Delivery Methods Overview Delivery Methods Overview

There are five delivery routes for administering cannabis, often referred to as delivery methods. These include inhalation, sublingual, oral, topical, and suppository. Each of these methods vary in onset and duration and include a variety of different product types and options. Most patients will use a combination of methods and product types to find optimal relief.

INHALATION

ONSET: Immediate (1-5 minutes) DURATION: 1-4 hours

PROS: Quick onset and short duration allows for easy titration and control of effects

CONS: Short duration can result in yo-yo effect of symptom management, lung/throat irritation

Product Notes Pros Cons

Flower Available by weight or Full Entourage effect, Smoke, vaporizer device cost, pre-roll easy to control dosing smell when used properly

Vape Cartridges Distillate or CO2 oil can be Convenient and discrete Not full entourage/feels follow in and/or distillate oil used interchangeably comparison, ingredient concerns, irritation

Metered Dose Cannabis delivered via Approachable for Clogs easily, expensive Inhaler inhaler like used for new/elderly patients Asthma

CONCENTRATES Extractions of Extremely potent, Can be too potent for most (broken down by cannabinoids & other efficient macro-dosing users, easy to over use and raise type below) compounds. Names often tolerance reflect the differences in consistency/viscosity.

Solvent based Uses solvents like butane, Less expensive than Some cannabinoids/terpenes ethanol, or CO2 to assist solventless destroyed in process, solvent with extraction

Wax, Shatter, There are a variety of different names/forms of solvent based concentrates all varying Crumble slightly in texture, consistency, and ease of use. No plant material.

Solventless Extracted from plant with Superior flavor, clean, Expensive heat & pressure. potent

Rosin, Live Rosin Live does not cure/dry flower prior to extraction. Can be made from flower or trichomes/kief. No plant material.

Kief, Hash Trichome heads collected Typically less expensive Contains plant material. from plant. Can be kept as than extractions. Typically sprinkled on top of is (kief) or made into flower. Must be smoked or various types of hash vaporized in dry herb device. (pressed). Cannot be dabbed.

Not to be reproduced or distributed without the express permission of Florida Medical Cannabis Clinic, LLC. ORAL

ONSET: 30 minutes - 2hrs + DURATION: 6-8 hours

PROS: Long lasting, full bodied relief. Provides great baseline dosing when dialed in.

CONS: Extremely psychoactive (THC), hard to dose, inconsistent effects especially for patients with GI absorbability concerns. Long onset.

Product Notes Pros Cons

Edibles (cannabis Commercial edibles are Full bodied effect, very Often made with unhealthy infused food and often made with distillate long lasting, great for ingredients & allergens. Difficult drink products) which can have hollow pain relief and sleep. to dose and easy to over effects when compared to consume. Once taken, the edibles made with patient is committed to the infusions like butter or experience for multiple hours. coconut oil.

Oral oils Often labelled tincture, but Easy to take in small Mislabelling and sublingual made with MCT oil, olive amounts/micro-dose directions often results in oil, or other fat base. patients taking too much/not waiting long enough for onset.

Capsules Pre-dosed cannabis Easy to consume/no Limited dosage options, hard to capsules, typically preparation microdose containing a powder or oil based cannabis.

RSO/FECO Full extract cannabis oil Retains plant Can be difficult/messy to dose. often used for cancer compounds that are Is easy to take too much. patients. Retains typically removed when chlorophyll/some plant making other oils. Full material. bodied, potent effects. Great option for those with high tolerance, pain, and sleep.

Distillate or CO2 oil Fully activated, refined Versatile. Can be difficult/messy to THC (or CBD) concentrate dose,is easy to take too much. that can be eaten or Hollow in effects compared to inhaled. RSO/FECO. Lacks terpenes and other medicinal compounds.

Powder, Often sold as sublingual. When made with proper Often made with junky dissolvable tabs ingredients may act ingredients - especially sugar faster than other substitutes that can cause GI edibles/oral products. distress or insulin spikes. SUBLINGUAL

ONSET: 5-15 minutes DURATION: 3-6 hours

PROS: Relatively quick onset without having to inhale. Provides great baseline dosing.

CONS: Many products are labelled sublingual that do not act sublingually which can cause frustration and a learning curve for patients. Alcohol base often needs to be avoided due to health reasons or recovery. Often not full spectrum - many dispensaries make from distillate.

Product Notes Pros Cons

Tincture Oil based tinctures DO NOT Very easy to titrate and Other ingredients, costs add up work sublingually. control dose, micro dose quickly for those requiring high efficiently doses. Alcohol concerns.

Spray Alcohol based spray applied Convenient and discrete Typically not full entourage. to sides of mouth or under Alcohol concerns. the tongue.

Powder, When made with proper Can be faster acting than Typically made with junky dissolvable ingredients may act typical oral/edibles. ingredients. tabs sublingually, but typically more of an oral experience.

TOPICAL

ONSET: 15 minutes + (varies) DURATION: 4+ hours (varies by product)

PROS: None to limited psychoactivity (depends on product)

CONS: Can be expensive.

Product Notes Pros Cons

Creams, Works locally only. No psychoactivity. Some products are greasy/leave Salves, Appropriate for localized pain Appropriate add on residue. Not appropriate for full Lotions and skin conditions. method for breakthrough body pain. pain. Discrete.

Transdermal Must have added ingredients Limited psychoactivity, Can be cost prohibitive. Limited Gels or to assist with breaking into with full bodied effects. options and availability. Creams bloodstream. Must be applied Discrete and easy to use. to a venous area like inner wrist, ankle, or temples.

Transdermal When applied to venous Consistent micro-dosing. Can be cost prohibitive. Limited Patches areas act transdermally, when Can be used for localized options and availability. applied to localized areas of area or full body. Limited pain act like extended topical. psychoactivity. SUPPOSITORY

ONSET: 20 minutes + DURATION: Varies

PROS: No to minimal psychoactivity. Last line option for severely ill patients.

CONS: Messy and potentially uncomfortable.

Product Notes Pros Cons

Suppository Can be used rectally or Can provide significant Effects vary wildly and the vaginally. relief for pelvic pain. Last science is lacking to assist with line option for severely ill product development. Messy. patients/those with GI upset.

Lubes and Must be applied 20-30 Effective and fun. Messy, added ingredients. Personal Oils minutes prior to sexual Enhances sensation and activity. decreases pelvic pain.

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