Please help me. I'm pretty scared!!

[Sweet Little Sister]

I just found out that I either have, or I'm on the verge of getting emphysema. I smoke cigaretts like a fiend, & smoke weed pretty much the same way. I'm gonna start taking Chantix (sp?) on Tues. to quit the cigs, but I don't want to quit weed. Quitting smoking cigarettes will be hard enough. Even my doctor said to worry about one thing at a time.

Here are my questions. Does anyone here know if weed contributes to emphysema? My doctor really doesn't know. She said there weren't any studies on it. She claims weed doesn't have tar or nicotine, but she just doesn't know.

My other question, and this is going to sound ridiculous, but I think you guys will understand, but I'm afraid the Chantix will make my desire to smoke weed go away. I don't want to stop. How messed up is that, lol!! But I'm WAY more concerned about weed & emphysema, so if anyone can help me, I'd really appreciate it! I'm going to get a pulminary function test tomorrow, & I'm a bundle of nerves. And I'm not even sure if the Chantix will work but it's my only hope. I'm the world's biggest moron for picking up this idiotic habit again after 10 years. Anyway, ANY help would be greatly appreciated!!

[justanotherbozo]

first of all, relax, you can't do any more than you are doing and stressing about it will only make it worse. when i read your post i could really relate, you see, up until January 14, i was a 2 pack a day Marlboro smoker, plus an ounce to 2 ounces a month of the ganj. as i said, i quit smoking tobacco in january and it aint been easy but the weed made it EASIER for me, not harder. i smoked quite a bit more weed the first month without tobacco but it's evening out now. also, i've never heard of the stuff your talking about but i doubt ANY quit smoking aid will take the desire to smoke away, it just makes it a LITTLE easier to fight it.
also, and i'm surprised your doc didn't have an opinion on this, smoking anything is not good for your lungs, i wish it weren't so but it is.
that being said, it's not any where near as bad for your lungs as tobacco smoke. if your emphysema is really bad and you need to quit smoking all together, you can still eat it or, better yet, vaporize it. vaporization is the safest way to inhale canabinoids.
of course the sticker shock might kill you when you see how much a good vaporizer will cost ya

[Sweet Little Sister]

Hi Bozo!! Congrats on quitting.... that's awesome!! I was hoping that smoking weed would make it easier to quit, but when I smoke, weed, I smoke cigarettes even heavier. The stuff I'm gonna start taking is supposed to be really good, even for people who don't really wanna quit, like me. It's fairly new, so I'm not real thrilled about it, but I've already quit 2 times before, & I know without a doubt that I'm not going to be able to do it on my own this time, since the desire to quit isn't there, even though I don't want to die. Does that even make sense??

For some reason, I'm blanking out on vaporizors. Are they boxes with a hose and numbers on them? If I'm remembering this correctly, I've only smoked out of one once, & I remember it being pretty harsh.

What would be the best way to smoke.... bowl, bong, blunt, joint, etc....? Hopefully the answer isn't not at all??

[Sweet_Leaf_91]

A vaporizer would definitely be the best way to go. When I use my vape, my lungs clean themselves much faster than normal because of the effects of the THC. You could quit smoking cigarettes and vaporize some weed and your lungs should get better much faster.

[justanotherbozo]

Hi Bozo!! Congrats on quitting.... that's awesome!! I was hoping that smoking weed would make it easier to quit, but when I smoke, weed, I smoke cigarettes even heavier. The stuff I'm gonna start taking is supposed to be really good, even for people who don't really wanna quit, like me. It's fairly new, so I'm not real thrilled about it, but I've already quit 2 times before, & I know without a doubt that I'm not going to be able to do it on my own this time, since the desire to quit isn't there, even though I don't want to die. Does that even make sense??

For some reason, I'm blanking out on vaporizors. Are they boxes with a hose and numbers on them? If I'm remembering this correctly, I've only smoked out of one once, & I remember it being pretty harsh.

What would be the best way to smoke.... bowl, bong, blunt, joint, etc....? Hopefully the answer isn't not at all??


yeah, it makes perfect sense, that's the nature of addiction, i was a smoker for, and i hate tp admit this, 42 years. every day i still have to remind myself to be greatful to be free from the bondage of tobacco. you see, addicts are slaves, slaves that belong to tobacco.
shit, some tobacco executive is driving to work in a limo because you and several million other slaves keep buying thier nicotine fix.
lol, sorry, i have a teenage son who smokes and i pray he will stop.
and really, as i and SweetLeaf said, vaporization is definately, hands down, the way to go.

[Storm Crow]

Heavy Long-Term Marijuana Use Does Not Impair Lung Function
Erowid Cannabis Vault : Health Effects : Media (http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_media7.shtml)

*Researchers to test if cannabis ingredient can help COPD patients
Researchers to test if cannabis ingredient can help COPD patients: The Hempire - [cannabis, uk] (http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/researchers_to_test_if_cannabis_ingredient_can_hel p_copd_patients)

Vaporization as a smokeless cannabis delivery system
Clinical Studies and Case Reports (http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/ww_en_db_study_show.php?s_id=187)

Smokeless Cannabis Delivery Device Efficient And Less Toxic
Smokeless Cannabis Delivery Device Efficient And Less Toxic (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71112.php)

Recommendation to Patients: "Donâ??t smoke, Vaporize"
CCRMG (http://ccrmg.org/journal/03sum/vaporize.html)

Decreased respiratory symptoms in cannabis users who vaporize.
Decreased respiratory symptoms in cannabis users who vaporize. (http://marijuana.researchtoday.net/archive/4/4/1195.htm)

Use of vaporizers reduces toxins from cannabis smoke
IACM-Bulletin (http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=146#2)

-Granny:hippy:

[Weedhound]

Chantix worked GREAT to help my hubby and I quit smoking. Hope it works as well for you too.

