The way cannabis is administered—whether it’s inhaled, swallowed, absorbed through the skin, or taken under the tongue—has a major impact on how it works. Each route affects how quickly you feel the effects, how long they last, and how much of the active compounds actually reach your system. Understanding these differences is key to getting consistent, effective relief from medical cannabis.

Before we break down each route, let’s take a moment to define the factors that shape the experience:

This is how long it takes for you to start feeling the effects after using a cannabis product. Onset time can range from just a few minutes (inhalation) to more than an hour (edibles), depending on the route. Knowing the onset time helps you avoid overconsuming while waiting for relief to kick in.

This refers to how long the effects last. Some routes produce a short, sharp peak (like inhaled cannabis), while others provide a slower, extended release (like capsules or edibles). Matching the duration to your symptom pattern—quick relief vs. sustained control—can improve outcomes.

Bioavailability is the percentage of cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) that actually reach your bloodstream in an active form. For example, if a product contains 10mg of THC but only 2mg are absorbed, the bioavailability is 20%. Routes like inhalation and sublingual administration typically offer higher bioavailability than oral or topical methods. This matters not just for effectiveness—but also for dosing and cost efficiency.

Some routes involve more than just how the cannabis is consumed—they also depend on how it’s made. For instance, tinctures and suppositories often require specific formulations to improve absorption, and transdermal patches may use enhancers to penetrate the skin.

With those basics covered, let’s look at the most common prescription routes for medical cannabis—what they are, how they work, and when they’re typically used.

Now that we’ve covered the key factors that shape how cannabis affects your body, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most common prescription routes. This quick chart gives you a snapshot of what to expect before we explore each method in more detail.

Each of these routes offers different advantages depending on your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look at how each one works—and what the research says about effectiveness, onset, and absorption.

Consumption Method: Cannabis is inhaled through smoking dried flowers or vaporizing concentrates, allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream via the lungs.​

Onset: Effects are typically felt within minutes, peaking around 6–10 minutes after inhalation. ​

Bioavailability: The bioavailability of THC through inhalation varies widely, with reports ranging from 2% to 56%, influenced by factors such as inhalation technique and device efficiency. ​
PMC

Duration: Effects generally last between 2 to 4 hours.​

Manufacturing Notes: Vaporizers heat cannabis to temperatures that release cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion, potentially reducing exposure to harmful byproducts associated with smoking.

Products: Flower, Vape Cartridges, Concentrates, Resin, Rosin, Distillate

Consumption Method: Cannabis is consumed in the form of edibles (e.g., gummies, baked goods, chocolate) or capsules/tablets, with cannabinoids absorbed through the digestive tract.​

Onset: Effects typically begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption, as cannabinoids undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver. ​

Bioavailability: Oral THC bioavailability is relatively low, estimated between 4% to 12%, due to extensive first-pass metabolism.

Duration: Effects can last between 6 to 8 hours, providing prolonged relief suitable for chronic conditions.​

Manufacturing Notes: Edibles are produced by infusing food products with cannabis extracts, ensuring even distribution of cannabinoids. Capsules contain measured doses of cannabis oil, offering precise dosing.

Consumption Method: Cannabis tinctures or sprays are placed under the tongue, allowing cannabinoids to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes.​ Typically they are held under the tongue for 60 seconds and then swallowed.

Onset: Effects can be felt within 15 to 45 minutes, faster than traditional edibles but slightly slower than inhalation. ​

Bioavailability: Sublingual bioavailability is higher than oral ingestion, with studies indicating approximately 12% to 35%, as it bypasses first-pass metabolism. ​
PMC

Duration: Effects typically last between 4 to 6 hours.​

Manufacturing Notes: Tinctures are alcohol or oil-based cannabis extracts, while sprays are similar formulations designed for ease of use and rapid absorption.

Consumption Method: Cannabis-infused creams, balms, or transdermal patches are applied to the skin. Topicals provide localized relief, while transdermal patches deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream for systemic effects.​

Onset:
Topicals: Effects are typically felt within 10 to 30 minutes.​
Transdermal Patches: Effects may take longer to onset but can provide prolonged relief.​

Bioavailability:
Topicals: Minimal systemic absorption; primarily affects the application site.​
Transdermal Patches: Designed for systemic absorption; bioavailability varies depending on formulation and skin permeability.​

Duration:
Topicals: Effects can last several hours, depending on the formulation and application site.​
Transdermal Patches: Can provide effects lasting from 6 to 24 hours, offering consistent cannabinoid delivery. ​

Manufacturing Notes: Topicals are formulated to penetrate the skin's outer layers for localized effect, while transdermal patches include permeation enhancers to facilitate cannabinoid absorption into the bloodstream.​

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to medical cannabis. The way you consume it plays a major role in how it feels, how fast it works, and how long it lasts. Inhaled products offer fast relief, while edibles and capsules provide longer-lasting effects. Tinctures sit somewhere in between, and topicals or patches offer targeted or sustained support without intoxication.

Understanding these differences—onset, duration, and bioavailability—gives you more control and helps you avoid frustration. Whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your regimen, knowing how to consume cannabis effectively can make all the difference.