Here at Mood, we carry a wide variety of cannabis products. Some of these products will have different methods of consumption or administration. Because of this it is important to understand how different products are designed to be consumed, as well as the difference in effects they can each provide.
Inhalation is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cannabis consumption. Inhalable products such as cannabis flower, pre rolled cannabis, concentrates, and vapable products such as pre-filled vape cartridges, dry herb vaporizers, and concentrate vaporizers. Cannabis smoke is inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream where it travels to the brain. Then it crosses the blood brain barrier and is received by the body’s endocannabinoid system; namely the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This method of consumption has near immediate effects, with consumers feeling a “high” or “intoxicating effect” often within a few short minutes.
Depending on the potency of the flower and the user’s personal biology, this high can last between 1-3 hours on average and be mild, moderate, or quite intense. Vaping is a slight variation of a smokable, consisting of cannabis flower or oil being heated to the point of vaporization, but not combustion (burning). Vaporizer pens use exact heat settings to activate the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes within the product and deliver them via an inhalable vapor. This method is considered a healthier method of inhalation than smoking cannabis products. This is because there is a small amount of chlorophyll, plant matter, fats and lipids that are also combusted in the process of smoking (THC makes up on average only 17-18% of the cannabis flower)
Hot Tip: Flower just not doing it anymore? No matter how high the THC% is? Well, well, well, we may have a cannabis connoisseur on our hands and we’d love to explore the world of Concentrates with you! Concentrates offer a much, much, much more potent product that is perfect for our fellow chronic users wanting to kick up the experience a few notches.
Another method of consumption is edibles. We carry a wide range of infused gummies, chocolates, drinks, powders, tinctures, and capsules. This method of consumption relies on the body’s first-pass metabolism to convert THC to 11-Hydroxy-THC, making it much more potent and longer acting.
Unlike Delta 9 THC (the compound responsible for the “high” when smoking cannabis) 11-Hydroxy THC is much more reactive, sedative, and longer lasting. The “high” from this method can take between 45 mins to 2 hours to reach full effect depending on a variety of variables, and can last between 4-8 hours on average.
This method of administration can be helpful for customers seeking more natural sleep aids or products for pain management. However, care should be taken when exploring these options as those who are inexperienced can be easily overwhelmed by the strong or intense effects. Edibles don’t work for you? It could be due to your metabolism. Some people may lack certain stomach enzymes that are essential for the metabolization of cannabis edibles. Others may find that their first-pass metabolism greatly reduces the concentration of a drug before it is able to reach systemic circulation. Don’t give up: Try a THC beverage or a sublingual strip as these may be less impacted by the body’s metabolism, giving the user the desired effects within about 15-30 minutes. Another factor that plays into the bioavailability/potency of an edible is food. Taking edibles on an empty stomach will have less of an effect, as THC binds to fat molecules in the stomach which in turn increases the bioavailability of the cannabinoids and produces stronger effects.
Hot Tip: Tired of the current 10mg limit that the BCLDB has placed on edibles? We offer 30 packs of capsules that offer the same effects as our beloved edibles in a much more affordable format! Want to see things change on the legal market?
Topicals and Bath Bombs are fantastic products that many consumers report using for muscle pain relief, treating inflammation, and general tension in the body. These products are classified as either Transdermal or Non-Transdermal. Transdermal topical products allow THC and CBD (depending on the product) to be absorbed into the bloodstream allowing for systemic effects (both body and mind)
Most of our products are currently Non Transdermal topicals. These products target the applied area, and according to anecdotal reports relax the muscles and relieve tension without the risk of feeling any psychoactive effects. These products come in many forms such as oils, lotions, and bath products.
Come by our stores, give us a call, or send us an email to chat about Consumption Methods and learn more about what method or methods are best for you.
