Cannabis and Hemp can be consumed in a multitude of ways but the primary ways include gel-caps, edibles, vaping, or oil drops. Since everyone's body processes cannabis and cannabinoids differently, it's important to find your ideal consumption method by consulting a pharmacist.
CBD Oils (Under the Tongue)
Usually working in 15 minutes to an hour
Common Starting Dose of 2.5-5 mg of THC and CBD
Enters the bloodstream through the mouth and is fully eliminated or metabolized within 6-8 hours.
CBD oils are best applied underneath the tongue, and are then absorbed into the bloodstream to be distributed throughout the body evenly. Best practice allows not swallowing for at least 1 minute or eating immediately before or after application. Effects usually start to take place between 15-30 minutes. Usually these oral CBD Oils come in a spray or in dropper form to allow for measurable dosage.
Edibles & Capsules (Ingestion)
Usually working in 1-2 hours
Doses of CBD-rich products range from 5 mg to hundreds of milligrams.
Absorbed in the lungs immediately subsiding after 2-3 hours
Ingested cannabinoids are absorbed through the intestines and sent to the liver with effects occurring within the first hour on an empty stomach or 3 hours after eating. We recommend not re-dosing THC edibles for at least 3 hours after Ingestion. These cannabis products are often best for inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic conditions.
Smoking & Vaping (Inhalation)
Usually working within a few seconds
About one puff or inhalation. A typical marijuana joint is 0.3 - 1 gram of cannabis
Enters the bloodstream through the mouth and is fully eliminated or metabolized within 6-8 hours.
Inhalation is by far the fastest method of administering cannabis and cannabinoids. Usually between 20-30% of THC and phytocannabinoids are absorbed as the heat from smoking and/or vaping converts acid cannabinoids into neutral forms. Obviously since therapeutic effects are nearly immediate, this method is best for nausea, severe anxiety, or pain.
Other Methods
Lastly, there are a few other ways to administer cannabis and CBD products including:
Topicals and Balms are another common form of product, usually rubbed into the skin and meant to alleviate skin, joint, or inflammation issues. Terpenes and other non-intoxicating are used to increase permeation though large concentrations can occasionally irritate the skin.
Transdermal are basically the same as "The Patch." Meant to release a constant rate of cannabinoids into the bloodstream during a predetermined amount of time.
Water Soluble are some of the newest products to hit the market in which oils are usually infused with different products including CBD or THC-infused beverages, bath bombs, and more. These tend to get to work faster since they enter the bloodstream at a faster rate once dissolved.
