How You Take It Matters: Edibles, Flower, Tinctures & More
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they first start using cannabis?
They think smoking is the only way.
Let us say this loud and clear:
Cannabis is a whole plant with multiple personalities.
And how you consume it changes everything—from how long it lasts to how strong it feels.
So whether you’re here for the high, the healing, or the habit—we’re gonna break down the most popular ways to consume cannabis, the science behind them, and how to find what works for you.
🌬 1. Inhalation (Smoking & Vaping)
Onset: 1–5 minutes
Duration: 1–3 hours
How it works: THC/CBD go straight to the lungs → bloodstream → brain. Fast and strong.
Common Methods:
Pre-rolls (joints)
Pipes or bowls
Bongs or water pipes
Vaporizers (dry herb or oil)
Frankie’s Tip: Inhalation hits quick, so it’s great for folks looking for fast relief from anxiety or pain. But be mindful of lung sensitivity. Not for everyone.
🍬 2. Edibles (Gummies, Chocolates, Infused Foods)
Onset: 30 mins to 2 hours
Duration: 4–8+ hours
How it works: Your liver metabolizes THC into 11-hydroxy-THC—a compound that hits harder and lasts longer.
Types of Edibles:
Gummies & chews
Brownies, cookies, snacks
Beverages (sodas, teas, mocktails)
Mints, hard candies
Frankie’s Tip: Start low (2.5–5mg), wait 90 minutes before deciding if you need more. Do not eat the whole bag. (We’ve seen it too many times.)
🧪 3. Tinctures (Sublingual Oils & Drops)
Onset: 15–45 minutes (faster if held under tongue)
Duration: 2–6 hours
How it works: Absorbed through mouth tissues or digestive tract, depending how you use it.
Best For:
Precise dosing
Discreet use
Folks who don’t want to smoke or eat sugar
Frankie’s Tip: Tinctures come in different ratios (CBD:THC, CBG blends, etc.). Good for building consistent routines, especially for pain or anxiety management.
🌿 4. Topicals (Lotions, Balms, Bath Soaks)
Onset: 10–30 minutes
Duration: 2–4 hours
How it works: Absorbed through skin, does not enter bloodstream, so no high—but deep relief.
Common Uses:
Arthritis
Sore muscles
Menstrual pain
Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
Frankie’s Tip: Great for elders, athletes, or anyone who wants relief without psychoactive effects.
🌬 5. Transdermals (Patches)
Onset: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Duration: 6–12 hours
How it works: Delivers cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream—so yes, you can feel the effects.
Best For:
Long-lasting pain relief
Chronic conditions
Nighttime use or work-day use
Frankie’s Tip: These are slept-on but powerful. Especially helpful for folks managing inflammation or nerve pain all day long.
🍯 6. Concentrates & Extracts (Dabs, Oils, Rosin)
Onset: Seconds – 2 minutes
Duration: 1–3 hours
How it works: Highly concentrated cannabis (sometimes 70–90% THC) vaporized or smoked.
Types Include:
Wax, shatter, live resin
Hash
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) – full extract cannabis oil used medicinally
Frankie’s Tip: This is for advanced users. Know your tolerance. Respect the strength.
🧠 Final Thoughts: The Plant is Versatile. So Are You.
There’s no “one right way” to consume cannabis.
There’s your way.
At Frankie’s, we believe cannabis is a relationship. It grows with you. Changes with your body. Evolves with your needs.
Try different methods. Track your reactions. Listen to your body.
And remember: it’s not about chasing the high—it’s about honoring the healing.
📍Up Next:
“Cannabis & The Body: How THC & CBD Help With Pain, Anxiety, and More”
Because this plant isn’t a trend—it’s a treatment.
Published & Written by Lyriq Manson | IG: @shespeaksezy