Cannabis consumption has evolved far beyond traditional smoking, offering a wide array of methods to suit diverse needs, preferences, and lifestyles. Whether seeking the benefits of THC or CBD, users can choose from inhalation, oral, sublingual, topical, and even medically delivered systems. Each method varies significantly in onset time, duration of effects, and intensity, making it crucial for both medical and recreational users to understand their options.

The chart below presents a comprehensive overview of these consumption methods to help guide informed and responsible use.

Method	Category	Form	Onset Time	Duration	Notes
Smoking	Inhalation	Dried flower	1 – 3 min.	1 – 3 hrs.	Fast-acting, traditional, may be harsh on lungs
Vaping	Inhalation	Flower or oil concentrates	1 – 3 min.	1 – 3 hrs.	Discreet, less harsh than smoking
Dabbing	Inhalation	THC/CBD concentrates (wax, shatter, resin)	1 – 3 min.	1 – 3 hrs.	Potent, for experienced users
Edibles	Oral	Infused food or drink	30 – 90 min.	4 – 8+ hrs.	Long-lasting, hard to dose
Capsules/Pills	Oral	Pre-measured gel caps	30 – 90 min.	4 – 8+ hrs.	Discrete and consistent
Cannabis Beverages	Oral	Infused drinks	15 – 60 min.	2 – 6 hrs.	Easy to consume, trendy
Tinctures	Sublingual	Alcohol or oil-based drops	15 – 45 min.	2 – 6 hrs.	Fast-acting, discreet
Sprays	Sublingual	THC/CBD spray	15 – 45 min.	2 – 6 hrs.	Portable, user-friendly
Topicals	Topical	Creams, lotions, balms	15 – 30 min.	Varies	Localized effects
Transdermal Patches	Topical	Patch infused with cannabinoids	30 – 60 min.	Up to 12+ hrs.	Steady release, discreet
Suppositories	Rectal/Vaginal	Infused with THC/CBD	10 – 30 min.	4 – 8 hrs.	Bypasses digestion, “niche” use
Inhalers	Medical Inhalation	Metered-dose THC/CBD	Sec./Min.	2 – 4 hrs.	Precise and clinical

Here are further descriptions of each delivery method along with forms of use, onset and duration times, along with pros and cons. The more you know, the more informed choices you can make.

Inhalation (Smoking & Vaping)

a.  Smoking

• Materials: Dried cannabis flower (THC or high-CBD strains)
• Forms: Joints, blunts, pipes, bongs
• Onset: 1–3 minutes
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Pros: Fast-acting; easy to titrate dose
• Cons: Smoke inhalation risks, not discrete

b. Vaporization (Vaping)

• Materials: Cannabis flower or concentrates (oils, waxes)
• Devices: Vaporizers (portable or tabletop)
• Onset: 1–3 minutes
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Pros: Less harsh than smoke, discrete
• Cons: Device cost; potential health concerns with some vape products

Oral Ingestion

a.  Edibles

• Examples: Gummies, chocolates, baked goods, drinks
• Compounds: THC, CBD, or both
• Onset: 30–90 minutes
• Duration: 4–8+ hours
• Pros: Long-lasting
• Cons: Harder to dose, delayed onset, must be metabolized

b.  Capsules or Pills

• Forms: THC/CBD gel caps, full-spectrum pills
• Onset: 30–90 minutes
• Duration: 4–8 hours
• Pros: Precise dosing
• Cons: Slower onset, must be metabolized

c.  Beverages

• Examples: Cannabis-infused teas, sodas, energy drinks
• Onset: 15–60 minutes (depending on nano emulsion or emulsification)
• Pros: Socially acceptable; refreshing
• Cons: Effects vary with formulation

Sublingual / Buccal (Under the Tongue or in the Cheek)

a.  Tinctures and Oils

• Usage: Dropped under tongue, held 30–60 seconds
• Onset: 15–45 minutes
• Duration: 2–6 hours
• Pros: Discrete, faster than edibles, easy dosing
• Cons: Flavor can be strong, requires proper technique

b.  Oral Sprays

• Usage: Sprayed into cheek or under tongue
• Onset: 15–45 minutes
• Duration: 2–6 hours
• Pros: Portable, consistent dosing
• Cons: Limited availability

