Throughout media, old songs, and just a common understanding is seeing cannabis associated with only rolling with papers. However, what happens when you run out of rolling papers or don’t have access.
Getting creative is the fun part of experiencing cannabis and how to consume it properly. First, we will break down the other common tools used to burn the sacred herb. Then, we show how to get high with the most unconventional of items.
Pipes
First on the list is pipes. Probably the most travel-friendly, the best smoking paper alternative, and the most convenient option as pipes are reusable and small like joints.
Glass
This is the most hygienic option and also the healthiest of options because you are consuming only the smoke from the flower. Glass pipes can be easily cleaned with a cotton swap and/or with soap and water.
Wood
This is another hygienic option, but harder to clean. Wood pipes are commonly associated with tobacco, but their use is just to burn an herb. This is a very classic option for the old school cannabis consumer.
Crystal
Crystal pipes have an interesting rep amongst the spiritual. Some argue that using crystals to burn your herbs can be dangerous to your lungs because the harmful coating layered on the crystal (used to protect the crystal) can be burned off during the smoke process and inhaled. However, others argue that this is a smoother smoke than other pipes.
Bongs
Bongs are a classic way of consuming cannabis. They come in all sizes and shapes and are many times a collectors item. They can be easy or hard to clean depending on the chamber type and the process creates more smoke, meaning you get more high, and quicker with this alternative.
Blunts
This is one of the methods of consuming cannabis that takes a level of skill to appreciate. Blunts burn slow, use a large amount of herbs, and can give the best high.
Rose Blunts
These are pretty explanatory. There are two types of rose blunts; The kind where the rose is infused into blunt paper and the kind where the rose petals are used as the paper. Both types have the rose terpene geraniol which is known to reduce inflammation, and contains antioxidants.
Hemp
One type of blunt wraps is the hemp blunt made of hemp leaves. Burns slow and lasts a long time. A perfect tobacco-free option for a session with multiple people or when you don’t feel like rolling a bunch of tiny joints.
Tobacco Leaf
The tobacco leaf made blunts are the most commonly used and has the same qualities of a hemp blunt, but with a different stronger flavour. It is like a cannabis cigar.
Vaporizers
Unlike vapes, which we will never recommend, vaporizers are like a reusable joint. Vaporizers will burn the herb at the perfect temperature for the least amount of possible carcinogens/toxins and will help you save money on herb. This is a more expensive option, but it is worth the investment.
Chalice
Using a chalice is a common Rastafarian practice of consuming cannabis. It is used to connect with their God, Jah. It uses multiple water chambers to cool down and filter the smoke.
Makeshift Pipes
Now, if you are really desperate or want to change the flavour of your smoke, makeshift pipes are the way to go. They offer ease and a bit of fun to the sesh.
Fruit
One of the most creative ways, is by using fruit. Some of the best fruit to use are apple, pear, melon, and cucumber. However, the type of fruit doesn’t really matter, so long as it has a tough skin to work with.
Bottle
This is an old school, kids in the yard classic. Smoking with a bottle or drink can is the last minute resort to consume cannabis and isn’t the healthiest option, but when push comes to shove anything is an option.
Is it healthier to smoke without papers?
Well, that depends on the method you choose. If you were to smoke from a pipe, it will be healthier than papers and blunts, for example.
Smoking from a steam chalice, vaporizer or bong are by far the healthiest ways to consume the herb. Please refer to our post of paper options for a better idea of the best way for you to consume cannabis.
What are the benefits of not smoking paper?
Not smoking with papers can reduce the amount of carcinogens because only the herbs are inhaled when smoking with a reusable option. Smoking anything will still bring carcinogens, but lessening the amount is the best solution to a “healthier” smoke.