Experts Urge 5 Safer Cannabis Methods as Nearly 80% of Medical Users Still Smoke
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 3
Experts Urge 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 five methods Peter Grinspoon and David Kroll highlighted as safer options than smoking or vaping cannabis.
Nearly 80% of medical cannabis users still smoke, but the experts said combustion releases toxins and carcinogens, while vaping can damage lungs; THC vapes were linked to 2,807 hospitalizations and 68 deaths by 2020.
Tinctures can work in about 15 minutes and last four to six hours, while edibles usually 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 overeating risk tied to flavored edibles, topicals can relieve localized pain without a high, and suppositories may deliver high local cannabinoid concentrations with fewer whole-body side effects.
More than a quarter of adults in the United States and Canada use cannabis medically, and the experts said the safest approach is the lowest effective dose chosen with a healthcare professional.