Cannabis has a long history, with the first written record of its use for medical purposes discovered in the world’s first pharmacopeia dating back to 2737 BC. The text lists several therapeutic benefits of the plant for ailments such as rheumatism and gout. Other historians have found mentions of cannabis in ancient cultures throughout the world.
Cultivation in the US began around the colonial period. At that time, farmers grew the plant for its fibers. Discoveries in the 1800s led to the sale of cannabis extracts in pharmacies to treat a range of ailments. Recreational use in the US didn’t really take off until the early 1900s. Social unrest, growing resentment toward migrants from Mexico, and other issues led to cannabis being viewed in a negative light.
In recent years, we’ve learned that cannabis isn’t as bad as its reputation. In fact, studies suggest that it may provide numerous significant benefits. Gradually, states are legalizing its use for medical and recreational use, and the industry is growing rapidly. There’s now a vast assortment of product types, providing users with many ways to enjoy cannabis.
Potential Benefits of Cannabis
Although there’s still a lot we don’t know about cannabis, many studies have indicated that it may help with a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic pain and inflammation
- Anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Cancer
8 Marijuana Products Explained and Ways to Use Them
Let’s take a closer look at the many ways to use CBD and other cannabis products:
1. Flowers
Also called buds, flowers are the simplest form of marijuana. Smoking is the most well-known way to use them. Many marijuana users grind their buds and roll them in rolling paper to make joints. Some use cigar wrappers to make blunts. Others prefer to smoke their flower from a pipe or bong.
If smoking (or inhalation, in general) isn’t your thing, there are other uses for cannabis flowers. You can decarboxylate them in your oven to create infused butter or oil for homemade edibles or topicals.
2. Tinctures and Oils
A cannabis tincture is a liquid extract made by soaking plant material in a solvent, traditionally alcohol. You’ll also find cannabis or CBD oils. Although similar (some people use the terms interchangeably), these products consist of extracted cannabinoids suspended in a carrier oil such as coconut, MCT, or hemp.
You have a few options for using tinctures and oils:
- Placing your dose under your tongue, so the cannabinoids absorb into the blood vessels
- Dropping your dose into your mouth and swallowing it
- Mixing it with food or drink
3. Concentrates
Concentrates are high-potency cannabis products. Manufacturers remove plant material and impurities, leaving only cannabinoids and terpenes. In other words, they concentrate the most desirable compounds.
There are many types of cannabis concentrates, and you can use them in a variety of ways. For instance, you can place a small amount of budder or shatter on the nail of a prepared dab rig or sprinkle some kief into your joint or over the bowl of your pipe for extra potency.
4. Vaporizers
Vaping, like smoking, is a method of cannabis use that involves inhaling cannabinoids. However, you vaporize the cannabis product rather than combust it, which avoids the creation of substances such as tar and carcinogens.
There are tabletop vaporizers, but vape pens are generally the more popular choice. Their portable nature tends to make them more convenient for on-the-go cannabis users. On top of that, there are options for vaping flowers, concentrates, and oils. Your vaporizer heats your cannabis, transforming it into a vapor you can inhale through your device’s mouthpiece.
5. Edibles
As the name suggests, cannabis edibles are cannabis products you eat or drink. The market is full of infused food and beverage items, including baked goods, gourmet chocolates, candies, teas, and sparkling waters. When consumed, cannabinoids in your dose travel through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream. As a result, you won’t feel the effects as quickly as you might with smoking, vaping, and sublingual tinctures. Instead, it can take up to an hour or two to notice them.
6. Capsules
Cannabis capsules, pills, and tablets) are products you take by mouth, not unlike conventional oral medications. They contain precise doses of cannabinoids, making it incredibly easy to know exactly how much you’re getting every time.
Like edibles, you swallow capsules. The cannabinoids travel through your digestive system before they hit your bloodstream and produce effects. They don’t have the same calorie content as edibles, though, making them a more attractive method of use for some.
7. Topicals
You don’t need to ingest cannabis to enjoy its benefits. Topicals are products you apply to your skin for more targeted benefits. Many people use infused balms, ointments, creams, and lotions to relieve chronic pain and inflammation. However, other topicals are formulated to help with conditions such as psoriasis (and other skin conditions), acne, dry skin, and signs of aging.
The major draw of topicals is that you don’t have to inhale or eat them. You apply the desired amount to an area of your body and gently massage the product into your skin. Another significant benefit is that they’re unlikely to get you high. Although the cannabinoids absorb into your skin, they don’t reach your bloodstream.
8. Patches
Transdermal patches are sticky cannabis-infused products similar to bandages you apply to the skin on an area of your body with good circulation, such as your ankle or inside of your wrist. Your body heat activates the cannabinoids, which absorb into your skin gradually. This slow release allows for longer-lasting (eight to ten hours) benefits.
Along with all-day or night relief, transdermal patches are discreet and don’t involve smoking, vaping, or eating anything. Unlike other topicals, the cannabinoids in these products do reach your bloodstream.
Quick Tips for Choosing The Right Cannabis Products for You
If you aren’t sure which cannabis product(s) might be right for you, here are a few quick tips to help:
Consider Your Personal Preferences
Think about your goals for cannabis use and how quickly you’d like to feel the benefits. You’ll also want to keep your personal preferences in mind. For instance, someone who doesn’t like inhaling anything may want to avoid smoking and vaping and choose edibles or topicals.
Visit a Reputable Dispensary
Reputable, licensed dispensaries like DDM Cannabis offer a variety of cannabis products. You can browse your options, compare them, and feel confident that no matter what you buy, you’re getting high-quality products.
Speak With a Pro
While you’re in the dispensary, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with a budtender. They’ll ask you different questions to learn more about your needs and provide you with product recommendations.
Find Quality Cannabis Products At DDM Cannabis
With so many options, choosing the right cannabis products can seem overwhelming at first. However, narrowing down the right ones for you becomes a little easier once you understand the different types available and how to use them.
No matter what you decide, make sure you always purchase your cannabis from a licensed, reputable dispensary. At DDM Cannabis, it’s our mission to connect newcomers and seasoned users to great cannabis and great cannabis experiences by providing an array of the highest-quality marijuana products available. Check us out online or visit us in person to browse our selection and learn more about all we have to offer. We look forward to serving you soon.
