Cannabis, inhalation or ingestion?
Cannabis is consumed in a variety of ways, mainly by inhalation (smoking or vaping) and ingestion (food or drink). Each method has distinct effects on the body and mind, influencing the speed and intensity of the effects, as well as their duration. Understanding these differences is essential to reducing the health risks associated with cannabis use.
Consumption by inhalation
Smoke and vapour
Consuming cannabis by inhalation involves either smoking or vaping. Here's how these methods work and their effects:
Cannabis Smoke:
- Process: Burning cannabis flowers or concentrates in a joint, pipe or bong produces smoke.
- Effects: The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) contained in smoke passes directly from the lungs to the bloodstream, then to the brain.
- Speed: Effects are felt in seconds to minutes.
- Intensity: Effects reach their maximum intensity in 30 minutes.
- Duration: Effects last up to 6 hours, with some residual effects lasting up to 24 hours.
Vaporation :
- Process: Vaping heats cannabis to a temperature that releases the cannabinoids in vapor form without combustion.
- Effects: Similar to smoking, as THC passes rapidly from the lungs to the brain.
- Speed and duration: Identical to smoke, with maximum intensity reached in 30 minutes and effects lasting up to 6 hours.
Consumption by ingestion
Food & Beverage
Consuming cannabis by ingestion involves consuming THC-laced edibles or Syrups . Here are the specifics of this method:
Cannabis Comestible :
- Process: THC first passes through the stomach before reaching the liver, where it is converted into a more potent form. The converted THC, combined with the original THC, intensifies the euphoric state.
- Effects: Onset 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion.
- Intensity: Effects peak within 4 hours.
- Duration: Effects last up to 12 hours, with some residual effects lasting up to 24 hours.
Effects Comparison
Effects speed :
- Inhalation: Almost immediate effects (seconds to minutes).
- Ingestion: Delayed effects (30 minutes to 2 hours).
Intensity of effects :
- Inhalation: Peak intensity in 30 minutes.
- Ingestion: Peak intensity in 4 hours.
Effects duration :
- Inhalation: Effects lasting up to 6 hours.
- Ingestion: Effects lasting up to 12 hours.
Tips for safer consumption
To minimize the health risks associated with cannabis use, here are a few recommendations:
- Choice of method: Ingestion and vaping are less harmful to the lungs than smoking.
- Start slowly: For beginners, start with a low dose of THC. Choose an edible product with a THC content of 2.5 mg or less, or a smoking or vaping product with 100 mg/g (10%) THC or less.
- Avoid overdose: Inhaling too much THC at once, or reusing a portion of edible cannabis within 4 hours, can lead to intoxication. Read the THC vape product label carefully to find out its concentration.
- Limit Frequency: Regular use (more than once a week) of potent cannabis products can lead to tolerance and dependence. Limit consumption.
- Avoid mixtures: Don't combine cannabis with alcohol or other substances, as this can damage your health.
Conclusion
The method by which cannabis is consumed has a significant impact on its effects and health. Inhalation produces rapid, short-term effects, while ingestion produces slower, longer-lasting effects. By choosing the right method and following safe consumption practices, it's possible to enjoy the effects of cannabis while minimizing health risks.