Rolling a joint has long been a classic way to enjoy marijuana, but what if you don’t have any rolling papers? Whether you’re out of supplies, prefer not to use paper, or simply want to try something different, there are plenty of creative and effective alternatives to smoking weed without the need for rolling papers. From pipes and vaporizers to everyday household items, we’ve got you covered with some of the best ways to get high without needing a traditional joint.
Vaporizers
Dry herb vaporizers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to smoking. They allow you to inhale vapor instead of smoke, which means fewer toxins and carcinogens. Vaporizers are versatile and can come in different forms. There are vapes for dry herbs or oils, and dab pens for use with concentrates like wax or shatter, and even THC distillates.
Benefits:
- Healthier: Vaporizing cannabis releases fewer harmful chemicals than smoking it.
- Convenient: Portable and easy to use, vaporizers come in a variety of sizes and price ranges.
- Discreet: Vaporizers produce minimal odor, making them ideal for low-key sessions.
To use a vaporizer, simply grind your weed, set the temperature between 140-205°C (285-400°F), and inhale the vapor. Whether you’re using a small portable vape pen or a larger desktop model, this is one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to consume cannabis.
Hand Pipes
Pipes are a convenient and classic way to smoke weed. They’re portable, easy to use, and come in various materials like glass, wood, metal, or ceramic. Whether you’re at home or on the go, pipes offer an efficient way to enjoy cannabis without rolling papers.
How to Use:
- Grind your weed finely to ensure it burns evenly.
- Load the bowl with your herb, and if your pipe has a carb hole, remember to cover it while lighting and release it when inhaling.
- Light up and inhale.
You can also make a pipe at home using everyday items. For example, an apple can be transformed into a functional pipe in minutes, making it a great option when you’re in a pinch.
Bongs
Bongs are popular because they deliver smooth, potent hits and are highly effective for getting you very high very quickly. Bongs filter the smoke through water, cooling it and making each hit smoother than a typical joint or pipe.
Benefits:
- Potent: The water filtration system allows for larger, smoother hits.
- Versatile: Bongs come in various designs and materials, including glass, plastic, and ceramic.
To use a bong, fill the base with water, pack the bowl with weed, and light it while inhaling through the mouthpiece. Bongs are especially effective for people who want a strong high without the need for a joint.
DIY Option: Gravity Bongs
Gravity bongs are another fun and effective option, using the power of gravity to pull smoke into a container that you can inhale. You can make one using common items like a plastic bottle and a large container, such as a bucket or a watermelon.
How to Make a Gravity Bong:
- Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle and cover the top with aluminum foil to create a bowl.
- Fill a container with water and place the bottle in it, ensuring the mouthpiece is above the waterline.
- Pack the foil bowl with weed and light it while slowly pulling the bottle upwards.
- Once the bottle is filled with smoke, push it down into the water and inhale through the mouthpiece.
Bubblers
Bubblers are a cross between pipes and bongs, offering a combination of convenience and filtration. They’re small enough to carry around like a pipe but use water filtration like a bong, giving you smoother hits.
Benefits:
- Portable: Small and easy to carry.
- Smooth Hits: Like bongs, bubblers filter the smoke through water for a cooler, smoother experience.
To use a bubbler, fill the chamber with water, pack the bowl with weed, and inhale through the mouthpiece. It’s a great option for those who want the best of both worlds—ease of use and smooth, potent hits.
Alternative Rolling Paper Options
If you find yourself without rolling papers, there are several household items that can serve as effective substitutes. Some of the best rolling paper options include:
- Cigarette papers: These are a great substitute, although they may be thicker than traditional rolling papers.
- Corn husks: Popular in places like Jamaica, dried corn husks offer a natural and healthy alternative.
- Gum wrappers: Thin and readily available, they can work in a pinch.
- Phone book paper: The thin pages of a phone book can easily substitute for rolling papers.
Remember, when using alternatives, handle the paper gently to avoid tearing and make sure the material is safe to burn.
Solar Hit
For the creative and adventurous MacGyver smoker, the solar hit method harnesses the sun’s power to heat light your weed. Using tools like a magnifying glass or a glass bottle, you can use the sun to create a clean, flame-free hit.
How to Do It:
- Place your weed in a glass bottle and seal it with a cork.
- Leave the bottle in direct sunlight for a few minutes to allow smoke to build up.
- Uncork the bottle and inhale the smoke.
This method is perfect for those looking for a completely unique and natural way to smoke without using a lighter or any other device.
Hookah Pipes
Hookahs are primarily used for smoking tobacco, but they can also be used to smoke marijuana. By mixing your weed with shisha (flavored tobacco), you can enjoy the smooth, flavorful experience of hookah smoking.
How to Smoke Weed in a Hookah:
- Prepare the hookah by placing water in the base and coals on top.
- Add shisha and cannabis to the bowl.
- Light the coals and inhale from the mouthpiece.
Hookah smoking is a social experience and can be a fun way to share weed with friends. However, be mindful that this method requires some experience with handling coals and the hookah itself.
Dab Rigs
If you’re looking to consume concentrates like shatter, wax, or budder, a dab rig is the go-to tool. Using a dab rig involves vaporizing cannabis concentrates at high temperatures, producing a potent and flavorful hit.
Benefits:
- High potency: Dab rigs deliver a powerful high from cannabis concentrates.
- Pure vapor: Since dabbing typically involves vaporization rather than combustion, it’s a cleaner method of consumption.
Dab rigs require a blowtorch to heat the nail, so make sure you have one handy. Be cautious when using this method, as the equipment can get very hot.
DIY Pipes
When you’re really in a pinch, there are simple ways to make pipes out of common household items or fruit. One of the easiest and most popular methods is creating an apple pipe.
How to Make an Apple Pipe:
- Use a pen to create two tunnels: one from the top (stem) and one from the side.
- Line the top hole with aluminum foil and poke small holes for airflow.
- Pack the bowl with weed, light it, and inhale through the side hole.
Other DIY Smoking Methods: Soda Can & Water Bottle
Two of the most notorious DIY smoking devices are the soda can and the plastic water bottle. Though not the healthiest options, they’re easy to make and work when you don’t have any other choice.
How to Make a Soda Can Pipe:
- Crush the can slightly to create a crease.
- Poke a few holes in the crease and make a carb hole in the side.
- Add your weed, light it, and inhale.
While using a water bottle is similar, you can add aluminum foil to the top to create a bowl and poke a hole in the side to use it as a carb. Both of these methods are quick fixes but have potentially negative health risks. Soda cans have a coating of paint that can be harmful to burn and inhale, and plastic bottles likewise can release harmful chemicals if heated. So, these methods are not recommended.
Conclusion
While rolling papers are a classic and easy way to smoke marijuana, there are numerous alternatives that offer unique experiences and may even be healthier. Whether you use a vaporizer, a pipe, or get creative with household items, you can still enjoy your weed safely and enjoyably without the need for rolling papers. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you, and keep exploring new ways to enhance your cannabis experience.
