Experts Back 5 Safer Cannabis Methods as Nearly 80% of Medical Users Still Smoke
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 3
Experts Back 5 Safer Cannabis Methods as Nearly 80% of Medical Users Still Smoke
1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 3
Summary
Tinctures, edibles, capsules, topicals and suppositories are the safer cannabis options experts Peter Grinspoon and David Kroll recommend over smoking or vaping.
Nearly 80% of medical cannabis users still smoke, but combustion releases toxins and carcinogens, while vaping can damage lungs; THC vapes linked to EVALI caused 2,807 hospitalizations and 68 deaths by 2020.
Tinctures can work in about 15 minutes and last four to six hours, while edibles take one to three hours to kick in but can last six to 12 hours, making them useful for steadier symptom control.
Capsules may reduce overuse because they are not flavored like gummies, and topicals and suppositories can target localized pain with less psychoactive effect.
Experts say the safest approach is to treat cannabis like a medical delivery device—use the lowest effective dose and choose products verified by third-party testing.