Delivery Routes of Cannabis: Onset, Pros, and Cons 1. Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping)

Delivery Routes of Cannabis: Onset, Pros, and Cons 1. Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping)

Upon inhalation, cannabis is swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs, whether

through smoking or vaporization. The effects manifest promptly, usually within a few minutes,

attaining their maximum intensity at approximately 30 minutes and enduring for 2-3 hours. One

primary benefit of inhalation is the prompt onset of its effects (Stella et al., 2021). The immediate

feedback mechanism enables users to regulate or modify their dosage to attain the intended

outcomes while mitigating undesired effects. However, inhaling substances may present potential

hazards to respiratory health due to the generation of detrimental byproducts, particularly in the

context of smoking. The prompt raises the issue of acute impairment, which is attributed to the

swift and potent emergence of psychoactive effects.

2. Oral (Edibles and Capsules)

Cannabis consumed through oral ingestion, such as edibles or capsules, undergoes

hepatic metabolism before entering the circulatory system. The latency of the effects is

considerably protracted, commonly requiring 60 to 120 minutes; nevertheless, the duration of the

impact is notably extended, spanning from 6 to 8 hours or beyond (Stella et al., 2021). One of the

main benefits of administering medication orally is the extended duration of its effects, rendering

it a viable alternative for managing chronic ailments that necessitate prolonged alleviation.

Conversely, the delayed onset of action may pose difficulties in determining the

appropriate dosage. Overconsumption can arise when a user, perceiving a delay in onset, ingests

additional substances under the assumption that they have not ingested enough