Since cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxins that are found in cigarette smoke, bud smokers are always on the lookout for healthier ways to smoke their weed. If you want to ensure that you’re living your best life, join us as we explore the safest ways to enjoy marijuana.
Clearing up some misconceptions
Before we jump right into it, let’s discuss some important factors as it relates to weed consumption. You may be in for quite a shock.
Is vaping safe?
It’s no secret that inhaling smoke isn’t exactly the safest thing you can do for your body. As such, many people have turned to vaping as a means of safely enjoying their marijuana. However, this is a common misconception and may actually be even more dangerous.
If you’ve been keeping up with recent reports on vaping, you know that it is said to have some very serious side effects. This is largely due to the inhalation of vitamin E acetate. This is a chemical that is often added to vaping products that contain THC.
Sadly, it has been at the center of many deaths, as reported by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Now, that’s not to say that everyone who vapes their marijuana is in immediate danger.
On the contrary, studies have suggested that vaping straight marijuana flowers is far less dangerous than smoking. It’s only when a vape contains the aforementioned vitamin E acetate that concerns begin to arise.
It’s important to note that vaping elicits a more powerful effect than conventional smoking. Because of this, you should use caution in how much you vape your marijuana. The results are certainly a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, vaping is a boon for a seasoned smoker who is looking to get the best bang for their buck. But on the other hand, it could prove to be an issue for a newcomer who isn’t used to getting such a powerful dose of weed.
Bottom line, stay away from concentrates and use caution when smoking marijuana with a vape. In doing so, you can look forward to a much healthier experience.
The misconceptions of bongs
Lots of people think that bongs filter out any harmful chemicals. While this is true to a very small extent, it’s nowhere near enough to make it any safer. But, smoking from a bong is much smoother compared to a pipe or blunt, so it must be safer, right?
Negative. What you are experiencing that feels “smoother” is actually a lack of dry heat that accompanies other methods. Although inhaling might not feel as harsh, your lungs are getting the same amount of chemicals as a blunt.
Is it safe to smoke joints?
As surprising as it may sound, joints are indeed safer than smoking from a bong or blunt. You might be inclined to believe that blunts and joints are one and the same, but this is actually a misnomer. Blunts are made using cigar paper, which is incredibly toxic.
These toxins contain chemicals that are known to cause cancer. As such, you’re far better off sticking with good old rolling papers. Furthermore, cigar paper doesn’t burn as quickly as rolling paper. While this sounds good on… paper, it’s actually a lot more dangerous than you might think.
Due to its porous nature, cigar paper promotes an incomplete burning process, resulting in a greater amount of smoke. This smoke contains even higher concentrations of toxins that can lead to complications to your health and well-being.
When you consider the fact that smoking a single blunt equals about 6 joints, it’s easy to see why smoking a joint is far healthier for your body.
Dabbing: a cleaner high?
You may have been told more than once that dabbing delivers a cleaner high. While it’s true that dabbing certainly provides your body with more THC, this isn’t necessarily a good thing. In fact, studies show that getting too much THC content can lead to long-term issues related to your mental health.
Unless you’re getting your dabs from a trusted provider that has good extraction methods, you are unlikely to achieve pureness on your own. This can lead to damage to your lungs, even though you aren’t actually smoking it.
Consider these safer tips
With that out of the way, let’s explore the healthiest ways to smoke weed. If you’re serious about maintaining a healthy smoking regimen, you’ll want to make sure you implement these tips.
Inhale but don’t hold it in
From the moment you took your first toke, you were likely told to hold it in for as long as you can to get the best effect. Well, we’re here to tell you that is not the healthiest method for smoking weed.
When you take a hit and inhale hard, holding in the smoke causes your lungs to become exposed to higher amounts of tar. This can ultimately damage your lungs and cause further health complications.
The key is to exhale the smoke quickly. This will ensure that you get far more longevity out of your lungs and remain healthier a lot longer.
Be picky with your rolling papers
Sure, it’ll save you money by buying the cheapest rolling papers you see. But unless you take the time to make sure that they are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), you could be opening yourself up for a world of hurt.
Rolling papers that aren’t approved may contain harmful chemicals and toxins that can lead to cancers and other concerns. Get into the habit of being picky with what you buy and you can avoid a potential health scare.
Avoid plastic
Depending on the type of smoker you are, plastic bongs and pipes might sound crazy to you. But there are plenty of people who use them regularly in their bud smoking routines.
Plastic bongs and pipes contain harmful chemicals that are known to cause cancer and other very serious health complications. When heat is continually applied, these pieces slowly break down a release damaging toxins into your lungs and bloodstream.
Over time, you can develop all kinds of negative effects. So, how is this best avoided? By sticking to the glass variety and pitching any and all plastic bongs or pipes in your home.
Not only will you get a cleaner smoking experience, but your body will thank you, as well.
Keep it clean
We understand that when you’re in a hurry, you probably don’t think about the surfaces you roll your joints on. However, it pays to be diligent in where you roll. Dirty surfaces, regardless of how clean they may appear, can harbor all kinds of germs and bacteria.
Take the time to ensure that you are rolling on a trusted, clean surface. You also want to regularly clean your tools, bongs, and pipes. You’d be amazed at how quickly bacteria forms on their surfaces. If you want to make sure that you are avoiding potential illnesses and diseases, get into the habit of cleaning all of your accessories and items.
This will go a long way in ensuring your health and safety.
Don’t share
Back in the day, it was common practice to freely share your pipe or bong. But in today’s landscape, this is a big no-no. While it’s more than acceptable to share your weed, you need to make it a habit to keep your personal items to yourself.
Sharing anything that involves everyone placing their mouth on is a recipe for disaster. You are basically passing germs and bacteria back and forth to one another. This could lead to infections and sickness among everyone present.
Play it safe and make it a rule that anyone joining you must bring their own smoking device. This will make a big difference in your quest to smoke weed in the healthiest ways possible.
The takeaway
No matter how you look at it, smoking anything is always going to have some negative effects that come with it. That’s just the nature of it. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to ensure the safest and healthiest experience possible.
Take the time to research these tips and implement them into your life. You will be surprised at the difference they can make in your overall health and well-being. In today’s world, you can’t be cautious enough, so practice these tips often and make them a part of your weed smoking regimen.
Now you know, so put that knowledge to some good use.
Do you live in the L.A. area? Be sure to hit up Emjay for all of your weed needs. We offer an extensive selection of marijuana as well as weed-related products and accessories.
Not only will we happily bring it to your door, but we won’t charge you for delivery, either! You’re busy enough as it is, so let us handle the in-between so you can relax and enjoy your evening.
