Cannabis smoking 4512923 226133503 2008-07-16T23:35:46Z Tokerdesigner 5254246 grammar [[Image:Joint(detail).jpg|thumb|right|Man smoking a 400-mg. cannabis cigarette ("joint")]] [[Image:Kiseru.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Many cannabis aficionados avoid the health risk and THC waste of hot-burning cigaret papers by using a screened narrow-crater single toke utensil (25 mg.) such as the traditional [[Kiseru]], made in Japan.]] '''Cannabis smoking''' is the process of inhaling the vapors released by combusting [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]]. Most frequently the flowering buds of the cannabis plant, or [[hashish]], a preparation of the [[trichomes]] of the [[cannabis]] plant, are used. Lighters, matches, or solar power through a magnifying glass can be used to combust it. Cannabis is consumed to produce a feeling of euphoria, for medical reasons (such as to [[Stress management|relieve stress]] or suppress [[nausea]]), or in pursuit of creativity. During this process, the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, Δ<sup>9</sup>-[[tetrahydrocannabinol]] (THC), is absorbed into the [[bloodstream]] through the [[lungs]]. It is then transported to the [[brain]], where it binds to [[cannabinoid receptors]], a type of protein cell in the brain. The cannabinoid receptors receive the THC, setting off a chain reaction that leads to the feeling of a mental "high". It has also been found that heating of cannabis results in the production of additional THC from the [[decarboxylation]] of the non-psychoactive Δ<sup>9</sup>-tetrahydrocanabinoid acid (THCa)<ref>{{cite journal|pmid=16504929|title=Unheated Cannabis sativa extracts and its major compound THC-acid have potential immuno-modulating properties not mediated by CB1 and CB2 receptor coupled pathways|author=Verhoeckx KC, Korthout HA, van Meeteren-Kreikamp AP, Ehlert KA, Wang M, van der Greef J, Rodenburg RJ, Witkamp RF|publisher=International Immunopharmacology|date=2006-04-06}}</ref>. While cannabis can be [[cannabis foods|consumed orally]], the [[bioavailability]] characteristics and effects of this method are starkly different. The effect takes much longer to begin, is typically longer-lasting, and can sometimes result in a more powerful psychoactive effect.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} For these reasons, the great majority of consumed cannabis is smoked. [http://www.ukcia.org/culture/eat.php] Cannabis can be smoked in a variety of ways, including the use of [[Smoking pipe (non-tobacco)|pipe-like implements]], such as [[Bowl (drug culture)|bowls]] and [[bong]]s, or by [[Joint (cannabis)|rolling]] it into a [[cigar]]-like "blunt" or [[cigarette]]-like "joint."<ref>{{citation|author=United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime|year=2006|url=http://www.unodc.org/pdf/WDR_2006/wdr2006_chap2_annex1.pdf|title=World Drug Report|volume=1|id=ISBN 92-1-148214-3|accessdate=2007-11-22|pages=187-192}}</ref>. These methods differ by the preparation of the cannabis plant before use, the parts of the cannabis plant used, and the treatment of the smoke before inhalation. Due to the popularity of smoking cannabis, several [[slang]] terms have developed, many of which are only relevant to select [[420 (cannabis culture)|social smoking]] groups. == Smoking implements == ===Pipes=== {{main|Bowl (drug culture)}} [[Image:Glass-pipe.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Glass]] bowl or [[smoking pipe]].]] [[Smoking pipe]]s, often called ''bowls'', can be made of [[glassblowing|blown glass]], wood, ceramic, stone, or metal. To avoid inhalation of undesirable vapors, certain reactive metals are typically not used to make smoking pipes. When speaking about a specific pipe, the term "bowl," "cone piece" or "crater" (the narrowest) often refers to the indentation where cannabis is to be combusted. Blown-glass pipes are usually intricately and colorfully designed, and can contain materials that change color or become more vivid with repeated use. Such pipes usually have a hole which is covered with a finger during inhalation, and then uncovered to clear the pipe of smoke and cool the burning cannabis. Slang names for this hole include: ''rush'', ''choke'', ''carb'' (short for ''carburetor''), ''shotgun'', and ''shotty''. Metal pipes are often assembled with various fittings that screw together, with interchangeable, and frequently decorative, parts. Metal pipes may get hot, because metal is a good