No matter how fun smoking weed can be, there will always be someone who doesn’t like the feeling of smoke in their lungs. Whether it’s for health concerns or personal preference, that doesn’t mean they don’t like the effects of cannabis- maybe they’d just prefer one of the many alternatives to smoking cannabis.
What are the Healthiest Ways to Consume Weed?
While many studies have shown the potential health benefits of cannabis consumption, there’s some debate about the healthiest way to consume weed.
While smoking is one of the most common ways to ingest cannabis, the smoke itself isn’t healthy, and the correlation between smoking weed and cancer is still being explored.
That said, inhaling smoke of any kind can cause lung problems. Luckily, you now have a range of harmless weed-smoking alternatives.
1. Tinctures
If you want to avoid smoking but love the effects of cannabis, tinctures are one option to consider.
There are three types of tinctures:
- THC only
- CBD only
- THC and CBD
The tinctures containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) will have some psychoactive effects, but the strength of the high depends on the concentration of THC. The tinctures containing only CBD (cannabidiol) are not psychoactive, meaning they won’t get you high, but CBD tinctures are particularly popular for pain relief and reducing anxiety.
It’s important to know that these three types of tinctures all come in varying strengths, so before you try one, you’ll want to ensure its suitability for your experience level. If you’re a newbie, we suggest going for CBD tinctures (which won’t get you high because they don’t contain THC) or those containing a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC.
If you’re an experienced cannabis user or are looking to get a good high, you could try THC tinctures.
While tinctures come with many benefits, one of the most impressive is that they kick in fast. The effects of tinctures can take hold within 5 to 15 minutes of application. They’re also highly portable and come in pleasant flavours. You can add them to beverages (water, tea, or coffee) or place a few drops under your tongue, which is known as sublingual administration.
- Did you know: Sublingually (which is Latin for “under your tongue”) is the fastest way to dose tinctures. As mentioned above, the effects will kick in within 5 – 15 minutes because the THC or CBD bypasses your digestive system and is absorbed directly into your bloodstream. If you opt to add your tincture to food or drinks instead, keep in mind that this turns the food or drink into an edible, which means it will take an hour or two to kick in.
2. Edibles: Make your own or buy them?
If you consider yourself a “real” chef in the kitchen and are good at following recipes and experimenting with various dishes, making your own edibles can be a very rewarding (and delicious) alternative to smoking.
While you could prepare many things, including cannabis cake or gummies, you could always start with something more basic, such as cookies. If you’re more into savoury options, you can make popcorn drizzled with cannabutter and watch a few stoner movies with your friends. Check out our article “How to Make Cannabutter” to learn more about this classic and versatile edible.
Whatever you choose, make sure to decarboxylate the cannabis flower first. Also, use about a gram of the flower per serving. You can leave the dosage to someone who has more experience in measuring cannabinoids.
For more inspiration, check out our article “How to Make Edibles: 9 Delicious Recipes for Cannabis Cooking”.
If you’re not into cooking but agree that edibles are the best way to consume weed without smoking, you can always buy edibles online. From sour gummy blocks to truffles and chocolate bars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out our complete in-store menu and see what edibles we have in stock.
3. Extracts
If you’re currently using cannabis to relieve pain but are looking for healthy consumption alternatives, extracts are a great option, especially if you’re looking for a heavier hitting high.
Cannabis extracts come in a wide range of options, including shatter, dabs, isolate, resin, budder, and more. What they all have in common is their concentrated concoctions of cannabinoids (and sometimes terpenes) that pack a powerful punch.
Extracts can be smoked in some circumstances, but they can also be vaped, dabbed, used in edibles, or taken orally, all of which are healthier alternatives to smoking.
4. Vaporizers
When it comes to vaping cannabis, you’ve got two main options:
Vaping Flower
Vaping flower involves turning the temperature up to the point where the good stuff like the cannabinoids and terpenes vaporize, while at the same time keeping the temp low enough, so the weed doesn’t actually catch fire and burn. Inhaling the resulting vapour is a safer alternative to smoking.
There are tabletop vaporizers like the Volcano that are made for home sessions, but there are also portable vaporizers and even ones that can vape both flower and concentrate.
Vape Pens
Over the years, the art and science of cannabis vaporization has been improved to the point where you can now experience it in the form of vape pens that fit in your pocket.
One of the most common vape pens uses distillate or cannabis oil loaded in a cartridge that attaches to a 510-threaded battery. Some cartridges are refillable, while others are not.
In addition to these cartridge pens, there are also dab pens that can vaporize concentrates like wax, resin, and shatter. With these pens, the concentrate needs to be loaded into a heating chamber.
For anyone seeking healthy alternatives to smoking weed, vaporizing is an excellent method to try.
5. Hash
Hash, or hashish, is a type of cannabis concentrate made from the collected trichomes of the cannabis plant. It’s one of the first cannabis concentrates ever, dating back centuries because it’s very easy to make- it’s often literally made of pressed trichome and flower powder.
However, as one of the world’s first extracts, hash is a little less potent than most extracts, but it makes up for it by preserving those earthy flower flavours we all love. If you wanted to compare the THC content, regular dried cannabis flower usually ranges from 10-25%, hash is anywhere from 20-60%, and extracts are 60-95% THC.
Hash is often smoked, but you can also use it in edibles and dab it as well.
If I Have to Smoke, How Should I Smoke?
While there are many great alternatives to smoking weed, some people would rather smoke.
If that’s you, here are some ways to make it a little safer.
- Use high-quality rolling papers – The quality of rolling papers can make a huge difference in the taste of cannabis when smoking. Besides, cheap options may contain chemicals and toxic substances that can harm your respiratory system. Research the materials your chosen brand uses and only buy from trusted names.
- Use glass bongs – Plastic products contain chemicals, and plastic bongs are no exception. If you prefer using a bong when smoking weed, make sure yours is made of glass.
- Don’t inhale too deeply – Exhaling faster is healthier for you because the longer smoke is held in your lungs, the more damage it can do. And don’t worry, it won’t hurt your high. It’s generally accepted that 95% of all THC is absorbed by the lungs almost instantly.
Now that you know the healthiest ways to consume weed, you can start experimenting and find the one that suits your needs and experience level. Whether you enjoy vaporizing or tasty edibles, there’s an alternative to smoking that’s perfect for you.
If you’re interested in any of these options, check out our in-store menu to see what we have in stock.
