With the increasing variety of cannabis products available today, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner.
Whether you’re looking to unwind, manage pain, or simply enjoy the experience, it’s important to know the differences between cannabis products such as flower, edibles, oils, and more.
Each method offers unique effects, onset times, and durations, which can significantly impact your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular cannabis products and help you decide which one is right for you.
Cannabis Flower (Bud)
Cannabis flower, often referred to as “bud,” is the most traditional and widely used form of cannabis. It’s the dried and cured flower of the cannabis plant, typically smoked or vaporized. Flower offers a wide range of strains, allowing users to choose from Indicas, Sativas, or hybrids, depending on the desired effect.
How it works:
• Flower is typically smoked in joints, pipes, or bongs, or vaporized in a vaporizer.
• When inhaled, THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs, producing effects within minutes.
Pros:
• Immediate onset of effects (usually within 5-10 minutes)
• Wide variety of strains and potency levels
• Easy to dose—users can control how much they consume in a single session
Cons:
• Smoking can be harsh on the lungs and isn’t ideal for those with respiratory issues
• Effects may not last as long as other forms of cannabis (typically 1-3 hours)
Best for:
• Users who want a fast-acting, controllable experience
• Social use or recreational settings
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-infused foods or drinks, and they offer a completely different experience compared to smoking or vaping. Common edible products include gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages. Unlike smoking, edibles provide a longer-lasting effect, but the onset time is much slower.
How it works:
• Edibles are ingested and processed by the digestive system, which converts THC into a more potent compound known as 11-hydroxy-THC.
• This process takes longer, so the effects may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, but the high can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the dosage and your metabolism.
Pros:
• Long-lasting effects (4-8 hours or more)
• Discreet and easy to consume, especially for those who don’t want to smoke
• Precise dosing is often possible with pre-packaged edibles
Cons:
• Delayed onset can lead to overconsumption if you’re not patient
• Difficult to adjust the dose once you’ve consumed an edible
Best for:
• People looking for a discreet, smoke-free option
• Users who want a long-lasting effect, such as for pain relief or sleep
• Beginners who prefer not to smoke or vape
Cannabis Oils and Tinctures
Oils and tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that can be taken orally or applied sublingually (under the tongue). These products are typically sold in dropper bottles, making them easy to measure and consume. Tinctures offer a fast-acting yet discreet way to consume cannabis, and they are available in both THC and CBD formulations.
How it works:
• When applied under the tongue, tinctures are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, leading to effects in 15-30 minutes.
• When swallowed, tinctures behave more like edibles and may take longer to produce effects.
Pros:
• Fast onset when taken sublingually (15-30 minutes)
• Easy to dose and control the amount consumed
• Long-lasting effects when taken orally (similar to edibles)
• Available in THC, CBD, or balanced formulations for tailored effects
Cons:
• Some people may dislike the taste of tinctures or oils
• The onset can be slower if swallowed instead of taken sublingually
Best for:
• People seeking a smoke-free, fast-acting option
• Those who need precise dosing for medical or recreational purposes
• Users who want the flexibility of both fast and long-lasting effects
Cannabis Concentrates
Concentrates are highly potent cannabis products that contain higher levels of THC or CBD compared to flower. Concentrates come in many forms, such as wax, shatter, live resin, and distillates, and are typically consumed via dabbing (heating the concentrate on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor). They are favored by experienced users for their potency and rapid effects.
How it works:
• Concentrates are vaporized or dabbed, which delivers a concentrated amount of THC or CBD directly into the lungs, resulting in almost immediate effects.
Pros:
• Extremely potent and fast-acting
• Requires smaller amounts to achieve desired effects
• Provides strong, long-lasting relief for medical users
Cons:
• Not beginner-friendly due to high potency
• Requires specialized equipment (e.g., dab rigs, vaporizers)
• Effects can be overwhelming for inexperienced users
Best for:
• Experienced cannabis users looking for potent, fast relief
• Medical users who need strong, immediate effects
• Recreational users seeking a more intense experience
Cannabis Topicals
Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, balms, lotions, and patches designed for external application. They are non-psychoactive, meaning they don’t produce a “high,” but they can provide targeted relief for localized pain, inflammation, and skin conditions. Some topicals contain both THC and CBD, while others are CBD-only.
How it works:
• Topicals are applied directly to the skin, where the cannabinoids are absorbed into the local area, providing relief without entering the bloodstream or producing psychoactive effects.
Pros:
• Provides localized relief without psychoactive effects
• Ideal for pain, inflammation, and skin conditions
• Easy to apply and discreet
Cons:
• Effects are limited to the area where the product is applied
• Doesn’t produce a “high” for recreational use
Best for:
• Individuals seeking relief from localized pain, inflammation, or skin issues
• Those who want the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects
• Athletes or people with muscle soreness or arthritis
Cannabis Vapes
Vaping involves heating cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature where the active compounds, such as THC and CBD, are vaporized without combustion. Vaporization is considered a healthier alternative to smoking because it produces fewer harmful byproducts. Vapes come in various forms, including vape pens (pre-filled with oil) and dry herb vaporizers.
How it works:
• Vaping heats cannabis to a point where cannabinoids are released in vapor form, which is inhaled. This provides fast-acting effects similar to smoking but without the combustion of plant material.
Pros:
• Fast-acting (effects felt within minutes)
• Less harmful to the lungs than smoking
• Discreet and portable, especially with vape pens
Cons:
• Some vape cartridges may contain additives or harmful chemicals (be sure to choose high-quality products)
• Effects may not last as long as edibles or oils
Best for:
• People looking for a smoke-free, fast-acting option
• On-the-go users who want a discreet, portable solution
• Individuals seeking a middle ground between smoking and edibles
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cannabis product depends on your preferences, needs, and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a fast-acting experience, smoking or vaping cannabis flower might be the best choice.
For those seeking longer-lasting effects without the need to smoke, edibles or oils may be ideal. Medical users looking for potent relief may turn to concentrates or topicals for targeted applications.
Ultimately, it’s important to experiment and find the method that works best for you.
Always start with a low dose, especially if you’re trying a new product or method for the first time, and consult with knowledgeable dispensary staff for personalized recommendations.