin conditions.
TLDR (too long didn’t read)
The key point I want to be taken from this article is you have many options available when looking to use a cannabis based product. Cannabis based products are certainly not for everyone and I always recommend you speak with your healthcare team prior to using any form of cannabis. With that said, I see too many people rule out cannabis simply because they may have used the wrong ingestion method for their specific case.
*DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this post is for informational purposes ONLY and not intended to be taken as medical advice. Our products at The Total Health Company are NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare team before using any cannabis based products.
