When it comes to cannabis and the many ways in which we can enjoy it, things can get a little confusing. Do I vape? Or smoke? Which is healthier? Does it matter if I get high or not? What’s the difference between THC and CBD? So many questions!

And, as you may well know at this point, weed has some pretty unique properties that make consuming it different than any other kind of food or drink. The effects of weed are very different from drinking alcohol for example, which is why there’s so much information out there. To cut through all the noise, here is your ultimate beginner’s guide to consuming weed safely and effectively.

What is Consuming Weed?

To consume something is to eat it, drink it, or in this case, smoke it, right? So, consuming weed is all about taking in the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant. When you smoke or vape weed, you’re heating the plant matter until it produces an active substance called cannabinoids, which are what cause you to feel high.

When you eat or drink cannabis, the cannabinoids, along with other molecules from the plant, are absorbed into your bloodstream through your digestive system. The result is the same no matter which way you choose to consume weed: You get a little buzz.

Vaping Weed

Vaping is a popular method of consuming weed. Vaping is like smoking in one way, you’re combusting the weed, but the high temperature needed to combust weed isn’t enough to create harmful toxins that are formed when you smoke. So, vaping is less dangerous than smoking. It’s also less smelly too.

Unlike the other types of weed, dry herb is not always combined with a solvent like butane or propane. Vaporizing weed involves heating up the dry herb to a temperature that’s high enough to get the cannabinoids in the weed boiling into a vapor form. The vapor is what you inhale and then exhale.

Smoking Weed

Smoking weed is one of the most popular ways of cannabis consumption. It is the act of igniting the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. The smoke is what you inhale and then exhale. There are two ways for smoking marijuana. You can roll it up in paper or you can use a pipe.

Both of these methods are combusting the plant matter. When you smoke, you’re actually burning the weed and creating the cannabis smoke. When smoke enters your body, your liver converts the smoke into carbon dioxide and water. 

Edibles: Weed in Food Form

Edibles are another popular way for consumption methods. You can make all kinds of treats with weed baked right into the ingredients. The process of making edibles starts with decarboxylation. That’s just a fancy word for heating the buds until they’re activated, which takes about 45 minutes at around 240 degrees Fahrenheit.

Decarboxylation makes the cannabinoids in the weed psychoactive, which means you can feel the effects of the drug. When you eat the buds after they’ve been decarboxylated, your body breaks them down into smaller molecules. These molecules travel through your digestive system until they reach your bloodstream. 

Quick Tips To Remember when Consuming Cannabis

• Know what you are consuming
• Remember that it takes time to feel the effects of weed.
• Make sure you have the correct dosage and method of consumption.
• Stay hydrated!
• Choose the right setting.
• Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings.

Conclusion

Consuming weed is a personal experience that can vary depending on a number of factors. It’s important to be aware of the different ways you can consume weed to find the one that best suits you and your needs. If you’re new to consuming weed, be sure to do your research so that you know what you’re doing.

Be mindful of the factors listed above and you’ll be sure to enjoy your experience! That said, it’s important to remember that no matter the method of consumption, too much weed can be harmful. You should be aware of the risks that come with consuming weed so that you can make sure to consume responsibly. Acreage Pharms has all your cannabis needs. Contact us today!