The Different Ways to Consume Cannabis

Last updated April 28, 2026 | Published on December 8, 2020

Learn about each of the different ways to consume cannabis, including inhalation, ingestion and topical application, and how they affect your experience.

The effects experienced when consuming cannabis will always vary by individual. Effects may also depend on many personal factors, including genetics, physical health, mental health history, age, personality traits and sex. Your body’s response is also based on a combination of those factors and the products you choose, the cannabinoid content in the product and the method of consumption you choose.

Read on to learn about how each consumption method can impact your experience.

Inhalation

This method involves the combustion (burning) or vaporization of ground dried cannabis flowers. Combustion could involve rolling the dried flower in paper and lighting it with a flame or putting it in a pipe or water pipe (sometimes called a “bong”), which cools the smoke before it is inhaled. Another way to inhale cannabis is to put it in a vaporizer, or vape — an electronic device that heats the cannabis to an ideal temperature for the release of its active compounds in a vapour, which is then inhaled.

Inhalation delivers the active compounds in cannabis to your body via the lungs. From there it quickly enters the bloodstream, so an effect will be felt rapidly — one inhalation may be all it takes to feel the effects. For this reason, you should wait up to 30 minutes after a single inhalation to gauge its full effect.

If you’re new to inhaling cannabis, it’s wise to begin with one inhalation and consider that the more you inhale, the stronger the effects will be.

It’s also important to understand that inhaling cannabis may come with risks to lung health (as well as other potential negative effects associated with cannabis use) and should not be done around children.

Ingestion

This method involves eating or drinking products that are infused with cannabis.

Types of ingestible cannabis products include:

oils and capsules

gummies (soft chews)

chocolates

baked goods

beverages and sauces

When you ingest cannabis, the active compounds enter through your digestive system and are carried by the bloodstream to your central nervous system and your brain. Because it takes longer to enter the bloodstream through this method of consumption, the effect takes longer to occur than it does through inhalation. This can lead to the consumption of more cannabis than intended. The effects from ingestion can also last longer than those experienced from inhalation.

If you’re new to ingesting cannabis, consider sampling a very small amount and wait at least two hours to determine your body’s response.

Topical application

These cannabis products are used mostly for medical purposes. They are rarely psychoactive. Even so, it’s wise to apply a small amount on your skin to start. Please note that research on this method is limited.

Other consumption methods

Juicing: Fresh cannabis flowers can be used to make a juice. You would still ingest the plant’s cannabinoids, vitamins and minerals through this method. However, because the cannabis has not been heated in the process of making the juice, the compounds will not be activated or produce any intoxicating effect.

Nasal spray: Similar to sinus medication, this method delivers a standardized dose of THC or CBD directly to the bloodstream.

Suppositories: These may be used medically for specific conditions. More research is required.

General information only, not medical advice. Some guides were first written for Canadian readers; California rules may differ. You must be 21+ to buy cannabis.