Ways to Consume Cannabis

In the old days, people smoked marijuana buds in a joint, a bong, or baked pot brownies. The legalization of marijuana has since led to some big changes in options, and now there are many different ways to consume cannabis. Smoking a bud is still popular, and a person basically eats or inhales marijuana in some form or another. Consuming takes place through ingesting edible products (like pot brownies) or inhaling concentrates (like hash oil), through the use of a vaporizer pen (the modern-day joint), or any other number of devices. Whichever way you choose, ensure you are in compliance with local laws. Nothing kills a good buzz like a hassle with the cops.

Edible Products

Legal marijuana "edibles" (something with marijuana in it that you eat) are often made with concentrated cannabis oil, rather than plant buds. This means they may be much stronger than you are used to. Read the labels, go slow, and don't hesitate to ask questions from the seller. Depending on your body type, edibles can take up to two hours to fully take effect, so consuming cannabis this way should be a planned event - or you should be certain you aren't scheduled to be anywhere else for awhile. Beginning with a 10 mg or less serving is recommended, and don't consume more until you wait a full two hours just to be sure. Do not operate a vehicle for the rest of the day after consuming any amount of edibles.

Concentrates

Marijuana "concentrates" come in a number of varieties including oils, hashes, waxes, keif, and amber glass (see Highly Used Marijuana Terms), just to name a few. They are strong and have a quick effect, so begin with a small amount. If marijuana was compared to a light beer, consider concentrates to be a stiff drink of whiskey. Concentrates are just that, concentrated marijuana. Basically, concentrates are the result of extracting the powerhouse of pot from the plant. They are used in a number of devices to deliver varying degrees of highs.

Another way to consume cannabis is through vaporizer pens, or "vapes". Vapes are relatively new to the legal marijuana market, and some dispensaries don't even carry them. This is surprising, as they appear to be quite popular. Vaporizer pens look and work similarly to electronic cigarettes. Most use concentrated cannabis oils, which are potent, so be careful and go slow when experimenting.

Joints / Blunts / Bongs / Pipes

A blunt is a hollowed-out cigar filled with marijuana, and is a popular form of cannabis consumption for the college age crowd. Bongs or hookas use water to lessen the harshness of smoke intake on the lungs. A joint is created when marijuana is rolled into paper, similar to a cigarette. A pipe is used for pot in the same way as it is for tobacco.

Although marijuana use may be legal where you are, just like consuming alcohol, there are still rules and regulations you will have to follow. In general, it is against the law to consume cannabis if your are under 21. You can usually consume openly at a residence or outdoors on a porch or balcony as long as the property owner allows it. So, if you wish to light up in your hotel room, and the establishment allows it, (in most cases even using a Vape, you must have a "smoking" room) feel free. Marijuana cannot be used openly and publicly, such as on the streets, sidewalks, or in public parks. As for driving, it is illegal for drivers and even passengers to consume marijuana or have an open container in the vehicle. Be safe and sensible and you will find consuming cannabis to be an enjoyable experience.