What Is the Best Way to Consume Weed?

Cannabis consumers have never had so many different ways to enjoy their favorite herb. But what is the best way to consume weed?

The truth is that there's no single "best" way to consume weed, as the ideal method depends on several factors. Understanding each method’s pros and cons is key to finding the best way to incorporate weed into your life—whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or exploring cannabis for the first time.

1. Smoking Weed

There are various smoking methods. The most popular way to smoke weed is the beloved joint. However, there are several other methods as well. Smoking cannabis can offer a social experience and can also be enjoyed alone.

Joints and Blunts

Joints and blunts look very similar but have one clear difference: While blunts combine cannabis flower with tobacco, a joint is only cannabis flower rolled in paper. 

Pros of Smoking Joints and Blunts	Cons of Smoking Joints and Blunts
Joints and blunts are compact and portable. Joints and blunts can be shared as part of a social occasion. Joints are fast-acting. You should feel the effects of inhaling a joint within two to ten minutes.	Joints and blunts produce smoke and other toxic substances. Joints and blunts produce a distinctive smell that impedes discreet consumption. It’s challenging to control dosage precisely when rolling your own joint.

Pre-Rolls

Pre-rolled joints or blunts offer convenience and ease. Purchasing a pre-roll from a dispensary like ours in Seattle means you don’t have to roll your own joint or carry weed paraphernalia around with you.

Pros of Smoking Pre-rolls	Cons of Smoking Pre-rolls
Pre-rolls are great for less dexterous rollers or if you're in need of a quick boost as they're prepared and ready to go. Infused pre-rolls offer the perfect mix of flower and cannabis concentrates, offering a convenient yet potent smoke.	Purchasing a ready-made product means you have limited control over its contents. Rolling your own joint means you can choose your favorite paper, strain, and anything you would like to add to heighten your experience.

Bongs

Bongs are water pipes that use water to cool and then filter the cannabis smoke. This offers a smoother experience than a joint. If you like to smoke cannabis in social gatherings, bongs are a great addition to get the party started.

Pros of Bongs	Cons of Bongs
Bongs produce cooler smoke which is less harsh on the throat. Bongs offer a fast onset time.	Bongs are bulky pieces of equipment. Bongs require regular cleaning.

Pipes

Pipes offer a compact and straightforward way to smoke marijuana that's more portable than a bong.

Pros of Smoking Pipes	Cons of Smoking Pipes
Pipes are easily transportable, easy to use, and require minimal setup.	Pipes offer less filtration than bongs. This makes the smoke harsher on the throat.  Pipes require frequent cleaning.

2. Vaping Cannabis

Vaping refers to inhaling the vapor produced when heating flower or concentrate to a specific temperature. Unlike smoking, which burns the cannabis material, vaping uses a vaporizer to heat it just enough to release the cannabinoids and terpenes without combusting it. This results in a smoother, less harsh inhalation experience.

Pros of Vaping

Cons of Vaping

Smoother inhalation: Vaping avoids the harsh smoke and combustion byproducts associated with tobacco and marijuana smoking. Fast onset: Smoking and vaping are among the quickest ways to appreciate the effects of marijuana. Discreetness: Vaping produces less odor compared to smoking, making it a more discreet consumption method. Higher potency: Vaping may provide a more potent experience compared to smoking the same amount.

Potential for lung irritation: Vaping can irritate the lungs, especially with frequent use or poor-quality vaporizers. Risk of contaminants: Certain low-quality vaporizers or improper use can introduce harmful contaminants into the vapor.

3. Tinctures

A tincture is a potent cannabis concentrate usually dosed using a dropper. Tinctures can be consumed sublingually or as part of an edible. Tinctures offer a highly potent way of consuming weed. Be prepared for the differences between a tincture high and a flower high as you consume this highly concentrated product.

Pros of Sublingual Tinctures	Cons of Sublingual Tinctures
Fast onset time: You may feel effects within 15 minutes. Precise dosage: Using a dropper to dose a tincture facilitates careful administration. Discreet and avoids respiratory problems: Tinctures are smoke-free.	Tinctures can have a strong taste. Tinctures are potent products that may be overwhelming for beginners.

Please note: Consuming tinctures as part of an edible can significantly change their onset time and potentially their potency.

4. Cannabis Topicals

Cannabis topicals are creams or oils applied directly to the skin. Products like cannabis oil or cannabis balms enter the bloodstream directly through the skin; you’ll probably feel its effects within an hour. 

CBD oil is one of the most popular cannabis-based products on the market. However, full-spectrum topicals offer an infusion of every element contained in the cannabis plant. According to the entourage effect theory, full-spectrum products may offer more therapeutic benefits than cannabis isolates like CBD oil.

Cannabis Topicals Pros	Cannabis Topicals Cons
Targeted relief: Can offer localized pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties for arthritis. Minimal psychoactive effects: Topicals are suitable for people seeking pain relief without a high. Discreet and convenient: Easy to apply and mostly odorless. Great for on-the-go use. Legality: Hemp-derived products (such as hemp-derived CBD oil) are available over the counter in most states.	Inconsistent dosing: The amount of cannabinoids absorbed through the skin can vary depending on factors like application area, product concentration, and individual skin properties. This makes precise dosing challenging. Irritation: Some people experience skin irritation from topical ingredients, especially those with sensitive skin.

A 2017 study also reported that cannabis topical use is undetectable in blood and urine tests. Topicals may be a great option for workers subject to random drug tests.

5. Edibles

Ingesting weed as a part of an edible or beverage offers several advantages over other consumption methods

Pros of Edibles	Cons of Edibles
Long-lasting effects: The effects of edibles can last for six hours or more. Discreet: Edibles don’t create smoke. Precise dosing control: You will know how much THC is in each serving if consuming dispensary-bought products.	Slow onset time: Edibles can take an hour or more to kick in [1]. This can lead to overconsumption. Effects can vary depending on metabolism and digestion. It’s difficult to dose homemade edibles precisely.

How to Choose a Cannabis Consumption Method

A range of methods cater to different likes, needs, and desired effects. Ultimately, the way you choose to consume weed is entirely personal. The following guidelines may be useful for beginners:

If You Want…	Choose...
Fast-acting effects	Try inhalation (vaping is generally considered less harsh than smoking) or sublingual tinctures.
Long-lasting effects	Edibles are your best bet, but be cautious with dosing due to the delayed onset.
Discretion	Sublingual tinctures and edibles are more discreet than smoking or vaping.
Desired Effects	Do you want a fast-acting experience (inhalation) or a longer-lasting one (edibles)?
Respiratory Concerns	Opt for edibles, tinctures, or vaporizers (which are generally considered less irritating than smoking) if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Health Needs	Are you using cannabis for pain relief, anxiety, or other health conditions? Certain methods might be more effective for specific needs.
Personal Preference	Do you prefer the ritual of smoking or vaping, or the convenience of edibles?

Choose the Best Consumption Method(s) for You

Understanding the pros and cons of each weed consumption method will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about how best to incorporate cannabis into your life. This is true whether you seek a fast-acting experience, a long-lasting effect, or a discreet and measured approach.

Remember, the "best" way to consume cannabis is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, each consumption method is linked to a different experience; choose the one(s) that are best for you.