The path to choosing the healthiest way to consume weed & THC starts with the weed itself. This is a lot easier now that cannabis is legal. Each state is strict on regulating the process and sales of cannabis to make sure it is done in the safest and most legal way. While the healthiest way to consume cannabis is still unclear, we can at least understand the alternative, more healthy ways to consume weed and THC. 

Cannabis Plant and its Components

Weed, pot, cannabis, and the crazy amount of other slang terms for the plant. The scientific term is Cannabis sativa. What makes the cannabis plant so incredibly fascinating is its various chemical compounds or cannabinoids. There have been decades of research on the two main cannabinoids, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC interacts with the CB1 receptors in your brain to produce your “high” effect. 

CBD interacts with additional receptors like CB2. These are found throughout the body, including your immune system. Another thing that makes cannabis so fascinating is its aromatic compounds or terpenes. These give us succulent smells and flavors but also show positive therapeutic properties. Not only this, terpenes are what determine the effects you experience when consuming cannabis.

Smoking Cannabis

It’s not just the flower you are smoking that is unhealthy. About 90% of rolling papers are made with chemicals, lead, and toxins. Luckily, there are plenty of healthier alternatives. We carry several brands of organic hemp rolling papers that are made straight from hemp or rice paper. 

Effects of cannabis on the brain

First, we want to make it clear that every individual person and their body reacts to cannabis consumption in their very own way. The method of action cannabis takes is the same in everyone. Whether that is through smoking, vaping, edibles, or topicals. 

When it comes to how THC affects our brain, it’s not just about the neurons (the cells responsible for transmitting information). Recent research has shown that changes in another type of cell called glial cells also play a big role.

One specific type of glial cell, called microglia, and another type, called astrocytes, are affected by THC. When we’re exposed to THC for a long time, these glial cells start producing something called inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are basically chemical messengers that can cause inflammation in the brain.

Effects of THC

Body and mind

Since edibles need to be digested before the THC is absorbed into your bloodstream, it takes 3-4 times longer to feel the effects than smoking. Once the THC enters your bloodstream, its main mission is to attach to the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. Your CB1 and CB2 receptors are responsible for things like your memory, senses, time perception, pleasure, and coordination. 

Lung health

While it’s hard to state any positive benefits smoking cannabis has on your lung health, there are still healthier ways to smoke weed. We will get to these later. For now, you should know that smoking cannabis is extremely harmful on your lung health for many reasons. You are more likely to get chronic bronchitis if you are a frequent cannabis smoker. 

Immune system

The effects of cannabis on the immune system are good, but also not so good. While it is proven that smoking weed has anti-inflammatory effects and provides amazing pain relief, it’s also an immunosuppressant. When you consistently suppress your immune system, your body is more likely to gain infections.

Sativa vs Indica for health

Indica strains are often associated with providing relaxation and pain relief. They are commonly used to help with conditions such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, and insomnia. Indica is known to have sedating effects making them suitable for those seeking relief from anxiety or stress.

Sativa strains, on the other hand, are often described as energizing and uplifting. They can enhance focus, creativity, and sociability. Sativa strains are sometimes used for conditions such as depression, fatigue, and mood disorders, as they may provide a more euphoric and cerebral experience.

Long-term effects of THC use

This is a pretty grey area. With so many variables that come into play like, how young you were when you started using THC, how often, and in which way are you consuming it.

Healthiest Way to Consume Weed

Edibles are the next best thing to smoking weed. Sometimes you don’t want to commit to the waiting game. How long till it kicks in? When will I be able to function again? Your main question to ask yourself is, “What effects do you want?” From pain relief to skin conditions and anxiety to 

Edibles

While the effects take longer to kick in, the relief provided can be more prolonged. Edible baked goods and gummies are often used for conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, and appetite stimulation. Perfect for: relaxation, pain relief, and sleep. What makes them unhealthy: dehydration and increased blood pressure, which can cause damage to your kidneys. 

Topicals  

Unlike other methods, topical products typically do not produce psychoactive effects and work by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin, not the brain. Topicals, such as creams, lotions, and salves, are perfect for: arthritis pains, muscle soreness, or skin conditions. There isn’t much that makes consuming THC by topical administration unhealthy. You’re biggest woe is possible skin irritation. So, topicals can be the healthiest way to medicate with cannabis. 

Sublingual 

These are cannabis extracts, such as tinctures or sprays, that you consume by putting the liquid under your tongue. This method allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream. Sublingual products are perfect for: anxiety, pain, and migraines. What makes them unhealthy: strong psychoactive effects and interactions with certain medications. 

Rectal Suppositories 

While less common, rectal suppositories can be an option for specific conditions. This method allows for direct absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It can provide faster relief for: severe pain, nausea, or gastrointestinal issues. What makes them unhealthy: along with topicals, rectal suppositories can be the healthiest way to medicate with weed as well. Your major woe here is dealing with an irritated rectum.

Health Considerations

Cannabis is one of those ‘rewards’ that are best used in moderation. A majority of research and study subjects are considered chronic and/or long-term users. Along with this is the lack of science behind the long-term risks of cannabis consumption methods other than smoking. 

Lower-risk cannabis consumption 

If you are not ready to completely break up your relationship with cannabis, you can try out some lower-risk practices. This is mainly done by slowing your total consumption, whether you go from smoking 3 to 4 times a day down to 1, or just socially. You can also consume cannabis with a lower THC percentage. Flower with less than 20% THC have reduced psychoactive effects and fewer respiratory irritants. 

Higher THC percentage does not mean stronger psychoactive properties. Terpenes and the other surrounding cannabinoids have a large impact in how psychoactive the cannabis feels.

Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis dependency, also known as cannabis use disorder, is a condition in which a person has an intense craving for cannabis and continues to use it despite negative consequences. It is characterized by a pattern of compulsive cannabis use, difficulty controlling use, and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.

Symptoms of cannabis dependency

• A strong desire or urge to use cannabis.
• Needing to use more cannabis to achieve the same effect.
• Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when cannabis use is stopped or reduced, such as irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and decreased appetite.
• Using cannabis even though it is causing problems in relationships, work, school, or health.
• Failing to limit or stop cannabis use despite repeated attempts.
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from cannabis use.
• Giving up or reducing other activities to use cannabis.
• Driving or operating machinery while under the influence.