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smoking alternatives: vapes, edibles

3 Alternative Ways to Consume Cannabis Without Smoking

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
  • There are several alternatives to smoking, including eating edibles, vaping, and dabbing, each offering distinct onset times, durations, and experiences.
  • These methods can provide the same "high" one enjoys from flower, without the legal restrictions effective in many states. Plus, they're much more convenient and easier on the lungs.
  • Finding the right way to consume cannabis depends on your personal preferences regarding potency, ritual, and terpene profile.
If you’re a long-time cannabis lover, chances are, smoking flower was a familiar friend at some point in your life. A joint or a pipe has probably served up relaxation, relief, and rest for as long as you can remember. But there comes a point in every weed smoker's journey when they want (or need) to explore other ways to ingest cannabis.

Perhaps the regulations in your region have changed. Maybe you're seeking methods that are gentler on your lungs. Or you’re just looking to revitalize the experience. Whatever the reason behind the quest for alternatives to smoking, the good news is that you do have options

The truth is, edibles, vape carts, and dabs can offer up many of the same benefits of flower that you've come to rely on over the years without many of the drawbacks. And who knows? With a bit of exploration, you may find yourself falling in love with cannabis all over again.

Summary of Smoking Alternatives

Alternative Method

Onset of Effects

Duration of Effects

Recommended For

Edibles (fast-acting)

~15 min

3–6 hours

Discreet enthusiasts wanting consistent effects and a rapid onset

Edibles (Conventional)

1–2 hours

3–6 hours

Discreet enthusiasts wanting consistent effects and a long ride

Vaping

Instant

1–2 hours

Flower fans who want ease of use, discretion, and a sessionable experience

Concentrates (Dabbing)

Instant

1–2 hours

Experienced enthusiasts seeking strong effects and who appreciate the ritual

1. Edibles (Fast-Acting or Traditional)

a detailed shot of two-toned edibles
Best for: Discretion, precision, and a lung-friendly alternative

In the old days, weed edibles were the butt of many a joke. Homemade pot brownies tasted terrible, their potency was suspect, and they could take a few hours to kick in (if they did at all). However, the game has changed, thanks to the development of fast-acting nanotechnology, which makes infused edibles hit faster and much more consistently than in days gone by.

The effects of edibles infused with nano-THC typically come on within 15 minutes or less. That's nearly as fast as smoking a joint. Just keep in mind that if you’re trying regular (old-fashioned) edibles, those can take several hours to take effect

But the major benefit of traditional edibles is that, due to the conversion of THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC, the effects are stronger and last anywhere from three to six hours, depending on serving size. This doubles the duration of effects from most typical smoke sessions.  

The consistency between one cannabis gummy or piece of chocolate and the next is also unheard of with a joint or pipe. Just check the label to find out how much THC is in every serving, and it takes all the guesswork out of the equation. You'll be able to predict exactly how strong that next bite will be.

Finally, edibles offer a world of choice when it comes to forms and flavor. From sweet to savory, chewable to drinkable, you can find an edible that cures any craving. We can almost guarantee you'll never be bored for choice.

Our Recommendation:

Get the best of both worlds with Double Take, our innovative edibles that combine 10 milligrams of nano THC with 10 milligrams of traditional Delta-9 THC for effects that are both fast-acting and long-lasting. Plus, the infusion of fruit-forward flavors and terpene-rich live rosin means you won't be missing a thing about your flower.

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2. Vapes (Carts & Disposables)

woman vaping a hometown hero 5g cart
Best for: Smoother, controllable sessions with a focus on flavor and nuanced effects

If you love the ritual of smoking and the pure, unadulterated flavor of flower, try vaping. Without smoke or flame, this process heats cannabis to a much lower temperature to gently vaporize the terpenes and cannabinoids into a smooth, aromatic vapor. It's much easier on the lungs, but without sacrificing the familiar experience of a joint.

There are dozens of ways to vape, some of which still use flower, but most often, you'll encounter vape pens with concentrate. Filled with potent cannabis extracts like live resin and cannabinoid distillate, these offer a concentrated but easy-to-control and highly sessionable experience.

Much like smoking, the onset time for a disposable vaporizer is within seconds. The low temperatures of the heating element preserve the most sensitive terpenes and cannabinoids, delivering a session that highlights a beautiful strain-specific flavor as well as a more nuanced high.

Plus, the advantage of vaping rather than smoking is that you'll never be left with the stale smell of smoke again. Vaping is much more discreet, convenient, and the scent does not linger.

Our Recommendation:

With a proprietary blend of live resin, Delta-8 THC, HHC, and THCA liquid diamonds, our disposable vapes offer a potent and terpene-rich experience. With 5-gram devices in a variety of strains, or 2-gram options in unique flavors, there is an inhalable for every taste.

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3. Concentrates (a.k.a. Dabs)

cannabis concentrate on a dabbing tool

Best for: Experienced cannabis enthusiasts seeking stronger, terpene-rich experiences

Concentrates (like live resin, hash, distillate, shatter, and about a dozen other iterations) are what happen when you extract all the desirable compounds from cannabis flower.

As mentioned above, you can vape concentrates (in a vape pen or a disposable vape) for a pleasant, mellow session that's more akin to smoking a joint. But if you're seeking intensity, you'll want to try dabbing concentrates, like crushed THCA diamonds and live resin. Dabbing sits somewhere between smoking and vaping, and requires a dab rig or a dab pen to deliver a big hit of potency all in a single inhale.

Effects come on almost instantly and are much stronger than you'd experience from most other formats (except large servings of edibles), which is to say that dabbing typically appeals to people who have a high tolerance for THC and are very comfortable with intense effects.

Depending on what concentrate is at the other end of the nail (a part of the dab rig), you'll also get a serious flower-forward flavor thanks to the terpenes and other compounds. Sure, dabs may require a bit of equipment to try, but that's all part of the ritual. 

Our Recommendation:

If you're seeking purity and potency, try our THCA concentrates, consisting of two grams of crushed THCA diamonds and terpene-rich live resin. If you don't have a rig at home, don't worry- all purchases come with a free dab e-rig while supplies last!

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Discover Your Perfect Alternative to Smoking


Can you get high without smoking? Absolutely! But the real question is, how? Part of the magic of cannabis is the sheer possibility it presents. Smoking a joint may have been your go-to for years, but these days the options go far beyond putting flame to flower.

From the long-lasting, flavorful effects of edibles to the discreet precision of vaping or the intense punch of a dab, there's a method for every moment in your life. It all depends on what effects you seek and where you intend to dabble. The world of cannabis is wide open, and it’s time to explore your next adventure.

So, get out there, try something new, and until next time, Mind Your Mind.

FDA Disclaimer:
 This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made regarding these products. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
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