Cannabis Made Clear
Ways to Consume Cannabis
Cannabis can be consumed in many different ways. This article helps explain the differences between four common methods and what you need to know to minimize potential health risks.
Last updated June 24, 2026 | Published on June 20, 2022
Cannabis is most commonly consumed in four ways: inhalation, ingestion, oral absorption and topical application.
Read on to discover the differences and learn what tips public health professionals recommend for minimizing risks.
Note that these are just guidelines. Everyone experiences cannabis differently. The effects of cannabis can vary based on many factors, including genetics, existing mental health conditions, mood, age, personality, sex and tolerance. It’s always best to start low and go slow.
Inhalation
Inhalation is a common way to consume cannabis, but there are many factors to consider before you do.
Inhalation involves heating cannabis to produce vapour or smoke, which is inhaled through your mouth and into your lungs. From there, the cannabinoids are absorbed into your bloodstream. Effects typically peak after 30 minutes and may last up to six hours.
The different methods of inhalation pose different levels of risk. For example, smoking a joint or pre-roll carries more risk than inhaling cannabis vapour using a vape or dried flower vaporizer.
Learn more about inhaling cannabis.
Ingestion
When you eat cannabis, cannabinoids enter your digestive system, where your liver breaks them down before they enter your bloodstream.
Ingestible cannabis products are ever evolving, but this method of consuming cannabis affects your body differently from the other methods. There are a variety of ways to ingest cannabis, including eating infused foods, drinking infused beverages or ingesting cannabis oral sprays and oils.
Before you try the latest beverage or soft chew, remember that different products can affect everyone differently. You may feel the full effects of eaten cannabis within 30 minutes to two hours. Effects often peak about four hours after ingestion.
Learn more about ingesting cannabis.
Oral absorption
Not to be confused with ingesting edibles, consuming cannabis orally means absorbing the plant’s cannabinoids through the mucous membranes in your mouth, specifically under your tongue (sublingually) or in your cheek (buccally). Products consumed by oral absorption include sublingual strips, pouches, oral cannabis sprays, bottled cannabis oils and dissolvable tablets.
Oral consumption influences the way your body interacts with cannabis, as the effects can be felt slowly and irregularly — within 30 minutes or up to two hours.
Learn more about the oral absorption of cannabis.
Topical application
Whether it’s through an infused skin cream, lip balm or bath bomb, consuming cannabis topically often produces a more localized effect than other consumption methods.
When you apply cannabis topically as an oil, gel, cream or bath product, the cannabinoids are absorbed into your epidermal system (your skin), not your bloodstream. These topical products typically do not product an intoxicating effect.
However, transdermal patches are formulated to allow cannabinoids to penetrate skin and release into the bloodstream, so they may produce mild to moderate intoxicating effects.
Read the product label on topicals for the recommended dosage, as it varies from product to product.
Learn more about the topical application of cannabis.
Symptoms of cannabis overconsumption may include:
- sleepiness
- confusion or disorientation
- clumsiness or loss of coordination
- fainting or dizziness
- chest pain
- fast, slow or pounding heartbeat
- anxiety
- seizures
Seek immediate medical attention in case of overconsumption, especially if you’re experiencing chest pain, panic attacks, loss of contact with reality or seizures.
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This content has been assessed for accuracy by an unpaid scientific reviewer.
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