I already got my first comment asking, "Are you Ronald Reagan?" honestly, weed people, the reason nobody in the outside world takes us seriously is because we refuse to admit that this substance, which has many wonderful attributes, can also cause harm, especially when used too much in certain ways! We don't lose anything by admitting this. Easily my number one frustration with the cannabis community. It's very immature and embarrassing, this whole mentality. I get where it comes from, but it's time to grow up and stop projecting.
also, NOBODY is telling you to stop. First of all, nobody can do that!! Second of all, I literally advocate for cutting back, not stopping entirely if you don't want to, in the entire piece. Please read this before commenting because I don't want to say it again! Please come here to discuss in good faith or you will be blocked. This is a community, and it will be monitored and moderated as such.
What I really wanna know is... is bong any worse or better than pipe or joint? Or are they just all bad when done regularly? Or is the smoke method different just statistically insignificant?
Bong significantly worse than joint, not sure about pipe. They are all bad. You can definitely apply this to more than just bongs. So method matters, for instance, I’ve seen a statistic that one bong hit is equivalent to several joints, but would need to drill down on that! But, yes, all bad. Smoke is smoke, would be the same if you were smoking literal grass or rose petals over time.
So - if you'll allow me a moment to slip on my nerd glasses, the story about bongs is that the bubbles created by the smoke being flushed through the water (or flavored liquids if you're adventurous - I've heard everything from Cinnamon water to garlic to juices, to add flavor to the experience)... the story is that these bubbles have a circumference which is touching the water. The smaller the bubbles, the greater the amount that touches the water (There is such a thing as a "diffuser" which goes into the bong downspout and creates tiny tiny bubbles). As the surface of the bubbles touch the water, any heavy particles (think dust, dirt, ash, tar, which are all large particles) get grabbed by the surface tension of the water and are pulled into the liquid rather than traveling up into your good ol' healthy lungs. It's also likely better if you have a larger bong, for the bubbles to travel farther in the liquid, and thus be more likely to leave the heavy particles behind.
So, actually... the smokey part of smoke is vastly reduced with the right type of bong, even though the hits of product can be much stronger, again depending on what sort of bong you have.
It's possible to have a very dense "hit" that doesn't have a lot of smokey parts in a bong, but it's also possible to have both dense hits AND the smokey parts, if you've got a cheap bong with large bubbles.
Gutted after reading. Meant to switch to alternatives this AM however went straight for my beaker. Argh. Maybe I’ll leave my piece void of water as a reminder tomorrow.
“Smoking cannabis, like smoking spinach, kale, or broccoli, doesn’t make much sense when you think seriously about what you’re actually doing”
Oof. While I understand the concern from a medical perspective, Dr. Caplan fails to take into account why this delivery method is necessary for some people or why some people may benefit from multiple, daily consumption. People have been inhaling smoke for hundreds of years.
I encourage him to check out the work of Miyabe Shields, PhD who has been breaking down beautifully this year - bringing a scientific perspective to a community that is traditionally ignored by modern medicine.
I appreciate this perspective, and I admit I bristled reading that a little and felt judged! So my thoughts are this: While all of that may be true, though, it does not negate the harm done to the lungs. For most people, the benefit of inhaling cannabis smoke versus other delivery methods is extremely up for debate. Smoke is bad for our lungs, despite other benefits inhaling smoke might provide. But as said in the rest of the letter, there's a way to combust and inhale that can still be safe for most, but most likely, that will require only occasional inhalation. I agree, also, that there was a more inclusive, expansive, and/or harm reductive way to say this. Thanks so much for commenting, and I'll make sure we address this either in a future issue or on our Insta live this weekend
thinking a bit more about this, it would be incredible if we could drill down exactly what level of inhalation and how might be beneficial and safe. Wonder if Sheilds has work or thoughts on that? Will check it out.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Jessica. My perspective comes not from that of a connoisseur but from decades of medical training that have honed my knowledge of what is healthy for the body in the short and long run, a critical reading of the vast published literature about cannabis (including Dr. Shields), and analyzing the data for over 300,000 medical patients. My goal is to provide the best guidance on what is true, healthy, and good regarding cannabis use, to the best of my ability. I am certainly not any judge, jury, or executioner.