conductor of heat; this is avoided by having a crater-diameter narrow enough (1/4"/6 mm) to maintain low burning temperature, which also protects against wasting THC. Nesting a wire screen snugly in the crater protects against drawing herb particles down the channel, and permits a small quantity serving (25 mg.) to group together compactly and burn slowly. Cannabis users who have a preference for smoking pipes claim that the "High" from a cannabis pipe is more intense than other smoking methods. {{Fact|date=July 2008}} Tobacco pipes are often too wide to be ideal for cannabis use; also very few (if any) tobacco pipes have a hole (carb) for clearing the chamber of smoke before the smoke becomes stale.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} === Bong === {{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}} {{main|Bong}} [[Image:Redglassmarijuanawaterpipe.JPG|thumb|250px|right|A hand-blown glass bong]] A bong is a water-pipe by which the cannabis smoke is filtered through water into a chamber, enabling smoking techniques that are not possible with a [[smoking pipe]]. Users will often fill the bong with cold [[water]] or [[ice]] in order to help cool the smoke before inhaling it. In addition, non-[[carbonation|carbonated]] alcoholic beverages, such as [[wine]] or [[liquor]], are occasionally employed as a filtering liquid on the belief that it will make the smoke "milder", although alcohol absorbs THC, reducing the intake of THC. Hand-blown glass bongs often employ the same decorative features as glass-blown smoking pipes. Homemade bongs are also quite common, and are made by inserting a bong pipe or other improvised bowl into a vessel that will be used as the main chamber. A carburetor can be cut or bored into the container, depending on the preference of the smoker. A variation of the bong concept, known as a ''[[gravity bong]]'', employs a vacuum created by water suction to fill the chamber, rather than relying on the user's lungs. In this method, the vessel is open on the bottom and is partially immersed in water prior to lighting the cannabis. When the cannabis is lit, the vessel is lifted, creating a pressure differential between the inside of the vessel and the outer air, and causing air and the resulting smoke to rush into the vessel. The bowl is then removed and the vessel lowered while the user inhales from the same opening where the smoke entered. This method has several variations and aliases, including ''waterfall bongs,'' ''bucket bongs,'' ''depth charges'', ''torpedoes'', and ''bucky''.[http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_info20.shtml] ===Vaporizers=== {{main|Vaporizer}} Since the delivery of THC occurs through heating rather than combustion, it is possible to "smoke" cannabis without ever igniting the herb, through the use of a "vaporizer." This is suggested to maximize consumption of active cannabinoids without the harmful and irritating effects of the actual smoke.[http://www.canorml.org/healthfacts/vaporizers.html] A vaporizer heats herbal cannabis to 365–410 °F (185–210 °C), which turns the active ingredients into gas without burning the plant material (the boiling point of THC is 392 °F (200 °C) at 0.02 mm Hg pressure, and somewhat higher at standard atmospheric pressure).{{Fact|date=April 2008}} At least one study has shown that using a vaporizer results in less tar and carbon monoxide inhalation than smoking the same amount of cannabis<ref name="Abrams et al 2007">{{cite science|title=Vaporization as a Smokeless Cannabis Delivery System: A Pilot Study|author=DI Abrams, et.al.|journal=Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics|volume=82|year=2007|url=http://www.maps.org/media/vaporizer_epub.pdf|format=pdf}}</ref>. {{Fact|date=April 2008}} ==="Spots"=== {{main|Spots (cannabis)}} An alternative method, known variously as ''spots'', ''spotting'', ''dots'', ''hot knives'', or ''blades'', is to compress a small amount of cannabis between two heated metal blades and inhale the resulting vapors.<ref>"Cannabis use in a drug and alcohol clinic population", McBride A. J. 1994 </ref> In order to facilitate this process, a ''spottle'' (also referred to as a ''bowser'' or ''hooter''){{Fact|date=April 2008}} is used to capture the smoke and maximize the amount of smoke inhaled. Although not a popular or well-known practice in some parts of the world, the spots method of consuming cannabis is quite common in [[New Zealand]].