From pipes and joints to bongs and blunts smoking is the most popular way to consume cannabis.
Although getting high is a therapeutic and fun recreational experience, you should know that, like cigarettes, marijuana smoke can contain irritating chemical compounds and tars that cause respiratory issues.
If you’re new to the world of smoking weed You may be overwhelmed by alternatives, and curious about the pros and cons of each method. Here’s what you need to be aware of.
1. Joints
They’re created by packing cannabis into a roll sheet “typically made of hemp, rice, or paper,” according to Stacia Woodcock PharmD Clinical Cannabis Pharmacist, and Dispensary Manager at Curaleaf. It is also possible to include a filter in order to avoid burning your fingers while smoking.
Roll and smoke a joint:
- Break down weed from your local head shop using an herb mill or fingers. Cut off any stems or seeds.
- If you’re planning to use filters, cut small pieces of cardboard (you have to make sure it fits into the paper you roll it on) then fold it “accordion-style” into a tip.
- While holding the roll lengthwise “hot dog style,” make sure you fill it with crushed weed. Then, place your filter at either end.
- Place the paper in between your fingers and roll it into a cone or tube shape.
- Make sure you light the end of the joint before inhaling from the filter.
Keep in mind that many commercially-available rolling papers in particular those that claim to be fast-burning, bleached, or flavored dangerous chemicals and pollutants, which could damage your lungs. It is therefore recommended to choose rolling papers that are not bleached, unflavored, and unrefined could reduce your risk of being exposed. If you’re particularly concerned about exposure to chemicals, consider making use of a non-paper-based smoking method such as a bong or pipe.
2. Blunts
Blunts tend to be larger and are more durable than a joint, however, they’re manufactured using the same method. The main difference is that blunts are made of a cigar wrap or blunt instead of rolling paper.
Blunt wraps are made from tobacco leaves, which means they are a source of nicotine. According to a study conducted in 2010 which examined blunts for nicotine, it was found that the substance resulted in an increase in carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous chemical, in study subjects’ blood, leading to adverse effects such as nausea dizziness, headaches, or dizziness.
3. Pipe
Pipes sometimes referred to as spoons or bowls, are among the simplest methods to smoke.
Pipes are made up of an unfilled bowl with a “stem,” and a mouthpiece, through which you breathe. Some pipes also come with the carb hole — an insignificant hole located next to the bowl which you cover and cover with your fingers while inhaling to clear the pipe of smoke.
4. Bong
Bongs, often referred to as water pipes are smoking devices that make use of water to cool and then filter smoke. Because the smoke is chilled the users take larger hits and produce more smoke than with blunts, joints, or bowls.
Bongs are made up of one bowl and a cylinder glass piece called a “downstem.” If you strike the bong, smoke flows through the downstem before being cleaned through water before it travels up the neck of the bong until the mouthpiece.
Some users believe that bongs are the best use of cannabis, “they may not be all that effective at reducing toxins,” says Nicolas Schlienz, Ph.D., Research Director at Cannabis Education Organization Realm of Caring.