Before the Lighting
Suss out your mindset and surroundings before lighting up. The best experience is born in a calm, comfortable environment with joyous thoughts to accompany the smoke. Stress or apprehension only gets magnified with THC. For a milder effect, try some low-THC strains or CBD-enhanced strains. Be mindful of cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant-your-plant, like myrcene, which has been linked to relaxation and the relief of pain.
Smoking Essentials:
The basic supplies you need will depend on the chosen consumption mode for cannabis. Some standard tools used by smokers are as follows:
● An herb grinder for breaking up the flower
● Cannabis flower (or bud)
● Rolling papers or pre-rolled joints
● A lighter or matchbox
● Bongs or pipes
● Clean water (if using bongs)
Ways to Smoke
● Joint
A joint is a handful of another word: a cannabis cigarette. Usually, it has thin rolling paper on the outside, and a filter or crutch is attached to one end. What to know about cannabis varieties can help you understand the different effects and experiences each strain may offer when used in a joint. After grinding the flower, it goes into the joint, is spread evenly all over the paper, rolled into shape, sealed, and finally twisted at the end. The other way around, you can light the tip first, direct slow puffs, and gently inhale through your mouth.
How to Smoke A Joint
A joint is a hand-rolled cannabis cigarette. Grind the flower and roll a small filter out of stiff paper. Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a rolling paper, shape it, and twist the end to seal it. Light the twisted tip and take slow, gentle puffs. Start with small hits to ease into the experience.
● Blunts
A blunt is cigar paper for blunts Tobacco-Leaf Wraps: Offering a slow and steady burn, these wraps also contain nicotine and many other chemicals. Thus, they might not be perfect for some people. Anyone inclined toward a tobacco-free method should avoid these wraps.
● Pipes
Pipes provide a simple and casual way to smoke. They are typically constructed of glass, with a small bowl to hold the ground cannabis. After packing the bowl, light it up as you inhale through the mouthpiece. Exhale slow pulls and count to assess the effects.
● Bongs
Water in bongs acts as a filter and cooler for smoke, so the actual hit goes down smoother. The bong chamber is filled with cool water; fill up the bowl with ground cannabis; the biggest part is lighting up the bowl while sucking through the mouthpiece; when the chamber is filled with smoke, take the bowl out and hype up on the collected smoke. Also, make sure you keep your bongs clean to savour the taste and for hygiene’s sake.
Cannabis Etiquette
Many cannabis activities occur socially, and a few unspoken codes exist to keep cool:
● Never force anyone to join if the person is uncomfortable.
● If you are sick, best not to share.
● Most probably, those who roll the joint pass the honour of lighting it to themselves first.
● Passing should be on the left, and bogarting (holding on to the joint for too long) should be avoided.
● Watch where you go with your smoke, and keep the mouthpiece clean.
● Etiquette varies with culture or region, but that never hurts showing respect.
Tips for a Smooth Smoke session:
First-timers may cough pretty much unexpectedly. That’s a common thing, but can be handled:
● Puff less and inhale slowly.
● Give it some time between one hit and the other.
● Keep sipping water to stay hydrated.
● If coughing persists, herbal tea or throat lozenges might provide relief.
● If it persists long after a session, talk to a healthcare professional.
Alternatives to Smoking
Not everybody can — or should — smoke. Individuals with respiratory concerns might want to consider alternative consumption methods:
● Edibles
Infused edibles can be strong and have long durations of action. The onset of effects is more delayed, taking up to 2 hours; so beginning with a low dose and then waiting for the effects to manifest is highly advisable. Novices might want to go for higher CBD options rather than THC.
● Sublingual
Tinctures provide a smokeless alternative with quicker effects than edibles. Just a few drops under the tongue let the cannabinoids absorb very quickly. Start with a small amount and adjust depending on your feelings.
● Topicals
These cannabis-infused balms and oils are applied right on the skin. These don’t get you high but might bring soothing relief, especially for muscle aches or joint pains.
