If you're looking for the healthiest way to smoke cannabis, keep in mind that each method has its pros and cons. There is no completely “safe” way to do this, even with the purest, most pesticide-free bud. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxins and carcinogens that tobacco smoke contains.
However, there are methods that can be slightly less harmful than others. This article explains how the different methods compare, plus some smoke-free alternatives to consider.
Vaping or not vaping?
The dangers of smoke inhalation are well known, so it's not surprising that many people assume that vaping is the healthier alternative to smoking. It is unfortunately not that simple.
There is some evidence that vaping can have serious health effects. Much of the concern comes from inhaling vitamin E acetate, a chemical additive found in many vapor products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
The additive has been linked to thousands of cases of e-cigarette or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, this risk appears to apply only to vapor concentrates, not to the flower. A research from 2006 suggests that vaping real cannabis, not concentrate, is less harmful to your airways than smoking. However, research into vaping cannabis is still limited.
In addition to lung health, there is also a question of potency. People who vape cannabis report experiencing stronger effects - regardless of the amount of THC in the product - than when they smoke cannabis.
Doesn't the bong filter out the bad stuff?
Maybe a little bit, but not nearly enough to make much difference. Bongs offer a smoother pull because you don't get the dry heat of smoking cannabis in a joint. Although it feels less hard when you breathe in, there is no difference in the absorption through your lungs.
What about joint and blunts?
Both are still related to smoke inhalation, so it remains. But if you had to choose the least of two evils, joints are probably the better option. This is because blunts are made with hollowed out cigars and the wraps of cigars can contain worse substances.
Even after all tobacco has been removed from a cigar, cancer-causing toxins, such as nitrosamines, can remain. In addition, cigar packs are more porous than tissue paper, so the burn is less complete. This results in smoke with high concentrations of toxins.
Then there is the question of size. Blunts are much larger than joints and contain much more weed. Smoking a whole blunt is like smoking about six joints.
Where does dabbing fall in all this?
Dabbing should give you a "cleaner" high, but what does that really mean?
Budder - another name for dabs or marijuana concentrate - provides much more THC than other cannabis products, often up to 80 percent more.
Dabbing is still fairly new, so experts don't yet know the full impact.
There is some evidence that exposure to high THC can lead to long-term mental health effects, such as psychosis. The risk of abuse and addiction is also higher when using THC products, especially for young people.
Research shows that dabs can contain impurities and residual solvents that can lead to neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. Dabbing can also have breathing effects, even if you don't technically smoke.
It is therefore always important to pay attention, whereby the following applies: if in doubt, do not do this or consult an expert.
Consider other methods
The bad news? There is no completely “safe” way to smoke cannabis. The good news? There are many other ways to consume cannabis.
Here are your main options:
- Edibles. Unlike smoking and vaping, ingesting cannabis will not harm your lung health. The downside for some is that edibles take longer to take effect because your digestive system has to clear and process them before they enter your bloodstream. The advantage is that the effects also last longer. You also have an endless variety to choose from, with everything from gummies to baked goods to cannabutter.
- Sublinguals (sublinguals). These are usually thought of as the aforementioned edible edibles, but they are not quite the same. Unlike edibles, you don't actually swallow sublingual forms of cannabis, including things like tinctures, films, and soluble tablets. Sublingual cannabis is placed under the tongue for absorption and is absorbed through the mucous membranes of your mouth, so the effects are felt more quickly.
- Tinctures. Tinctures are made from alcohol-based cannabis extracts that come in dropper bottles. You can add tinctures to drinks, but you can also get the effects faster by putting a few drops - depending on your desired dose - under your tongue.
- topicals. Cannabis topicals are for those looking for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the cerebral effects. Creams, balms, and patches can be applied to the skin to relieve inflammation and pain. There is also cannabis lubricant made for between the sheets.
- Suppositories† The idea of shoving cannabis up your ass (or vagina, depending on the product) may resonate with you, but it is certainly an increasingly well-known method. Most suppositories on the market are infused with CBD and are used for therapeutic reasons such as pain relief or nausea, but some brands have increased their THC levels for additional effects.
Keep these tips in mind when you smoke
If you'd rather smoke your weed, consider these damage-reducing tips to make it a little healthier:
- Do not hold the inhale. Taking a deep breath and holding it exposes your lungs to more tar per breath. Don't be too greedy; Breathing out faster is better for you.
- Use approved tissue paper. Blotting papers may not seem important, but some contain chemicals and flavorings that can be toxic.
- Stick to glass bongs and pipes. Plastic bongs can contain chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, which have been linked to serious health effects, including cancer.
- Keep your things clean. Keep your bongs and pipes clean and don't roll your weed on dirty surfaces.
- Do not share mouthpieces or pass on your joint. Sharing your private supply is fine, but not your pipes, bongs or joints. When you share these with others, you still exchange bacteria and you run an extra risk of infections.
In conclusion
No matter how you look at it, there is no completely “safe” or healthy way to smoke cannabis, whether you roll one up or have a penchant for bongs, there are still some health risks involved. As cannabis becomes more popular, the demand for non-smoking products also increases.
That said, if you have a penchant for puffing and passing, a vaporizer that allows you to use the flowers, not concentrates, is a less harmful option.
Sources include CannabisLawReport (EN), DutchHeadshop (NL), HealthLine (EN)