I understand well that smoking cannabis is the preferred method for many, and I respect everyone's choices. However, I also have a duty and desire to highlight the potential downsides of smoking, such as harm to the bronchial passages and lungs, and to encourage exploring alternatives like vaporizing flower, using concentrates, or even nebulization. These methods can offer similar benefits with less exposure to harmful combustion byproducts. The example with the spinach and broccoli was intended to be lighthearted and humorous, but also serves as a very tangible analogy—burning plant products literally destroys them.
Stepping into the more subjective, it's important to note that high temperatures from smoking can (and readily do) destroy subtle terpenes and flavonoids, which are essential for the full cannabis experience. Think of it as appreciating the vibrant colors of a stunning visual painting rather than one covered in soot and ash.
I appreciate the reference to Miyabe Shields, PhD. I am familiar with her work and share it in the world's largest library, which I provide free of cost to the world. Ironically, Shields is very much an advocate for the use of evidence-based practices in cannabis consumption and therapy, promoting informed decision-making based on scientific data, and often discourages smoking for the same medical concerns that I do.
Again, my intention is not to judge but to offer insights that might help some people find healthier ways to consume cannabis. Thank you for your engagement, and I look forward to addressing this further in future discussions.
Had a really great conversation with my doc last week about this very topic. She was like: listen, I’m all for the good things cannabis can do, but inhalation of a combusted substance will always be dangerous, period. As your doctor, I’d really like you to try edibles instead 😭 😭 I’m happy she’s well-informed but - my beloved chillum 😭 😭 (yeah, I’m one of those weirdos)
thanks so much for sharing this, and big ups for compassionate care providers! I love my chillums, too. I've got a few, and I really like the ceramic Summerland one, v chic. Too easy not to use, especially on the go!!
"Changes in breathing, lung capacity, chronic cough, and upper respiratory irritation are expected, and impacts on mood, sleep, and appetite are common"
So changing from a smoking delivery method to say gummies, eliminates the first issues mentioned but are the other impacts on mood, sleep and appetite the same ? I'm still an old school smoker type that enjoys that process both alone and the socializing it allows with friends. I can't see how hanging out with your buddies, having gummies would be the same
So in my very unmedical opinion, it is honestly different. Gummies will help with the transition, mood, sleep, appetite especially. But also, if you’re not a regular gummies eater, it’s a crapshoot to see if you’ll even like it. Thc turns into hydroxy 11 thc in the liver, which is actually a totally different chemical compound with different (esp longer) effects. Why some people don’t “like” or “feel” anything on edibles. Have a lot more to say on this but hopefully this helps, and agreed. No substitute for what you miss ritualistically or socially.
for most people, It is difficult to get the same effects that they get from smoking through other methods. Difficult, but not impossible. If someone is patient, open-minded to creative alternatives, and open to exploring a lot of trial and error, it's possible to land upon methods that are as good, if not better.
Think of the differences between smoking ripe, fresh, newly-cured products vs old, stale weed. The difference to most experienced consumers is dramatic. My sense is that it's a nearly universally held belief that old weed simply can't hold a candle to the aromatic beauty of fresh product. Now, imagine getting those floral elements consistently throughout the experience of vaporization, as opposed to quickly and briefly with a smoked combustion product- The kick isn't as strong with flower vapor, at least not without some concentrate added to vaporized flower, but my sense from nearly everyone who allows themselves to really try non-smoked alternatives, is that they don't miss the wasted terpenes and cannabinoids (wasted by burning), and they sure don't miss the inefficiency of burning (which is quite costly!)
But.... again, I'm no bible, and this is simply what i'm learning. Fortunately, we each are perfectly free to create the experience we want, best for ourselves. I'm just one voice among many.
