Smoking cannabis ages the brain by an average of 2.8 years, according to the latest study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. This makes smoking marijuana worse for your brain than bipolar or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.[1] But given the many benefits of cannabis, there are other ways which are safer to consume the product other than by smoking it.

Benefits of cannabis

• CBD Oil has been praised for its relief of pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
• Helps Manage Type 1 Diabetes
• Reduces muscle spasms in patients with Multiple Sclerosis
• Cannabis has been found to control epilepsy
• To prevent or fight Cancer: Doctors call Joy Smith, the woman who took cannabis oil after she found out she was terminally ill with cancer, Wonder Woman, because the cancer disappeared a year after her diagnosis.

Alternatives to smoking cannabis [2]

Edibles

Edibles are available in snack form: chocolate, ice cream, pizza, candy, or soda. After consuming them the by the liver converts THC into  11-hydroxy-THC.

Pros: Effects last longer than other forms of cannabis use. Discreet, convenient with plenty of options.

Cons: There is a delay in the onset of the effects of an edible form of cannabis. This is not a great solution for users who need immediate relief of pain. Also, there is a chance of overconsuming the product to try and speed up the process. These may look like regular treats to children. They must be safely kept from kids and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Tinctures

Tinctures have been around since the late 1880s. They are administered under the tongue, allowing the cannabinoids to directly enter the bloodstream.

Pros: Odorless and very discreet. Some formulas have concentrations of less available cannabinoids (THCV and CBN).

Cons: Tinctures contain alcohol, which some users may not desire. Ensure the bottles are opaque and sealed tightly after use to avoid degradation of the THC content.

Topicals

The product is rubbed on and absorbed into the skin. Also available are transdermal patches.

Pros: This use is best for applying directly to areas affected by pain and inflammation (arthritis, bone fractures, cramping, and headaches). People not wishing to experience the high associated with cannabis will not need to worry about using this product as it is low in THC.

Cons: Some formulas may contain parabens or artificial scents which can irritate sensitive skin or affect health in other ways.

High potency THC oil

THC and CBD variations are available

Pros: There are many success stories online from patients using the full spectrum oil to stop cancer and tumor growth.

Cons: There are no scientific human studies proving any positive effects of CBD and THC against cancer.

Dabbing

This is as also referred to as wax, honey oil, budder, or shatter and is achieved by using a blowtorch to heat a small dab of marijuana concentrate on a nail head. Dabbing is for high tolerance users only.

Pros: Effects are more intense and for patients who are chronically ill it can be a powerful way to get a large dose( may contain up to can contain up to 80% THC) into their system for quick relief. Users also enjoy the flavor

Cons: The smoke from dabbing can release carcinogens at over 365 degrees. Due to high THC content, dabbing regularly will increase the user’s tolerance to cannabis.  Taking in high levels of THC at once can also cause anxiety, nausea, or fainting.
So before you take another drag, you may want to consider some alternative ways to get the benefits of the substance into your body.

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