House racing is highly popular sports with over 45,000 races run in the US and Canada last year.  The Kentucky Derby is the pinnacle of horse racing in North America, but most major metro hubs have some type of opportunity. Globally it is a $400 billion industry with tens of millions of people watching. But are they off to the horse races with cannabis?

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The biggest horse racing party is the Kentucky Derby and the Infield (the area inside the track) is a huge one with beer trucks, Mardi Gras bead shenanigans, and maybe a little whiff of weed.  While Churchill Downs, where the race is run, bans all smoking, vapes, gummies and more make the way in. The same is true across the realm.  But what about those in the race?

Horse racing is an intense activity for the animal, and increasingly, horse owners are adapting human products (either medical marijuana or hemp) for their athletes.  Recovery, hydration, inflammation and pain management are all benefits for the horse if done with the correct dosage.  Additionally, it is seen as a potential for calming a horse.

Like the human mass market, CBD is leading the way. But the efficacy and safety of some products is questionable, due to very little research and supervision. Until the passage of the 2018 Farm Act, it was illegal to possess or conduct research on hemp as well as marijuana. Like the NFL, owners should be aware CBD and THC cannot be used in when competing, and if CBD shows up on a drug test that horse may be disqualified.

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With rescheduling, there should be more research done regarding CBD and THC’s benefits to animals, especially pets and horses. Before administering CBD to horses, horse owners should first consult with a veterinarian.

Additionally, jockeys are banned from using cannabis while racing. This falls inline with the current global sports guidelines.  CBD has been used in helping with recovery, but it can not be used prior to the race, especially if you are looking at winning.

Unlike alcohol – cannabis can be consumed in a ton of different ways – here is a quick overview

Marijuana has become mainstream and popular with over 85% of population believing it should be legal in some form. One of the things as weed “comes out the closet” is a the entry of a bunch of new users and former “closet smokers”. These new consumers  are being more open and curious.  The legal market is also opening a variety of way for more people to try different ways to imbibe.  It is all a journey, some ways are for more experienced veterans, others are ok for you very first time.

Here is all the ways to consume cannabis and the basics around the method.

Smoking And Vaping

The most popular form of consumption is smoking, vaping, or otherwise inhaling marijuana via the lungs. It is one of the quickest way to feel its effects. Users feel euphoria envelop them within minutes of consumption.  You can do old school with joints or store bought pre-rolls.  Bongs and bowls are options. Vaping is almost rivaling smoking and is just as quick in effects but much more discreet. You can purchase vapes for a one time use or invest in system you can reload time and time again.

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Edibles

Edibles include baked goods, candies, mints, oils, cannabutter, and  some random things like soups, sauces and other. The second most popular edible is chocolate as its fatty content allows it to be absorbed better. Edibles take from 30 to 90 minutes from the time you consume. The reason is the way it is processed by the body. It is advised to wait until you can actually feel the effects before deciding to add more.

While the effects of consuming edibles takes longer to kick in, the feeling also lasts hours longer than smoking cannabis. Like vapes, they have a no smell which is a nice, discreet benefit. And they are easy to transport and store.

Gummies

According to BDSA, an analytical company which covers cannabis, 49% of people who consume cannabis have done a gummy.  Easy to carry and having no smell, they are good for a quick take. Usually in a 5 mg, you can microdose or manage a low level high.  Like most edibles, they take between 20-60 minutes to kick in. Although Wana Brands have premiered Calm which is suppose to hit in under 15 minutes.

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Sublingual

This refers a cannabis-based substance consumed by the placement under the tongue and includes tinctures, sprays, tablets and strips. It has rapid absorption rate with consumers feeling it within 15 minutes.

Beverages

With beer and liquor companies in the marijuana industry, there is a whole slew of cannabis beverages on the market.  Beer like, juices and other flavors are all available. Like other edibles, this can take between 15-60 minutes to take effect.  This is one area were hemp beverages have rivaled marijuana in potency.

Concentrates

Also known as wax, shatter, dabs and more, this form is not for the beginner. It normally contain extraordinarily high THC levels ranging from 40 to 80 percent THC amounts. This can be up to four times stronger in THC content than high grade or top shelf marijuana, which normally measures around 20 percent THC levels.  When consumed through this method,the user can feel the effects immediately.

And

Cannabis suppositories are mainly used by medical patients. Cannabis has been found to be effective at reducing pain, and cannabis suppositories can provide fast-acting relief for menstrual cramps and other types of pelvic pain.

Finding a preferable method to consume cannabis is always a personal choice.