How to Choose Between Smoking, Edibles, and Topicals as a Beginner

Last Update:
Hempgrowly is reader supported. When you purchase through referral links on our site, we may earn a commission... Learn more
how to choose between smoking, edibles, and topicals as a beginner

If you’re a beginner to cannabis, then it can be overwhelming to think about all the different ways you can use it. There’s smoking, edibles, and topicals – but how do you know which is right for you?

As an expert cannabis grower and user, I’m here to help! I’ll walk you through each option step-by-step so that by the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea on which method works best for your needs.

From learning why some users prefer one over the other, to exploring what health benefits or drawbacks may come with each choice – let’s dive into the world of cannabis consumption together.

Ready? Let’s go!

Understanding The Basics

Are you a cannabis beginner ready to get your feet wet in the wonderful world of weed? If so, don’t worry – we’ve got your back! You may be overwhelmed by all the options out there: smoking, edibles, and topicals.

To help make sure you get off on the right foot, it’s important to understand the basics about safe dosing and product selection. First of all, when beginning with cannabis use, you’ll want to start slow and low. Don’t go overboard from the start; take small doses at first until you build up your tolerance level. This way you can enjoy the effects without overwhelming yourself or feeling too uncomfortable.

It’s also essential to do some research before choosing which type of product is best for you – whether that means smoking, ingesting through edibles, or using a topical solution like lotion or cream. By arming yourself with knowledge about safe dosing and researching different products available on the market today, you will set yourself up for success as a cannabis user.

So don’t hesitate – dive into this incredible journey armed with information so that you can find what works best for YOU!

Smoking Cannabis

Smoking cannabis is a popular technique for consuming this plant and its many products. For the beginner, it’s important to understand that there are various vaping options when smoking marijuana, with each offering its own unique experience.

From pre-rolled joints to pipes and bongs of all shapes and sizes, inhalation techniques can vary greatly depending on user preference.

Inhalation provides one of the quickest ways to feel the effects of cannabis as absorption is almost immediate; however, it may not be suitable for those sensitive to smoke or odors.

It’s best to start slow when inhaling any form of marijuana product so you can get used to how your body reacts before increasing dosage.

Those who don’t want the hassle associated with traditional methods should consider using vape pens which offer a convenient way to control temperature settings while also producing little odor.

Overall, smoking has been around since ancient times and offers an easy introduction into the world of cannabis usage. While some might find other consumption methods more appealing, understanding what goes into smoking marijuana is essential in order to gain insight into why people have been doing it for centuries.

With edibles being another popular choice among users, let’s explore what eating these cannabis infused treats involves next!

Eating Edibles

Eating edibles is like opening a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. For the beginner cannabis user, it can be intimidating and even overwhelming to choose between smoking, eating edibles, or using topicals as methods of consumption.

Edibles offer an interesting way for users to experience marijuana in its raw form, but there are some considerations when dosing safely and storing these products that must be taken into account.

When choosing edible cannabis products, it’s important to start low and go slow with your dosage; especially if THC levels are unknown or potentially high. Start by consuming only one small dose at a time (such as 5-10 mg) until the effects become noticeable.

It takes longer for the effects from edibles to kick in since they have to travel through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. To prevent overconsumption, wait until you feel the desired effect before having more, which can take up to two hours after ingestion.

Additionally, it’s best to store them away from light and heat sources so their potency remains stable throughout their shelf life. Using edibles gives beginners creative control over how much cannabis they consume while simultaneously enjoying their favorite snacks or drinks.

With careful consideration on how much is consumed and proper storage techniques utilized, newbies will find themselves feeling confident with this method of consumption in no time!

Benefits Of Topicals

Using topicals is an excellent way to experience the benefits of cannabis without having to inhale smoke or consume edibles. Topicals are products that can be applied directly to the skin, allowing for localized relief and providing a unique set of advantages compared to other methods:

  • They have limited psychoactive effects (you won’t get high) due to their low absorption rate when applied topically.
  • You don’t need to worry about mixing ingredients as all components in topical products are already mixed together.
  • The application process is relatively straightforward — just apply it directly on the affected area.
  • It’s possible to customize your own topical by infusing it with oils from different strains of Cannabis sativa plants, ensuring you get exactly what you want out of it.
  • And lastly, some people enjoy using topicals because they offer long-lasting relief through repeated applications over time.
  • Topicals provide users with a powerful tool for tackling discomfort and pain management without any major side-effects like those associated with smoking or ingesting marijuana edibles. With so many options available, finding a product tailored specifically to your needs has never been easier.

