Different Cannabis Consumption Methods and Their Bioavailability in London

Published on: January 2, 2023

different cannabis consumption methods and their bioavailability in london

Cannabis consumption methods have come a long way in the last few decades. Today, there are more options to introduce cannabinoids into your body, ranging from inhalation of smoke or vapour, ingesting edibles or elixirs and even topical applications for localized effects. One critical consideration when selecting an introduction method is bioavailability – meaning how much active cannabis compound eventually reaches circulation within the body after passing through digestion and metabolism.

This post will explore the different consumption methods available today and provide an overview of their bioavailability levels to help you make informed decisions about cannabinoid delivery when using cannabis-based products.

Inhalation

Inhalation is among the most popular methods of consuming cannabis. By inhaling, users can instantly benefit from the effects of cannabinoids and terpenes contained in flowers. The smoke is rapidly absorbed into the lungs and quickly reaches the bloodstream, where it is delivered to vital organs like the brain.

Inhaling provides fast-acting results lasting between 1-3 hours before gradually dissipating. Different inhalation methods vary, but one of the most widely used today requires a lighted pipe, joint, bong or vaporizer to provide heat and convert cannabis into inhalable smoke. This form of consumption offers various effects depending on an individual’s tolerance levels and their chosen strain.

Bioavailability

Inhaling cannabis is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to ingesting the plant. This is because inhaling the plant provides much faster delivery of its effects because of its high bioavailability.

Studies on volunteers using this method have shown that an average of 25% of cannabinoids are absorbed by the lungs and enter systemic circulation, compared to around 6-15% when ingested orally. This gives users of inhaled cannabis a more fantastic range of sensations in terms of strength and duration than simply ingesting it.

With this knowledge, more and more people are shifting away from edibles or tinctures and towards alternative methods like smoking or vaporizing the plant, gaining access to both immediate effects and gradual increases in intensity over time. Contact your local dispensary to find the right option for you.

Oral Consumption

As cannabis becomes more accepted in the mainstream, many are turning to less harsh methods of consuming it. Oral consumption is on the rise and involves taking edibles like chocolates, gummies or capsules that contain a potent form of THC-infused extract. While this method takes significantly longer than smoking for effects to be felt – typically up to two hours – they can last much longer due its ability once metabolized by your body’s digestion system.

It should be noted, however, that it can take up to twice as long for the effects of eating cannabis to set in, so users should be mindful when looking for relief from their symptoms. With careful dosage and careful weighing of benefits versus risks, oral consumption can be a safe and effective way to experience the properties of cannabis.

Bioavailability

The bioavailability of cannabis, when consumed orally, is significantly lower than via other methods, such as smoking or vaporizing. Generally, studies have shown that the body can only absorb around 6-15% of any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ingested orally, as compared to inhalation, which achieves much higher results with 30-90%.

This means that a greater quantity needs to be consumed if attempting to reach the same peak blood THC concentration from ingestion as from vaping or smoking. Although this is an inefficient way to use cannabis medicinally, it does provide certain benefits, such as a longer effective due to the slow process of digestive absorption and reduced risk of dependency compared with inhalation.

Topical

Topical cannabis offers a unique way to experience the effects of marijuana without having to smoke or ingest it. Topically applied marijuana, also known as transdermal patches, is an effective delivery system that is becoming increasingly popular. These patches provide reliable and long-lasting relief from anxiety, inflammation and pain.

The patches deliver a controlled dosage of cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream, which can offer more rapid relief. The drug is absorbed through the skin rather than metabolized by the liver making it less intense than smoking or ingesting cannabis products. For those looking for an alternative consumption method that does not involve inhaling, topical cannabis is worth looking into.

Bioavailability

When it comes to cannabis consumption, not all methods are created equal. The topical application of cannabis is a popular consumption method as it offers direct localized relief without any psychoactive effects; however, its bioavailability is limited due to the body’s ability to absorb only so much of the product through your skin.

Not all cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream to be therapeutically effective. Research shows that only 2-20% of cannabinoids applied topically can pass beyond the skin barrier.

To maximize its effectiveness, users may need to apply more cannabis than anticipated or look for special ointments with nanotechnology-based carriers, which allow better absorption into the dermal layers. For those looking for rapid and consistent relief, topical cannabis could be worth exploring – though they should be aware of the limited bioavailability resulting from this particular consumption method.

FECO

Cannabis consumption methods have been widely studied and debated in recent years, and FECO is among the most popular among users. Short for “Full-Extract Cannabis Oil,” FECO is produced through winterization, separating various compounds like terpenes​ and oils from plant matter such as woody stems. After this separation process, the oil is extracted and consumed orally to produce the desired effects. Each batch needs to be tested for its THC and CBD concentrations for optimal results since every harvest can result in varied levels of both.

Bioavailability

A unique form of cannabis consumption, FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil) provides several benefits over other methods. It has a much higher bioavailability than other methods, meaning that more of the active ingredients of cannabis can enter the bloodstream, resulting in an enhanced effect.

Research suggests that the body absorbs up to 95% of the active compounds in FECO compared to 25-35% absorption with other forms of cannabis use. This aids in allowing those who use it to relieve symptoms at lower doses while avoiding some side effects associated with other forms of inhalation or smoking.

Final Words

With all of this in mind, you must know how to best consume your cannabis, depending on your desired effects. Now that you’re an expert on the subject, swing by our online weed dispensary in London for all of your herb needs! We have various products available for delivery right to your door.

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