6 New Ways to Use Weed Without Smoking It

Smoking, vaping, or eating edibles, these are the well-known ways to use weed, but did you know there are even more alternatives? If you’re trying cannabis for the first time, you’ll probably choose one of the methods mentioned above. But if you’re ready for something new or want to reduce the strain on your health, you’ll find inspiration below for new ways to use weed without smoking it.

6 new ways to use weed

Developments in the world of cannabis never stand still. Weed is increasingly being used in supplements and medications, and new methods of consumption are constantly being researched. Below, we’ve listed several unique ways to use weed. Some of these methods won’t get you high. If that’s what you’re after, you may want to try a different approach.

1. A relaxing bath with cannabis bath salts

Taking a bath is already relaxing, but cannabis bath salts can make it even more soothing. The bath salts contain cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis, which may have a calming effect on the skin (source). It’s unlikely, however, that these compounds are absorbed through the skin in significant amounts to have an effect (source).

It is possible that you’ll inhale the steam rising from your warm bath. The steam, infused with terpenes, can create a pleasant aroma that promotes relaxation and may have additional effects caused by scent (source). However, if your goal is to get cannabinoids into your bloodstream, a bath isn’t the right method.

2. Cannabis gum

Using cannabis-infused gum allows you to discreetly absorb cannabinoids. The interesting thing about cannabis gum is that it’s similar to an edible, but with the advantage that the active compounds don’t have to pass through the digestive system. The active ingredients are slowly released and absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth (source).

Generally, cannabis gum is used by people taking cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Several companies now produce THC gum aimed at treating certain symptoms. There has also been research  at Wageningen University into the effectiveness of CBD gum for IBS.

Unfortunately, the gum wasn’t very effective. The study included 32 women who were allowed to take gum containing 50 mg of CBD six times a day for their pain symptoms. There was no difference in symptoms between the placebo group and those who took the gum. Individual responses varied — some experienced benefits, but results weren’t consistent. It was also found that participants chewed less gum than expected. This suggests that chewing gum may not be seen as an appealing way to take a CBD dose.

CBD may still be useful for IBS, as animal studies have shown (source), but more research is needed.

3. Cannabis sprays

There are various cannabis sprays available, each differing in the active compounds they contain. One of the best-known sprays is Epidiolex, a medication specifically developed for people with hard-to-treat forms of epilepsy (source). However, there are also sprays suitable for non-medical use.

The advantage of a cannabis spray is that the bottles are small, portable, and easy to dose accurately. You spray the solution directly under your tongue, allowing the active ingredients to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream (source).

4. Cannabis tinctures

A cannabis tincture is another unique way to use weed. A tincture contains oil with THC or CBD, which you administer under your tongue using a dropper. Like sprays and gums, this method allows the active compounds to be absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes (source).

5. Transdermal patches

Transdermal patches offer an entirely different way to use cannabis. When you apply the patch — which contains cannabinoids — to your skin, the compounds are slowly absorbed. These patches often contain CBD, though there are also THC versions (source).

Transdermal patches are often used for pain relief, such as arthritis and chronic pain. This method won’t get you high, even if the patches contain THC. According to a reviewpublished in *Pharmaceutics*, this delivery route offers benefits such as controlled release and avoidance of the liver’s first-pass effect.

6. Cannabis powder

Using cannabis powder is comparable to consuming an edible. The powder can be mixed into food or drinks. These powders are full-spectrum, containing all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids (source). You can accurately measure your own dosage (use a scale), and it’s simple to use.

In summary

These are just a few of the many ways to use weed. You can choose from various methods, giving you the freedom to select the one that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.

Disclaimer

If you plan to use cannabis for medical purposes, always consult your healthcare provider first. It’s important to coordinate usage with your doctors so they know what and how much you’re taking and can assess any potential interactions with other medications.

Cannabis can cause side effects, especially with long-term use (source). It can affect reaction time, judgment, suppress the immune system, and impair memory. Some people are particularly sensitive to certain cannabinoids, such as THC, and should be cautious with dosage.

This article is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.