Inhalation
Category: Medical · Level: Beginner
Inhalation is a cannabis administration route involving breathing in smoke or vapor, producing rapid onset of effects within minutes.
Inhalation is the most common route of cannabis administration and includes both combustion (smoking) and vaporization (vaping). When cannabis smoke or vapor is inhaled, cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed through the lung alveoli into the bloodstream and reach the brain within minutes (typically 1–5 minutes for peak effect). Inhalation provides high bioavailability compared to oral consumption and allows for easy dose titration (inhaling until desired effect is achieved). Medical cannabis programs in jurisdictions including Germany and the Netherlands formally approve vaporization as the preferred inhalation method due to reduced combustion byproduct exposure compared to smoking.
Also known as
Smoking, Vaping, Inhalation route
Usage
- Medical
- Recreational
Related terms
- Tincture — A cannabis tincture is a liquid extract typically made with alcohol or glycerin, administered orally or sublingually (under the tongue) for precise dosing.
- Bioavailability — Bioavailability is the proportion of a consumed dose of a cannabinoid that reaches systemic circulation and is available to exert its effects.
- Vaporization — Vaporization is a method of cannabis consumption that heats cannabis to temperatures that release cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without combustion.
- Edibles — Cannabis edibles are food and beverage products infused with cannabinoids (primarily THC or CBD) designed for oral consumption.