Week 21: Capsules, Patches, and Other Cannabis Products

The cannabis market extends well beyond oils, edibles, and flower. Innovative product formats continue to emerge, offering different delivery methods, onset times, and consumption experiences. Understanding these additional options helps you find formats that fit your preferences and lifestyle.

Cannabis Capsules and Softgels

Capsules bring a familiar supplement format to cannabis:

What they are. Pre-measured doses of cannabis extract encapsulated in standard pill or softgel form.

How they work. Swallowed like any supplement, capsules are processed through your digestive system. Absorption follows edible-style timing.

Advantages. Precise, consistent dosing. Familiar format. No taste. Highly portable and discrete. Easy to incorporate into supplement routines.

Considerations. Less dosing flexibility than oils. Digestive processing means delayed onset (typically 45 minutes to 2 hours). Bioavailability varies based on formulation.

Varieties. Options include CBD capsules, full-spectrum hemp capsules, and (in legal markets) THC capsules in various dose levels.

Capsules are ideal for people who want straightforward, no-fuss consumption with consistent dosing.

Transdermal Patches

Patches deliver cannabinoids through the skin into the bloodstream:

What they are. Adhesive patches containing cannabinoid formulations designed for transdermal (through-skin) delivery.

How they work. Unlike topicals (which work locally), transdermal patches push cannabinoids through the skin into your bloodstream for systemic effects.

Advantages. Sustained, consistent delivery over hours. Bypasses digestive system. Discrete and convenient. No timing of doses needed once applied.

How to use. Apply to a venous area (inside wrist or ankle, inside of arm) on clean skin. Wear for the specified duration (typically 8-12 hours).

Considerations. Fixed dosing per patch offers less flexibility. May cause skin irritation in some users. Generally more expensive than other formats. Limited product selection compared to oils or edibles.

Patches suit those who want sustained delivery without repeated dosing throughout the day.

Cannabis Beverages

The beverage category continues to expand:

What's available. Cannabis-infused sodas, waters, teas, coffees, drink mixes, and more—primarily in CBD products, with THC options in legal markets.

Onset considerations. Traditional cannabis beverages are processed like edibles, with delayed onset. However, nano-emulsion technology in some products may produce faster effects.

Social appeal. Beverages offer a familiar, social consumption format. A cannabis drink can fit contexts where oils or capsules might feel awkward.

Dose awareness. Beverage doses are often lower per serving than other edibles. Check labels—a bottle might contain multiple servings.

Quality variation. As with all categories, quality varies. Look for products with clear labeling and third-party testing.

Beverages offer a refreshing alternative for those who enjoy drink-based consumption.

Suppositories

An unconventional but functional delivery method:

What they are. Cannabinoid formulations designed for rectal or vaginal insertion.

Why they exist. Suppositories offer an alternative absorption route that bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver and may provide localized benefits in the pelvic region.

Use cases. Some people use suppositories when they cannot take products orally. Others are interested in localized application for pelvic comfort.

Discretion. Despite their unfamiliar format, suppositories are highly discrete—no one knows what you're taking.

Limited research. This delivery method is less studied than oral or inhaled consumption. Approach with appropriate caution and consult healthcare providers.

Suppositories represent a niche category but fill specific needs for certain users.

Nasal Sprays

A relatively new delivery format:

What they are. Cannabinoid solutions delivered via nasal spray for absorption through nasal membranes.

Potential advantages. Fast absorption through nasal tissue may offer quicker onset than oral products.

Current availability. Limited product options exist compared to other categories. This is an emerging format.

Considerations. Proper formulation is important for nasal delivery. Choose products specifically designed for this use from reputable sources.

Nasal sprays may appeal to those seeking faster onset without inhalation.

Dissolvable Products

Formats designed for sublingual or buccal (cheek) absorption:

Sublingual strips. Thin films that dissolve under the tongue, similar to breath strips.

Sublingual tablets. Small tablets designed to dissolve under the tongue rather than be swallowed.

Lozenges and mints. Slow-dissolving products that release cannabinoids as they melt in your mouth.

Advantages. Faster absorption than swallowed products. Discrete format. Pre-measured doses. No liquids or measuring required.

Technique matters. For best absorption, let these products dissolve completely rather than chewing or swallowing quickly.

Dissolvable formats offer sublingual benefits in convenient, portable form.

Comparing Alternative Formats

When choosing among these options, consider:

Onset needs. Capsules and beverages have slower onset; patches provide sustained release; nasal and sublingual may be faster.

Duration needs. Patches excel for long-lasting delivery; capsules and beverages offer moderate duration; sublingual products may have shorter duration.

Convenience factors. Capsules and patches are highly portable; beverages require more planning; suppositories need privacy.

Dosing flexibility. Oils offer more flexibility than pre-measured capsules or patches.

Personal comfort. Some formats simply feel more appealing or comfortable than others based on individual preference.

No format is universally "best"—the right choice depends on your specific situation and preferences.

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis capsules offer familiar, pre-measured dosing in supplement form
• Transdermal patches deliver sustained cannabinoids through the skin into the bloodstream
• Cannabis beverages provide social, refreshing consumption options
• Suppositories and nasal sprays offer alternative delivery routes for specific needs
• Dissolvable products combine sublingual absorption with convenient formats
• Choose formats based on onset needs, duration requirements, and personal preferences

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