<ref>[http://www.naturalselection.org.nz/s/6b.13_NZPotGuide_pamphlet.pdf Put that in your pipe and smoke it: a traveler's guide to smoking pot in New Zealand]</ref> ===Smoking with fruit=== Fruit, including apples, can be used as a smoking device by sticking a sharp, round object into the fruit at three different points, which roughly form a triangle, and intersect near the middle of the fruit-forming a more natural smoking device. One hole, corresponding to the bowl, is placed at the top of the fruit. Another hole, the mouthpiece, is made in the upper front side of the fruit. The third hole, the carburetor, is placed in the middle part of the side opposite the mouthpiece. The bowl can be made by widening the top-most hole to the desired size and inserting a screen, or by simply using a glass or metal bowl made for a bong. This method of smoking not only adds a hint of flavor, but makes for an easily disposable and replaceable smoking device.[http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A722224] == Rolled == {{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}} Many smokers prefer to roll the cannabis inside paper or a tobacco leaf, achieving an effect similar to a cigar or cigarette. === Joint === {{main|Joint (cannabis)}} A joint is created by rolling up cannabis, either manually or with a [[rolling machine]], into a [[cigarette]]-like product. Standard sized papers for joints are 70mm (standard size), 79mm (1 & 1/4 size) , and 110mm (1 & 1/2 size). If a joint is smoked until it almost begins to burn the fingers of the user, the result is often referred to as a "roach". [[Tweezers]] or a specially-designed pair of "roach clips" may then be used to continue smoking. Some smokers prefer to empty the roach into a bowl or other pipe-like device rather than continue to smoke the roach as if it were a joint. In many areas, rolled-up bits of business cards or otherwise weak cardstock are ripped into small pieces and used as 'splints'. While these fail to remove many (if any) harmful toxins, they do allow for more of the cannabis in a joint to be used, and the joint will typically 'hit' better. Splints are sometimes mistakenly referred to as 'filters'. However, commonplace cigarette filters are rarely used, as they are less common in a smoking environment, in addition to the fact that tobacco filters cut out a significant amount of THC.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} ===Blunt=== [[Image:O dutchmaster blunt2.jpg|thumb|right|A blunt made from a Dutch Master cigar using the leafing method]] A "[[Blunt (cigar)|blunt]]" is a method for smoking [[marijuana (drug)|marijuana]] in which the marijuana is smoked inside a tobacco leaf obtained from the outer layer of a cigar. There are three main methods for producing blunts. The first method is to hollow out the interior of a pre-made cigar and fill it with cannabis. The second method is to rip or cut the cigar lengthwise from end to end, after which the contents are discarded and the wrapping rerolled like a new cigar. The third method is to buy cigar paper (commonly referred to as a wrap) which can come in a variety of flavors, and roll it like a joint. The term "blunt" may have originally referred to a type of cigar, the [[Phillie Blunt]], which has become highly popular for creating marijuana blunts.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} Users should note that cigar wrapper leaf contains addictive nicotine (see "Mixing with tobacco", below). ==Shotgun == {{main|Shotgun (cannabis)}} A ''shotgun'' (also known as a ''shotty'', ''brainer'', ''charge'', ''super'', or ''blowback'') can have many meanings, but most commonly refers to one user taking a "hit" of a [[Blunt (cigar)|blunt]] or [[spliff|joint]], turning it around so the lit end is inside the mouth, and blowing the hit out through the blunt/joint into the mouth of another user, who sucks it in. A "Stinger" has the same concept except smoke is inhaled through the nasal passage. With a single-toke utensil (one-hitter)the first user can finish the toke, turn the instrument around, cup mouth around the crater-head, and blow air steadily through to the partner who sucks from the mouthpiece. This method works well on a low supply, because two people both get the effects from one hit. == Mixing with tobacco and other herbs == Often cannabis is combined with [[tobacco]] (also known as spinning) or other smokable herbs, such as hops flowers or peppermint leaf, prior to smoking. When cannabis is mixed with tobacco to roll a joint it is known as a spliff. This may be done to enhance the flavor; to make a small amount of cannabis last longer by "cutting" it with another substance; or in the case of other psychoactive herbs, to increase and/or modify the effects on the user. Mixing cannabis with tobacco is common in Europe but less so in the United States. At least one source has suggested that the practice of mixing tobacco with cannabis can lead to nicotine dependence.