6 Best Ways to Consume Cannabis

The best ways to consume cannabis depend on your health needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Each option—from traditional smoking to more modern methods like vaping, edibles, tinctures, and topicals—offers unique benefits and considerations for MMJ patients.

Understanding the pros and cons of different cannabis consumption methods will help you choose one that works well for you and your condition. 

1. Smoking

Smoking is the go-to delivery system for many MMJ patients and is the most popular cannabis consumption method worldwide. Smoking marijuana offers rituals and experiences far beyond the simple joint, with pre-rolls, bongs, infused joints, hash holes, and other novel options for patients who are looking to experiment.

Many patients choose smoking for the well-rounded experience it offers. It allows you to appreciate the different flavor and aroma profiles of each strain. Smoking is also a great way to share the experience with friends.

However, the health effects of smoking are well-documented. Patients looking to protect their respiratory system should ask their doctor about non-inhalation consumption methods when they go for their initial or MMJ card renewal appointment.

Different Ways to Smoke Cannabis

There are many different ways to smoke cannabis. How you choose to smoke it will largely be a question of personal preference. However, each method offers slightly different pros and cons.

Joints or Blunts

Joints and blunts look very similar—just like a regular cigarette—but have one key difference. Blunts contain both cannabis flower and tobacco, while joints only contain cannabis flower (joints are rolled in a paper, usually hemp paper or rice paper).

PROS	CONS
Fast onset time Compact and portable Allows you to customize the experience with your favorite strains, your preferred amount of tobacco, a drop of tincture, and so on	Dangers associated with inhaling toxins in tobacco and marijuana smoke Produces a strong smell Challenges in dosing for beginners

Pre-Rolls

Pre-rolls are joints or blunts that are sold already rolled and ready to go. This is convenient for less dextrous individuals—for example, arthritis patients—who can’t achieve a tight roll. 

The experience of smoking a pre-roll is similar to a regular joint or blunt you make at home. However, there are some factors to take into account when purchasing a pre-roll:

PROS	CONS
Easy access: Pre-rolls are loaded and ready to smoke. This is advantageous for patients looking for quick pain relief. Wide range of products: Dispensaries sell a wide range of products with different properties. Infused pre-rolls are great for an extra potent kick.	Lack of customization: Pre-rolls come as they are, meaning you don’t control the type of rolling paper or the strain used. Many patients prefer to have more control over their smoking experience. Higher cost than regular joints or blunts.

Bongs

A bong is a filtration device used for smoking cannabis or other herbs. The smoke passes through water to cool and filter it before inhalation. Many patients enjoy using a bong as it offers a smoother smoking experience than a joint.

PROS	CONS
Similar effects to smoking, but without the harsh smoke Fast onset time	Requires special paraphernalia that needs regular cleaning

2. Dabs

Dabs are cannabis concentrates that are made up of the sticky resin inside the trichomes on the cannabis flower. They melt completely, or almost completely, when heated to a high temperature. The vapor is then inhaled. 

Solvent-Based vs Solventless Dabs

Popular dabbable products include solvent-based concentrates like resin, wax, and shatter, as well as solventless concentrates like rosin and bubble hash. Solventless concentrates generally sell at a higher price due to their more labor-intensive extraction methods and small-batch processing.

MMJ patients may prefer the idea of solventless dabs to avoid inhaling residual solvents. However, it’s possible to buy “solvent-free” concentrates that were extracted with the use of solvents and purged completely. Always check the certificate of analysis before purchasing to ensure the concentrate has passed safety testing.

Live vs Cured Dabs

“Live” concentrates are made from fresh frozen cannabis material. Their non-live or “cured” counterparts are made from dried and cured cannabis. Live dabs are said to offer a more nuanced terpene profile and flavor. They typically cost more than cured dabs.

Dabbing Equipment

The dab rig is the most traditional apparatus for heating and inhaling dabs. However, smaller dab pens (resembling vape pens) are now available as well.

Pros and Cons of Dabbing

PROS	CONS
Fast onset Potent effects Very flavorful at lower temperatures (as the terpenes aren’t burned off)	Too potent for beginners Higher cost than flower Requires more equipment than smoking

3. Vaping

Cannabis vaping is the process of heating cannabis flower or concentrated oil to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor, without burning the material. This method is often preferred for its smoother inhalation, reduced odor, and potential reduction in harmful byproducts compared to smoking.

Vaping requires an electronic vaporizing device like a vape pen.

PROS	CONS
Potentially smoother on the respiratory system than smoking More discreet than smoking Instantaneous, strong effects	Potential to irritate the lungs  Poor quality vaporizers on the market: Not purchasing your products from a licensed dispensary could expose you to harmful contaminants in your vaporizer.

4. Edibles

Edibles are cannabis-infused foods and beverages that provide a smoke-free way to experience the effects of cannabis. Instead of being absorbed through the lungs, cannabinoids like THC and CBD are digested and processed by the liver. This means edibles take longer to kick in, but their effects typically last 4-8 hours or more.

