The Sativa cannabis plant is tall and skinny, with long, thin leaves. Medical cannabis patients often seek Sativa or Sativa-dominant strains for their energizing, euphoric effects. They have been said to induce an appetite and provide a boost of motivation. These strains are ideal for treating depression, exhaustion and eating disorders. Popular Sativa strains include Jack Herer and Green Crack.

Hybrid cannabis strains fall somewhere between an Indica and a Sativa. These plants are bred to elicit the best of both strain categories. Popular Hybrid strains include Blueberry Cough and Blue Dream.

This method represents one of the most ancient ways to consume cannabis. People have been inhaling cannabis smoke for its physical and psychological effects since the 3rd millennium B.C. The oldest reference to smoking cannabis is from 2727 B.C., by the Chinese emperor Shennong.

“Smoking” refers to lighting the dried cannabis “buds,” and inhaling the cannabinoids through the smoke. This may be accomplished with a classic glass pipe, a water pipe, a bubbler or a pre-roll.

People who want to avoid some of the tar and carcinogens associated with smoking may choose to vaporize instead. This newer technology involves evaporating the cannabinoids—at around 329 to 374 degrees Fahrenheit—without combusting the flower. Vaporizing also offers are more discreet and convenient option.

Inhaling cannabis results in almost immediate effects on the consumer.

Long gone are the days of the undeniably skunky “pot brownies.” Today, cannabis may be infused into any food item, ranging from energy bars to juice, to ice cream and, yes, to brownies. This option is one of the most versatile methods of ingestion, offering a huge range of items to consume. You can also learn how to make your own cannabis-infused butter or oil, which allows for even more culinary experimentation.

Edibles are an ideal choice for patients who do not want to smoke and do not want to deal with flower. One thing to keep in mind: start small and go from there! Edibles can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to take effect. This onset time may be affected by genetics, metabolism and other food already in the digestive system.

Cannabis may be extracted using a solvent like alcohol or glycerol to create a tincture. Tinctures may be made with grape seed oil or olive oil for easy administration. This option for ingesting cannabis is often quite simple, requiring a full pipette (or as much as recommended) to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). Tinctures offer fast-acting effects, dosing ease and discrete medicating.

If you’re seeking localized pain relief and very little psychoactive effects, then topicals may be your method of choice. Topicals were developed to treat muscle soreness and painful skin conditions. They are often purchased in the form of a salve or lotion and are absorbed into the body transdermally.

The word “concentrate” has come to describe a huge range of cannabis extract products, ranging from hash oil to rosin to health oil. Concentrates are usually made by extracting a potent combination of cannabinoids and/or terpenes with a solvent. Common solvents include butane, CO2, and ethanol. Concentrates are becoming one of the most popular methods of ingestion for their effectiveness and potency.

These products offer sky-high THC contents—at times, up to 90% THC. That being said, these products are usually chosen by those with high tolerances and serious medical conditions. On the other hand, some concentrates are made with high CBD contents, which result in basically no psychoactive effects.

Concentrates are usually ingested through dabbing, vaporizing, or applying directly to the inside of ones’ mouth or skin.

This common terpene gives citrus fruits their bright and uplifting smell. When used medicinally, it can be anti-stress, anti-anxiety and elevate the mood. It is also anti-fungal. This terpene is commonly found Sativa strains such as Durban Poison.

This terpene is most commonly found in lavender. It has sedating and calming effects and works as a wonderful sleep aid. In addition, it may help with managing anxiety, pain, and convulsions. Linalool is commonly found in Amnesia Haze and LA Confidential.