5 Easy Ways to Use Cannabis Without Smoking
Key Takeaways
Intro
When you think of the word “cannabis,” what comes to mind? Sparking a joint to pass around the table? Puffing on a vape pen?
There is so much more to the world of cannabis, including many smoke-free, lung-friendly options.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to use cannabis without smoking, opening up a new world ways to feel the benefits of cannabis.
1. Cannabis Edibles: A Delicious Journey into Cannabis Consumption
The most popular smoke-free way to use cannabis is by taking a cannabis edible.
What’s not to like? Edibles provide long-lasting relief in a discreet package, no smoke necessary.
With so many options on the market, it’s easy to find a cannabis edible that makes you feel good while sparing your lungs.
Types of edibles: gummies, chocolates, mints, and more!
Cannabis gummies and chocolate bars are the most popular kinds of cannabis edibles. But there is an entire world of amazing edible cannabis products out there.
I love these low-dose Petra mints from Kiva Confections. At 2.5mg each, they feel like taking a literal chill pill. It makes me calmer and happier, but still completely “with it” and functional.
Understanding dosage and onset time
In the early days of the cannabis industry, edibles always came 10mg pieces, and took 1-2 hours to kick in.
But in recent years we’ve seen a huge increase in low-dose, fast-acting cannabis edible products. These products use nanotechnology to ensure the edible hits fast and in just the right dose.
That means you can more quickly assess how you feel at a given dose, which helps you avoid the cardinal sin of cannabis edibles:
You get impatient for the first edible to kick in so you take another one. Then you find yourself holding on for dear life when they both hit you at once. Don’t be that guy.
I recommend starting with a dose of 2.5mg-5mg. If you’re taking a fast-acting product wait 30-45 minutes before taking more, if you’re taking a traditional product wait 2 hours before taking more.
Benefits of edibles for long-lasting effects
Cannabis edibles are so popular because they make you feel great with very little maintenance.
Edibles typically last 4-6 hours in your system, making them a perfect choice for camping, live music, or sporting events (as a spectator!). You can pop one before you go in and feel the effects the whole time.
For lots more tips on how to have a great experience with edibles, check out my article, “THC Gummies for Beginners.”
2. Cannabis Tinctures: Precision Dosing Made Easy
What are cannabis tinctures and how do they work?
Cannabis tinctures are little dropper bottles filled with cannabis extract suspended in either alcohol or MCT oil.
Tinctures have a faster onset time than other cannabis edibles, and are precisely dosed, making them a great choice for people who need a consistent dose of cannabis as medicine.
CBD oil drops are the most popular form of tincture, and what most people’s daily CBD regimen is based around.
They’re non-impairing, so they smooth out your mood and those minor aches and pains, while allowing you to go about your day.
I use an alcohol-based THC:CBD tincture regularly as an alternative to drinking wine after work. I just squeeze a full dropper into my soda water and I’ve got 3mg each of THC and CBD in a zero-calorie, zero-hangover alternative to alcohol!
Sublingual absorption for faster onset
Because cannabis tinctures are dropped under the tongue they are absorbed by capillary action. This sublingual absorption means cannabis tinctures have an onset of about 45 minutes.
In contrast, cannabis edibles need to wind their way through your digestive tract before they can take effect, which is why there’s more variability in onset time.
Advantages of tinctures for discretion and portability
Tinctures are a classic smoke-free way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. You can discreetly drop your dose throughout the day, wherever you are.
How to properly use and dose tinctures
To use an oil-based tincture sublingually, first read the label and understand your starting dose.
Stand in front of a mirror while you carefully drop that dose under your tongue. Hold it under your tongue for at least 2 minutes so it has a chance to absorb, then swallow it.
If you’re using an alcohol-based tincture, I do not recommend using it sublingually, as it can burn the delicate tissue under your tongue.
3. Cannabis Topicals for Skincare and Pain Relief
Understanding how cannabis topicals work
Cannabis topicals like CBD lotion are excellent at soothing both surface-level skin issues like eczema and deep-down issues like muscle pain.
Your skin is filled with ECS receptors that CBD loves to latch onto, providing nourishing relief.
Types of topicals: Lotions, balms, and salves
Cannabis topicals come in three formulations, and they each have their own use.
How to apply and use cannabis topicals effectively
Using cannabis topicals is as easy as using any other lotion or salve! Rub it in thoroughly, use it as often as you need to, and bring it with you anywhere.
As with all topicals, it’s best to start with clean skin, and discontinue use if you experience any irritation.
Toss a CBD muscle relief lotion in your gym bag and you’ve got onsite relief on your post-workout sore spots.
For lots more detail on cannabis topicals, check out my guest post for the Cannabis Coaching Institute, “Ask a Certified Cannabis and Health Coach: Do CBD Topicals Actually Work?“
To see my favorite hemp skincare products, read my article “The 7 Best Hemp Lotions Reviewed“
4. Cannabis Capsules and Pills: Precise Dosing for Medical Users
Benefits of cannabis capsules for consistent dosing
I love cannabis capsules for their ease of use, precise dosing, and total portability.
No smoke in your lungs, no bottle of oil to spill, no fuss.
They are perfect for those of us who have a consistent CBD regimen, where your goal is to always have a baseline dose of CBD in your body. That requires taking regular doses throughout the day, and having your medicine in capsule form is absolutely the most convenient.
How to choose the right capsules for your needs
If you’re struggling with periodic sleeplessness or nervousness, these CBG capsules from HealerCBD are amazing at providing a feeling of calm. They come in 10mg capsules, which is a perfect dose for most people.
HealerCBD also offers CBD capsules that are great for daily balancing, and CBDa capsules that are especially good at healing aches and pains.
5. Cannabis Suppositories: An Unconventional but Effective Method
Understanding how cannabis suppositories work
Sticking medicine in your gentle bits may sound way out of your comfort zone, but hear me out.
Cannabis suppositories are extremely effective at providing localized pain relief for period pain, pelvic pain, and low back pain.
They are administered vaginally or rectally, so they deliver cannabis medicine directly to the source of pain.
They’re non-impairing, which means you can take a higher dose of cannabis medicine than you might otherwise (e.g. a 50mg THC edible would send most people to the moon, but a 50mg THC suppository won’t make you feel high at all).
Everyone I know who uses them – which is every cannabis educator I know! – swears by them and say they provide better pain relief than any other method.
Benefits for certain medical conditions
Cannabis suppositories are most effective for medical conditions local to the pelvic floor and digestive tract, including period pain, pain during intercourse, IBS, and Crohn’s.
Where to buy cannabis suppositories
Foria Wellness offers CBD suppositories called “Intimacy Melts”
Kaya Infusions offers 1:1 THC:CBD suppositories in two different strengths.
To learn more about cannabis suppositories, check out my guest post for the Cannabis Coaching Institute, “What happened when we taught Cannabis Coaches about Suppositories“
Conclusion
You don’t need to rip a bong to enjoy cannabis!
From the sweetness of edibles to the precision of capsules, there’s a smoke-free cannabis method for every preference and need.
By embracing these forms, you’re not just avoiding smoke – you’re opening the door to a whole new cannabis experience. So why not give one of them a try? Your body (and taste buds) might just thank you!