Ask Dr. Litinas: Vape, gummy, or tincture? Why different products hit Michiganders differently 

Ask Dr. Litinas is a column that publishes twice monthly as part of The MichiGanja Report—our free, weekly newsletter about all things marijuana. Click here to sign up.

This is the third installment in a five-part series. Click here to read the second part. Click here to read the fourth part. 

MICHIGAN—In my last two columns, I explored the downstream effects of cannabis products and how to begin controlling them—by paying attention to your body and your environment.

Now, we’re turning to one of the most fundamental factors that can determine how that downstream experience shakes out before it even begins: how cannabis enters the body.

The way we introduce cannabinoids into our body plays a defining role in how our body absorbs them, how they’re distributed and metabolized, and ultimately, how they make us feel. The same plant, dose, and cannabinoids can feel very different depending on the method of administration.

This is key to making cannabis work for you rather than chasing unpredictable results.

Different ways to consume cannabis

• Inhalation: Inhalation is the fastest. When cannabinoids enter the lungs, they cross directly into the bloodstream and reach the brain within minutes. Initial effects can begin almost immediately, peak between 5-30 minutes, and generally last 2-4 hours.

While this rapid onset is useful for acute symptoms, it comes with trade-offs. The effects taper off quickly, and inhalation can cause irritation to the airways and lungs. For those who choose to inhale, using a dry flower vaporizer is a safer alternative to smoking.

Think of inhalation as fast-acting, short duration—a quick rise and gentle fall.

• Oral mucosal administration: Tinctures, which are typically placed under the tongue or along the gums, enter the bloodstream through the mucosal membranes of the mouth. This route offers a middle ground: not as fast as inhalation but quicker than ingestion.

Initial effects can appear within 15-45 minutes, with a peak between 30-60 minutes. Because some of the oil hits the digestive tract, the duration can last 6-8 hours.

Tinctures are versatile, discreet, and allow for fine-tuned dosing—ideal for those who want a predictable yet sustained experience. For tinctures, it is also important to leave the oil in the mouth for a minimum of 2-3 minutes to achieve maximum results. 

• Ingestion: When cannabis is ingested—through edibles, capsules, or infused oils—the body must digest and metabolize it in the liver before cannabinoids reach the bloodstream. This process takes time, resulting in a delayed onset of 60-90 minutes,  peak effects at about 2-3 hours, and a long-lasting duration of 6-12 hours.

Think of ingestion as an extended-release form of cannabis. It’s slower to start but provides a broad, steady therapeutic window, especially helpful for chronic symptoms or conditions that persist throughout the day or night.

• Topical application: Creams, balms, and transdermal patches interact with cannabinoid receptors in the skin and underlying tissues and are usually best suited for localized relief—like for hands, feet, and small joints. They typically don’t cause intoxication.

With topical products, the desired effects usually begin within about 30 minutes, but both the peak and the duration vary depending on formulation, type of injury, and body part.

Matching the method to the moment

Each method of administration provides a different window of maximum effect. Aligning that window with your personal needs is the key to mastering the downstream effect.

If you wake with stiffness and need to move comfortably through the morning, a tincture may offer the right balance of onset and duration. For all-day relief, ingestion can maintain steady support. And if discomfort strikes suddenly, inhalation may offer a rapid but short-lived reprieve.

Whatever the method, pay attention to timing, duration, and your own body’s feedback. The downstream effect is not just about what you take. It’s about how, when, and why you take it.

This content is for education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making any health decisions—especially when it comes to cannabis. Products are only for adults ages 21 and up.

READ MORE: 4 big reasons why tinctures deserve a spot in your cannabis routine

Got a question about weed for Dr. Litinas? Send it in here. We’ll get you a response. 

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