To begin, many people in the UK who are using cannabis for medicinal purposes are looking for alternative routes of administration as opposed to smoking. Some reasons include: they do not want to smoke; they prefer to have a product that is easier to consume; or they simply want to have a more discreet method of consuming their medicine. This desire for alternative methods of consumption has led to a rise in popularity of cannabis-based oils, edibles and other types of cannabis-based beverages. 

Cannabis-based oils and tinctures are consumed via sub-lingual application or added to food. These oil and tincture products provide accurate doses of cannabis-based medication and provide a consistent delivery of the desired cannabinoids. Effects from cannabis-based oils will generally occur 30 – 90 minutes after consumption.

There are two primary types of cannabis-based oils/tinctures available: 

1. CBD-dominant (contains primarily Cannabidiol), which is commonly prescribed for anxiety, inflammation and sleep disorders
2. THC-dominant (contains primarily Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is commonly prescribed for chronic pain, spasticity and nausea. 

Due to the extended duration of effects, oils/tinctures are ideal for sustained relief rather than rapid relief.

Cannabis-based edible products are being manufactured globally and continue to influence what consumers expect when it comes to cannabis-based products. Cannabis-based edible products are ingested orally and then absorbed into the bloodstream via the digestive process. Therefore, the effects of edible cannabis products will occur much later than inhaled cannabis products but tend to last for a significantly longer period of time. 

Smoke-free cannabis products provide several unique benefits, including:

• No exposure to lung irritation or second-hand smoke
• Less odor produced during consumption
• Effects lasting longer than those from inhalation
• Precise dosing and consistency in repeated dosing
• Availability in a wide array of formats to suit individual tastes/preferences

Onset time of edible products is slower than inhaled cannabis products. If you are inexperienced in timing and dosing your cannabis products, there is a greater risk of over-consumption. Education and patience should be emphasized when using smoke-free cannabis products.

Medical cannabis in the UK is currently only permitted to contain THC under prescription, while CBD-based products are permitted to be sold commercially. It is emphasized by medical professionals that care and caution should be used when prescribing and administering ingestible cannabis products due to their potential for higher and prolonged effects.

Overall, smoke-free cannabis products represent a larger trend toward the development of responsible and health-conscious cannabis products. As cannabis research continues to develop, and as regulatory policies continue to expand, we anticipate a larger role for smoke-free cannabis products in both the medical and consumer cannabis sectors. To keep up with the latest developments, product trends and evidence-based information on cannabis in the UK, please follow our cannabis news blog.