Cannabis consumption has evolved significantly over the years, offering users a variety of methods to experience its effects. Whether you prefer a cannabis drink, a cannabis chew, or cannabis inhale, each method has its unique characteristics, onset times, potency, and overall effects on the body.

Understanding these differences can help users make informed decisions about the best way to enjoy cannabis while considering health, convenience, and lifestyle preferences. This article breaks down these three popular methods, compares their effectiveness, and highlights key facts and figures based on scientific studies.

How Consumption Methods Affect Cannabis Absorption

The way cannabis enters your system significantly impacts its effects. Whether drinking, chewing, or inhaling, the body processes cannabinoids differently, resulting in variations in onset time, duration, and intensity.

• Drinking Cannabis: When consuming a cannabis drink, cannabinoids are processed through the digestive system before reaching the bloodstream. This method can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect.
• Chewing Cannabis: Edibles and chews also pass through digestion, leading to a similar delay in effects. However, some sublingual chews dissolve in the mouth, allowing for faster absorption.
• Inhaling Cannabis: Smoking or vaporizing cannabis sends cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream through the lungs, making it the fastest method, with effects felt within seconds to minutes.

Cannabis Drink: A Modern and Discreet Alternative

Cannabis-infused beverages have gained popularity in recent years as a discreet and social way to consume cannabis without smoking or eating traditional edibles. These drinks come in various forms, including sodas, teas, coffees, and even alcoholic alternatives.

How It Works

A cannabis drink is absorbed through the stomach and intestines, then metabolized in the liver. Unlike inhaled cannabis, which delivers cannabinoids directly to the bloodstream, drinks take longer to produce effects. However, many new products use nanoemulsion technology to break down THC and CBD into tiny particles for quicker absorption.

Onset and Duration

• Onset Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Duration: 4 to 8 hours

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Long-lasting effects
• No lung irritation
• Precise dosage

❌ Cons:

• Slower onset time
• Can lead to overconsumption if users don’t wait for effects

Market Growth

The cannabis beverage industry is booming, with a projected market value of $2.8 billion by 2025. Many companies are now offering low-dose options, allowing users to enjoy a cannabis drink without overwhelming psychoactive effects.

Cannabis Chew: A Potent and Edible Experience

Chewing cannabis, often in the form of gummies, taffy, or lozenges, is a convenient and tasty way to experience the benefits of THC or CBD. Unlike drinks, chews are broken down more slowly in the stomach, resulting in longer-lasting effects.

How It Works

When consuming a cannabis chew, THC is processed through the liver, converting it into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form of THC. This leads to a stronger and often more intense high than inhalation.

Onset and Duration

• Onset Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Duration: 6 to 12 hours

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Long-lasting and potent effects
• Easy to dose and store
• Discreet consumption

❌ Cons:

• Risk of overconsumption due to delayed onset
• Higher potency can be overwhelming for beginners

Market Trends

Edible sales, including cannabis chews, reached $3.6 billion in the U.S. in 2023, with gummies making up over 70% of the category. Their popularity continues to rise, especially among users looking for smoke-free options.

Cannabis Inhale: The Fastest and Most Traditional Method

Smoking or vaporizing cannabis remains one of the most common methods of consumption. Whether using joints, bongs, or vaporizers, inhaling cannabis delivers cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream, resulting in almost immediate effects.

How It Works

When inhaling cannabis, THC enters the lungs and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. This bypasses the digestive system, making the high feel almost instantaneous compared to a cannabis drink or chew.

Onset and Duration

• Onset Time: Seconds to minutes
• Duration: 2 to 4 hours

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Rapid onset of effects
• Easy to control dosage
• Wide variety of strains and potency levels

❌ Cons:

• Shorter duration compared to edibles or drinks
• Can irritate lungs and throat
• Less discreet than other methods

Market Insights

Smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis consumption, with 55% of users preferring it. However, vaporizing is gaining popularity due to its reduced health risks compared to traditional smoking.

Comparing Drink, Chew, and Inhale: Key Differences

Which Cannabis Experience is Right for You?

Choosing between a cannabis drink, cannabis chew, or cannabis inhale depends on your personal preferences, tolerance level, and desired effects.

• Best for Social Settings: A cannabis drink offers a mild, enjoyable experience for parties or relaxation.
• Best for Long-Lasting Effects: A cannabis chew is ideal for those seeking sustained relief or a powerful high.
• Best for Immediate Effects: Cannabis inhale is perfect for quick relief and precise dosing.

Final Thoughts

Each cannabis consumption method offers unique benefits and drawbacks. Whether you prefer a cannabis drink for slow, steady effects, a cannabis chew for a potent and long-lasting high, or cannabis inhale for fast results, understanding the differences can enhance your cannabis experience.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, new innovations will likely improve these methods even further. No matter your choice, always consume responsibly and stay informed about dosage, potency, and potential effects.

Looking for premium cannabis products that fly off the shelves? GetBlitzd offers top-quality cannabis drinks, chews, and inhalables designed for maximum impact and customer satisfaction. Our fast-acting formulas, long-lasting effects, and cutting-edge technology set us apart in the market. Whether you need discreet, potent, or fast-acting options, we’ve got you covered!

Stock your store with the best in cannabis innovation and elevate your business today. Let’s talk! Schedule a call now to explore our exclusive wholesale pricing and partnership opportunities.

Reference:

1.    Balafrej, T. (2024). An ethnobotanical survey on the therapeutic use of cannabis sativa l. in the province of taounate, morocco. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 28. https://doi.org/10.32859/era.28.26.1-14

2.    Barrington‐Trimis, J., Cho, J., Ewusi-Boisvert, E., Hasin, D., Unger, J., Miech, R., … & Leventhal, A. (2020). Risk of persistence and progression of use of 5 cannabis products after experimentation among adolescents. Jama Network Open, 3(1), e1919792.