What are marijuana suppositories and how to make them


What are marijuana suppositories and how to make them
Steven Voser

Not everyone likes the idea of inhaling smoke or vapor, and edibles can take a while before they kick in. If you fall into one of these camps, perhaps cannabis suppositories are right for you.

Cannabis, cannabis, cannabis—the world is going "green," and everyone is looking for the best ways to enjoy the benefits of marijuana use. Most folks tend to simply fire up a doobie and inhale, while others prefer the taste and experience of their favorite edible treats.

However, not everyone likes the idea of smoke in any form, and edibles can take a while before they kick in. If you fall into one of these camps, perhaps marijuana suppositories are right for you. This form of intake is becoming more and more popular, offering its own unique range of benefits.

WHAT IS A SUPPOSITORY?

Your grandmother and grandfather are probably more familiar with suppositories than you, but they have been around for a long time. However, it was only recently that the product was introduced as a cannabinoid delivery method. Marijuana suppositories were initially created to provide a non-smoking method of THC/CBD delivery for medical patients.

Suppositories come in the form of a small capsule that can be inserted either rectally or vaginally, and are generally an inch long and made from a mixture of coconut oil or cacao butter and cannabis oil.

EFFICIENCY

Once inserted, suppositories have a much higher rate of efficiency than other methods—up to 70% in some cases. In contrast, when inhaling marijuana, you will only achieve around 20–25% efficiency.

When smoking cannabis, the effects will always vary depending on the amount smoked and other variables, whereas the effects of suppositories are measurable and predictable.

Suppositories enter the body directly through the bloodstream and are rapidly distributed into the vascular system, bypassing the liver. Without the liver, THC does not reach the cannabinoid receptors in the brain that induce psychoactive effects. What this means is that patients are able to reap the medicinal benefits of cannabis, without the high associated with smoking or eating marijuana edibles. After inserting the suppository, allow at least 15 minutes before measuring results.

WHO SHOULD YOU USE MARIJUANA SUPPOSITORIES?

Marijuana suppositories are an excellent solution for everyone who want the medicinal benefits of cannabis but without the high. Especially elderly patients and those suffering from the vomiting and nausea associated with chemotherapy, which generally can make ingesting pills or smoking/vaping cannabis difficult at best, seem to be more interested in cannabis suppositories.

Despite the uncommon method of administration, cannabis suppositories are quite easy to use and make. Always make sure the suppositories are securely wrapped and stored in your refrigerator or freezer to maintain firmness.

HOW TO MAKE MARIJUANA SUPPOSITORIES

How to make marijuana suppositories

Here is a simple and straightforward recipe for making a nice batch of suppositories at home. The mixture will yield roughly 25 or more 85mg capsules.

INGREDIENTS & HARDWARE

  • 1 metal suppository mold
  • 1 small wrench (to tighten mold)
  • ¼ cup raw organic cacao butter
  • 2 gram cannabis oil (250mg)
  • 1 mason jar
  • 3ml oral syringe

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Take ¼ cup of the organic cacao butter and place in a small saucepan. Simmer slowly over very low heat. It is important not to allow the butter to boil.

STEP 2

Once the cocoa butter has been reduced to a smooth liquid, add the cannabis oil. Whisk the mixture evenly until they are nicely blended in the pan.

STEP 3

Finally, pour the mixture into a small mason jar and let it cool for five to ten minutes. After cooling, pour the melted mix of oil/butter into the syringe, and gently inject the mixture into 2ml metal suppository molds.

STEP 4

Place in the freezer in a plastic container or wrapped in parchment paper for at least one hour, and then you are all set to go! It is recommended that you keep a journal of your usage and dosage.

IN A NUTSHELL

Suppositories are just one of many ways patients take advantage of the well-documented medicinal properties associated with cannabis. After insertion, the active ingredients in cannabis enter the bloodstream, relieving pain and discomfort quickly, without the psychoactive effects.

Steven Voser
Steven Voser

Steven is a long-time veteran of cannabis journalism, having delved into every aspect of the subject. His particular interests lie in cannabis culture, the emerging science of cannabis, and how it is shaping the legal landscape across the globe.