Cannabis Administration Method Significantly Impacts THC Levels and User Experience
Article Written by Adam Isaac Miller
Read time: 3-4 mins
Research involving 252 participants shows dabbing produces highest THC concentrations while effects fade faster than traditional smoking methods.
A recent study examining how different methods of cannabis consumption affect drug absorption and user experience has revealed notable differences in both blood THC concentrations and subjective effects depending on administration mode. The research, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research on May 23, 2025, represents the first comprehensive comparison of real-world cannabis consumption methods using legal market products.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, analysed data from 252 regular cannabis users who consumed their preferred products using four distinct administration methods: dabbing, vaping, bong-like devices, and joint-like methods.
Key Findings Reveal Stark Differences Between Methods
The research uncovered several critical insights about how the consumption method impacts the cannabis experience:
Dabbing produced the highest THC blood concentrations immediately after use
Participants using dab rigs experienced more substantial subjective effects than all other methods
Dabbing and vaping showed a more rapid decline in intoxication levels over time
Traditional smoking methods (joints, bongs) maintained effects longer
Plasma THC levels varied significantly based on administration mode
"This study provides novel data to demonstrate that modes of administration likely play a role in THC exposure and experienced drug effects," said lead author Dr. Margy Y. Chen from the University of Colorado Boulder's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.
Understanding the Methods and Their Impact
The research categorised consumption methods into four groups based on similarity and popularity among users. Dabbing, which involves vaporising high-concentration cannabis extracts (60-90% THC), consistently produced the most dramatic effects. Participants using this method showed significantly higher plasma THC levels immediately after use compared to those smoking joints, with levels reaching statistical significance.
Vaping concentrate products also produce elevated THC levels and subjective effects, though generally lower than dabbing. Traditional flower-based methods—including bongs, pipes, and joints containing 15-25% THC—showed more moderate but longer-lasting effects.
"Although dabbing and vaping were associated with higher levels of subjective intoxication immediately after use, these two modes showed more rapid reductions at one-hour post-use compared to the other two smoking modes," the researchers noted. "This pattern of use could be a risk factor for problematic cannabis use, as the need for quicker reuptake may encourage higher overall consumption."
Biological Mechanisms Behind the Differences
The study's findings reflect fundamental differences in how various consumption methods deliver THC to the bloodstream. Dabbing involves applying heat to highly concentrated cannabis extracts, allowing for rapid absorption of large quantities of THC. The researchers noted that traditional smoking may result in greater THC loss due to combustion at elevated temperatures and side-stream smoke production.
Dr. Ashley Brooks-Russell, co-author from the Injury and Violence Prevention Center at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, emphasised the importance of these biological differences: "These results provide empirical support that can guide consumers, particularly those with less experience or less familiar with different administration methods."
Real-World Implications for Cannabis Users
The study's naturalistic approach—allowing participants to use their products in familiar settings—provides unprecedented insight into real-world cannabis consumption patterns. Unlike previous laboratory studies using research-grade cannabis with lower THC concentrations, this research examined the products available in legal markets.
The rapid onset and decline of effects with high-concentration methods, such as dabbing, may explain the patterns of frequent redosing observed among some users. This finding presents new ideas regarding consumption for recreational users seeking to manage their consumption and medical patients requiring consistent symptom relief.
"While individuals with more experience with using cannabis may already be aware of these differences in intoxication levels, these results provide empirical support that can guide consumers," Dr. Chen noted.
Future Research Directions
The study opens several avenues for future investigation, including examination of other novel consumption methods and research involving users with varying experience levels. As the legal cannabis landscape continues expanding, understanding how different products and consumption patterns affect users becomes more important.
"As the legal cannabis landscape continues to expand, future research should delve deeper into the effects of other novel methods of cannabis administration," the researchers concluded. "This research is needed better to characterise an account for modes of cannabis administration to inform safe uses as mode patterns quickly change over time among individuals using legal market cannabis products."
The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, with funding organisations playing no role in study design, data collection, analysis, or publication decisions.
Adam has spent a decade working with unregistered medicines, specialising in Cannabinoid Therapeutics, where he has supported the development, implementation and market entry of multiple cannabinoid product portfolios across Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Brazil. Before working in the medical cannabis field, Adam spent nearly ten years building various B2B businesses in education, investment, and medicinal cannabis, progressing through roles in business development, strategy, product development, and project management. As one of the early experts in Australia's emerging cannabis industry, he has consulted for private and listed cannabis producers and ancillary businesses since 2015. Adam founded and served on the board of The Medical Cannabis Council, Australia's first not-for-profit industry body. A graduate of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, he is a frequent public speaker and publishes a widely read industry newsletter. His expertise has been featured in major news outlets, including the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian Financial Review, Nine News, Startup Smart, SBS, SkyNews, MJBizDaily and other prominent publications.
Disclaimer: This information is shared with a global readership for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or business advice. All patient-related information has been de-identified OR fictional to protect privacy. Nothing in this article is intended to promote the use or supply of medical cannabis to members of the public.
