Every cannabis enthusiast has their preferred way to consume. Some swear by the classic joint, others reach for their favorite bong, and many are embracing modern vaporizers. But here’s the question that sparks endless debates: Does your smoking method actually change your high?
The short answer is yes—but it’s more nuanced than you might think. Different smoking methods can influence the intensity, duration, and overall experience of your cannabis session. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right method for the moment, whether you’re seeking deep relaxation or creative energy.
The Science of Smoking
Before diving into specific methods, let’s break down what happens when you smoke cannabis. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound that gets you high. When you light up flower, heat activates the THC, allowing it to enter your bloodstream through your lungs.
The concentration of THC in your blood peaks within minutes of smoking, but how much actually reaches your system depends on several factors: temperature, filtration, and how deeply you inhale. This is where different smoking methods start to matter.
Method 1: Joints & Blunts
Rolling up remains one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis. Joints use thin papers (usually made from rice or hemp), while blunts use tobacco leaf wraps or hemp wraps.
The Experience:
- Slower, more gradual high
- Burns at lower temperatures
- Paper adds minimal flavor interference
Pros:
- Portable and convenient
- Social sharing experience
- Consistent, controlled dosing
Cons:
- Some THC is lost to combustion
- Burns continuously (even when not inhaling)
- Paper can affect taste
The rolling paper or wrap creates a buffer that slightly reduces the harshness, but also means you’re getting a more mellow experience compared to direct flame methods.
Method 2: Pipes
Glass pipes, wooden pipes, metal pipes—they all deliver a more direct smoking experience than joints. Without paper burning alongside your flower, you taste more of the strain’s natural terpenes.
The Experience:
- Quick onset (1-3 minutes)
- More intense flavor profile
- Higher temperature combustion
Pros:
- Efficient THC delivery
- Reusable and cost-effective
- Better taste than joints
- Easy portion control
Cons:
- Harsher smoke
- Can get hot quickly
- Requires more frequent cleaning
Pipes give you more bang for your buck since you’re not losing THC to continuously burning paper.
Method 3: Bongs
Here’s where things get interesting. For decades, the cannabis community has maintained that “bongs get you higher,” and there’s some science backing this up.
How Bongs Work:
Water filtration cools the smoke and filters out some tar and ash, but here’s the key insight: cooled smoke allows you to take much larger hits without the harsh burn. According to research on cannabis consumption, users typically inhale significantly larger amounts of smoke per bong hit than per joint puff.
The Experience:
- Smoother, cooler hits
- Rapid, intense onset
- Potentially stronger effects
Pros:
- Water filtration removes some toxins
- Larger hit capacity
- Customizable with percolators and ice
- Cleaner taste
Cons:
- Less portable
- Requires maintenance
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
A 2000 study by NORML found that water pipes didn’t deliver more THC than joints, but the study didn’t account for the larger volume of smoke typically inhaled through bongs. The bigger hit often translates to more THC entering your system at once.
Method 4: Vaporizers
Vaporizing represents a significant shift from combustion to controlled heating. Instead of burning flower at 800-900°F, vaporizers heat cannabis to 350-450°F, just enough to release cannabinoids without creating smoke.
The Experience:
- Cleaner, more precise high
- Enhanced flavor profiles
- Different onset and duration
Research from a 2018 study showed that vaporizing produced higher blood THC concentrations and stronger effects than smoking the same amount of cannabis. This happens because vaporization is more efficient at extracting cannabinoids without destroying them through combustion.
Pros:
- Higher THC extraction efficiency
- Reduced respiratory irritation
- Temperature control for different effects
- Reusable cannabis material (AVB)
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Learning curve for optimal use
- Different sensation from smoking
Method 5: Dabs
Dabbing involves vaporizing cannabis concentrates (like wax, shatter, or rosin) at high temperatures. These concentrates can contain 60-90% THC, compared to flower’s typical 15-25%.
The Experience:
- Immediate, intense effects
- Shorter duration than flower
- More potent per hit
A University of Colorado study found that despite concentrates having much higher THC levels, users didn’t necessarily get “higher”—they just reached their desired effects faster and with less material.
Pros:
- Extremely efficient
- Clean, flavorful vapor
- Smaller amounts needed
Cons:
- Easy to overconsume
- Requires specialized equipment
- Higher tolerance development
Method 6: Edibles
While not smoking, edibles deserve mention because they create such a different experience. When you eat cannabis, THC travels through your digestive system to your liver, where it converts to 11-hydroxy-THC—a more potent compound.
The Experience:
- Delayed onset (30-90 minutes)
- Longer duration (4-8 hours)
- Full-body effects
According to Healthline’s research on cannabis effects, edible highs tend to be more intense and longer-lasting than smoked cannabis, though the onset is much slower.
The Breathhold Myth
Here’s an interesting fact: holding your breath longer doesn’t actually increase your high. A study published in the National Institutes of Health examined breathhold duration (0, 10, and 20 seconds) and found little evidence that longer holds increased marijuana effects. The typical marijuana effects (increased heart rate, elevated “high” ratings, and impaired memory) were observed regardless of breathhold time.
Your lungs absorb THC almost instantly, so those extra seconds are just depriving your brain of oxygen.
What This Means for Your Sessions
Different smoking methods don’t just change the intensity—they can influence the type of high you experience:
- For social sessions: Joints and blunts offer a mellow, shareable experience
- For efficiency: Bongs and vaporizers maximize your flower
- For flavor: Vaporizers and clean glass pieces preserve terpenes
- For convenience: Pipes offer portability without papers
- For intensity: Dabs deliver maximum potency
Finding Your Perfect Method
Your ideal smoking method depends on your tolerance, desired effects, and situation. New users might prefer the gentler onset of joints, while experienced consumers might gravitate toward the efficiency of vaporizers or the ritual of bong sessions.
The key is understanding that each method offers a different pathway to your desired experience. Whether you prefer the smooth coolness of a water pipe or the precise control of a vaporizer, you’re not just choosing a delivery system—you’re curating your entire cannabis experience.
If you’re still exploring different methods or need advice on finding your perfect setup, stop by any Kush21 location and speak to one of our knowledgeable budtenders. They can help you navigate the options and find the smoking method that best matches your preferences and lifestyle.
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