Edibles are ideal for people seeking long-lasting relief from a range of Arizona qualifying conditions. However, the effects tend to be variable. It’s best to start with a low dose (2.5–5 mg THC) and wait around two hours before taking more. Purchasing edibles from licensed MMJ dispensaries ensures they are accurately labeled and consistently dosed.

Baked goods like cookies and brownies are common ways to consume marijuana in edible form. However, dispensaries now sell a wide range of cannabis-infused food and drinks, including candies, sodas, and natural juices.

Cannabis-Infused Foods

Cannabis-infused foods are one of the most popular ways to enjoy edibles, offering a wide range of tasty options. Classic choices include baked goods like brownies and cookies, while candies such as gummies, chocolates, and lollipops provide a discreet and convenient way to dose. 

Many dispensaries also carry savory snacks and innovative creations, making it easy to find a product that fits your preferences. The Mint Cafe in Arizona even sells hot weed pizza!

Cannabis-Infused Beverages

Cannabis-infused drinks are becoming a more popular way to consume MMJ. Their main advantage over regular edibles is a much faster onset time. One study reported that the average onset time for cannabis-infused drinks was just 19 minutes compared to the 2-4 hours patients expect to wait with cannabis edibles.

Juiced Cannabis

Juiced cannabis involves drinking the raw leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant in juice form. Because the plant material is not exposed to heat, cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA remain in their acidic, non-psychoactive forms. This means juiced cannabis does not produce a “high.” 

Many people consume cannabis juice for its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. It contains cannabinoids, terpenes, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. However, patients looking for the psychoactive effects often associated with marijuana should choose edibles made with heated, decarbed cannabis.

Pros and Cons of Edibles

PROS	CONS
Long-lasting effects Discreet consumption method Avoids inhalation The possibility of making your own tasty recipes	Delayed onset time Less predictable effects  Tricky to dose (with homemade edibles)

5. Tinctures

Tinctures are a liquid form of highly potent cannabis concentrate. Cannabis oils usually come in a small glass vial with a dropper for easy dosage. They're typically consumed orally by placing a drop under the tongue for fast effects.

Tinctures can also be added to edibles or a joint. This will intensify the effects, so proceed with caution.

PROS	CONS
Fast-acting  Easy to dose precisely (if using lab-tested commercial tinctures) Discreet consumption method Can be added to other cannabis products to make them more potent Alternative to inhalation Options containing no THC are available for people who wish to avoid psychoactive effects.	Potent products that may not be appropriate for beginners Usually have a strong taste

Shop-Bought vs Homemade Tinctures

Making a homemade cannabis tincture is a creative way to take control of your treatment. Homemade tinctures are relatively easy to make and allow you to prepare concentrates from your favorite strains at a lower price. 

However, homemade tinctures are more unpredictable in terms of their potency. Try a very small amount of each new batch and wait before having more. This will ensure you get the effects you need while avoiding accidental overconsumption.

6. Topicals

Cannabis topicals include cannabinoid-infused creams, balms, lotions, and oils that are applied directly to the skin. They are typically used to reduce pain, inflammation, or skin conditions locally without producing any psychoactive effects.

PROS	CONS
Great for targeted pain relief Limited psychoactive effects Discreet  Perfect for on-the-go use	Dosing challenges Some people suffer allergic reactions or skin irritation to certain topicals.

Which Cannabis Consumption Method Is Right for You?

Finding the right cannabis consumption method for you will require balancing personal preference and your doctor’s recommendations. Take the following into account when considering medical marijuana delivery systems:

If You Want…	Choose…
Fast onset time	Inhalation methods like smoking, dabbing, or vaping offer almost instantaneous effects. Sublingual tinctures are also very fast-acting.
Long-lasting effects	Edibles offer the longest-lasting effects.
Localized pain relief	Cannabis topicals are a great option for soothing pain and discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis.
To avoid inhalation	Edibles, tinctures, and topicals avoid inhalation. These consumption methods are best for patients with respiratory issues. Vaporizers are considered less irritating than regular smoking and offer an alternative for those who don’t want to give up the ritual of inhaling.
Discretion	Sublingual tinctures, edibles, and topicals are more discreet than smoking, dabbing, or vaping.
On-the-go access	Edibles like gummies are ideal for keeping your symptoms at bay during the day.

Personalize Your Cannabis Treatment

There is no single "best" way to consume cannabis. The best consumption method for you depends on multiple factors. Understanding each method’s pros and cons is key to finding the best way to incorporate cannabis into your life and treatment plan.

Whichever consumption method you try, start with trusted, regulated products, follow safe dosing practices, and work with your doctor to avoid drug interactions. Cannabis already provides effective, customizable relief for many patients with qualifying conditions. Consult a professional, experiment within their guidance, and you should soon find an approach that works for you.