    As such, taking advantage of this method could be incredibly beneficial if used properly and responsibly! Now let’s move onto deciding what’s right for you given your individual needs and preferences.

    Deciding What’s Right For You

    Cannabis has become increasingly accepted for its therapeutic and recreational value, with more than half of the United States having some form of legal access to it. With so many options available, how do you decide which one is right for you?

    There are three main methods of cannabis consumption – smoking, edibles, and topicals – each offering unique benefits and drawbacks.

    Smoking cannabis is among the most popular ways to consume it due to its quick effects and ease-of-use. While there can be health considerations associated with this method (such as smoke inhalation), when done correctly, smoking provides fast relief or an enjoyable experience. You can also control your dosage levels easily by taking multiple hits or fewer depending on what works best for you.

    Edible products offer another way to get medication access without any risk of inhaling smoke; however, they require a little more patience since their onset time tends to take longer than other forms of ingestion. The upside here is that once activated in your body’s system, edible effects tend to last much longer before wearing off compared to smoked varieties. Additionally, most edibles come in predetermined doses making them easier for users who want exact measurements.

    With all these factors considered, it’s clear that deciding between smoking, edibles, and topicals as a beginner comes down to personal preference—so make sure you choose what fits your lifestyle best! Moving forward from here we should take into account the health considerations involved with each type of consumption before settling on a choice.

    Health Considerations

    Most users are concerned about the health implications of using cannabis. While there is not a definitive answer to which form of consumption is best for beginners, it’s important to understand that each method brings unique considerations.

    Smoking, edibles and topicals all have different effects on mental health, so here we’ll provide a brief overview of how they differ in terms of safety precautions:

  • Smoking – This is generally considered the most popular way of consuming cannabis as it offers a fast-acting experience with strong effects. However, this also means smoke inhaled can be harsh on the lungs and throat. Consider filtering your smoke or opting for other methods such as vaping or dabbing if you want to avoid any potential detriments associated with smoking traditional flower.
  • Edibles – Edible forms of cannabis take longer to kick in but potentially offer more intense highs than smoked products; however, keep in mind that overdosing on edibles can cause serious side effects like anxiety and paranoia. Start low and slow when experimenting with edibles by trying smaller doses first before increasing gradually over time.
  • Topicals – Topical products contain cannabinoids that don’t pass through the bloodstream allowing them to target localized pain while avoiding psychoactive effects entirely. Although these products bring fewer risks overall compared to ingestible forms, always look out for signs of irritation from ingredients like essential oils used in topical salves and lotions.
  • When deciding between smoking, edibles and topicals as a beginner cannabis user, consider researching each type further before making an educated decision based on what works best for your individual needs—paying close attention to both mental health benefits and safety precautions along the way!

    Conclusion

    As a beginner, there are so many different ways to consume cannabis. It all comes down to personal preference and the kind of effects you’re looking for.

    Smoking is an easy way to get started but edibles have gained popularity due to their longer-lasting effects. Topicals offer targeted relief without any psychoactive effects, making them ideal for those who don’t want the traditional high associated with marijuana use.

    Recent studies show that 60% of cannabis users prefer vaping as their preferred method of consumption – likely because it offers fast results and can be customized based on your needs.

    Ultimately, choosing between smoking, edibles, and topicals is a matter of personal experience and what works best for you. Do some research, ask questions, and find out which form of consumption delivers the right kind of effect for you!

    Photo of author

    AUTHOR

    Meet Edward, the passionate gardener turned cannabis enthusiast who is dedicated to exploring different strains and maximizing their yields. With his background as a hydroponic agriculture technician, he brings a unique perspective to the world of cannabis cultivation. As the head field tester at HempGrowly, he shares his technical expertise and insights to help readers achieve their own successful hydroponic grows. Through his easy-to-follow documentation of his findings, Edward hopes to help cannabis growers of all levels achieve maximum yields and enjoy the benefits of this amazing plant.