Generally speaking, cannabis is one of the safest recreational drugs on the market today. Compared to other drugs like alcohol and cigarettes, there are far fewer risks associated with long-term cannabis use.
However, now that cannabis is becoming more popular across the country, health-conscious consumers are exploring both the potential health benefits and risks of using cannabis. As more states continue to legalize medical and recreational weed, you may be wondering: What’s the healthiest way to consume weed?
From smoking blunts to taking edibles, let’s explore the health effects of each weed consumption method.
Smoking Cannabis
When you inhale cannabis, smoke reaches the lungs for a fast-acting effect. More than half of cannabis users prefer smoking as their main consumption method.
However, cannabis smoking methods can come with additional risks — some worse than others. Here are the different kinds of smoking methods you can use.
Blunts and Joints
Smoking marijuana is generally not as toxic as smoking cigarettes, which contain more than 7,000 chemicals and carcinogens. In fact, one 20-year-long study found that long-term cannabis smoking had no negative impact on lung health.
With that being said, there are still some risks that come with smoking. Inhaling any kind of smoke can cause lung damage and inflammation in the respiratory system. Some types of rolling paper can also contain heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins that can cause further damage to the lungs.
Pipes
Compared to blunts and joints, the pipe isn’t degradable. That means there’s no risk of contamination from rolling papers.
However, pipes still involve the inhalation of smoke, which can cause lung damage. If a mouthpiece isn’t cleaned or is shared regularly, it also runs the risk of harboring bacteria.
Bongs
Bongs are known for giving deeper and smoother hits. While it still produces smoke that can damage the lungs, bongs are known as the healthiest smoking method out there. The water inside your bong drops the temperature of the smoke and filters out large particles, making the hit easier on your lungs.
Inhaling Cannabis Vapor
Cannabis vapor inhaled through vaping or dabbing, is considered a safer alternative to typical smoking. With that being said, there are still some health concerns to be aware of.
Vaping applies heat to cannabis without burning the flower or concentrates, which is what typically gives off the carcinogens inhaled into your lungs. However, studies suggest that vaping comes with its own health risks. A 2018 study suggested that vaping cannabis can result in memory loss, short-term anxiety, loss of concentration, and paranoia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also raised concerns over the risk of lung injury.
While the studies are still limited in this area, some researchers argue that there’s a higher risk for the vaping of concentrates compared to the vaping of flower.
Oral Consumption of Cannabis
Oral consumption includes all cannabis products that are taken by mouth, including tinctures, edibles, and capsules. While less common than other smoking and vaping methods, it’s still a popular method of ingestion thanks to its precise dosing and ease of use.
As this method relies on absorption through the digestive tract, it often takes longer to hit the bloodstream than other methods. While slower acting, it doesn’t come with the risks associated with smoking or vaping, making it the healthiest consumption method overall.
Choosing the Best Way to Consume Weed
There is no single “best” way to consume weed — it’s different for everyone. However, research shows that smoking cannabis can come with more long-term risks, whether it’s through pre-rolls or bongs. While some consider vaping to be safer, this method also comes with its risks.
As the popularity of cannabis grows, so do the number of products that let you indulge in weed, with or without the smoke.
However you choose to consume weed, Far & Dotter has the products you need to take your cannabis experience to the next level. Shop our catalog to explore the selection of flower, vapes, edibles, and more.