<ref>[http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/National_Cannabis_Strategy_Consultation_Paper.pdf Australian Government Department of Health: National Cannabis Strategy Consultation Paper], page 4. "Cannabis has been described as a 'Trojan Horse' for nicotine addiction, given the usual method of mixing cannabis with tobacco when preparing marijuana for administration."</ref> == Hot-boxing == The act of "Hot-Boxing" (a.k.a. "fishbowling") is to smoke marijuana in a confined setting, i.e. a car or very small room or even one's shirt. The smoke from a burning joint or blunt, and the exhaled smoke from those as well as bowls and bongs, builds up inside the car or room. This smoke can then be inhaled instead of taking a hit. This also makes that environment fairly warm, hence the name. When using a shirt to hot-box, the smoker takes a hit from whatever he/she is smoking and pulls the collar of their shirt above the nose. The person then exhales, and the resulting smoke lingers within the shirt. That person can repeatedly inhale and exhale that smoke until it is gone. This smoking method, as long as it is practiced in a small environment, helps conserve cannabis as the lingering smoke does hold some THC and the smokers can just breathe the air instead of taking a hit. ===Hot-bonnet (breath-bonnet)=== Simpler than the above. After inhaling 100% of a single toke, user breathes many times in and out of a paper bag or plastic sack of c. 1-litter capacity. This increases efficiency because studies show lungs absorb only a part of the THC on any one inhalation.{{Fact|date=July 2008}}<!-- Refrence needed here. Trigahapykila. --> ==Double toke== Drawtube of a single-toke utensil (one-hitter) divides to permit two users to draw simultaneously. A regular loading is burned (25 mg.) and each partner draws twice as slow. Because one-half as much heat is delivered per partner per serving, this is especially mild, and extra tokes can be served. ==Health effects== {{main|Health issues and effects of cannabis}} Reports decreased gas exchange capacity and the existence of particle residue in the lungs of marijuana smokers several times greater than for tobacco smokers.<ref>[Tashkin et al.] (1990)</ref> These findings, however, may have been exaggerated. In both studies, smoked marijuana was not "cured" or filtered, while smoked tobacco was; modern vaporizers were not yet available. Tashkin et al. notes that, "these differences could largely account for more than twofold greater tar yield from marijuana than tobacco that was measured using syringe-simulated puffs of similar volume and duration." Smoking cannabis through a water-pipe may filter out water soluble carcinogens and will also greatly cool down the smoke. Also, cannabis need not be smoked: In Middle Eastern countries, it has been consumed through teas and food for centuries, avoiding the carcinogenicity of smoke altogether. Despite cannabis' suspected negative effects to lung function, there has never been a reported case of lung cancer. Tobacco, though, is expected to kill 5,400,000 people (worldwide) this year.<ref>http://www.un.org/News/briefings/docs/2008/080207_Tobacco.doc.htm</ref> The question has been raised as to why there are not thousands of cases reported of marijuana-related cancers, given its widespread use. Marijuana smoking can also lead to gum disease. Researchers studied a group of more than 900 New Zealanders who smoked marijuana more than 40 times a year. They found that smoking that much herb regularly from the age of 18 greatly increased the chance of developing periodontal disease by age 32.<ref> {{cite web |url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080205/pot_gums_080205?s_name=&no_ads= |title=CTV.ca | Smoking marijuana linked to gum disease |publisher=www.ctv.ca |accessdate=2008-06-16 |last= |first= }} </ref> ==References== {{Refimprove|date=January 2008}} {{reflist}} {{Cannabis resources}} [[Category:Cannabis smoking]] [[Category:Cannabis]] [[Category:Smoking]] [[Category:Drug culture]] [[ru:Курение каннабиса]]