{"id":3380,"date":"2024-10-29T08:00:03","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T12:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=3380"},"modified":"2025-02-24T13:56:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T18:56:05","slug":"how-to-enjoy-the-benefits-of-cannabis-without-smoking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/how-to-enjoy-the-benefits-of-cannabis-without-smoking\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Ways to Get High Without Smoking"},"content":{"rendered":"

While cannabis offers a whole host of benefits, smoking does not. In fact, growing evidence points to several potential health risks posed by smoking as a consumption method. These may include side effects in the heart or lungs as well as tar or free radical inhalation. Smoking cannabis also produces a <\/span>smell<\/span><\/a>\u00a0that can draw unwanted attention or aggravate others, and the act itself is simply unpleasant for some people.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, there are many ways to consume cannabis that cut out smoke entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smoking Cannabis: Potential Risks<\/b><\/h2>\n

Humans have been smoking cannabis plants for\u00a0<\/span>thousands of years<\/span><\/a>, and this consumption method continues to reign today. It is currently the most common method of consumption among U.S. adults. After all, smoking is cost-effective, great in social settings, and brings on effects quickly. Unfortunately, it\u2019s less than ideal for your health.<\/span><\/p>\n

The majority of the risks associated with smoking cannabis have nothing to do with the plant itself and everything to do with the act of burning it (known as \u201ccombustion\u201d). Although \u201csmoking marijuana does not harm lung function as dramatically as smoking tobacco does,\u201d\u00a0<\/span>according to the Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy<\/em><\/span><\/a>, it can still be harmful. In his book\u00a0<\/span>\u201cCannabis: A History,\u201d<\/span><\/a>\u00a0Martin Booth writes:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere cannabis smoking is dangerous\u2014as opposed to taking it orally in food or liquids\u2014is that the smoke itself, as with tobacco smoke, can injure the lungs and exacerbate or aggravate respiratory diseases. Cannabis smoke contains many of the harmful chemical constituents of tobacco including carcinogenic tar, cyanide, and carbon monoxide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Indeed, a\u00a0<\/span>chapter from Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology<\/em><\/span><\/a>\u00a0confirms that cannabis smoke affects the lungs similarly to tobacco smoke, irritating the respiratory tract and leading to\u00a0<\/span>hyperinflation<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and coughing. Smoking cannabis flower\u00a0<\/span>has also been linked<\/span><\/a> to chronic bronchitis and moderately linked to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly in heavy cannabis smokers. Although no definitive links have been made between smoking cannabis and lung cancer,\u00a0<\/span>even in large epidemiologic studies<\/span><\/a>, there\u2019s still not enough strong evidence to rule this possibility out.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s also your oral health to be concerned about.\u00a0<\/span>Survey data<\/span><\/a>\u00a0from nearly 19,000 adults revealed cannabis as an independent risk factor for\u00a0<\/span>poor periodontal health<\/span><\/a>. A\u00a0<\/span>2019 review<\/span><\/a>\u00a0of 47 relevant studies found that \u201csome of the chemicals in cannabis smoke can change the oral environment and possibly put cannabis users at high risk of dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, dental caries, soft tissue disease, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.\u201d More research is needed in this area, but researchers from both studies encouraged cannabis smokers to be transparent with their dentists nonetheless.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ways to Enjoy Cannabis Without Smoking<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are many healthier alternatives to smoking, and each offers advantages and drawbacks. In general, non-inhalational methods are probably the best alternatives since they don\u2019t irritate the airways or cause free radical formation. Whether you\u2019re avoiding the act of smoking due to a pre-existing condition, the telltale smell, or concern about your future health, here are some ways to reap the benefits of cannabis without having to light up.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Vape Cannabis Concentrates with a Vape Pen<\/b><\/h3>\n

Arguably one of the easiest ways to consume\u00a0<\/span>tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)<\/span><\/a>\u2014along with other cannabinoids like\u00a0<\/span>cannabidiol (CBD)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0if desired\u2014<\/span>vape pens<\/span><\/a> offer the discreetness and portability many non-smokers are looking for. These slim, battery-powered devices hold cannabis oil <\/span>concentrates<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and can be either disposable or refillable. Because they work with the simple click of a button, they\u2019re also perfect for those looking for the easiest form of inhalation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cannabis newbies should know that this form\u2019s high THC levels will quickly\u00a0<\/span>increase your tolerance<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and could be too intense. Vape pens are also not ideal for medical patients because they are often devoid of\u00a0<\/span>terpenes<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and much lower in other cannabinoids like CBD, which confer additional benefits, balance out the THC, and synergize via the\u00a0<\/span>entourage effect<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you go this route, make sure to only buy your vape pens and cartridges from licensed, regulated companies and dispensaries that test their products thoroughly before they ever touch your hands (more on that\u00a0<\/span>here<\/span><\/a>). Illicit vaping oils can contain dangerous additives like vitamin E acetate that\u00a0<\/span>have been linked to severe lung ailments<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pros:<\/b><\/p>\n