The effects of CBD can vary depending on how it's consumed—whether you smoke CBD-rich flower, vape a THC-rich cartridge, swallow a gelcap, or take CBD oil sublingually. Everyone processes cannabis and cannabinoids differently, so finding your ideal method may require some experimentation.

The key factors to consider when choosing a method of consumption include:

  • Onset: How quickly will the cannabinoids take effect?
  • Dose: What’s a reasonable starting dose?
  • Distribution: Which areas of the body will be most affected?
  • Duration: How long will the effects last?"

Inhalation: Smoking & Vaping

  • Onset: Seconds to minutes
  • Dose: A single puff may be sufficient; a typical joint contains 0.3 – 1.0 grams of cannabis
  • Distribution: Initially affects the lungs, then the heart and brain, with a fairly even distribution throughout the body
  • Duration: Most effects, including psychoactivity, subside after 2-3 hours

When inhaled, cannabinoids travel directly to the brain before being metabolized by the liver, making this the fastest method of administration. Inhalation allows for rapid absorption, with around 20-30% of cannabinoids like THC and CBD entering the body. The heat from smoking or vaporizing converts acidic cannabinoids into their active, neutral forms.

The quick onset and shorter duration make inhalation ideal for addressing acute conditions, such as nausea or pain. It also allows patients to titrate their dose quickly, which is beneficial for those new to THC. Overdose effects (e.g., getting too high) tend to be brief with inhalation compared to other methods.

Cannabinoids are inhaled either by smoking or vaporizing flower, and cannabis oil extracts can also be vaporized or dabbed. However, smoking can be harmful to the lungs, even though cannabis use has not been linked to lung cancer or COPD. That said, smoking can cause chronic cough, congestion, or asthma. Additionally, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) may not vaporize effectively, so smoking or alternative methods might be necessary for its benefits.

While vaping has a slightly slower onset, it offers better cannabinoid absorption and is generally gentler on the lungs. However, caution is needed with vape oil cartridges, as thinning agents and additives can turn into harmful carcinogens when heated in poorly designed vaporizers. Vaporizing flower, on the other hand, avoids this issue.

Both flower and oil can be vaporized, but there’s limited research on the effects of vaporizing oil concentrates. Oil extracts have different terpene and cannabinoid profiles than the plants they’re derived from, while flower is less consistent and varies between batches.

CBD Edibles & Capsules

Onset: 1-2 hours

Dose: The threshold for mild psychoactive effects is typically 3 mg of THC for most new users. CBD-rich products generally range from 5 mg to several hundred milligrams.

Distribution: Absorbed through the gut, metabolized in the liver, and then distributed fairly evenly throughout the body.

Duration: Psychoactive effects usually subside after about 6 hours, though other effects may last up to 12 hours.

When cannabinoids are ingested, they pass through the intestines and are sent to the liver, where they are metabolized. The effects of edibles typically take around an hour to kick in if taken on an empty stomach, or up to three hours with food. It’s important to wait at least three hours before re-dosing, especially with THC edibles, to avoid overconsumption.

During their journey to the liver, cannabinoids interact with receptors in the gut, which can have a stronger effect on conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Once in the liver, THC and CBD are modified by enzymes in a process known as “first-pass metabolism.” THC is largely converted to 11-OH–THC, a compound that produces a more intense high than THC itself. This, combined with the longer duration of effects, is why new users should start with low doses (5 mg or less of THC) and wait to assess the effects before taking more.

The extended duration of effects from edibles and capsules makes them well-suited for managing chronic conditions where sustained relief is needed.