A close-up image of a pipe bowl filled with finely ground green herbs, set against a blurred background with warm lighting.

The tools of the smoke

By Rena McCain

Happy Weedsday, everyone!

How many of y’all know all the different ways to take in cannabis?

This series will illustrate the many different ways cannabis is used and show how partaking in different ways changes the affect of your smoke sesh! Each method offers different benefits and downfalls, respectively.

The two most prevalent ways of inhalation is smoking and vaping. In this issue we talk about the smoking aspect.

When cannabis is inhaled, the gases enter into the lungs before absorbing into the bloodstream. This is where Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCa) makes its conversion to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the cannabinoid that provides that “high†feeling. For smoking, there are hand pipes, bongs, and, of course, the joints.

The hand pipe is the most common delivery method offering many options. This is usually involves using cannabis in flower form, commonly called “bud.†Hand pipes are usually chosen because it’s easier to be discreet with them in public places. Hand pipes over time have also become very much a part of self-expression as well with all the choices out there in designs, looks and overall artistry of the piece, whether it’s glass, wood, or something else. The general way a hand pipe operates is by trapping the smoke from the burning cannabis in the bowl, which is then inhaled by the user. I don’t prefer this method because it can be harsh and it’s usually a hot burn, depending on the piece. In a pinch, however, this method works excellently.

Water pipes are pretty versatile as well, coming in many shapes and sizes. There are bongs galore, and bubblers too, to choose from. Like the traditional hand pipe, it traps the smoke within the bong or bubbler from the bowl and the user inhales in the smoke from the now-burned cannabis. The biggest difference here is that the smoke is filtered and cooled by the water component in the bong or bubbler. This is believed to be one of the safer ways to smoke because of the water filtration component. I personally prefer this method over any other because with a water bong, you’re not smoking anything but the cannabis; it’s less harsh and is just a cooler hit, overall. Also you can take bigger hits which make for a bigger high! Kudos to the inventor of this contraption!

Joints are cannabis rolled in some form of rolling paper. They resemble a rolled cigarette but is filled with cannabis. I prefer raw papers, myself, because they are made from hemp. Not all are made from hemp, so be sure to check. Who really wants to smoke paper? I know I don’t. Joints are handy for discretion and for groups of friends on the go to share. I like them for this convenience, however they can be harsh and it is a hotter smoke. Additionally it’s easy to inhale a joint’s ash.

Be sure to read MONTROSE STAR for the next article in this series!

Rena McCain is a co-founder of the Cannabis Open Carry Walks. Find her on Facebook at GanjaGrrl420, or via Twitter @sassikatt24 and Instagram at ganja_grrl420. Listen to Conversations with Ganja Grrl & 420 News HQ, McCain’s broadcast on MixLR.com every Sunday morning, 11 a.m. ’til 2 p.m. CST on the MountainHighX station. To listen, download the MIXLR APP for android or Apple. Make an account. Search for and follow MountainHigh10

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