You’d think smoking is pretty straightforward: light, inhale, exhale. But if you’ve ever had a coughing fit, burned your throat, or wondered if you were doing it “right” then this one’s for you. Whether you’re smoking herbs, weed, tobacco, or all of the above, here’s how to actually smoke: the harm-reducing, herbalist-approved way.
Step 1: Step Outside
Yes, even for weed. Go for a walk, sit out on your porch or steps. Crack a window at the very least. Smoking is a ritual, and rituals land deeper when they’re done in a setting that feels intentional and separate from your usual space.
If you can't get off the couch, I get it. But you can still let some fresh air in. It’ll clear out smoke, refresh your senses, and remind you that you’re doing something on purpose - not just out of habit.
Step 2: Light With Care
Lighting your smoke with hemp wick is best. It burns cooler and cleaner, which matters since smoking is already a hot action. The less extra heat you add, the better.
Matches are satisfying. Refillable lighters are stylish (like the Tsubota Pearl Queue Lighter) and cute (like the Mushroom Lighter). But don’t use them to light herbs directly. Use them to light your hemp wick. That way you avoid inhaling sulfur or butane along with your plants.
Step 3: Don't Torch It, Pull The Flame In
Don’t blast your herbs with fire. Just hold the flame near your smoke and inhale gently to pull the flame in. This slow ignition helps the herbs burn evenly and keeps you from inhaling unnecessary scorched matter.
Optional tip: To cool things down and reduce lung irritation, inhale only about half the smoke you can. Then pause, and breathe in clean air to finish the inhale. You’ll dilute the smoke and make it easier on your lungs.
Step 4: Hold For A Second, But Literally Just One Second
Ever had someone tell you to hold in your hit so you “get more high”? That's a common myth in smoking culture.
The moment smoke hits your lungs, the active constituents - alkaloids, terpenes, cannabinoids, etc. - are rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream via the alveoli. It happens almost instantly. Holding it in longer doesn’t make the effects stronger, it just adds more strain to your body.
Long holds =
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More carbon monoxide
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More tar and particulates
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More irritation
If you feel like you need to cough or force the smoke out immediately, you probably inhaled too much. Be gentle. You’re not trying to fill your lungs like a balloon. You’re trying to have a comfortable, intentional experience. Start with a small puff. See how it lands. You can always take another. It’s better to pace yourself than to overdo it and regret it.
Step 5: Exhale, Pause, and Notice
Let the smoke out: smooth, slow, natural. Blow rings if that’s your thing, but don’t swap what looks cool for what feels good.
Now check in:
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Has your breath slowed?
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Do you feel more grounded?
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Is there a little less tension in your jaw, your shoulders, your mind?
Give yourself a moment to feel what’s shifted. You might not need another puff. Or maybe you do. But either way, the pause helps you stay present.
Step 6: Repeat (If Needed), But Don't Rush
Quality over quantity. You can always keep going, but with something like smoking herbs, once you’ve gotten the message, hang up the phone. That might mean just one puff - and that’s ok!
Smoking isn’t about chasing a feeling - it’s about allowing yourself what you need.
If you want to make your smoking ritual even more intentional, check out our herbal smoking blends crafted for moments just like this: SHOP SMOKING BLENDS
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For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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