Topical Application

a.  Creams, Balms, Salves, Lotions

• Compounds: Usually CBD, sometimes THC or a blend
• Use: Applied to skin for localized relief (pain, inflammation)
• Onset: 15–30 minutes
• Duration: Varies
• Pros: Localized relief
• Cons: Limited to surface-level conditions

b.  Transdermal Patches

• Use: Applied to skin to release cannabinoids into bloodstream
• Onset: 30–60 minutes
• Duration: Up to 12+ hours
• Pros: Long-lasting; steady dose
• Cons: Slower onset

Rectal and Vaginal Methods

a.  Suppositories

• Use: Inserted rectally or vaginally
• Onset: 10–30 minutes
• Duration: 4–8 hours
• Pros: Bypasses liver metabolism; less psychoactivity
• Cons: Inconvenient; “niche” usage

Dabbing (Advanced Inhalation)

a.  Dabbing Concentrates

• Materials: Shatter, wax, live resin, rosin, distillate (THC or CBD)
• Onset: 1–3 minutes
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Pros: Can be potent, depending on strain for rapid relief
• Cons: Requires special “equipment”, not for beginners

Inhalers (Medical Use)

• Device: Metered-dose inhalers
• Onset: Seconds to minutes
• Duration: 2–4 hours
• Pros: Precise dosing
• Cons: Mainly prescription-only

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Here’s a reference list for the methods of cannabis (THC and CBD) administration, categorized for clarity:

Inhalation Methods

Method	Description	Onset Time	Duration	Notes
Smoking	Burning cannabis flower in joints, pipes, or bongs	1–3 min.	1–3 hrs.	Traditional and fast-acting
Vaping	Heating cannabis flower or oil without combustion	1–3 min.	1–3 hrs.	Less harsh on lungs than smoke
Dabbing	Flash vaporization of concentrates (e.g., shatter, wax)	1–3 min.	1–3 hrs.	Potent; requires special gear

Oral Ingestion

Method	Description	Onset Time	Duration	Notes
Edibles	Cannabis-infused food and drinks	30–90 min.	4–8+ hrs.	Hard to dose accurately
Capsules	Pre-measured THC/CBD pills	30–90 min.	4–8 hrs.	Convenient and discreet
Drinks	Cannabis-infused beverages	15–60 min.	2–6 hrs.	Increasingly popular

Sublingual / Buccal

Method	Description	Onset Time	Duration	Notes
Tinctures	Dropped under the tongue	15–45 min.	2–6 hrs.	Faster than edibles
Sprays	Sprayed into mouth lining	15–45 min.	2–6 hrs.	Portable and discrete

Topical and Transdermal

Method	Description	Onset Time	Duration	Notes
Creams/Lotions	Applied to skin	15–30 min.	Varies	Localized, convenient
Patches	Stuck to skin, slow release	30–60 min.	Up to 12+ hrs.	Enters bloodstream, long-lasting

Rectal & Vaginal

Method	Description	Onset Time	Duration	Notes
Suppositories	Inserted rectally or vaginally	10–30 min.	4–8 hrs.	Bypasses digestive system, inconvenient

Medical Inhalers

Method	Description	Onset Time	Duration	Notes
Inhalers	Metered-dose THC/CBD devices	Sec/Min.	2–4 hrs.	Precise, used in clinical settings

Understanding the full spectrum of cannabis consumption methods empowers consumers to make choices that align with their health goals, comfort levels, and legal contexts. From fast-acting inhalation techniques to long-lasting edibles and non-psychoactive topicals, each form offers unique benefits and considerations. As research continues to advance and product innovation grows, there are more tools than ever to tailor Cannabis Phytotherapy with precision and safety in mind.

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Sources:

Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers)
https://www.liebertpub.com/overview/cannabis-and-cannabinoid-research/634/  Scientific journal focused on cannabis-related health research.

Journal of Cannabis Research
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com  Peer-reviewed studies on pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids.

Leafly
https://www.leafly.com  Trusted industry guide with user-friendly explanations of THC/CBD products.

Mayo Clinic – Medical Cannabis Information
https://www.mayoclinic.org  Provides patient guidance on medical cannabis forms and uses.

Medical Jane
https://www.medicaljane.com  Educational resource on safe and effective cannabis use.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
https://www.nccih.nih.gov   Offers research-based overviews on CBD and THC effects and delivery mechanisms.

Project CBD
https://www.projectcbd.org  Education-focused nonprofit with thorough breakdowns of delivery methods.

PubMed / NIH Database
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov  Research papers detailing bioavailability and onset times for various methods.

Cannabis Education Center – Introduction – Healing Properties – Index of 50 CBD & THC Strains & thier Terpenes – Cannabis Delivery Methods – Videos