Introduction
Inhalation
Vapor is generated by heating or toasting the shredded cannabis flower (bud) and/or leaf into a colorless "smoke". Instruments (vaporizers) are made specifically for this purpose. They contain a heating coil that bring the plant to specific temperature and vaporizes its oils. Less tar is produced and presumably less harm is caused to the lungs and airways.
Ingestion
Cannabis can be eaten. The effect of edible cannabis is slower to onset than other preparations, taking 20 to 30 minutes to feel the medicine on an empty stomach. Nevertheless, ingesting cannabis lasts longer and is ideal for insomniacs.
Edible cannabis oil can be made by heating olive oil with cannabis flower (bud) and/or leaf in a crock pot for at least 45 to 60 minutes. The oil is then used on pastas or salads.
Cannabis butter is made by boiling a pot of water and adding butter and cannabis flower (bud) and/or leaf. the concoction is simmered for 45 to 60 minutes, then strained and cooled. The butter can be peeled off and stored in the refridgerator. The cannabis butter is typically spread on toast or used for baking.
Cannabis flour is made by pulverizing the flower (bud) and/or leaf in a food processor or coffee grinder. The flour is used to bake cookies or cakes. For double strength use both cannabis flour and cannabis butter.
Cannabis Tincture is an excellent way to get a quick effective dose of medical cannabis without subjecting yourself to smoke or inhalation. Tinctures are alcohol suspensions of medicinal herbs. Cannabis flour (bud) and or/leaf is put in a glass brown bottle with high alcohol content grain alcohol or brandy for 2 to 4 weeks. This step can be repeated for a stronger dose. The suspension is best stored in a cool, dark place to keep heat and light from denaturing the cannabanoids, reducing the tincture's potency. The cannabis tincture is then administered by dropper, sublingually (under the tongue). With this method, the dose is felt immediately and can be easily titrated by counting drops.
Cannabis Tea is made like any other tea. The shredded, cured cannabis flower and/or leaf is steeped in very hot water for approximately 10 minutes. Honey (cannabis or not) or lemon can be used for the bitterness.
Topical
Topically is the best way to use cannabis, when slowed response can be detrimental. Applying a cannabis preperation to the skin does not make you "high" if it is applied to a reasonably small area. Topical preparations are ideal for arthritic joint pain or sore muscles. Topical cannabis alcohol has been comparable to pills in controlling rheumatoid arthristis.
Topical Cannabis Alcohol is made by soaking cannabis flower (bud) and/or leaf in rubbing alcohol for 2 to 4 weeks in a cool, dark place. Stronger preparations are made by repeating the process.
To make a Topical Cannabis Ointment cannabis flower (bud) and/or leaft is heated in a crock pot or over a double boiler for 45 to 60 minutes with any oil or fat. Olive oil or cocoa butter is ideal. The preparation is then steeped in a bottle or jar and stored in a cool, dark place for 2-3 months. Leaves can be strained after steeping with a cheese cloth. Adding lavender or mint oil improves the odor. To thicken ointment, reheat with bees wax.
Steam is an older lesser known method used. Traditionally, ancient Greeks steamed the plant on hot rocks and inhaled the vapor under a tarp. An easy method is to boil a pot of water and then emerge cannabis leaf and flower into the water creating a steam. A towel is placed over the head and the steam is inhaled. Eucalyptus leaves can also be added, making an excellent "old fashioned" decongestant.