Products for respiratory administration can be smoked in joints, glass and water pipes, or vaporized in handheld or desktop vaporizers.

Vaporizing
Vaporizing is considered a healthier alternative to smoking, as it markedly reduces the amount of irritating particulate materials that are inhaled, resulting in less inflammation and damage to the lining of the lungs. Vaporizers heat medical cannabis in flower or oil form just below the point of combustion, high enough to extract cannabinoids but too low to extract the potentially harmful toxins released during combustion. There is also a significant reduction in odor and secondhand smoke, making it a good choice for households with children or pets.

Dosage
The dose is through self-titration, gradually adjusting the dose of medicine until the desired effect is achieved. Start with one puff, wait 15 minutes, assess, and re-dose responsibly as needed. Between one and three puffs every three or four hours is generally adequate for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, nausea, or muscle spasm.

Onset and Duration
Effects are usually felt within 30-60 seconds and develop fully within 5-15 minutes. Active ingredients are absorbed through the mucus membrane of the lung and deposited directly into the bloodstream. Effects may last anywhere from one to four hours or longer.

Smoking
Smoking is the most common form of cannabis consumption. This method uses flowers and can be done using a number of apparatuses, including papers, wraps, pipes, and water bongs.

Dosage
Dose is through self-titration (gradually adjusting the dose of medicine until the desired effect is achieved). Start with one puff, wait 15 minutes, assess, and re-dose responsibly as needed. Between one and three puffs every three or four hours is generally adequate for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, nausea, or muscle spasm. To reduce bronchial irritation:

• Use natural-based, chemical-free rolling papers such as those derived from hemp or rice.
• Use glass pipes to avoid by-products and chemicals and assure a very clean burn.
• Use water pipes to cool the temperature of inhaled smoke.

Onset and Duration
Effects are usually felt within 60 seconds. Active ingredients are absorbed through the mucus membrane of the lungs and are deposited directly into the bloodstream. With smoking, as much as 50-60% of the active cannabinoids, like THC, enter blood plasma and generally develop fully to reach peak concentrations within 15 minutes. Effects may last anywhere from one to four hours or longer.