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The world of Cannabis consumption is expanding all the time. With so many different forms of cannabis on the market today, there are countless ways to supplement your bodies Endocannabinoid System. Things like gummies and Cannabis beverages are aiding the Canna-curious, who are just starting to explore our world, ease into it with low-dose options. While those of us who have been partaking for many years have a plethora of new strains and manufacturers to indulge in as well.

The ways that we consume cannabis have also evolved. Gone are the days of smoking bowls out of soda cans and taking dabs that were made in our friends garage off of scorching-hot, cheap glass… Those rudimentary devices have been replaced. Even some of our old-school favorites like the rolling papers have evolved by leaps and bounds. 

Volcano

There is some debate on whether or not vaping Cannabis is a “healthier” way to inhale your flower, rather than using the traditional forms of smoking. The theory is that because you are heating the Cannabis, rather than combusting it (setting it on fire), you are inhaling more concentrated Cannabinoids and terpenes, and less combusted plant matter. Different sources argue that vaping increases the risk of other lung issues, but those seem to mostly be concerned with vaping Cannabis extracts through a pen…

When it comes to vaping whole Cannabis flower, its hard to beat the first device on my list: The Storz & Bickel Volcano Vaporizer. I had my first experience with this device in the early 2000’s when I was in high school. I remember watching the bag fill with vapor in awe… From my very first hit of one of those delicious balloons, I was in love. Using a Volcano to consume your cannabis is an experience you will not soon forget.

You simply grind your Cannabis flower, fill the devices chamber, set it to the desired temp, and watch the balloon fill! A hit off a Volcano balloon always tastes crisp, fresh, terpy, and delicious. Though the larger units are a little pricey, they do offer less expensive, hand-held vaporizers as well. Whatever you choose to buy, you are definitely getting your moneys worth. I know people who’ve had the same Volcano for 10+ years and it still works as perfectly as it did the day they took it out of the box. You truly get what you pay for with these amazing devices.

Puffco Peak

In the world of dab rigs, there are many recognizable names. Puffco is at the top of that list when it comes to e-rigs. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having an old school rig-and-torch set up. There are some amazing glass artists out there with some beautiful pieces available. BUT, the ease and convenience of an electronic dab rig cannot be denied. And Puffco makes some of the best on the market.

The Puffco Peak is really the gold standard. This device has a quick charge of only 2 hours, with a battery life of around 30 dabs. It has 4 different temperature settings, so you are sure to consistently take your dabs at the exact temp you prefer. I’m not going to lie, that was my main reason for buying one! I am the WORST at timing dabs with an old school rig… I either hit it when the nail is too hot, or I wait too long and the nail’s cooled off by the time I dab. Those issues are gone, literally with the click of a button, thanks to the Puffco Peak.

It is such a reliable and recognizable device in the industry, they even had a hand in the prestigious 2023 Emerald Cup Awards. The winners this year got custom Puffco Peaks. This is another instance where you are truly getting your moneys worth. I absolutely LOVE my Puffco. And I’m planning on buying one of their Puffco Proxy’s eventually as well, basically because I can’t resist the design! If you want to take your dabbing experience to another level, I highly suggest you give Puffco a chance!

Joints (An Oldie, but a Goodie…)

I can’t write anything about consumption without mentioning my favorite method: Joints! I love rolling and smoking joints. It took me years of practice, but I am now a designated joint roller in my circle of friends. I even won a joint rolling contest last 4/20! There are countless paper options to choose from, some of the most recognizable being Vibes, Elements, Blazy Suzan, and of course, Raws. 

I thought I would take this opportunity to give a few tips and tricks that I’ve used on my joint rolling journey:

• Have a clean, flat rolling space, like a rolling tray or a magazine.
• Use a grinder, but don’t overgrind your Cannabis. A twist or two is all you need!
• Have a “poker” to help. You can use this to flatten and smooth your ground cannabis in your paper before rolling, and to stuff down the loose bits when you are all rolled up. Full disclosure: I usually use an unused makeup brush with a small stick. But, I was recently gifted a poker/joint holder tool made by Blazy Susan that I absolutely LOVE!
• If you struggle getting the paper to roll, and you don’t have a rolling-machine, you can make your own using a dollar bill! Simply place the paper flat on a dollar bill when you are ready to roll, and use that dollar as the rolling machine. (We call people who roll this way “Dollar Ballers” haha!)
• Don’t stuff or roll your joints too tight. This will lead to it being very difficult to smoke. You are more likely to get a headache trying to get a decent hit than getting high. 
• Start rolling from the larger end that you are going to light, and work your way down. I tend to pack more at the lighting end, and less towards the inhaling tip. Gives it a nice cone shape.
• Use a crutch/tip. This enhances the smoking experience by keeping the bud in the joint, and out of your mouth. You can buy little booklets of tips, charcoal activated plastic tips, even reusable glass tips! I personally prefer the Raw Perforated Wide Tips, and I stuff them into the end after I roll the joint.. 
• When you smoke your joints, don’t take long, heavy rips. Short, quick puffs, rotating the joint in your hand between puffs will help avoid canoeing, or running. 

It may seem frustrating at first, but the more you work on it, the better the joints will be. As is the case with most things in life, practice makes perfect!