The Pros & Cons of Different Forms of Cannabis
Updated: November 26, 2024
The Superior Dispensary is known statewide for growing, manufacturing, and stocking some of the best cannabis products available. As one of Central Phoenix’s few locally owned and operated medical and recreational establishments, our experts embrace every opportunity to help Arizona residents (and visitors) make informed purchasing decisions. It’s a joint effort.
From the moment you walk through the doors of our state-of-the-art facility, you can count on a world-class shopping experience. Your Superior budtender is committed to helping you navigate our chiller menu while answering any questions you might have about various cannabis consumption methods. Until then, we thought you might appreciate an overview of the many ways you have to enjoy our premium cannabis products and the pros and cons of each form.
Exploring the Pros & Cons of Cannabis Consumption Methods
Experienced budtenders consider multiple factors before making product recommendations, including your current experience level and the overall effect you’re hoping to achieve. Once your budtender knows which strains on our menu are most likely to deliver the experience you’re looking for, the entire selection process gets a lot easier. Your Superior cannabis expert can help you weigh the positive attributes of the following consumption methods against any potential drawbacks.
Cannabis Flower
Cannabis flower is cultivated for its trichomes – the hair-like appendages that produce the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the overall effect of each strain. Once female marijuana plants reach maturity, their buds are harvested and dried to optimize their shelf life. Dried buds are then cured in a controlled environment for up to 6 months to optimize their potency, flavors, and aromas.
Advantages
Flower tends to be the most cost-effective way to consume cannabis. All you need to enjoy your favorite strains is a grinder, rolling paper, and a lighter (or a bong). When you inhale THC-infused smoke, the cannabinoid makes its presence known within minutes – so you have more control over the experience.
Disadvantages
Although you’ll get fast-acting results, the impact of inhalation fades within hours. The aroma of burnt weed lingers. Since inhaling smoke can cause lung irritation, respiratory issues, and other health concerns, the cannabis consumption method is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions.
Cannabis Edibles
Edibles are most often preferred by consumers looking for a more discreet way to consume cannabis. Although gummies are among the most popular edibles sold in most dispensaries, we also carry an assortment of baked goods, syrups, elixirs, and beverage enhancers. Some edibles retain the distinctive flavor and aroma of cannabis; others are infused with a flavorless, odorless form of THC.
Advantages
Edibles tend to hit harder than smoking or vaping cannabis because liver enzymes convert delta 9 THC to 11-hydroxy THC, a more potent metabolite. Their impact can last 6-8 hours (or longer). THC-infused treats are one of the best ways to consume cannabis when smoking or vaping could prove problematic.
Disadvantages
The THC in edibles takes up to an hour (or more) to metabolize. Consumers unaware of the importance of starting with a partial serving and waiting at least 60-90 minutes before reaching for more risk exceeding their THC tolerance levels. The added sugar and additional calories are not ideal for everyone.
Cannabis Concentrates
Most cannabis concentrates are made from extracts refined in a manner that results in high concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes. They’re classified according to the extraction method utilized (solvent or solventless) as well as the texture and appearance of the final product. Concentrates can be liquid, wax-like, malleable, or brittle, depending on how the plant extracts are handled.
Advantages
Cannabis wax and live resin concentrates are exceptionally versatile. They can be used to enhance a joint or pre-roll, applied topically, absorbed sublingually, or vaporized using a dab rig and torch or a battery-operated dab pen. Since most contain between 70%-80% THC (or more), a little goes a long way.
Disadvantages
Gram-for-gram concentrates tend to cost more than flower, pre-rolls, and edibles. Dabbing or vaping THC cartridges requires specialized equipment. Since concentrates have significantly more THC than other product types, they carry an increased risk of causing side effects, including anxiety and paranoia.
Cannabis Distillate
Distillate is refined in a way that eliminates the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from cannabis extract. Since THC distillates tend to be more viscous than resin, rosin, and wax concentrates, they’re often considered the ideal base for creating THC cartridges, topicals, and high-potency syringes ideal for drop-by-drop administration. Most cannabis distillates are 90 – 99% THC.
Advantages
Like many other concentrates, consumers have the option of vaping and/or dabbing distillate, sublingual absorption, or boosting the potency of cannabis flower. The main advantage (beyond their potency) is the fact that THC cartridges, gummies, and other edibles made with distillate won’t taste like weed.
Disadvantages
Depending on your tolerance level (and your preferred cannabis consumption method), even a small amount of distillate can cause severe intoxication. Some experts (and consumers) feel that removing the additional cannabinoids and terpenes Mother Nature intended diminishes their therapeutic potential.
Cannabis Capsules
Cannabis capsules are typically made with two molded cellulose shells. Smooth gel caps, on the other hand, are made with gelatin. The gel capsules recommended by the Superior staff deliver precise amounts of various cannabinoids and terpenes selected for specific attributes. For example, Chill Pill CBD and THCA capsules are non-intoxicating, while the brand’s live resin gel capsules are vegan-friendly.
Advantages
Most 100mg bottles of the gel capsules on our menu contain 5-10mg of THC each – dosages considered low to moderate. They’re most often favored by consumers who appreciate the convenience of having the potent, long-lasting effects of gummies and other edibles in a sugar-free form that’s easy to swallow.
Disadvantages
Experts recommend starting with a small amount of any cannabis edible because of the conversion of delta-9 THC to a more potent metabolite. With capsules, there’s no way to adjust. Anyone unaccustomed to the amount of THC delivered in capsule form risks a level of intoxication they’re not prepared for.
Cannabis Hash
There are several types of cannabis hash. Dry sift hash, for example, is made by collecting and pressing the trichomes of cured cannabis flower. Bubble hash is made from trichomes liberated by agitating flash-frozen buds in ice water. When you stop by, your Superior budtender can explain the finer points of enjoying our live rosin vapes, hash-infused pre-rolls, live hash rosin gummies, and concentrates.
Advantages
The sticky, resinous substance liberated from cannabis trichomes is a source of highly concentrated cannabinoids and flavorful terpenes. Like other concentrates, a little goes a long way. Many consumers enjoy collecting the kief that falls from their flower and using a heated pollen press to make hash “coins.”
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of hash depend on how it’s consumed. Smoking (or vaping) hash, for example, can cause respiratory concerns. Consumers are exceeding their THC tolerance levels while enjoying hash-infused edibles; on the other hand, they risk confusion, paranoia, and other unpleasant signs of overconsumption.
Check Out Our Superior Selection of Cannabis Products Today!
When you’re ready to elevate your cannabis experience, stop by The Superior Dispensary in West Phoenix, Arizona. Our team of dedicated cannabis experts is standing by to help guide you through our impressive inventory and provide the type of information you need to make informed decisions about enjoying our medical and adult-use products. You’ll find us on South 57th Drive near Toleson & Levine.
When you’re pressed for time, consider ordering online for in-store pickup. While browsing our website, take a few minutes to sign up for our newsletter and text message alerts. Simply submit your email address and phone number in the field provided at the bottom of our homepage. If you have questions about the many ways to consume cannabis or our selection of expertly curated products, call (602) 610-4316 or submit a contact form.
Image Credit: Pongtawat Photographer/Shutterstock
