Responsible Marijuana Use: Understanding the Safest Way to Smoke Weed

In one way or another, cannabis is a plant that been able to captivate millions. Some people use it for fun, medical reasons, or for spiritual purposes.

Of course, plenty of people choose not to use cannabis for religious, legal, or personal reasons. Finally, there may be another cohort of people that would like to use it but are concerned about negative medical effects.

What is the safest way to smoke weed and consume cannabis? Is it possible to avoid the dangers? Read on for factual cannabis information and advice.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis comes from a flowering plant of the same name. The two most popular species are Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. Today, they are cultivated across the world using a variety of techniques.

The effects are felt thanks to a family of compounds known as cannabinoids.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the psychoactive effect that leaves people feeling ‘high’. Cannabidiol (CBD) doesn’t cause euphoria but it provides many of the medicinal effects.

Brief History of Cannabis Use

Cannabis has existed for many thousands of years. Some scientists believed cannabis plants used to be as big as trees.

We have found evidence of cannabis use from several thousand years ago. Different cultures used it for medicinal or ritual purposes.

Prohibition and The War on Drugs

Prohibition of cannabis in the United States started with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.

It is believed that powerful businessmen of the textile industry saw hemp as a threat and used to their influence to push prohibition.

The War of Drugs during the Reagan era gave law enforcement even more power to punish people for possession. This led to the imprisonment of millions of men and women.

Is Marijuana Safe?

Cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal US government for many years. This classification is saved for dangerous drugs with absolutely no medical value whatsoever such as heroin.

This clearly isn’t the case with cannabis as proven by numerous scientific studies.

Many states have fully legalized cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes. For instance, Alabama residents can obtain a medical marijuana card online by scheduling a video conference. 

Separating Fact From Fiction

There is a whole lot of misinformation circulating schools and the internet. DARE warned us that scary dealers were giving kids free weed to get them hooked.

Then it was only a matter of time before they went into a downward spiral into drug use and violent crimes. The government said marijuana could turn a normal person into an insane rapist.

Of course, that was ridiculous propaganda. However, you still won’t see anyone recommending giving weed to a baby. Where exactly do you draw the line between responsible use and a dangerous habit?

Cigarettes vs Cannabis

Whether you are smoking cigarettes or joints, you will be exposing your lungs to irritating smoke. They both have the potential to do some damage.

However, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), cannabis smoke is considerably less harmful than tobacco.

In fact, the airflow rate increased slightly in many of the participants. However, heavy marijuana smoking can still lead to negative effects.

Safest Ways to Use Cannabis

As any experienced cannabis enthusiast could tell you, there are many ways to get lifted.

They all have their pros and cons with regards to practicality. Likewise, some could be considered to be’less’ healthy than others.

Your first trip to the dispensary can be a little daunting. Feel free to ask questions but don’t forget to practice good dispensary etiquette.

Joints

These are a favorite among many people for the taste and the ease of use. However, you should consider the fact you are inhaling smoke from the burning rolling paper as well.

This could be more irritating than cannabis alone.

Blunts are another popular method but these consist of tobacco. This might just be the unhealthiest way to smoke weed.

Glass Pipes and Bongs

Pipes and bongs are smoking devices that have, in some shape or form, been around for thousands of years.

The most popular pipes today are made of glass but silicone is starting to gain popularity because of its durability.

Although this method does not require any rolling paper, there is still some concern that inhaling burning plant matter of any kind can cause respiratory harm. Also, inhaling too much butane from the lighter may lead to neurological problems.

Vaporizers

Vaporizers have been around for a while now. They burn at a lower temperature than a lighter, so vaping cannabis flower results in the combustion of the desired cannabinoids and not the plant matter.

Recently, the widespread availability and convenience of vape pens has lead to an explosion in their popularity.

However, these work differently than conventional vape pens that there have been cases of severe lung disease and death. If you choose to vape, only use certified products from established manufacturers.

Edibles

Worried about the respiratory effects of smoking? Edibles just might the healthiest forms of weed.

You can infuse THC or CBD into just about any type of food product. Your imagination is the limit.

However, you need to be careful with the dosing. Some edibles are extremely powerful and they tend to last for several hours. Cannabis intoxication, regardless of the method, can lead to nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, and even psychosis.

Long Term Use of Marijuana

There are conflicting studies regarding the long term use of marijuana on the brain and other organs.

However, sustained heavy use may be related to loss of memory and impulse control.

The Final Verdict

In the end, cannabis use can be said to reasonably safe for most people. It comes down to a personal choice.

However, this choice is best made if you’re as informed as possible. Know the differences and decide which is the safest way to smoke weed for you.

Visit the blog for more information about everything cannabis-related.