Healthy ways to use cannabis
Smoking weed is still the most popular way to utilize the plant, likely because of its affordability and simplicity, but now that we know so much more about it, and we as a society have shifted our focus towards health, it just makes sense to, in the very least, consider other ways. Luckily, even the most health-conscious person need not fear because there is no shortage of unique, enjoyable, and 100% healthy options to choose from, and here, we’re going to show you some of the best ones to help you decide.
1. Eat it
Edibles are certainly one of the trendiest pot products on the legal market right now, and it’s not hard to see why because they offer effects that can outlast nearly every other method of delivery. You can enjoy a simple pot brownie or a more elegant dinner dish complete with a decadent dessert all infused with cannabis, so there’s a bit of something for everyone. Those who don’t wish to down unnecessary calories or sugar can still take part, just with distillate, as it’s preactivated and ready to deliver all of the same benefits in a tiny, rice-sized package.
If distillate is too powerful and edibles just aren’t your cup of tea, then there are always more advanced alternatives to consider. Cannabis capsules, breath strips, mints, oil, and pretty much any other activated concentrate can be consumed whole to harness the euphoric nature of the plant. Though this delivery method often comes paired with a bad taste and must be completed with the appropriate edible products, the intensity of the experience is generally worth it, and it’s not going to cause any harm to your health.
2. Drink it
Cannabis brownies might have historically received more media coverage, but these days all the rage are infused beverages like tea, coffee, juice, or seltzers. Ganja tea has been enjoyed for hundreds of years as a medicine, spiritual practice, and recreational, and they all offer a smooth way to down cannabinoids that’s both fun and healthy. Buy them pre-made or make your own at home for a fraction of the price. Either way, they’re a great addition to any consumer's arsenal and a safe way to indulge.
3. Wear it
Most cannabis enthusiasts turn to various methods of consumption, generally involving the mouth, but the skin can benefit greatly from a hearty dose of cannabinoids and rubbing them into the skin is of absolutely no concern for your health. Sunscreen, creams, oils, ointments, and bath bombs are perfect for those who wish to indulge without any of the more euphoric elements, so why not tingle from head to toe while also nourishing your skin with cannabis.
4. Juice it
This might sound a whole lot like the beverages we talked about before, but juicing is for the true health gurus who don’t necessarily care for the more intense sensations that can come from regular infused drinks. Skip the buzz and juice those cannabis flowers down to a condensed liquid shot of oils for an incredibly healthy and nutritious juice. Make it into freezies, add a bit to your coffee, or blend it in with fruit and veggies for an extra boost of vitamins.
5. Crush the shells
Cannabis seed shells are an often overlooked gem that can be useful to more than growers, as long as you know how to use them right. These seeds can be baked and salted, just like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or they can be crushed and added to cleansers or body scrubs to give you a deep clean you’re guaranteed to remember. You won’t get stoned or really get any of the health benefits that cannabis is generally known to provide, but it’s still a completely safe and healthy way to use the plant.
Unhealthy methods you might want to avoid
Now that you know how to use cannabis in ways that won’t compromise your health, it’s time to delve into the three least healthy options. Though none of them has yet been linked to cancer, which is a great thing, there is a proven issue with them, and it’s the fact that combustion takes place, a process that can create irritants that trigger inflammation.
1. Smoking
Smoking is one of the most intensely studied methods of consuming cannabis, and we’ve never seen a direct connection made between doing it and scary diseases like cancer, but we do know that smoke is filled with carcinogens and that even if they aren’t toxic enough to grow tumors, they can certainly make respiratory issues more severe by causing inflammation in the throat and lungs. So, while it might be the easiest choice, it’s definitely the least healthy option out there.
2. Vaping
Vaping is advertised as the better way to toke, even for cigarette smokers who are trying to escape the addictive grips of nicotine, and the reality is that vapes generally are healthier than outright inhaling large clouds of cannabis smoke, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any cause for concern. Studies have shown traces of carcinogens, especially in vapes that are made with poor quality materials, because they don’t allow users to control the temperature they run at. Even when they are equipped with this feature, people tend to use them at hotter settings, which significantly increases the risk of finding harmful elements in the vapor.
3. Dabbing
Dabbing is a fun dance move and one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis products, in particular, those of the concentrated variety. It’s a potent and less health-hazardous option than smoking. Still, some studies suggest that it’s no better for users than vaping, with several concluding that it could actually be worse than the alternative. Of course, with this method, products are generally free of harmful additives, which should technically make it better than vaping, but no matter which way you look at it, inhaling dab smoke isn’t the best idea for your health.
