In this article we breakdown 35 of the most popular ways to consume cannabis.
From classic joints to cutting-edge nanoemulsions, the number of ways to consume marijuana continues to expand with technological innovation and increased legalization. While some methods provide fast-acting effects, others offer longer-lasting or more discreet experiences.
Here are 35 of the most common—and some less common—ways to consume cannabis.
Smoking a Joint
The classic method, rolling dried marijuana flower into a paper to smoke, remains one of the most popular. Joints are portable, easy to share, and provide nearly instant effects.
Using a Pipe or Bowl
Small and discreet, pipes allow users to smoke marijuana flower without needing to roll it. Most pipes are made of glass, metal, or wood and are widely available at dispensaries and smoke shops.
Bongs (Water Pipes)
Bongs use water to cool and filter the smoke, making for smoother hits. They’re typically used at home due to their larger size.
Vaporizers (Dry Herb)
Vaporizers heat flower to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion. This smokeless method is often considered healthier and more efficient than smoking.
Vape Pens (Oil Cartridges)
Pre-filled cartridges containing cannabis oil are heated by battery-powered vape pens. They are discreet, odor-reduced, and widely available in both THC and CBD formulations.
Edibles
Cannabis-infused foods, like gummies, brownies, and chocolates, deliver long-lasting effects but take longer to kick in—often 30 minutes to 2 hours. They’re popular for those seeking a smoke-free experience.
Tinctures (Sublingual)
Tinctures are alcohol- or oil-based cannabis extracts applied under the tongue. Effects usually begin within 15–30 minutes, offering a quicker onset than edibles with better dose control.
Capsules and Pills
Cannabis in pill form provides precise dosing and is often used medically. Like edibles, the effects take time to set in but can last several hours.
Topicals
Lotions, balms, and creams infused with cannabis are applied to the skin to treat localized pain or inflammation. Most topicals are non-psychoactive, meaning they don’t get users high.
Topical CBD.
Transdermal Patches
Unlike topicals, patches deliver cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream for full-body effects. They’re long-lasting, discreet, and ideal for extended relief.
Dabbing
Dabbing involves vaporizing potent cannabis concentrates like shatter, wax, budder, live resin, or rosin on a heated surface. This method delivers a fast, intense effect and is favored by experienced users seeking high potency. It requires a dab rig or an electronic device like an e-nail or portable dab pen.
THC Beverages
Cannabis-infused drinks, including sodas, teas, coffees, and seltzers, offer a refreshing and discreet way to consume marijuana. Many use nanoemulsion technology to speed up onset time.
Nanoemulsion Products
These fast-acting THC or CBD products use nanoparticles to enhance absorption. Found in beverages, tinctures, and edibles, they provide more consistent and often quicker effects.
Suppositories
Though less common, cannabis suppositories can deliver localized or systemic effects through rectal or vaginal absorption. They’re often used for severe pain, menstrual cramps, or medical conditions.
Inhalers
Cannabis inhalers function like asthma inhalers, delivering precise doses of cannabinoids into the lungs. They’re discreet, smokeless, and gaining popularity among medical users.
Smoking a Blunt
Blunts are cannabis rolled in cigar or blunt wraps, which often contain nicotine. They deliver stronger effects and are often used in social settings, though the tobacco content may not appeal to all users.
Hash and Kief
Kief (resin glands or trichomes) and hash (compressed or processed kief) are traditional forms of cannabis concentrate. They can be smoked, vaped, or added to joints and bowls for a potency boost.
Ingestible Sprays
Sprays infused with cannabis can be applied into the mouth for sublingual or oral absorption. They offer discreet dosing and are available in various THC/CBD ratios.
Moon Rocks
Moon rocks are marijuana buds dipped in concentrate (often hash oil) and rolled in kief. They’re extremely potent and are typically smoked in a bowl or pipe, not rolled, due to their sticky consistency.
Cannabis-Infused Bath Products
Bath bombs and salts infused with cannabinoids offer a full-body soak that may ease muscle tension and pain without any psychoactive effects. They’re popular for relaxation and skincare routines.
Oral Strips
Thin dissolvable strips placed on the tongue, similar to breath strips, deliver cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream through sublingual absorption. They’re discreet, fast-acting, and easy to dose.
Cannabis Powder
Water-soluble cannabis powders can be stirred into drinks or food. They’re typically made using nanoemulsion technology and are valued for fast onset, uniform dosing, and convenience.
Inhalable Powder
Still in early stages of adoption, inhalable cannabis powder works like an asthma powder inhaler, allowing users to inhale powdered cannabinoids for rapid absorption without smoke or vapor.
Cannabis Lozenges
These are hard candies infused with THC or CBD that dissolve slowly in the mouth. They provide discreet, sublingual delivery with slower onset but longer duration than some other oral methods.
Cannabis Chewing Gum
This offers both oral and sublingual absorption while being familiar and convenient. Dosing is usually milder, making it a good choice for new users or those needing low doses throughout the day.
Cannabis Injections (Pharmaceutical-Grade)
Extremely rare and primarily used in clinical settings, injectable cannabinoids like synthetic THC (e.g., dronabinol) are administered for rapid and controlled medical relief.
Cannabis Toothpicks
These are infused with cannabinoids and designed to be chewed or sucked on, allowing cannabinoids to absorb sublingually through the mouth’s lining. They’re discreet and low-dose.
Cannabis-Infused Nasal Spray
Similar to allergy sprays, these deliver cannabinoids through the nasal mucosa for rapid systemic absorption. Still rare on the market, they may offer fast relief with no inhalation of smoke or vapor.
Cannabis Oral Gel
This gel is applied to the inside of the cheek or gums, delivering cannabinoids through mucosal absorption. It’s fast-acting and ideal for users avoiding inhalation or swallowing.
Cannabis-Infused Massage Oil
Used by professionals and individuals alike, these oils are applied directly to the skin to reduce muscle tension, soreness, and localized pain without producing a high.
Cannabis-Infused Lubricant
Designed for intimacy, THC- or CBD-infused lubricants are applied topically to enhance sensation, reduce discomfort, or provide relaxation during sexual activity.
Cannabis-Infused Facial Serums
Popular in the skincare market, these serums use cannabinoids like CBD to target inflammation, redness, and signs of aging. They are absorbed through the skin without psychoactive effects.
Cannabis-Infused Hair Products
Shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments with CBD are marketed to improve scalp health and strengthen hair, often paired with other herbal ingredients.
Cannabis Roll-Ons
Often used for joint or muscle pain, these roll-on applicators combine cannabinoids with menthol or essential oils for quick, targeted relief.
