Inhale, Ingest, Apply: A Guide to Cannabis Formats and Usage
There are three main types of cannabis consumption: inhaling, ingesting, and applying on the skin. Each method offers a different experience, onset time, and duration of effects. If you’re exploring how to consume cannabis, this guide breaks down the core cannabis formats and how each method works.
Below is a complete overview of the many ways to consume cannabis.
Inhalation Methods
Inhalation refers to breathing cannabis vapour or smoke into the lungs*. This method provides the fastest onset — typically within minutes — because cannabinoids enter the bloodstream quickly.
Inhalation Onset
Effects may onset within seconds to minutes. (Health Canada)
Inhalation Duration
The effects may last up to six hours, but residual effects may last up to 24 hours. (Health Canada)
1. Flower (Dried Cannabis)
Flower refers to the dried “buds” or flowering tops of the female cannabis plant. It’s a popular cannabis format and widely accepted as the most traditional method of consumption. Many consumers prefer flower because it maintains the whole plant profile, including cannabinoids and terpenes.
How to Consume Cannabis Flower
· Pre-rolls: To make a pre‑roll, dried cannabis flower is broken up using a grinder, scissors, or your fingers, then rolled into a joint using rolling papers and a filter tip. The flower is combusted using a lighter or match, similar to other smoking methods. For beginners, a rolling machine can help create a more even, consistent joint with less effort.
· Pipes & Bongs: Ground flower can be packed into a pipe or bong and combusted using a lighter or match*. Pipes are ideal for on-the-go use, while bongs are better suited for at-home cannabis consumption.
- Dry Herb Vaporizers: Dry herb vaporizers heat cannabis flower to a controlled temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapour instead of smoke, avoiding combustion. An example is the Volcano vaporizer, a desktop device that uses hot air to fill a removable balloon or bag with cannabis vapour for inhalation. Desktop vaporizers like the Volcano are designed for at‑home use and are recognized for their consistent vapour quality.
- Cooking with Flower: Dried cannabis flower can be decarboxylated — a heating process that converts inactive cannabinoids like THCA into active THC — then infused into butter or oil for cooking and baking, allowing it to be used in homemade edibles.
*Smoking flower requires combustion. Combustion produces smoke, which may be harmful when inhaled.
2. Pre-Rolls
As mentioned above, pre-rolls are made from dried flower rolled into joints. Purchasing pre-rolls (instead of rolling dried flower) is ideal for consumers seeking a convenient product in a ready-to-consume format. Pre-rolls come in different sizes, the most common is 0.5g. They may be rolled in a cylinder, cone or cigar shape, based on personal preference.
To consume a pre-roll, simply light the tip with a lighter or match, and inhale from the other side. Pre-rolls often include a filter tip or mouthpiece on the end that you inhale from.
Infused Pre-Rolls contain added concentrates like hash, diamonds, and/or kief to increase potency. Find out more under the Concentrate section below.
3. Vaporizers (Vape Cartridges & Disposables)
Vapes heat liquified cannabis concentrates at lower temperatures (compared to combustion) to produce vapour rather than smoke. Many consumers choose vaping because it is simple to use and produces less odour compared to smoking, making it a more discreet and convenient option.
Common Types of Concentrates Used in Vapes
- Distillate
A highly refined, high‑potency extract that can be paired with additional terpenes.
- Live resin
Made from fresh‑frozen plants to preserve terpene richness and flavour.
- Live rosin
A solventless extract pressed from hash, known for its full‑spectrum profile.
- Liquid diamonds
Melted crystalline THCA known for purity and intensity.
How to Use – Cartridge
- Attach the cartridge to a compatible, reusable and rechargeable battery.
- Activate the device (some are draw‑activated; others require a button press).
- Inhale slowly from the mouthpiece to draw vapour.
- Some devices offer temperature settings. Lower temps give smoother, more flavourful hits, while higher temps increase vapour.
How to Use – Disposable
Disposables are single‑use, all‑in‑one (AIO) devices
· Activate the device (some require a button press, others are inhale‑activated).
- Inhale slowly from the mouthpiece to draw vapour.
- Many disposables have preset temperatures, but if your vape offers options: lower temperatures create smoother, flavourful hits; higher settings boost vapour.
- Note: AIO devices are meant for one-time use and should not be refilled.
For more information on recycling your vape, please visit the Recycling Council of British Columbia.
4. Concentrates
Concentrates are highly potent cannabis extracts with elevated THC levels, made with dried flower inputs using a range of extraction methods.
Common Types of Concentrates
· Shatter: Brittle, translucent concentrate that snaps when handled
· Wax: Soft, whipped texture with an opaque appearance
· Live Resin: Extracted from fresh frozen flower for enhanced flavour
· Live Rosin: Solventless extract made using heat and pressure
· Hash: Compressed trichomes collected from flower
· Diamonds: Crystalline THC with very high potency
· Kief: Loose trichomes collected from dried flower
How to Inhale Concentrates
Concentrates can be inhaled through:
Infused Pre‑rolls: Dried cannabis flower is combined with concentrates and combusted in a pre‑roll using a lighter or match.
