Smoking medical marijuana is still the most common way of using the drug in the  United States.  Smoking-one of the best (fastest) ways of getting the chemicals into the body.  Smoking a joint (rolled cigarette), using a glass pipe, or a type of water pipe  (bong).  Smoking is a quick and efficient way to deliver an optimum dose of cannabinoids into the system.  The patient is able to feel the effects almost immediately and they can stop smoking as soon as the desired relief is reached.  The trade off is an increased risk of respiratory ailments.

Vaporization
Vaporization is an effective way to deliver the therapeutic components of marijuana without the toxic byproducts of combustion. Inhaling-a vaporizer is an alternative way to reach the desired effect. The vegetable material is placed in the vaporizer and heated to a temp.: 180-200 degrees Cel. or 356 degrees-392 degrees F. This causes the essential oils to volatilize, or evaporate into a pure vapor, which is then collected and inhaled.  The resulting vapors contain no tars, hydrocarbons, benzene, carbon monoxide or other toxic pryolytic gases and byproducts of combustion.  Thus the respiratory risks have been eliminated.

Capsules and Spray Form

THC, the most powerful medicinal compound in cannabis, is available by prescription from licensed physicians.  Most patients who use "Marinol" discover that it is far too psychoactive.  THC is only one of handful of cannabis compounds that work together harmoniously (together).  It is known that Cannabidiol (CBD) has very strong sedative effects that offset the stimulative effects of pure THC.  Pure THC pills are known to overpower the senses.  To get optimum medicinal benefits without unwanted side effects, all of the natural cannabis compounds should be taken together as nature intended!.  Homemade "Mari Pills" are far superior to pharmaceutical "Marinol."  At a cost of up to $12.00 a tablet, Marinol is a bit prohibitive!  Empty capsules can be purchased at most health food stores or online.

Spray Form "Sativx" - available mostly outside of the United States is a mouth spray (sprayed under the tongue).  Preferred by many, this delivery system too has some issues, mostly relating to its effectiveness

Eating Medical Marijuana
In many cultures, people prefer to ingest marijuana by eating or drinking it. This method completely removes all lung irritations associated with inhaling smoke. Edibles-in the form of cookies, candies, power bars, popcorn.  Edibles take longer to reach their full effect, added calories, yummy! Pill 

Two important facts about medical marijuana to keep in mind:

1. Some cannabinoids must be activated by heat.  Eating it raw will not deliver the full therapeutic benefits.  Some people do eat raw marijuana and report that they do receive some benefit from it.
2. Cannabinoids are soluble (dissolve) in fats and alcohol, but not water.  The active components in marijuana cannot be extracted by brewing a tea or soaking in water.  They must either be suspended in a fat such as vegetable oil or a butter.  Or they must be extracted in alcohol.

Medical Marijuana Can Be Prepared For Cooking in Two Ways:

1. Pulverized into a powder called Canna Flour
2. Extracted into a fat or oil.  Commonly called Canna Butter.

Drink
The active ingredients in medical marijuana can be infused into various liquids and then made into drinks.  Because cannabinoids are not water soluble, making drinkable medical marijuana is not a simple matter of brewing up a tea.  Med. Marijuana drinks are most often either alcohol or milk (fat) based. Cannabinoids are extracted into alcohol by steeping the plant material in a high proof alcohol for several days.  Consult your physician before consuming alcoholic beverages.
Medical marijuana milk is called "Bhang."  To make it: warm a quart of milk over low heat.  Let milk come to a very slow boil and add 1/4 ounce of medical marijuana.  Immediately reduce heat and let it gently simmer for a bit.  Stir and don't let it scorch!!!!
Suppositories
Medical marijuana can be easily converted into suppository form.  Begin with marijuana powder (pulverized)  To achieve maximum benefit, marijuana must be pulverized to dust.  You can purchase suppository kits (beeswax and mold) online or from your health food store.  Medical marijuana suppositories are well suited for patients who are unable to eat or smoke medical marijuana.  Keep them labeled and in the refrigerator.