5 Types of Cannabis Products

Cannabis, also called marijuana or weed, is a flowering plant that contains psychoactive compounds. Small doses cause euphoria, relief of anxiety, and drowsiness. Larger doses can impair memory and attention.

Advanced research outside the United States has led to a few FDA-approved medications that contain chemicals similar to those in cannabis. These medicines treat specific types of seizures in children with epilepsy.

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts containing high levels of terpenes and cannabinoids. They’re used as a quick and easy method of consumption with no smoke or vapor and can be taken at any time, place, or setting without anyone knowing you’re using it. When consumed sublingually, tinctures are absorbed into the bloodstream within 30 minutes and start to take effect in less than an hour.

The tincture-making process separates these beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant and preserves them, giving them a long shelf life. There are many methods of tincture-making, each one producing a slightly different final product. The classic method uses cannabis and grain alcohol, but there are alternative recipes for those that don’t have weeks to wait for a tincture to infuse.

A tincture is usually stored in a dark, dropper-style bottle and used by measuring a specific dose using the dropper provided. A standard tincture dose is 1 mL, but the amount can be varied depending on your tolerance level and desired effects. A tincture is safe to consume on its own, but can also be added to food or beverages.

Tinctures are available in a wide variety of concentrations and therapeutic effects. For example, you can find sleep tinctures, like Absolute Xtracts’ Sleepy Time Sublingual Tincture that contains THC and a relaxing blend of herbal ingredients including Elecampane, Mullein, and Yerba Santa, to help get you a restful night’s sleep.

Edibles

Edibles are edible cannabis products that can be made at home with recipes or purchased from dispensaries. They are often used to treat pain, including migraines. They also stimulate appetite for people losing their appetite due to medical treatments like chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS. They can also reduce nausea and vomiting in cancer patients and people undergoing surgery or other medical procedures.

It takes a little longer for marijuana to take effect when eaten than when inhaled, because the cannabinoids must pass through the digestive system to enter the bloodstream. The effects of edibles can last up to two hours or more. Many people have problems with dosing with edibles because they aren’t able to gauge how much THC they’re consuming. This makes it difficult to avoid eating too much and experiencing the unpleasant side effects of over-dosing.

The packaging of most edibles lists the amount of THC that’s in a single serving. The number typically ranges from 2.5 milligrams to 10 milligrams per serving. If a package contains more than one edible, the number is divided by the total quantity of each edible to indicate how much THC is in each individual item. For example, a chocolate bar may contain ten 10 milligram THC servings inside. This information can help you choose a product that’s right for you.

Topicals

Cannabis topicals are an ideal way to soothe aches and pains. They can also be used for general wellness, as a massage oil or rub, and may include soothing ingredients like peppermint or cayenne for additional benefits. These creams and salves can be applied to joints, neck, shoulders, arms, knees, feet and other areas where relief is desired. It is important to read the labels carefully as the amount of THC and other cannabinoids will vary from product to product. Look for a formula that uses the highest quality oils to ensure the best possible results.

Cannabis infused topicals can be applied directly to the skin, stimulating receptors on the surface of your body that create a more balanced state of mind and physical well-being. They can be a great choice for those who do not feel comfortable smoking or consuming edibles, and are also perfect for people who want to avoid the potential negative side effects of higher dosage cannabis products.

Topicals are quick and easy to use, providing a discreet way to get relief when you need it most. Simply clean the area where you intend to apply the cannabis infused product, and then use your fingers or a Q-tip to dispense the desired amount. A small dab is usually enough, and it will be apparent to anyone who is looking that you are using a topical, but they will not be able to see the exact amount of cannabis you are consuming.

Patches

As their name suggests, these self-adhesive doses adhere to your skin, releasing a controlled and precise amount of cannabinoids over time. They’re a discreet alternative to putting a doobie in your mouth and are often recommended for pain relief or sleep aid. These patches dispense THC slowly into the bloodstream and can last up to 12 hours or more.

They have additives, called permeation enhancers, that cause the cannabinoid medication to pass through your skin’s natural barrier and enter your body. This is similar to how birth control or nicotine patches function. Once you remove the patch, it’s important to wait for 45 minutes before reapplying it.

Patches can be used for a targeted area or for the entire body, depending on the dosage. When used on a targeted area, the cannabinoid enters only that specific region and interacts with your local endocannabinoid receptors, causing a more focused high. If used on the whole body, the cannabinoids work to relieve symptoms throughout your system, similar to how THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system to fight pain, ease anxiety and stimulate sleep.

For both types of patches, be sure to look for ones with current, readily available certificates of analysis (COA) from third-party laboratories so you can be confident in the product’s safety and efficacy. These documents also let you know how much THC, CBD or other cannabinoids are in the product.