Vape Devices: Specialized vape devices are designed to heat concentrates without combustion, producing vapour that is inhaled through a mouthpiece.
Dabbing: Using a dab rig or electronic rig. This involves heating a surface electronically or with a torch, applying a small amount of concentrate, and inhaling the vapour.
How to Dab (dab rig):
· Heat up the nail component using a torch for 15-30 seconds
· Apply a small amount of concentrate using a dab tool
· Inhale slowly
How to Dab (electronic rig):
· Turn the device on, and allow it to heat up for as long as the user manual advises
· Apply a small amount of concentrate using a dab tool
· Inhale slowly
Learn more: Cannabis Concentrates 101
Ingestible Methods
Ingestion means consuming cannabis through the digestive system, typically by eating or drinking. For many people learning how to consume cannabis, edibles are a popular smoke-free method. They are a good option for those looking for alternative methods to inhaling or wondering how to use CBD.
Ingestibles Onset
Effects typically begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours. (Health Canada)
Ingestibles Duration
Effects may last 6–12 hours, with residual effects lasting up to 24 hours. (Health Canada)
1. Edibles:
How Edibles Work
Edibles are digested and processed by the liver, where THC is converted into 11‑hydroxy‑THC. This compound is more potent and longer‑lasting than inhaled THC, which explains why edibles feel stronger and last longer.
How Edibles Are Made
Cannabinoids — such as THC, CBD and CBG — are extracted from cannabis and heated to activate (a process called decarboxylation). Extracts are then combined with flavours, sweeteners, and food ingredients.
2. Beverages
Cannabis‑infused beverages are available in:
- Carbonated and non‑carbonated options
- Sugar‑free and gluten‑free varieties
- Teas
Similar to edibles, their effects are long-lasting, but the onset can be faster due to some beverage manufacturers using nano-emulsification.
CBD & Minor Cannabinoids
Most beverages contain THC, either on its own or combined with other cannabinoids like CBG or CBD.
If you’re exploring non-alcoholic beverages or how to use CBD, beverages are an easy, fast‑acting consumption method. Although CBD‑only drinks are less common, many beverages offer balanced formulations that combine cannabinoids.
3. Oils & Capsules
Cannabis oils and capsules can be ingested in two main ways:
- Liquid Oils: Cannabis oils, also known as tinctures, are an ingestible format of cannabis that can be consumed on their own or mixed into food or drinks. They are made from combining a cannabis extract with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil or olive oil. Typically, they come in a small bottle and include either a dropper or oral syringe for precise dosing. Many consumers prefer to ingest cannabis oil by applying it directly under the tongue, allowing for faster absorption and onset of effects. Consumers seeking a high-CBD cannabis oil may consider choosing the CBD Oil 100 by frank cbd.
- Capsules: Capsules come in a few different formats, including gel caps, cellulose-based capsules and tablets. Gel caps are made by encapsulating cannabis oil in precisely-dosed, easy-to-swallow gelatin capsules. Cellulose-based capsules often contain cannabinoids in a crystalline powder format, such as CBD isolate. Tablets are made by combining cannabis oil with other ingredients, such as cocoa butter, and pressing into a tablet or dome shape. A popular choice for THC-dominant capsules are the THC 10 Softgels by Glacial Gold.
Whether choosing cannabis oil or capsules, there are many similarities between them. The cannabis extracts used in both products are commonly extracted using ethanol or CO2. For both categories, the most common carrier oils are MCT oil, olive oil and hempseed oil.
Both oils and capsules are available in a wide assortment of cannabinoid profiles, including THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, balanced and minor cannabinoid-rich options (such as CBG, CBN, etc.).
Because they are ingested rather than inhaled, oils and capsules typically have a slower onset than smoking or vaping, but their effects often last much longer. They are also odour-free and easy to consume anywhere. This makes oils and capsules a practical choice for those seeking precise, discreet dosing and long-lasting effects.
Topical Application
Topicals are applied directly to the skin. They are made from combining cannabis extracts with a base, such as a cream or lotion. They’re available in THC, CBD and balanced formulations, with some products starting to include minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, or CBC. Topicals do not enter the bloodstream and therefore do not result in intoxication.
Curious where to start with topicals? Try the Wildflower CBD Extra Strength Relief Stick.
Topicals Onset
The length of time required to feel the effects of cannabis topicals can vary, and Health Canada notes that onset time is undetermined for this category.
Topicals Duration
The duration of effects from cannabis topicals is also variable. It is not known how long these effects may last due to differences in formulations and individual response.
Topicals include:
- Creams
- Lotions
- Balms
- Salves
- Bath bombs
Choosing the Right Cannabis Format
Cannabis comes in many different forms, each offering unique experiences. Whether inhaling, ingesting, or applying, understanding how to consume cannabis helps you choose the right product for you. Remember to always start low and go slow.
If you have questions, ask a cannabis consultant in one of our BC Cannabis Stores — they’re always happy to help!
Sources:
Health Canada – Health effects of cannabis
For health care professionals: Cannabis and cannabinoids - Canada.ca
