High Science Subscriber Pin 
Cannabis isn’t just something you smoke. Today, there are many different types of cannabis products—and each one works in a different way. Some hit fast. Some last longer. Some don’t even get you high.
Whether you’re using cannabis for health or fun, knowing the differences can help you choose the right product for your needs.
How Cannabis Works in the Body
Cannabis works by interacting with something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps keep your body in balance and controls things like:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Pain
- Inflammation
When you use cannabis, the active ingredients—mainly THC and CBD—connect with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. Depending on how you use cannabis, the effects can feel different and start at different times.
Types of Cannabis Products
Here are the most common forms of cannabis you’ll find at dispensaries:
1. Flower (Bud)
- What it is: Dried cannabis plant material
- How to use: Smoked in joints, pipes, or bongs
- How fast it works: Within minutes
- How long it lasts: 1–3 hours
- Good for: Fast relief, classic experience, full-spectrum effects
2. Edibles
- What they are: Food or drinks infused with cannabis (like gummies, cookies, or sodas)
- How to use: Eat or drink it
- How fast it works: 30–90 minutes (slower)
- How long it lasts: 4–8 hours (sometimes longer)
- Good for: Long-lasting effects, avoiding smoking
Tip: Start low and go slow—edibles hit harder and take longer to feel.
3. Tinctures (Liquid Drops)
- What they are: Cannabis extracts in alcohol or oil, taken under the tongue
- How to use: Drop under tongue or add to food
- How fast it works: 15–45 minutes
- How long it lasts: 2–4 hours
- Good for: Precise dosing, quick relief, low smell
4. Vapes
- What they are: Cannabis oils or concentrates heated into vapor
- How to use: Inhale from a vape pen or cartridge
- How fast it works: Almost instantly
- How long it lasts: 1–2 hours
- Good for: Discreet use, convenience, fast effects
5. Topicals
- What they are: Creams, lotions, or balms with cannabis
- How to use: Rub onto skin
- How fast it works: Within minutes
- How long it lasts: A few hours
- Good for: Pain relief, soreness, no high
Note: Topicals usually don’t enter your bloodstream, so they won’t make you feel high.
6. Capsules and Pills
- What they are: Pre-measured doses in pill form
- How to use: Swallow like medicine
- How fast it works: 30–60 minutes
- How long it lasts: 4–6 hours
- Good for: Medical users, easy dosing, no taste
7. Concentrates (Dabs, Wax, Shatter)
- What they are: Highly potent cannabis extracts
- How to use: Dabbing with special equipment or vaporizing
- How fast it works: Instantly
- How long it lasts: 1–3 hours
- Good for: Experienced users, strong effects
Choosing the Right Product for You
Your ideal cannabis product depends on a few things:
- Why are you using it? (pain, sleep, focus, fun, etc.)
- How fast do you want to feel it?
- Do you want to get high or not?
- Do you prefer smoking, eating, or using a cream?
If you’re new to cannabis, start with low-THC products or CBD-only options. Tinctures, vapes, and low-dose edibles are a great place to begin.
Conclusion: Many Ways to Enjoy Cannabis
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cannabis. The wide variety of products means you can find something that fits your lifestyle, comfort level, and goals.
Whether you want quick relief, a long-lasting experience, or just a better night’s sleep, there’s a cannabis product out there that works for you.
