7 Unusual Ways to Consume Cannabis

The vast majority of cannabis users prefer to smoke or vape. However, owing to health concerns and personal preference, more people are embracing edible weed. But cannabis consumption options go far beyond these three choices, and include the likes of nasal spray, tampons, and even transdermal patches. Explore 7 of the most unusual ways to consume weed below.

There Is More to Cannabis Than Just Smoking, Vaping, and Edibles

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, innovators are coming up with novel ways to introduce cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds into, or onto, the human body. Some of them offer superior bioavailability to smoking and eating, and are destined to become more widespread in the future. Others are more controversial but may have their place under specific circumstances. Continue reading to discover 7 unusual ways to consume your favourite plant.

7 Unusual Ways to Consume Cannabis

What comes to mind when considering new ways to consume weed? Most readers probably imagine topical sprays or, in the era of buccal nicotine, patches that are placed against the gums. While some of the options below aren’t far off these methods, others are entirely unique. Explore different ways to consume marijuana below and see if any take your fancy. You never know, you might just come across an option that changes your relationship with cannabis forever.

Cannabis Nasal Sprays

Cannabis nasal sprays deliver cannabinoids into the nasal cavity, where they are rapidly absorbed by the capillaries in the sinuses and nose itself. This method of administration bypasses the stomach and, much like smoking or vaping, has a rapid onset of effects. Cannabis nasal sprays are odourless, don’t produce any suspicious smoke or vapor, and are discreet when used in public. The main drawback? Overusing nasal spray products can become rough on the nose, causing irritation. Right now, cannabis nasal sprays are still novel and hard to come by. However, if they take off as a common means of consumption, expect to see many different potencies and blends available on the shelves.

Cannabis Suppositories

Okay, brace yourself for this one. Cannabis suppositories might seem extreme, but suppositories themselves are commonly used to deliver different drugs into the body when other methods of administration are unsuitable. For example, some drugs break down too quickly in the stomach when taken as a pill or liquid. In contrast, using a suppository to deliver a drug rectally doesn’t expose a drug to stomach acid, allowing it to enter the bloodstream at the appropriate speed. In the realm of recreational cannabis, placing THC, CBD, or any other plant compound into your anus seems absolutely unnecessary to most. However, some dispensaries and therapeutic marijuana programmes provide suppositories for users who have a genuine need for them as the most effective means of administration.

Cannabis Bath Salts

Not much beats settling into a nice warm bath at the end of a long and exhausting day. The addition of soothing and aromatic bath salts takes the experience to a whole new level. However, adding cannabis into the equation really perfects this special moment. Cannabis bath salts vary in their formulation and often contain THC, CBD, and terpenes. They’re a form of topical administration and therefore won’t get you high. However, cannabinoids applied externally interact with endocannabinoid receptors in our skin. While scientists are still trying to figure out what the benefits might be, many users report a relaxing and soothing effect.

Cannabis Chewing Gum

Out of all of the options presented, cannabis chewing gum has the potential to become perhaps the most widely adopted. Future products will likely include a range of different formulas, with high-THC and high-CBD options as well as products modelled after particular strains. Weed chewing gum obviously provides one of the most discreet and convenient ways to get high on the go. It requires no preparation and emits no smell. You can also expect a rapid effect when selecting this product. Much of the THC will enter the bloodstream through the gums and the floor of the mouth, resulting in a fast onset of effects.

THC Powder

THC power essentially gives cannabis users the ability to infuse any dish or beverage. Water-soluble in nature, this product sidesteps the issues found in other edible preparations, making it easy to stir into a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of juice. Some users also use it as a garnish for soups and salads. THC powder also boasts superior bioavailability. Unlike traditional edibles, it takes effect in just 15–20 minutes. While THC powders are likely to become a mainstay of cannabis dispensaries in the future, they’re also easy to make at home from dried buds.

Cannabis Transdermal Patches

Although applied to the skin, the technology found in transdermal patches allows substances to enter the bloodstream and systemic circulation. These adhesive patches contain a reservoir that holds the drug—either THC or CBD in the context of cannabis patches. The reservoir also contains solvents or drug enhancers that help to drive these compounds through the skin and into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches typically release drugs slowly over an extended period of time. However, because transdermal cannabinoids enter the bloodstream directly, they take effect almost immediately. So, this product offers a fast-acting and sustained high over many hours. These patches also completely bypass the lungs, making them one of the healthiest ways to consume marijuana. They’re certainly low-profile, but they also have the potential to cause skin irritation in some individuals.

THC/CBD Tampons

Much like suppositories, vaginally administered cannabinoids are impractical in a recreational context. However, certain types of drugs are typically administered in this way, including certain female hormones and antibiotics. This route provides a slow and sustained release of a compound into the bloodstream. While there are certainly quicker and easier ways to consume THC and CBD, companies have developed products such as cannabis tampons that have a specific use case for some people.

How Many Cannabis Consumption Methods Have You Tried?

Depending on how long you’ve used cannabis, you’ve probably played around with several methods of administration. Smoking and vaping are certainly the most common, closely followed by edibles—for those who can handle their intense effects. But have you ever expanded your consumption experience to any of the options above? If so, let us know your favourite! If not, expect to see many of these products become more accessible and popular in the years to come.