So you’re interested in trying cannabis, or have been wanting to get the health benefits of cannabis but are unable or unwilling to smoke. Many people seek out alternatives to smoking, as it is linked with lung cancer and can lead to many other health issues even if you’re smoking cannabis versus cigarettes. Whether you are consuming cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, you’re probably hoping to avoid any negative impacts on your health.
There are a lot of other ways to garner the health benefits of the amazing Cannabis sativa plant—including its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties—without lighting up.
Edibles
Ah, the classic pot brownie we are all familiar with thanks to its popularization through pop culture. But wait—there are countless other ways to infuse cannabis into just about any type of food or sweet you could imagine. Many medical cannabis patients actually prefer edibles as their method of consumption because, unlike smoking, the effects are longer-lasting, therefore providing extended symptom relief.
At your local dispensary, you can find candies and chocolates, or even swallowable pills if you’d like to bypass the sugary snack. Another alternative is to make your own cannabis-infused oil to cook with. You can use any kind of oil or fat for this project, from butter to coconut or olive oil. The possibilities are endless. If you plan on making your own edibles or infused oil, be sure to use an edible dosage calculator to keep measurements precise.
Edibles also have the advantage of being discreet. That means you can take them with you wherever you go, without having to worry about getting caught. Plus, they’re often more potent than other forms of cannabis, which might make them more effective for certain medical conditions. The best cannabis dispensary in Las Vegas can provide you with the best edible products. They will have plenty of options to choose from, and they will be sure to meet your needs.
Drinks or Liquids
In 2022 there are a lot more options on the market for drinkable cannabis products than you might have imagined. At your local dispensary, you can find any number of infused drinks, such as tea, coffee, beer, seltzer, kombucha, and lemonade.
Another alternative is to buy liquid THC products that are specifically designed to be added to any beverage of your choice. These liquid THC products typically come in strengths of 5-10 milligrams per dose and are often marketed as completely tasteless. So, if you have ever found the taste of herbaceous cannabis offputting to your palette, consider purchasing some liquid THC and adding it to your favorite beverage to bypass the taste entirely.
Tinctures
Tinctures are similar to drinks or liquids. For our purposes, they are being separated from drinks merely to highlight some of the differences between pre-made cannabis drinks and liquid THC products. Tinctures will often come in a small bottle with a dropper and may have a flavor such as mint or chocolate or may come in its natural flavor.
While drinks and other liquid THC products are typically consumed by simply drinking the beverage, tinctures are often consumed sublingually to enhance and speed up the effects. In other words, you can take a dropperful of the tincture and squeeze it under the tongue, letting it sit for 30 seconds to one minute to allow the product to absorb more rapidly before swallowing the tincture entirely.
Topicals
Topicals come in several different forms. What they all have in common is that they are absorbed through the skin—think lotions, bath bombs, creams, etc. These products are specifically sought after by medical cannabis patients with skin conditions. However, they can be enjoyed by anyone.
Bath bombs infused with cannabis can be an excellent way to unwind after a long day or a particularly intense workout since the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of cannabis can help soothe sore muscles. Topical cannabis products may not be a viable option for those who find the smell of cannabis to be offensive, since many topicals still possess a hint of cannabis aroma.
However, with the vast diversity of products on the market, there are many topicals that come in scents that mask the cannabis odor. CBD topical products are available across the country. Check out the products available near you or online.
Suppositories
You may not have thought about this option, but cannabis suppository products are also popular for medical cannabis patients. They can be a great alternative for those looking to treat severe nausea since this can make it difficult to consume cannabis products orally.
Another reason people may opt for suppositories instead of oral or topical methods of consumption is that they can provide a more localized approach to pain relief or muscle relaxation. For example, a Canadian cannabis company makes both rectal and vaginal suppositories to help women seeking relief from menstrual pain or to manage symptoms associated with endometriosis.
If you’re not a smoker, there’s no reason to miss out on the amazing benefits that cannabis has to offer. Try any of these five alternative consumption methods to protect your lungs.
