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Learning About the Differences Between Mucosal and Digestive Delivery of Cannabis

 October 10, 2024  Written by Jeff Rowse

Many people use cannabis for both medical and fun reasons. There are lots of ways to take cannabis to fit different tastes and health needs. Two popular ways are mucosal and digestive delivery of cannabis. Knowing the differences can help you pick the best way to use cannabis.

What Is Mucosal Delivery?

Mucosal delivery means taking cannabis through your mucous membranes. This way, the cannabis goes directly into your bloodstream and skips your digestive system. Here are some types of mucosal delivery:

  • Sublingual Tinctures: These are drops you put under your tongue. This is potentially the fastest form of mucosal delivery.
  • Buccal Tablets: These are tablets you place between your cheek and gum. They work slower than sublingual tinctures but faster than edibles.
  • Suppositories: These are inserted rectally or vaginally and also work faster than edibles.

Benefits of Mucosal Delivery

  • Quick Effects: This method works fast, 15 - 30 minutes, so it's potentially good for quick relief from pain, anxiety, or nausea.
  • Can be More Effective: More of the active ingredients get into your bloodstream.
  • Controlled Dosage: You can measure your dose more precisely, which is helpful for medical users.

Things to Consider

  • Taste: Some people don’t like the taste of tinctures or sprays.
  • Shorter Effects: The effects might not last as long as with edibles.
  • Absorption: How well it works can vary depending on the condition of your mouth and what you eat or drink.

What Is Digestive Delivery?

Digestive delivery means eating or drinking cannabis. This includes edibles like gummies, chocolates, and drinks. The cannabis goes through your digestive system and is processed by your liver before it enters your bloodstream.

Benefits of Digestive Delivery

  • Long-Lasting Effects: Edibles usually last longer, which can be good for long-term relief.
  • Discreet: Eating or drinking cannabis is more discreet and acceptable in social situations.
  • Variety: There are many different edible products to choose from.
Assorted infused gummies in vibrant colors

Things to Consider

  • Delayed Effects: It can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects, so it's easy to accidentally take too much.
  • Liver Processing: Your liver changes the cannabis, making it stronger and sometimes unpredictable.
  • Lower Effectiveness: Not as much of the cannabis gets into your bloodstream compared to mucosal delivery.

Choosing the Right Method

Choosing between mucosal and digestive delivery depends on what you need and like. If you need quick relief and higher effectiveness, mucosal might be best. If you want long-lasting effects or something discreet, you might prefer edibles.

Always start with a low dose, especially with edibles, because they take longer to work and can be stronger. Talking to a healthcare provider or a knowledgeable budtender can help you choose the best method and dose for you.

Understanding the differences between mucosal and digestive delivery can make your cannabis experience better, helping you get the effects you want while avoiding problems. Picking the right method can make using cannabis more enjoyable and effective.


Disclaimer: The information presented here is meant for educational purposes only. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of specific medical products. Always remember to consume responsibly and follow the mantra - start low and go slow.

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