- If it's your first time smoking weed, it can be difficult to decide which method is best for you.
- Common ways to smoke cannabis include joints, blunts, bongs, and pipes.
- Healthier alternatives to smoking weed include vaping, edibles, and tinctures.
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From joints and pipes to blunts and bongs, smoking is the most common way people consume cannabis.
While getting high can be a therapeutic and fun recreational experience, you should know that like cigarette smoke, cannabis smoke contains irritating chemicals and tar associated with respiratory problems.
Important: Cannabis use is illegal in some US states. Therefore, it's important that you know the laws for your location before trying any of the smoking methods listed below.
If you're new to the world of smoking weed, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed with options and curious about the pros and cons of each method. Here's what you need to know.
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1. Joints
Joints are one of the most popular ways that people smoke weed.
They're made from packing cannabis into a rolling paper "typically made of hemp, rice, or paper," says Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Clinical Cannabis Pharmacist and Dispensary Manager for Curaleaf. You can also choose to add a filter to prevent burning your fingers while smoking.
To roll and smoke a joint:
Keep in mind that many commercially available rolling papers — particularly those labeled as fast-burning, bleached, or flavored — contain harmful pollutants and chemicals, which could damage your lungs. Therefore, opting for rolling papers that are unbleached, unflavored, and unrefined may lessen your chances of exposure. And if you're really worried about chemical exposure, consider using a paper-free smoking method, like a bong or pipe.
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2. Blunts
Blunts are typically larger and last longer than a joint, but they're made in a similar fashion. The difference is that blunts are made from a blunt or cigar wrap as opposed to rolling paper.
Blunt wraps are made of tobacco leaves, which means they contain nicotine. According to a 2010 study, the nicotine in blunts caused a greater build-up of carbon monoxide, a toxic chemical, in the study subjects' blood, leading to side effects like nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
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3. Pipe
Pipes, also referred to as spoons or bowls, are one of the simplest ways to smoke.
Pipes consist of a hollow bowl, a "stem," and a mouthpiece through which you inhale. Some pipes also have a carb hole — a small hole next to the bowl that you cover and uncover with your finger while inhaling in order to clear the pipe of smoke.
Quick tip: If you're sharing a pipe with multiple people and want to minimize the spread of germs and bacteria, you can clean the mouthpiece with rubbing alcohol before each use. While this may be a tedious task, it can protect you from infectious disease.
4. Bong
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Bongs, also referred to as water pipes, are smoking devices that use water to cool and filter smoke. Because the smoke is cooled, people tend to take larger hits and produce more smoke than when using joints, blunts, or bowls.
Bongs consist of a bowl as well as a cylinder glass piece called a "downstem." When you hit a bong, smoke travels down the downstem and is filtered through water before traveling up the bong's neck to the mouthpiece.
While some users believe bongs are the healthiest smoking method, "they may not be all that effective at reducing toxins," says Nicolas Schlienz, PhD, Research Director at Cannabis Education organization Realm of Caring.
Alternatives to smoking weed
- Vaping: Vaping involves heating cannabis flower or concentrate to a high temperature in order to convert it to vapor. "If inhaling cannabis is the chosen method, then vaping is a great alternative to smoking," Woodcock says. "It doesn't produce harmful hydrocarbons (harmful chemicals produced when you smoke) and is gentler on the lungs." However, be sure to buy from reputable dispensaries to avoid harmful ingredients.
- Edibles: Edibles in the form of cannabis-infused foods, candies, oils, and tinctures are a smoke-free way to enjoy weed. However, keep in mind that edibles take longer to kick in and the effects last longer (4-6 hours) than smoking.
- Topicals: Topical cannabis extracts are applied to and absorbed through your skin. They come in various forms including lotions, creams, balms, patches, and oils.
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Insider's takeaway
While weed has plenty of benefits to offer, doctors agree any form of smoking can irritate your throat and lungs.
"Individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may consider consuming cannabis orally (via edibles or tinctures) to reduce the potential for experiencing adverse health effects," Schlienz says.
Additionally, new research has revealed that using cannabis in early pregnancy may impact birth weight, though more studies in this area are needed.
Lia Tabackman
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