Did you know that approximately 18% of Americans have used cannabis? Recent changes in state laws have made cannabis more widely available for recreational and medicinal use.

While smoking cannabis can have a few adverse side effects, there are several healthier ways to consume cannabis. From edibles to tinctures, you can even start adding cannabis to your morning cup of coffee. As a beginner cannabis user, you want something easy to use and dose.

It also helps to have several cannabis options to find out what tastes you like and how discreet you want your cannabis. Luckily, we have you covered.

In our complete cannabis guide, we will review the healthiest ways to consume cannabis and how you can find a local Michigan dispensary. Keep reading on for more information!

Different Ways To Consume Cannabis

Before diving into healthy cannabis consumption, it helps to know a few of the most popular ways. Cannabis or marijuana is primarily consumed by smoking. To do this, consumers use tobacco rolling paper or a pipe or bong.

Vaping is a more recent (and increasingly) popular method, where cannabis reaches high temperatures and the active ingredients are inhaled. While it may be less harmful than smoke, there are several health skeptics that place both vaping and smoking cannabis as harmful.

Lastly, you have topicals, tinctures, and oral consumption methods. These three alternatives can deliver the same high, but it might take longer to feel its effects.

Harmful Effects of Smoking Cannabis

Smoking cannabis can increase cardiovascular and respiratory risk factors. Researchers have found cannabis chemicals are retained for longer periods in the body than other substances.

Additionally, when you smoke cannabis, you risk other harmful ingredients, such as tar. Tar and tobacco substances have vast research tied to lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchitis.

Healthiest Ways To Consume Cannabis

The three healthiest ways to consume cannabis are tinctures, oils, and edibles. All these healthy cannabis consumption forms bypass the lungs, reducing your risk of irritation.

Edibles take longer to enter the bloodstream and are ideal if you want a delayed effect. However, it can be more challenging to pinpoint a dosage right away if you haven't consumed edibles in the past.

Start with a lower dosage and give it at least two hours before adjusting. If you don't prefer edibles, you could also try capsules.

Capsules are great for pinpointing exact dosages and are more discreet than other methods. Tinctures are ideal if you are trying to transition away from smoking or vaping to healthy cannabis consuming products.

While the flavor can take some getting used to, adding a drop under the tongue or into your morning coffee is easy. And the primary benefit is you can feel the effects more immediately than capsules or edibles.

Topical Cannabis

Oral consumption and tinctures are primarily used for recreational purposes or their therapeutic effects. Topical cannabis is mainly used for the latter.

While they are not as popular in the recreational department as smoking or edibles, they are an excellent and healthy alternative for localized relief. Remember that topical cannabis is less likely to deliver any "high" and is mainly for aches or pains. Rather than popping a few ibuprofen after an especially intense day at the gym, try some topical cannabis instead.

How To Consume Cannabis Healthily

If you are new to the cannabis world, here are a few helpful tips on how to consume cannabis. First, look up your state's legal status regarding marijuana laws. Michigan allows recreational and medicinal marijuana use (with contingencies).

It is always advised that you consult with a physician first before consuming cannabis. While there are several positive physical and mental health benefits of cannabis, it is not for everyone.

For example, if you already have a respiratory illness or disease, you may want to avoid consuming cannabis or switch from vaping or smoking to other means. Next, determine what you want to use cannabis for.

The most popular alternative to smoking or vaping for recreational use is edibles. Edibles come in various dosages, forms, and flavors, making them appealing to almost anyone. The most popular edible types are:

• Brownies
• Gummies
• Mints

As a beginner, you may want to aim for pre-packaged edibles with specific THC dosages. Tinctures can be a great option if you want THC in your morning coffee or afternoon beverage versus consuming baked goods. Tinctures are also a healthier alternative since brownies and gummies are also loaded with sugar and other ingredients that impede a healthy diet.

Finding the Best Cannabis Dispensary

When shopping for cannabis, you want a reputable company that participates in third-party testing. You can check their website regarding credentials and online reviews for a better idea.

Afterward, review their online products. Some cannabis users prefer dispensaries that also offer CBD oils and various consumption methods, like oils or tinctures.

Lastly, review the prices. While you should never sacrifice quality for a lower price, you need a dispensary that delivers to your area and is within your price range.

Healthier Cannabis Alternatives

There are several ways to consume cannabis, with vaping and smoking taking much of the hype. While it can deliver a quick high and is widely used recreationally, it can affect your respiratory system. Additionally, some cannabis users might prefer to try healthier alternatives.

At The River Provisioning, we help supply several cities in Michigan with high-quality cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes. Our cannabis dispensary includes edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and more.

Are you interested in getting started? Visit our dispensary menu today and find a location nearest you!