What is cannabis?
Cannabis comes from the cannabis plant and contains roughly 400 chemicals including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Other names for cannabis include marijuana, weed or pot.
THC causes both psychoactive and physical reactions; it is responsible for the "high" or feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
CBD does not cause a “high” like THC and its effects are being studied.
How is it consumed?
Smoking
Dried cannabis bud is rolled into papers or put in a pipe or bong, then lit and smoked. The smoke is inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. Effects are felt almost immediately and can last 2 to 4 hours, though length of effect depends on many factors such as how much was taken and cannabis potency.
Vaping
Vaporizers heat the oils or ground buds of cannabis to release the active compounds. The vapour is inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. The effects are almost immediate, although it can take up to 30 minutes to feel the full effects, and they can last 2 to 4 hours. Length of effect depends on many factors such as how much was taken and cannabis potency.
Vaping liquids can contain very high levels of THC (60% and higher). Higher potency products should not be used by anyone new to cannabis, and have greater health and safety risks.
Dabbing
Concentrated THC, also known as hash oil, concentrates or shatter, is heated and the vapour inhaled. These concentrates contain very high levels of THC (60% and higher) and take effect very quickly. Higher potency products should not be used by anyone new to cannabis, and have greater health and safety risks. Length of effect depends on many factors such as how much was taken and cannabis potency.
Topical
Cannabis-infused salves, lotions, and balms are applied to the skin. These products won’t make you high. There may be health effects and risks associated with cannabis topicals but these are not fully known or understood at this time.
Eating
The effects of edible cannabis products (such as teas, baked goods, or capsules) take longer than smoking or vaping (sometimes up to 4 hours).
The effects of edibles last much longer than smoking or vaping—up to 12 hours, and some residual effects could last up to 24 hours. Length of effect depends on many factors such as how much was taken and the cannabis potency.