What Cannabis Products Are Available?

Cannabis products come in a variety of forms and can be used in different ways. The most common forms of cannabis are inhaled (breathed in) or ingested (eaten or swallowed). Cannabis is also available in topical (through the skin) and sublingual (under the tongue) forms.

Cannabis products can vary in how they affect you in the following ways:

• Onset of action: How quickly the effects start.
• Peak effects: How quickly the effects reach their strongest point.
• Duration of effects: How long the effects are felt.

These effects can vary based on:

• What form is used
• How much THC and CBD are in the product
• The way your body responds to cannabis

Inhaled cannabis (marijuana)

Inhaled cannabis, or marijuana, is smoked using a hand-rolled joint or blunt, or by using a pipe, bong, dab rig, or other device. Cannabis concentrate can also be "vaped" in an e-cigarette device.

When cannabis is inhaled, cannabinoid chemicals enter the lungs, are absorbed by the bloodstream and go to the brain quickly. This means the mind-altering, psychoactive effects of THC are felt almost right away. The effects of inhaled cannabis fade faster than cannabis taken by mouth.

It’s important to know that smoke produced from inhaling cannabis has many of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke. For this reason, most doctors who recommend cannabis for medical reasons prefer that it be taken by mouth through a form other than inhaling.

• Onset of action: 0-10 minutes
• Peak effects: 3-10 minutes
• Duration of effects: 2-6 hours
• Possible benefits depend on the type of cannabis that is inhaled but might include:
  • Fast relief from or decreased nausea, pain, and anxiety
  • Enhanced sleep
• Possible side effects:
  • Cough
  • Mouth irritation and dryness
  • Sore throat
  • Dizziness
  • Over-ingestion of high THC (possible overdose)
• Possible long-term effects:
  • Not fully known but are being studied
  • Cannabis use disorder (CUD) (addiction)
  • Possible serious, long-lasting heart and lung problems

Ingested cannabis (edibles)

Ingested cannabis is taken by mouth through eating, chewing, or drinking cannabis products. These are called edibles. Examples of edibles are pills, tablets, capsules, gummies, candy and chocolate bars, cooking oils, drinks (seltzer, soda), and baked goods (biscuits, brownies, cookies, etc.).

THC in edible cannabis is absorbed poorly, so it can take up to a few hours to feel the effects. If you eat more fatty foods or drinks around the same time you use edible cannabis, the onset can be longer and the duration can be shorter. Once absorbed, THC is processed by the liver and goes through the usual digestion process.

• Onset of action: 1-3 hours
• Peak effects: 1-2 hours
• Duration of effects: 6-12 hours
• Possible benefits depend on the type of cannabis used but might include:
  • Relief from or decreased pain and anxiety
  • Relief from or decreased nausea
  • Enhanced sleep
• Possible side effects:
  • Unpleasant taste
  • Increased nausea
  • Over-ingestion of high THC (possible overdose)
• Possible long-term effects:
  • Not fully known but are being studied
  • Cannabis use disorder (CUD) (addiction)

It's important to know that the amount of THC in foods and drinks that have cannabis added is often unknown. This can lead to a person getting too much THC, feeling effects for longer, and might cause symptoms of overdose.

Sublingual cannabis

Sublingual cannabis is placed under your tongue and absorbed by the membranes and cells in your mouth and cheek. It then goes into the bloodstream. Sublingual products can come in liquid or tincture form or as a tablet that dissolves under your tongue. The sublingual forms of cannabis are absorbed fairly fast, so their effects are usually felt more quickly than ingested cannabis.

• Onset of action: 15 minutes-1 hour
• Peak effects: 45 minutes
• Duration of effects: 4-6 hours
• Possible benefits depend on the type of cannabis used but might include:
  • Relief from or decreased pain and anxiety
  • Relief from or decreased nausea
  • Enhanced sleep
• Possible side effects:
  • Unpleasant taste
  • Dry mouth
• Possible long-term effects:
  • Not fully known but are being studied
  • Cannabis use disorder (CUD) (addiction)

Topical cannabis

Topical cannabis is applied directly to the skin. These products include cannabis oils, gels, salves, creams, and patches. They are absorbed through the skin, and their effects are felt in the area where they are applied. The effects of topical cannabis are steadier over time than the other forms.

• Onset of action: 5 minutes-2 hours
• Peak effects: Varies
• Duration of effects: Varies
• Possible benefits include relief from or decreased pain in the area where it’s applied.
• Possible side effects or harms include a rash or other skin irritation.