By: Ganja Goddess
Welcome to part two of our education series dedicated to getting you familiar with the basics of weed. In part one, we got into some of the basics of weed terminology. Now, it’s time to get into consumption methods. One of my favorite things about cannabis is its versatility. There are literally dozens of ways to consume cannabis. You may smoke it, crystallize it, extract it, drink it, eat it, wear it, vape it, wear it under your tongue, patch it on your skin, or rub it your skin. How you choose to consume should be based on how strong of a high you want, what effect you want, and how quickly you want it. Whether you’re completely new to the game or an old pro, you’ll know the different methods and maybe, just maybe, you’ll pick up some ideas for your next pickup or delivery. So let’s continue with the ABCs of smoking trees.
- 1. Blunt
A cigar that has been hollowed out and filled with ground cannabis. Blunts are typically made with flavor blunt wraps (the debate rages on among devotees on who makes the best blunt wraps- Backwoods, Swisher Sweets, Dutch Masters are among the most frequently mentioned) and burn slower than pre-made rolling papers.
- 2. Bong
A bong is a water pipe typically used to smoke cannabis, and is made of several components, including a bowl, ash catcher, joint, down-stem, percolator, splash guard, and mouthpiece. Buds are placed in the bowl and heated. The smoke filters through water by traveling through the down-stem that connects the bong and the bowl. Smoke travels through the neck to the mouthpiece where users inhale. Almost every weed lover has one, but they can be a bitch to clean.
- 3. Bubbler
A bubbler is a hand-held water pipe that is used to smoke flower, and it gets its name, because it aerates water to create a bubbling effect. It is similar in structure to a bong but typically, the bowl cannot be removed.
- 4. Bowl
Also called a pipe, a bowl is a simple device used to smoke cannabis that is found in every smoke shop and most dispensaries. Flower is packed into the bowl and smoked. Just remember to cover the carb (the hole on the side of the bowl where the flower is packed)
- 5. Cannacaps
Cannacaps are pills or capsules filled with marijuana, typically suspended in an oil. Their capsule form ensures that the dosages are highly accurate and makes them simple to consume for everyone, especially for those with respiratory issues.
- 6. Concentrate
A Concentrate is any material created by refining cannabis flowers, like hash, dry sieve, and hash oils. Concentrates, or extracts as they’re sometimes called, are highly potent.
- 7. Dab/Dabbing
1)A dab is a small dose of cannabis concentrate, and placed in a dab rig, which converts the concentrate into vapor. A dabber collects the concentrates which you can then use with an oil rig and heated nail to inhale the smoke. This produces a very potent high. 2) Dabbing refers to the act of inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrates through a heating method like a dab rig or vaporizer.
- 8. Edibles
Edibles are orally consumable cannabis. Edibles can be sweet or savory-baked goods, and everything from pesto to gummies are fair game. The effects of edibles take a longer time than other methods to be recognized by the brain and the impact can last between 4-6 hours.
- 9. Elixirs
An elixir is any drinkable product that contains cannabinoids or cannabis derived terpenes. The beverage can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, and includes any beverage that is infused with cannabis to bring out its medicinal or intoxicating effects. Drinkable products work faster than edibles and have a more controlled dosage.
- 10. Extraction/Extract
Extraction is the process used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis. There are three main extraction methods: alchohol extraction, CO2 extraction, and butane/propane extraction. They all use commercial equipment to extract concentrated oils from the cannabis plant. Solvent-free extraction are a simpler method that required grinding and sieving.
- 11. Joint
A joint (or just a J), is cannabis rolled into a thin sheet of smokable paper. You can roll it yourself or buy pre-rolls.
- 12. Oils
Cannabis oil is a sticky, potent concentrate consumed by dabbing or vaporizing. The concentrate is extracted by the use of solvents and has high concentrations of THC and CBD. CBD and Hemp, which both contain very little THC, can also come in oil form.
- 13. Pre-Rolls
Ready to smoke joint created by a brand, manufacturer, or dispensary. They eliminate the process of grinding, rolling, and sealing cannabis flower into a joint and are available in strain-specific flavors.
- 14. Rolling Papers
Also known as blanks, rolling papers are used to encase cannabis for smoking. Rolling papers come in various sizes and may be flavored with fruity or sweet flavors to enhance the taste experience of terpenes
- 15. Sublingual Tinctures
Sublingual tinctures are a method of dosing where cannabis is administered by placing drops under the tongue, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream via the capillaries in the tissues of the mouth.
- 16. Spliff
A spliff is a joint that contains a mixture of tobacco and cannabis.
- 17. Topical
Topicals are THC or CBD-infused products that can be applied directly to the skin- often in the form of lotion, cream, balms, or transdermal patches. Topicals absorb through the skin and are also used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, or soreness.
- 18. Transdermal Patchs
THC and CBD can be applied topically and are absorbed with a transdermal patch through the skin, slowly and over time.
- 19. Vape Pen
Also called a weed pen, Vapes are a smoking device that use a heating method to vaporize the active ingredients in cannabis for smooth consumption. This method allows medical patients access to stronger products through concentrates and extracts.
- 20. Vaporizer
A Vaporizer is any device that utilizes heat to activate the molecules in cannabis flower and concentrates. They come in many designs and colors and can accommodate cannabis flower, oil, concentrates, and extract. The temperatures do not allow the cannabis to combust, which means tar and carcinogens are not activated.
Stay tuned for the final part of the series, where we’ll talk and get familiar with dosing and a few more weed terms.
