Beyond the Joint

by Fabio Tollon February 04, 2025

When people think of consuming cannabis, the iconic joint often comes to mind. But as the cannabis industry evolves, so do the options for enjoying this versatile plant. From vaping and edibles to tinctures and topicals, there’s a method to suit every lifestyle and preference.

Whether you’re looking for fast-acting effects, precise dosing, or a discreet way to consume, the world of cannabis offers more choices than ever before. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways to enjoy cannabis beyond the joint, breaking down the benefits of each method and helping you discover the best fit for your needs. Let’s dive into the exciting possibilities!

Inhalation:

Smoking: The OG Method

This one is pretty simple and most widely known; it involves lighting cannabis buds and breathing in the smoke.
There are now several accessories, such as pipes, bongs, and, of course, regular paper joints.
It’s the most widely available way to smoke cannabis, with so many strains available on the market for you to choose from.
Smoking usually leads to a quick high that also wears off relatively quickly.

Vaping: A Cleaner Alternative to Smoking

Vaping has become more and more popular as a means of consuming cannabis.
The coils in vapes heat the cannabis concentrate to release cannabinoids and other compounds like terpenes as a vapour for you to breathe in.
It’s a healthier alternative to smoking as there is less smoke, is better for the lungs, and comes in an ever-expanding variety of tasty flavours.
The high usually comes on quickly, and it’s easy to adjust your dose while on the go.
Vapes are pretty nifty and discreet, and are easy to take with you.

Dabbing: For Experienced Users Seeking Potency

There are many types of concentrates to choose from, like shatter, oil, and wax
Some users report feeling the high faster than with regular smoking.
Dabbing allows you to appreciate the flavour and aroma profile used for the concentrates.

Oral Consumption:

Edibles: A Tasty and Long-Lasting Experience

Think tasty pot brownies and weed gummies; edibles are a potent, long-lasting experience.
A tasty and discreet way to enjoy your favourite strains.
They take longer to have an effect, often up to 2 hours after ingesting, and have a longer-lasting high than other methods, sometimes up to 12 hours.
It’s easy to consume too much if you’re not careful, so take it slow, even when it’s taking a while to kick in.

Tinctures: Precise Dosing Made Easy

Soaking cannabis buds and leaves in a solvent or fat-soluble liquid allows us to extract a cannabis tincture.
Tinctures are highly concentrated, very potent, and are the fastest-acting method, especially when dropped under the tongue.
This option is perfect for consumers looking for a discreet and very precise dosing method.
Available in a range of different strain profiles.

Capsules: Cannabis in Pill Form

Cannabis capsules, tablets, and pills are easy to dose precisely without the hassle of cooking or baking.
This form is great for those who seek the benefits of cannabis for medical reasons without wanting the experience of smoking it.
Just follow the dosage instructions and take the right number of tablets or capsules according to your schedule.
A very discreet and unassuming way to consume cannabis extracts.

Cannabis Beverages: Sip Your Way to Relaxation

Beverages infused with cannabis are a relatively new way to enjoy your high, with everything from cannabis beer to sodas.
These beverages usually get you high pretty quickly, with a high that can last for ages.
The beverages come with precise doses for you to choose from.
It’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to consume alcohol.

Topical Application:

Transdermal Patches: Easy Application

Topical application of cannabis comes in a range of forms, such as transdermal patches, which are optimised for extended-release
A fast, no-fuss method of external application that penetrates the skin and affects deeper tissues.
These patches can be removed if unwanted side effects occur.
There are several CBD and THC options to choose from depending on your needs.

Topicals: Targeted Relief Without the High

Other topicals come in a wide variety of forms like gels, balms, salves, and lotions that can be rubbed directly onto affected areas.
Topicals are great for treating symptoms like pains, aches, dry skin, eczema, and more.
There is a lower bioavailability with products like topical balms and salves, so they will not have psychoactive effects as expected with other methods and will act where they are applied.

Factors to Consider: Onset Time, Duration, and Convenience

When looking at which method is right for you, it’s important to look at the factors that set each of the methods apart. Think about how quickly you need it to kick in, how long you need it to act for, what strength you need it at, how discreet you need it to be, and how easily available they are.

If you need something super fast-acting, try a tincture.
If you want something that tastes great and has a longer-lasting effect, try edibles. We have a range of tasty treats that do the trick, like our range of gummies, chocolate fudge, and Truffle Bombs.
If you want something to make you feel at ease in social settings, but don’t want alcohol or other smoking methods, grab one of our delicious Sodaze sodas.
If you lean more towards smoking but need a more convenient and healthier alternative, check out our range of vapes.

Our takeaway

Cannabis consumption has come a long way from the traditional joint, offering a variety of methods to suit every preference and need. Whether you’re savouring the flavours of an edible, enjoying the smoothness of a vaporiser, or exploring the precision of tinctures, there’s no shortage of ways to enhance your cannabis experience.

Each method has its unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, desired effects, and level of experience. So, step beyond the joint and experiment with the many options available—you might just discover a new favourite way to enjoy this versatile plant.

As always, if something has tickled your fancy but you need some extra help making the right choice, reach out to our friendly and experienced team to see what we can recommend.

Stay lifted, stay curious, and enjoy the journey.

— The Hey Bud Team

Sources:

Adults only (18+)