4 Ways to Enjoy Cannabis Without Smoking It
As the legalization of medicinal and recreational cannabis expands, consumers are experimenting with new ways to enjoy cannabis. While smoking marijuana is still a popular way to partake in cannabis culture, many consumers are exploring new methods that are easier on the lungs and throat. If you want to keep your lungs healthy and also reap the benefits of cannabis, then consider the following:
Cannabis Edibles
It’s estimated that $5.7 billion dollars are spent each year in the cannabis industry, and a growing portion of that includes cannabis edibles. These include food and beverages infused with cannabis (usually through the incorporation of oils or butter). Dispensaries now offer customers cannabis-infused food choices that range from crispy chips to lemon zest bars to cannabis chili dark chocolate.
It is important to note that edibles take longer to digest and can have a more intense psychoactive effect than smoking. Most cannabis experts recommend starting in small doses and waiting to feel the effects before taking another bite. The effects of edibles can last hours, giving you a high that lasts much longer than a traditional puff.
Cannabis-infused beverages are also making their presence known in the cannabis industry, including THC lemonade, and infused teas and coffees. Elixirs (or specialized beverages) are potent in flavor and typically mixed with digestive bitters. They have grown in popularity because they mix well in both alcohol and coffee, leaving a sweet flavor in your mouth.
Cannabis Topicals
Topicals are a great way to experiment with cannabis. Topicals can include balms, shampoos, soaps, and lotions. The unique properties allow for it to be effective in treating skin conditions. Topicals also bypass the feeling of a ‘high’ for a safe alternative to pain management.
Other forms of topicals include terpenes. What are terpenes? Terpenes are the essential oils of cannabis which give specific strains their distinctive aromas. Research suggests that terpenes interact with the cannabinoid receptors to essentially hide the effects of cannabinoids. In oil form, they can be applied to the skin like a perfume to calm the senses or added to a diffuser to help alleviate symptoms of insomnia.
Cannabis Tinctures
Tinctures are making a comeback in today’s modern cannabis culture. First introduced to Asia centuries ago, tinctures were used to treat common conditions such as common colds, sore throat, and fever. Cannabis tinctures are made by soaking the marijuana flowers, leaves and stems in alcohol. The alcohol’s main purpose is to extract terpenes and cannabinoids like THC. Tinctures are versatile and can be used to infuse almost anything. It has become so popular that your home cooks are creating high-quality recipes right at home or diffusing tinctures into a humidifier.
Tinctures provide precise dosing, which is why it is one of the most-enjoyed forms of cannabis. Unlike some high-calorie edibles, tinctures are a low-calorie option. The faster onset of the intense high one gets from a tincture tends to be one of its more popular advantages.
Cannabis Tours
If you love cannabis, but don’t want to smoke it, cannabis tours might be the route for you. Cannabis tours are exactly what they sound like: guided tours of the local cannabis industry, from popular dispensaries to taverns selling infused brews and cocktails. Some of these packages offer glass blowing demos, stops at cannabis growing operations, and wellness tours to give visitors an inside look into the medicinal benefits of cannabis.
Cannabis tours can be all-inclusive, including the well-known Denver recreational dispensaries. These tours include 420-friendly hotel rooms, private tours, brewery tours and personalized joint rolling classes. It’s a great way to learn about the diversity that exemplifies the cannabis industry without having to smoke a joint!
As the cannabis industry in the US and Canada continues to grow and evolve, there are expected to be new and exciting ways to enjoy this miracle plant without having to inhale. Edibles, extracts, tinctures, topicals, and –– yes –– tours are all becoming increasingly popular alternative methods for enjoying cannabis. There’s never been a more exciting time to experiment with the wonders of weed!
