Unfortunately, however, tobacco is known to cause a variety of health problems, such as cancer, and with regular consumption, cardiovascular problems are also to be expected. For those who like to mix the joint with tobacco, we have good news, as there are a number of alternatives that allow for even and slow combustion. In addition, some non-tobacco substances provide extra effects that can complement the smoking experience.
1. DAMIANA
Damiana is a widely used herb with an interesting past. Originally used by the Aztecs to treat impotence, it is often reported as having an aphrodisiac effect that increases sexual desire. It is also traditionally used to treat depression, headaches, constipation and even bedwetting.
Reputed to have a slight psychoactive effect, it is said to give a mild "high" owing to the presence of such substances that affect the brain as well as central nervous system, Thus, it makes an excellent replacement for tobacco to be smoked together with marijuana.
2. KRATOM
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna specios, is actually part of the coffee family, and is native to South-eastern Asia. It received serious attention when opioid users began using it to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Interestingly, it is also known to be an effective opioid substitute, and is also a very good option for the treatment of chronic pain.
For centuries, Kratom has been used for medicinal purposes. To this day, its leaves are often chewed in order to boost energy as well as offer pain relief.
Kratom-induced effects are dose-dependent. In lower quantities, somewhere between 1 and 5g, the stimulating effects can be felt within 10 minutes, and can last for up to 1 & ½ hours. The effects it produces can also lead to a marked increase in energy and mental acuity.
A moderate dose of 5 to 15g of the plant produces opioid-esque effects. The results of such amounts can last for several hours, resulting in a relaxed state of mind, reduced pain, and relief of the debilitating symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Kratom can be added to spliffs in an appropriate dose to achieve the desired effect. Users do need check in advance to make sure that this plant is compatible with any existing medications they are taking, as complications or side effects.
3. KANNA
Kanna, or sceletium tortuosum, is an herb known for its ability to enhance mood and relieve stress, tension and anxiety. Some reports suggest that lower doses elicit a stimulatory effect, whilst higher ones have strong sedative effects. This dose-dependent plant offers great flexibility to the user, as you can increase the dose as you like, depending on the event and the mood.
Some consumers say it increases self-confidence in social situations, with it being said to help increase conversational ease and reduce social anxiety. It is often reputed to enhance some of the best effects of cannabis.
With this plant, it's important to emphasise that - owing to its strength - it is important to research it further before starting to use it, in order to ascertain if it's safe to consume. Its effects can be problematic for some health conditions or medications; for example, it can temporarily increase blood pressure quite considerably.
4. LAVENDER
This well-known herb is one of the easily accessible out there, and can be found in many a garden around the globe. The beautiful aromas from the plant are due, in part, to the terpene linalool, which is also present in numerous cannabis strains. However, this terpene gives any spliff a very delicate taste.
However, lavender adds more to any joint than merely a delicious taste; the so-called "side effects" it elicits makes it clear that cannabinoids like CBD and THC form synergies with terpenes, thereby enhancing cannabis’ effects and the strength of any high.
Insomnia and nervousness are said to be aided by lavender (as well as it simply being reputed to make smoking a smoother experience).
5. ROSEMARY
Often found in many delicious foods, rosemary is also an herb that is frequently found in many a garden. In addition to its delicious and distinctive taste, rosemary is said to improve cognitive abilities and memory, thanks to its active ingredients. This plant can also help reduce inflammation and help the immune system.
6. HOPS
This herb is most well known as being a key component in various beers. Hops are, in fact, part of the same plant family that cannabis is. Hops actually contains the terpene myrcene, which is also present in great number of strains of cannabis. Myrcene can offer both antidepressants well as sedative effects, making the cannabis-induced high even more enjoyable and complex.
Hops can be fatal when smoked at high temperatures; thus, it is preferable to use them for vaping instead.
7. CATNIP
Catnip or nepeta cataria can be seen in a number of online videos in which the plant is fed to cats who begin to experience psychoactive symptoms shortly after consumption. The herb also produces significant effects in humans, too, only less intensely. Adding catnip to joint creates a calming effect that also helps create feelings of relaxation and relieve stress.
8. GREENGO
Greengo is actually a far healthier alternative to smoking tobacco, as well as being excellent at creating a more smooth and even burn. It is comprised of a mixture of mint, papaya, eucalyptus and hazelnut leaf. It contains zero nicotine, and is not at all addictive; additionally, it produces far less tar than tobacco does.
9. SKULLCAP
Skullcap is a great substitute for tobacco if you want a relaxing and gentle high. Traditionally used to relieve anxiety, it also reduces nervous tension and stress. It can be an excellent supplement to indica strains, and as there are numerous strains of skullcap - all eliciting different effects - it's well worth finding researching them to find the one that works best for you.
10. SAGE
Yet another herb that can be found in many a kitchen and herb garden, is the wonderfully flavoursome sage. Who would have thought that it could also be added to a spliff, not least to enhance feelings of peace and relaxation. White sage is especially renowned for creating such effects. The dried plant is eminently suitable for adding to spliffs, as well as also promoting a smooth and even burn.
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