Cannabinoids & Consumption Methods

  • Post category:Medical Marijuana
  • Reading time:3 mins read

Cannabinoids & Consumption Methods

There are many different ways to consume medical marijuana, each offering its own benefits and drawbacks. No two methods are the same—and what works best for one person may not work for another.

When using cannabis for medical purposes, it’s important to understand not just how it’s consumed, but which cannabinoids are responsible for specific effects.

🔬 Key Cannabinoids and Their Effects

Here are some of the major chemical compounds (cannabinoids) found in cannabis, along with their potential benefits:

  • CBD (Cannabidiol) – Relieves nausea, anxiety, and inflammation, and helps reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Considered the most important compound for medical use.

  • CBC (Cannabichromene) – Offers mild sedative effects and works with THC to relieve pain.

  • THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – Reduces pain and inflammation, aids in sleep, and stimulates appetite.

  • THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) – A newer discovery, may help with metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes.

  • CBN (Cannabinol) – Helpful for glaucoma, reduces seizure frequency, and provides a mild high.

  • CBG (Cannabigerol) – Has antimicrobial and sedative effects, and helps lower intraocular pressure from glaucoma.

🌱 How Dispensaries Optimize Cannabinoid Blends

Licensed dispensaries selectively breed cannabis strains to enhance medical benefits while minimizing negative side effects. By adjusting cannabinoid levels, they can create strain-specific products tailored to address:

  • Pain

  • Anxiety

  • Seizures

  • Sleep issues

  • Appetite loss

  • Inflammation

📦 Common Cannabis Consumption Methods

Each method of consumption delivers cannabinoids differently. Patients are encouraged to experiment (under medical guidance) to find the option that works best for their condition, body, and lifestyle.

1. Smoking

  • Pros: Fast-acting relief

  • Cons: Can irritate lungs; not recommended for those with asthma or respiratory issues

  • Tip: Beginners should start with small amounts to avoid coughing fits

2. Edibles

  • Forms: Cookies, chocolates, gummies, crackers, lollipops, beverages

  • Pros: Tasty, precise dosing, and long-lasting relief

  • Cons: Delayed onset (30 minutes to several hours)

  • Tip: Start low, go slow

3. Topicals

  • Forms: Creams, salves, lotions, sprays

  • Pros: Targeted pain relief with no psychoactive effects

  • Use for: Sore muscles, joint pain, inflammation

4. Vaporizing (Vaping)

  • Pros: Less harmful than smoking, lower temperature preserves flavor and potency

  • Cons: May still irritate lungs for sensitive individuals

  • Bonus: Vapor has a cleaner taste than smoke

5. Tinctures & Sprays

  • How it’s used: Dropped or sprayed under the tongue

  • Pros: Fast absorption, lung-friendly, easy to dose

  • Base: Usually alcohol, oil, or glycerin

6. Transdermal Patches

  • Pros: Enters the bloodstream directly for systemic relief

  • Use for: Chronic or general pain

  • Difference from topicals: Patches affect the whole body, not just localized areas

7. Suppositories

  • Pros: Rapid absorption, bypasses digestion

  • Cons: Can be messy or uncomfortable

  • Use for: Patients unable to ingest or inhale cannabis

🌿 Final Thought:
Medical cannabis offers a variety of therapeutic benefits through its cannabinoids. Finding the right delivery method is part of the healing journey. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before beginning or changing your cannabis treatment.