- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Smoking weed can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it’s important to know how to do it safely and effectively. From choosing the right strain of cannabis for you to understanding the effects of different methods of ingestion, there are a lot of factors that go into smoking weed responsibly.
In this blog post, we’ll provide all the information you need to begin your marijuana journey with confidence. Keep reading to learn more.
Types of Cannabis Products
Today, there are a variety of cannabis products available for consumers to choose from. Those who smoke weed have the option of purchasing pre-rolled joints, or they can roll their own.
For those looking for a stronger experience, concentrated forms of cannabis such as wax, shatter, and hash are available. In addition, vaporizers provide a smooth smoking experience that is easier on the throat and lungs. They can be used to smoke cannabis flower or concentrates.
Tinctures are liquid forms of cannabis-infused with alcohol that can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption into the bloodstream. Users can also consume edibles, or food products infused with cannabis or THC.
No matter what type of cannabis product you choose, it is important to practice safe and responsible consumption. Know your limits, and always seek out high-quality products from reputable sources.
Choosing a Method of Smoking Weed
Smoking weed is a personal experience, so it’s important to choose the method that is right for you. There are a few different methods of smoking weed that you can consider.
The most common way to smoke weed is by rolling it into a joint and smoking it. Joints are easy to make, and many pot smokers enjoy the ritual of rolling their own joint.
You can also smoke weed from a pipe or bong. Bongs are great for filtering out some of the harsher smoke and allowing you to take larger hits. Pipes are simpler and easier to carry around with you, but they don’t provide as smooth of a smoking experience as bongs do.
Vaporizers are becoming increasingly popular, as they provide a much smoother and cleaner smoking experience than traditional methods. Vaporizers heat the marijuana up to the point where it releases its active ingredient without burning it, so you don’t have to worry about inhaling smoke.
Finally, you can also smoke weed using dab rigs. Dab rigs are similar to bongs, but they use a special type of concentrate called “dabs” instead of flower. Dabbing is a bit more involved than other methods of smoking weed and may not be the best option for beginners.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you can begin to smoke weed, you’ll need to get your supplies ready. That means gathering your cannabis and rolling papers or other smoking device. Depending on the kind of smoking device you choose, you might need additional supplies such as a pipe screen, pipe cleaners, and/or lighters. If you’re using a bong or a water pipe, make sure you have plenty of fresh, clean water on hand.
Once you’ve gathered all the supplies you need, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Grind or Break Up Your Weed
Grinding or breaking up cannabis flower is an important step when it comes to smoking weed. This process helps to ensure that the flower burns evenly and provides a smoother smoking experience.
The most efficient way of grinding cannabis flower is with a dedicated grinder. It typically consists of two layers, with sharp teeth that shred the bud as it is turned. Grinding the flower before smoking can help to release the terpenes and cannabinoids, which offer an improved flavor profile and a more powerful experience.
If you don’t have access to a grinder, you can use your hands or scissors to break up the buds into smaller pieces. Just make sure that the pieces aren’t too small, as this can cause the flower to burn quickly and potentially ruin the experience.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that you take your time preparing your cannabis for smoking. Grind or break up the weed until it has a coarse texture that is easy to roll into joints or pack into bowls. This will make for a more enjoyable and satisfying smoking experience.
Pack Your Joint or Bowl
Packing the bowl or joint tightly is essential as it helps to ensure an even burn that will last throughout the session. Make sure to use your finger or a packing tool to press down and create a tight, secure layer of cannabis in the bowl or joint. When packing for a joint, you may want to consider using a crutch or filter, which helps keep your cannabis from falling out of the joint as it burns. Take some time to practice packing in order to get the right consistency before you light up.
When using a bowl, pack enough marijuana so that only the top layer is exposed when looking down into the bowl. If you can see the entire contents of the bowl, then it is too full. Similarly, if your joint looks thicker than a standard cigarette, you may want to use less cannabis or consider using a larger rolling paper. Once everything is packed tightly and securely, it’s time to light up!
Light Up and Smoke
Once you have the smoking apparatus ready, you can light up with either a lighter or hemp wick. For best results, take slow and steady draws from the pipe or joint. This way, your smoke will be cooler and smoother while allowing for more flavor to come through. Using short puffs can also help keep the smoke contained and prevent it from dissipating too quickly.
Take smaller draws before gradually increasing your intake so you can become more comfortable with the experience of smoking the weed. Finally, remember to inhale deeply to get the most out of each puff. With practice, you’ll soon determine the dose that’s right for you!
How we reviewed this article:
- Beginner’s Guide to Marijuana Strains
https://www.healthline.com/health/beginners-guide-to-marijuana-strains - A step-by-step guide to rolling a joint
https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-roll-a-joint/
Current Version
June 2, 2023
Written By
Kirstie Gundlach
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Kirstie is a Certified Cannabis Coach with over 10 years in the medical cannabis field. She has worked at The Sanctuary Wellness institute since 2021 and has helped countless patients with questions pertaining to medical cannabis.
