The cannabis plant gets a lot of press. From industry updates to rescheduling, additional information cascades eternally. As for research, good and bad papers have been published. Over the last year, there have been numerous studies ringing the alarm on cannabis use, including one covering head and neck cancer and another regarding lung health.
Though little is known about long-term cannabis consumption, it can be assumed that years of smoking anything, weed or otherwise, is not healthy for the lungs. Cannabis smokers do not need to fret as there are options that may reduce that danger.
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Light it up sans lighter
Many use hemp fiber twine coated in beeswax to light bowls and joints. This product is called hemp wick. Hemp wick removes the need for a butane lighter, which can reduce the amount of butane inhaled, making for a theoretically healthier hit. Remember fire is still required to light the wick, it just does not go right on the herb.
All brands of this lighter alternative are cheap and easy to use. Light the end of the wick, hover it over the flower, and inhale lightly–that is all it takes.
Make filtration personal
There are many options for personal filters available for bongs and pipes, including a full pipe setup that filters any unwanted gunk from the smoke. Various-sized personal filtration options from Moose Labs work for a bong or pipe, promising to filter out resin, tar, and “other contaminants.”
The MouthPeace and Micro have carbon filters inside and are meant to fit in a bong mouthpiece. The Mini is smaller than the others and works for joints, pipes, and vapes like the Pax Era. The BPA-free, platinum-silicone cured filters are made with carbon and corn. Those who prefer to keep combusting may consider this option on top of hemp wick.
Convection ovens doing the work
Heating weed with fire is called combustion. This method creates more resin and additives. Many who love flower but want to lower risk may opt for a convection vape.
Tons of dry herb vapes are available, each with unique bojangles, price points, and colorways. Most of these vapes are outfitted with a convection oven like the Volcano, PAX, or Lobo. Some are built to sit on a tabletop while others are personally sized for on-the-go tokes. Convection uses air to move heat through the ground flower rather than apply fire directly to the herb as combustion does. This reduces the amount of resin and other byproducts included in the inhale.
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Eating over smoking
The best way to avoid lung issues from consuming cannabis is to not do it. Edibles can serve the same purpose as inhalable weed products for many, but it does not help everyone in the same way.
Certain medical patients require immediate relief, which smoking and vaping provide for many. Edibles take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour-plus to kick in, which may be an issue for those who require the high immediately.
Those who do not need immediate comfort from their pot may consider this option to reduce lung health risks.
Smoking weed with lower risk
Smoking tobacco, herbs, or anything else deemed all-natural can still pose a pulmonary risk. When it comes to cannabis, there are ways to alter consumption methods (or change them altogether) that may lower lung injury. The best way to reduce this danger is to not smoke at all. Since that is not an option for some, these are the next best steps.