I already got my first comment asking, "Are you Ronald Reagan?" honestly, weed people, the reason nobody in the outside world takes us seriously is because we refuse to admit that this substance, which has many wonderful attributes, can also cause harm, especially when used too much in certain ways! We don't lose anything by admitting this. Easily my number one frustration with the cannabis community. It's very immature and embarrassing, this whole mentality. I get where it comes from, but it's time to grow up and stop projecting.
also, NOBODY is telling you to stop. First of all, nobody can do that!! Second of all, I literally advocate for cutting back, not stopping entirely if you don't want to, in the entire piece. Please read this before commenting because I don't want to say it again! Please come here to discuss in good faith or you will be blocked. This is a community, and it will be monitored and moderated as such.
What I really wanna know is... is bong any worse or better than pipe or joint? Or are they just all bad when done regularly? Or is the smoke method different just statistically insignificant?
Bong significantly worse than joint, not sure about pipe. They are all bad. You can definitely apply this to more than just bongs. So method matters, for instance, I’ve seen a statistic that one bong hit is equivalent to several joints, but would need to drill down on that! But, yes, all bad. Smoke is smoke, would be the same if you were smoking literal grass or rose petals over time.
So - if you'll allow me a moment to slip on my nerd glasses, the story about bongs is that the bubbles created by the smoke being flushed through the water (or flavored liquids if you're adventurous - I've heard everything from Cinnamon water to garlic to juices, to add flavor to the experience)... the story is that these bubbles have a circumference which is touching the water. The smaller the bubbles, the greater the amount that touches the water (There is such a thing as a "diffuser" which goes into the bong downspout and creates tiny tiny bubbles). As the surface of the bubbles touch the water, any heavy particles (think dust, dirt, ash, tar, which are all large particles) get grabbed by the surface tension of the water and are pulled into the liquid rather than traveling up into your good ol' healthy lungs. It's also likely better if you have a larger bong, for the bubbles to travel farther in the liquid, and thus be more likely to leave the heavy particles behind.
So, actually... the smokey part of smoke is vastly reduced with the right type of bong, even though the hits of product can be much stronger, again depending on what sort of bong you have.
It's possible to have a very dense "hit" that doesn't have a lot of smokey parts in a bong, but it's also possible to have both dense hits AND the smokey parts, if you've got a cheap bong with large bubbles.
Hope that helps!
I love smoking, but yea. Everything in moderation. Been enjoying edibles as a way to reduce how many bong hits I take.
TRUTH. exactly their function for me, too. thanks for reading/sharing!!!
For the girlies who wanna try out dry herb vaping while lookin' cute, I recommend the POTV Lobo!
Gutted after reading. Meant to switch to alternatives this AM however went straight for my beaker. Argh. Maybe I’ll leave my piece void of water as a reminder tomorrow.
LOL. Same. In fact was with the bong while writing, LOL
“Smoking cannabis, like smoking spinach, kale, or broccoli, doesn’t make much sense when you think seriously about what you’re actually doing”
Oof. While I understand the concern from a medical perspective, Dr. Caplan fails to take into account why this delivery method is necessary for some people or why some people may benefit from multiple, daily consumption. People have been inhaling smoke for hundreds of years.
I encourage him to check out the work of Miyabe Shields, PhD who has been breaking down beautifully this year - bringing a scientific perspective to a community that is traditionally ignored by modern medicine.
I appreciate this perspective, and I admit I bristled reading that a little and felt judged! So my thoughts are this: While all of that may be true, though, it does not negate the harm done to the lungs. For most people, the benefit of inhaling cannabis smoke versus other delivery methods is extremely up for debate. Smoke is bad for our lungs, despite other benefits inhaling smoke might provide. But as said in the rest of the letter, there's a way to combust and inhale that can still be safe for most, but most likely, that will require only occasional inhalation. I agree, also, that there was a more inclusive, expansive, and/or harm reductive way to say this. Thanks so much for commenting, and I'll make sure we address this either in a future issue or on our Insta live this weekend
thinking a bit more about this, it would be incredible if we could drill down exactly what level of inhalation and how might be beneficial and safe. Wonder if Sheilds has work or thoughts on that? Will check it out.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Jessica. My perspective comes not from that of a connoisseur but from decades of medical training that have honed my knowledge of what is healthy for the body in the short and long run, a critical reading of the vast published literature about cannabis (including Dr. Shields), and analyzing the data for over 300,000 medical patients. My goal is to provide the best guidance on what is true, healthy, and good regarding cannabis use, to the best of my ability. I am certainly not any judge, jury, or executioner.
