For many cannabis enthusiasts and medical users, smoking is a popular but not always the preferred method of enjoying the effects of cannabis.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to get high without smoking, each with unique benefits, from better taste to a cleaner experience for your lungs. This guide will explore the best alternatives, their benefits, and how to choose the right method for your lifestyle.
Why Consider Alternatives to Smoking Cannabis?
Although smoking is an old-fashioned method to get high off cannabis, it brings a certain amount of health risk and exposure to tar carcinogens. These alternatives allow you to experience cannabis without the lung irritation of smoking. This avoids the smell and visibility of smoke, too – so such methods keep things a bit more under the radar.
Health and Lifestyle Benefits of Smoke-Free Options
Reduced Lung Damage – Smoke-free options protect the lungs from the harmful effects of inhaling combusted plant material.
Discreet Consumption – Many non-smoking methods produce little to no odor, making them ideal for private or shared spaces.
Longer Lasting Effects – Some alternatives, like edibles, provide a more prolonged and manageable high compared to smoking.
Better Taste Experience – Smoke-free methods often enhance the flavor of cannabis, allowing users to enjoy natural terpene profiles.
Top Alternatives to Smoking Cannabis
Each option offers a different experience, from how you feel to how long it takes to take effect. Here is a breakdown of the most popular options that you can enjoy if smoking is not your style.
1. Edibles: Tasty and Potent
Edibles, which have little to no smoke involved, is one of the most popular ways for people in our country (hopefully) to take in their cannabis. These can include gummies, edibles, chocolates, and infused beverages.
By eating an edible, the THC is metabolized by your digestive system and liver, rendering that compound into 11-hydroxy-THC, which has a much more potent effect.
Onset Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
Benefits: Long-lasting effects, no inhalation required, and a variety of flavors and forms.
Tips: Start with a low dose (5-10 mg) and wait for effects before consuming more.
2. Tinctures: Fast-Acting and Easy to Dose
Tinctures are simply alcohol-based cannabis extracts that can be taken sublingually (under the tongue). This administration allows the cannabinoids to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream, which, in turn, provides you with quicker effects.
Tinctures are intended for discreet consumption, simple metering, and 0% waiting time (for those seeking a smoke-free experience).
Onset Time: 15 to 45 minutes
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Benefits: Quick onset, precise dosing, and discreet.
Tips: Place a few drops under your tongue, hold for 30 seconds, and then swallow for best results.
3. Vaping: A Smokeless Inhalation Option
Vaping requires inhaling, but it is not smoking. Vaping involves heating cannabis oil or flower to a lower temperature than combustion would — resulting in vapor, not smoke. This reduces chemical exposure and offers a cleaner experience for those who like to inhale.
Onset Time: Immediate to a few minutes
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Benefits: Fast-acting, less harsh than smoking, and portable.
Tips: Opt for a high-quality vaporizer, and choose products free from additives like vitamin E acetate.
Other Innovative Ways to Get High Without Smoking
Those looking to branch out from edibles and vaping have even more creative paths open. These methods are generally a bit off the beaten path, but they make for some flavorful and unique ways to partake in cannabis.
4. Topicals: Localized Relief Without the High
Cannabis topicals include creams, balms, and patches that can be applied directly to the skin. While topicals provide relief for muscle pain and inflammation, they don’t produce a high because cannabinoids don’t typically penetrate deeply enough to reach the bloodstream.
However, transdermal patches can deliver THC through the skin, leading to psychoactive effects.
Onset Time: 15 to 30 minutes (transdermal patches can take longer)
Duration: 2 to 12 hours, depending on the product
Benefits: Targeted relief without psychoactive effects, ideal for pain management.
Tips: Great for localized relief; transdermal patches are best for those seeking a high.
5. Capsules and Pills: Precise Dosing Made Simple
Capsules and pills offer a discreet and controlled way to consume cannabis. These products contain pre-measured doses of THC or CBD and are an ideal choice for users seeking a consistent experience. Since capsules are processed through the digestive system, their effects are similar to edibles.
Onset Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
Benefits: Consistent dosing, no inhalation, and easy to incorporate into a daily routine.
Tips: Choose a dose based on your tolerance and start low, especially if new to cannabis.
Choosing the Right Method for You
With so many ways to enjoy cannabis without smoking, choosing the right method depends on your lifestyle, tolerance, and desired effects. For a quick high, vaping or tinctures might be ideal. If you prefer a slow onset with long-lasting effects, edibles or capsules may suit you better.
Factors to Consider
Onset and Duration – Consider how quickly you want to feel the effects and how long you want them to last.
Discretion – If privacy is important, opt for capsules, tinctures, or edibles, which are odor-free and easy to use in various settings.
Health Needs – For those who need localized pain relief, topicals are effective without psychoactive effects.
Budget – Smoke-free options like edibles and tinctures vary in price; find a method that fits your budget and provides desired effects.
CertaMD: Your Partner in Cannabis Wellness
For those looking to integrate cannabis into their wellness routines without smoking, CertaMD offers a simple, secure way to consult with qualified medical professionals. With a quick online process, CertaMD helps you access the recommendations you need to explore cannabis alternatives confidently and legally.
Enjoy Cannabis in a Way That Works for You
With the wide variety of smoke-free cannabis options available, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the downsides of smoking. From long-lasting edibles to fast-acting tinctures, there’s an alternative for everyone. Explore these methods to find what best suits your lifestyle and wellness needs.
Ready to Explore New Ways to Experience Cannabis?
For a seamless, professional experience, consult with CertaMD to get your medical card and start exploring alternative cannabis options that fit your preferences. Get started today and enjoy the benefits of cannabis, smoke-free!
FAQs
Can I get high from topicals like creams and balms?
Most topicals provide localized relief without a high, but transdermal patches can deliver THC through the skin for psychoactive effects.
How long do edibles take to kick in?
Edibles typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect as they’re processed through the digestive system.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, as it avoids combustion and produces vapor instead of smoke. However, it’s important to use high-quality, additive-free products.
Can capsules provide the same effects as smoking?
Yes, capsules can provide similar effects to smoking but with a delayed onset, as they’re processed like edibles.
What’s the fastest way to get high without smoking?
Tinctures and vaping are among the fastest smoke-free methods, with effects felt within minutes.
