I don’t know about y’all, but I think a lot about lung health.
I never planned to be a smoker. I was raised to think smoking was the uncoolest thing a person could do (damn if the movies didn’t make it look cool though). But when I got to college, I discovered something about myself: I like smoking.
I don’t just mean smoking weed. I like the act of smoking. The pause. The intention. The breath. Lighting a cheap gas station cigar with a few friends huddled in the pale light of the concrete wall of a dorm building. The way you do nothing but inhale and exhale for a few minutes, more often than not, outside somewhere.
I always suspected that if I tried real tobacco, I would like it, but the amount of chemical additives in cheap cigars and cigarettes, and the commitment of smoking a real cigar, always made them infrequent choices in my life.
Then I found weed.
I’ve been enjoying the plant for well over a decade now, and smoking was, is, and will likely always be my preferred method of consuming. But I recently celebrated a birthday, and as I venture into a new decade, I can’t help but think about my lungs.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about ways I can take an extra step to protect my respiratory system and keep my lungs safe.
The Risks of Weed Smoke vs. Cigarette Smoke
First, let me be clear. Smoking anything has inherent risks, but smoking weed and smoking cigarettes do not carry the same risks. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of added chemicals in cigarettes that make their smoke, both first-hand and second-hand, far more dangerous.
While smoking, defined as inhaling combusted materials, carries long-term risks, these two are not equal. Many studies do not account for this difference in substances, but when controlled, cannabis-only studies are conducted, the results tell a different story.
One review of research concluded “the accumulated weight of evidence implies far lower risks for pulmonary complications of even regular heavy use of marijuana compared with the grave pulmonary consequences of tobacco.”
The Distinct Medical Benefits of Smoking Cannabis
Smoking weed is not the best consumption method for everyone. But let’s be clear – smoking weed carries unique benefits that cannot be ignored medically. Riley Kirk, PhD, and co-founder of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), shares some of the unique medical benefits of smoking cannabis on her social media platforms, one of which is the speed of efficacy; smoking works the fastest out of all consumption methods.
While combustion always has risks, there are real medical reasons many people choose to smoke – and they deserve information on how to enjoy the plant and keep their lungs safe.
5 Ways Stoners Can Keep Their Lungs Safe
1. Filters
If you smoke water pipes, joints, or blunts, you can add a filter to your smoke session to add an extra layer of protection for two of the most important organs in your body. If you want to invest in filters for your rolled session, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite joint tips here, and I’m a big fan of the Weedgets Maze-X pipe for a more consistently filtered smoke.
For water pipes, there are several types you can buy that fit over the mouthpiece of various-sized pieces. I was given one when I visited Cirrus, but I didn’t try it then. I’ve heard from fellow stoners like Ishqua Hillman that they work well.
2. Mullein
In herbalism terms, mullien is a demulcent with expectorant properties. In layman’s terms, mullien relieves inflammation and helps break up phlegm in the chest. This plant has been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years, to aid in respiratory conditions.
Persistent mucus and phlegm in the chest and lungs can be a common issue for long-term cannabis smokers, and mullien is often cited as an herb to help with this. This herb can be enjoyed in a smokable blend, in a tea, or in a herbal tea blend. Regularly drinking mullein tea or steaming in a bath can help manage higher levels of phlegm.
3. Steam Shower or Sauna
Like mullein, steam can have expectorant properties that are particularly useful for dealing with congestion in the chest. If you’ve ever used steam to treat a cold, it’s the same principle. Local gyms may have a steam sauna, or you may be lucky enough to bring one into your house, free-standing, or in a shower. A really hot, steamy shower in a closed bathroom can also have similar effects.
4. Lymphatic Massage
Your lymph system is a vital part of your immune system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels, and tissues that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid (lymph) back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream)” to protect your body from infections.
This system is one of your first warning signs when something goes awry in the body; your lymph nodes behind your jaw or under your armpits will swell, causing discomfort and sometimes pain. Regular massage of this system can help it to process the additional load that stoners give to our bodies with regular smoking. If you’re not sure how to get started, here’s a quick and easy lymphatic drainage tutorial.
5. Gargling Salt Water
I first heard of this trick on Instagram from @saunaseshes, and I was more than a little suspicious. But a few minutes of research on the Internet showed me that this odd trick is more than an overhyped social media claim; it’s a tried and true way to reduce throat soreness and inflammation after smoking.
Even Healthline includes this trick in their article on how to soothe your throat after smoking. But why? Gargling salt water is an old home remedy for dealing with a sore throat because salt is hypertonic, meaning it pulls excess fluid out. Since smokers often deal with an excess of mucus, rinsing with salt water can help reduce this (and improve that post-smoking bad breath).
6. Bonus: Invest in a Dry Herb Vaporizer
If the concerns of smoking are getting to you, but you appreciate the rapid onset and dosing ability of smoking, consider investing in a dry herb vaporizer for similar effects.
There are two main types: handheld and table vapes. A handheld vape is small and discreet, easily fitting inside a purse or a bag. These heat up quickly and hold a relatively small amount of weed, usually 1 g or less. I’ve used a few kinds, including PAX and Grasshopper, with varying degrees of success.
Table vapes are larger devices like Volcanos, designed to sit on… tables, very good. These are used with vapor bags or whips for larger and longer sessions. I have an Airizer Extreme Q that I like, which is a similar but less expensive version of the Volcano.
I’ll be the first to admit that dry herb vaping doesn’t entirely replace smoking. Combustion is unique, in good and bad ways. But I like having vapes in my weed cabinet to rotate through and give myself smoke-free sessions. If I’m not feeling well and I want to consume cannabis for its mood and mind-boosting effects, the table vape is my go-to.