I understand well that smoking cannabis is the preferred method for many, and I respect everyone's choices. However, I also have a duty and desire to highlight the potential downsides of smoking, such as harm to the bronchial passages and lungs, and to encourage exploring alternatives like vaporizing flower, using concentrates, or even nebulization. These methods can offer similar benefits with less exposure to harmful combustion byproducts. The example with the spinach and broccoli was intended to be lighthearted and humorous, but also serves as a very tangible analogy—burning plant products literally destroys them.
Stepping into the more subjective, it's important to note that high temperatures from smoking can (and readily do) destroy subtle terpenes and flavonoids, which are essential for the full cannabis experience. Think of it as appreciating the vibrant colors of a stunning visual painting rather than one covered in soot and ash.
I appreciate the reference to Miyabe Shields, PhD. I am familiar with her work and share it in the world's largest library, which I provide free of cost to the world. Ironically, Shields is very much an advocate for the use of evidence-based practices in cannabis consumption and therapy, promoting informed decision-making based on scientific data, and often discourages smoking for the same medical concerns that I do.
Again, my intention is not to judge but to offer insights that might help some people find healthier ways to consume cannabis. Thank you for your engagement, and I look forward to addressing this further in future discussions.
Had a really great conversation with my doc last week about this very topic. She was like: listen, I’m all for the good things cannabis can do, but inhalation of a combusted substance will always be dangerous, period. As your doctor, I’d really like you to try edibles instead 😭 😭 I’m happy she’s well-informed but - my beloved chillum 😭 😭 (yeah, I’m one of those weirdos)
thanks so much for sharing this, and big ups for compassionate care providers! I love my chillums, too. I've got a few, and I really like the ceramic Summerland one, v chic. Too easy not to use, especially on the go!!
"Changes in breathing, lung capacity, chronic cough, and upper respiratory irritation are expected, and impacts on mood, sleep, and appetite are common"
So changing from a smoking delivery method to say gummies, eliminates the first issues mentioned but are the other impacts on mood, sleep and appetite the same ? I'm still an old school smoker type that enjoys that process both alone and the socializing it allows with friends. I can't see how hanging out with your buddies, having gummies would be the same
but you should 100000000% ask the doctor about this directly. one of the links in the piece has a spot where you can do that!!
So in my very unmedical opinion, it is honestly different. Gummies will help with the transition, mood, sleep, appetite especially. But also, if you’re not a regular gummies eater, it’s a crapshoot to see if you’ll even like it. Thc turns into hydroxy 11 thc in the liver, which is actually a totally different chemical compound with different (esp longer) effects. Why some people don’t “like” or “feel” anything on edibles. Have a lot more to say on this but hopefully this helps, and agreed. No substitute for what you miss ritualistically or socially.
for most people, It is difficult to get the same effects that they get from smoking through other methods. Difficult, but not impossible. If someone is patient, open-minded to creative alternatives, and open to exploring a lot of trial and error, it's possible to land upon methods that are as good, if not better.
Think of the differences between smoking ripe, fresh, newly-cured products vs old, stale weed. The difference to most experienced consumers is dramatic. My sense is that it's a nearly universally held belief that old weed simply can't hold a candle to the aromatic beauty of fresh product. Now, imagine getting those floral elements consistently throughout the experience of vaporization, as opposed to quickly and briefly with a smoked combustion product- The kick isn't as strong with flower vapor, at least not without some concentrate added to vaporized flower, but my sense from nearly everyone who allows themselves to really try non-smoked alternatives, is that they don't miss the wasted terpenes and cannabinoids (wasted by burning), and they sure don't miss the inefficiency of burning (which is quite costly!)
But.... again, I'm no bible, and this is simply what i'm learning. Fortunately, we each are perfectly free to create the experience we want, best for ourselves. I'm just one voice among many.
if bong lung is the way I go… so be it. but at least put it on my grave
🤝