Consumption Methods
How to consume cannabis — onset times, duration, dosing, and pros/cons for every method.
Flower (Smoking)
The classic method. Ground cannabis flower is smoked in joints, pipes, or bongs. Provides fast onset and easy dose control.
Onset
1-5 minutes
Duration
1-3 hours
Absorbed
15-30%
Pros
- Fastest onset
- Easy to dose
- Full terpene flavor
- Wide strain selection
- Social experience
Cons
- Smoke irritates lungs
- Strong smell
- Short duration
- Not discreet
Dosing Guide
Start with 1-2 puffs. Wait 5-10 minutes before taking more. A typical joint contains 0.5-1g.
Vaporizer
Heats cannabis to release cannabinoids without combustion. Cleaner than smoking with better flavor and higher efficiency.
Onset
1-5 minutes
Duration
1-3 hours
Absorbed
30-40%
Pros
- Healthier than smoking
- Better flavor
- More efficient
- Less smell
- Temperature control
Cons
- Device cost
- Battery dependent
- Learning curve
- Maintenance required
Dosing Guide
Start at low temperature (325-350°F). Take 2-3 draws and wait. Increase temp for stronger effects.
Edibles
Cannabis-infused foods and drinks. THC is processed by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting than inhaled THC.
Onset
30-90 minutes
Duration
4-8 hours
Absorbed
10-20%
Pros
- Longest duration
- No lung irritation
- Discreet
- Precise dosing (commercial)
- Full body effects
Cons
- Very slow onset
- Easy to overdose
- Inconsistent homemade
- Hard to adjust once consumed
Dosing Guide
Start with 2.5-5mg THC. Wait FULL 2 hours before taking more. Standard dose is 10mg. Experienced: 25-50mg.
Tinctures
Liquid cannabis extracts applied under the tongue (sublingual). Faster than edibles, more precise dosing, and no smoke.
Onset
15-45 minutes
Duration
2-4 hours
Absorbed
25-35%
Pros
- Precise dosing
- Fast sublingual onset
- No smoke/vapor
- Discreet
- Long shelf life
Cons
- Taste can be unpleasant
- Slower than inhalation
- Cost
- Limited availability
Dosing Guide
Start with 0.5-1mL (check label for THC/CBD content). Hold under tongue 60-90 seconds for faster absorption.
Topicals
Creams, balms, and lotions applied to the skin. Provides localized relief without psychoactive effects (non-transdermal).
Onset
15-60 minutes
Duration
2-4 hours
Absorbed
3-5%
Pros
- No psychoactive effects
- Localized relief
- No drug test concerns
- Easy to use
- Good for inflammation
Cons
- No systemic effects
- Low bioavailability
- Limited to surface
- Cost per dose
Dosing Guide
Apply liberally to affected area. Reapply every 2-4 hours as needed. Start with a small area to test sensitivity.