I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I mention smoking marijuana to someone older, and all they think about is the burning through, foggy head, and dry eyes they got during their first time.
Or, they only remember getting far too high and having a negative experience. One of my family friends, for example, had that happen when she was 16. She's 55 now, and still is vehemently opposed to any form of cannabis use.
Chances are, the weed wasn’t all that great and they didn’t really have any idea of how to use a carb or how long to pull the smoke.
It happens.
But, even if smoking it still bothers people, there are plenty of ways to get high without smoking. Which is good because there is so much stigma surround the actual smoking of cannabis that it plays a big role in why so many people are against it. This seems to be true, even if they live in a state that has already legalized marijuana.
I mean, can you imagine the little old lady next door taking a fat bong rip? I can’t, but that would be pretty neat.
So, even though there are dozens of different ways to consume marijuana, it’s always good to shop around and see which way works best for you.
To get you started, here are some suggestions for a smoke-free high.
Vaporizing
This is one of the most popular forms of getting that high and getting the benefits of marijuana without having to actually burn anything and ingest smoke.
When it’s vaporized, marijuana’s chemical compounds are at a much lower and much less harmful temperature. So, you don’t have to worry about burning your throat or lungs.
Many people prefer the taste of vaporized marijuana over the flavors of burnt flower, and many of them even have added flavors for extra enjoyment.
There are large table-top vaporizers available, which produce high-quality vapor with advanced settings on the temperature, but there are smaller devices that easily fit in your hand or pocket so you can savor the taste of cannabis flower and oils while on the go.
The devices have a wide range in price, but most of them are an affordable smokeless option.
Dabbing
We can’t discuss vaporizing without talking about dabbing or “doing dabs.”
Dabbing is a flash-vaporization process that involves putting the cannabis concentrates on a heated water-pipe attachment and then inhaling the vapor for a super powerful high. The attachment is generally glass or metallic, and is heated up by a butane torch or an electrical/battery-operated pack.
While it sounds a little sketchy, it’s really not as bad as it sounds. Those who prefer dabbing like this method of using marijuana because premium, properly-refined concentrates give a clean flavor without getting bits of weed in your mouth, and it involves inhaling vapor and not smoke.
This isn’t really the best method for first-time marijuana users, but it’s definitely a great option to work up to.
Edibles
Yet another popular option, edibles are cannabis-infused drinks, food, and candy that allow you to discreetly get high anywhere, whenever you want, without having to worry about smelling like marijuana or ingesting any form of smoke.
There’s a whole variety of edibles available out there, and you can even make them yourself with butter and oil.
If you’re not up to DIYing it, dispensaries offer a HUGE selection from infused beverages to lollipops to crackers.
But, when it comes to edibles, you need to know one thing: DON’T EAT THE WHOLE THING AT ONCE, and don’t mix it with alcohol. (You won’t feel very well.)
If you’ve chosen a bite-sized edible, just start out with half of it and wait for about 1 hour before consuming the rest of it. That’s generally how long it takes to feel the full effects. Anything larger than a bite-sized edible, and you want to just start with ¼ of it and eat that amount every 30 – 45 minutes.
Depending on which edible you purchase, and the amount of THC in it, the effects can take up to 2 hours before they reach their full peak. Be careful, because it IS possible to get “too high” and, because the digestive process means they take longer to kick in, they have some intense psychoactive effects.
[Related post: Cannabis 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Marijuana http://www.worldofweed.com/cannabis-101-beginners-guide-marijuana/]
Tinctures
Related to edibles, tinctures are cannabis-infused liquids that are applied under the tongue. Unlike food or capsules (we’ll cover that next), tinctures go straight to your bloodstream, which means you get nearly immediate effects and a much better dose control.
Head to your local dispensary, and you’ll find there are a whole host of flavors, potencies, and cannabis profiles to choose from. For example, some of them are specifically intended to combat Insomnia, others are for a creative high, and some are for pain management.
There are a wide variety of tinctures, catering to all preferences and/or medicinal needs.
Capsules
Capsules, as previously mentioned, are ingestible cannabis concentrates that have been put into a capsule for easy swallowing.
They tend to come in capsules or in plastic applicators, and can either be swallowed directly or added to your food or beverage.
But, like edibles, these have an intense high and can take a bit to kick in. So, be careful with your dosage (they usually come with instructions) and pace yourself.
Topicals
Finally, there are topicals.
Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, salves, sprays, and balms that are directly applied to your skin for pain relief and help with inflammation and aches. They treat you ailments without you having to worry about psychoactive effects.
If you have back problems (I have Scoliosis), have someone warm it up a bit and rub it into your back. You’ll have pain relief, and your whole body will feel as relaxed as though you were in a spa.
It’s a great way to get relief for your pain, but still able to remain clear-headed and get work done.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read through this little guide, you can see there are plenty of ways to get high without having to actually ingest smoke.
Head to your local dispensary and ask them for some recommendations for smoke-free marijuana consumption!
**** Disclaimer ****
Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of Marijuana.
Marijuana, in any form, should not be used by individuals that are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Marijuana is intended for use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.
Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.
This product may be unlawful in your state.