Vaping, eating, capsules all different ways to enjoy your weed.

[sammer]

If I were you I'd just use edibles, a vapourizer, or just smoke as little as possible. Weed does contain a kind of tar, thats the black shit called resin that gets all your pipes and bowls so dirty. I dont like to imagine the inside of my lungs from weed, all black and stuck together haha.

[Sweet Little Sister]

Wow, thanks for all of the info, guys. I'm starting the Chantix tomorrow, & I'm pretty nervous, because I really don't want to quit, but I HAVE to!!

Weedhound, did Chantix take away your desire to smoke weed? Also, this is going to sound dumb, but capsules? Where do you get them? That's a new one on me!

I got tested today, but won't get the results for about 5 days or so. I'm a freakin' mess!! I don't really know if I can afford a vaporizor, & don't even know where to get one. IF I can't, is it better to smoke a bong than a bowl? I'm sounding pretty stupid, I know, but I'm freaking out about pretty much everything right now. I need to figure this thing out somehow, because I REALLY do NOT want to give up weed.

[sammer]

Smoking a bong is better than a bowl because the water filtration will lower the amount of tar in the inhaled smoke. At the very least the water in a bong would cool the smoke which would be easier on your lungs..If worse comes to worse and you need to get high, pack small bowls and then only kiss the lighter to the weed a few times instead of just torching the bowl. Its the hot air being pulled down onto the weed that vapourizes the THC, a fiery red cherry is unnecessary. By lighting the weed as little as possible you are smoking the weed basically the same way as a vapourizer works: heating it up to the point where the THC vapourizes but the plant matter is not completely destroyed. Anyways I hope these smoking tips help you in some way, and good luck:smokin:

[Coelho]

Well... there are several ways to use weed without smoking it... look at:
http://boards.cannabis.com/recipes/87246-how-make-plain-ol-perfect-working-firecrackers.html
http://boards.cannabis.com/concentrates/140616-cannabis-capsules-step-step-guide.html
http://boards.cannabis.com/concentrates/82380-definitive-green-dragon-revised-updated-combined.html

There are also a lot of recipes in the Recipes sub forum... look at there too. :thumbsup:

[Weedhound]

Relax you don't have to give up weed.....check the recipes and/or concentrates sections.....there's several great recipes for cookies, brownies, capsules and all sorts of cool ways to use it.....even a tea or tincture. Not everyone HAS to smoke or vape.

Chantix did NOT take away my desire for weed BUT I'll say this.....if it did that would be fine with me. I discovered that that's the BEAUTY of a product like Chantix (for me that is....) I don't miss smoking at all and that's the whole point. If you were to losing your desire for it (as my hubby and I did for cigererettes) you WONT CARE if you don't have it!!!!....so no reason to fear imo. :thumbsup:

[DRNATURAL]

I just found out that I either have, or I'm on the verge of getting emphysema. I smoke cigaretts like a fiend, & smoke weed pretty much the same way. I'm gonna start taking Chantix (sp?) on Tues. to quit the cigs, but I don't want to quit weed. Quitting smoking cigarettes will be hard enough. Even my doctor said to worry about one thing at a time.

Here are my questions. Does anyone here know if weed contributes to emphysema? My doctor really doesn't know. She said there weren't any studies on it. She claims weed doesn't have tar or nicotine, but she just doesn't know.

My other question, and this is going to sound ridiculous, but I think you guys will understand, but I'm afraid the Chantix will make my desire to smoke weed go away. I don't want to stop. How messed up is that, lol!! But I'm WAY more concerned about weed & emphysema, so if anyone can help me, I'd really appreciate it! I'm going to get a pulminary function test tomorrow, & I'm a bundle of nerves. And I'm not even sure if the Chantix will work but it's my only hope. I'm the world's biggest moron for picking up this idiotic habit again after 10 years. Anyway, ANY help would be greatly appreciated!!

HOWEVER...I assume that you, like most pot-smokers, would only smoke a few joints {or, a few bowls} daily. So, obviously, that automatically means you'd intake less "tar" and less smoke per day.
BUT--Emphysema is a very serious, negative condition! So, if I were you, I'd buy an excellent Vape and use that exclusively when using pot! A Good Vaporizer produces ZERO smoke-- assuming you {a} use a High-Quality Vape {non-soldering iron type} and {b} use your Vape 100% of the time.

RE: Your doctor's comments about weed are incorrect! And, this is not my opinion!
The scientific research, over two decades, by Dr. Forest Tennant and Dr. Russell Portnoy {the top two, World-respected REAL-Drug experts in the U.S.A.} revealed that: Gram for gram, Weed had more 'tar' and more Particulates than found in cigarette smoke. Their findings were published in many Medical Journals and peer-reviewed articles in the 1970's and early 1980's. I doubt that their work is in the Net, but I certainly could be incorrect. But, the N.F.L. and some other former-clients of Dr. Tennant do have and did publish his findings in various places--all in the same time frames. On the Net? I doubt it, but I could be incorrect.
All YOU have to do is use your own common sense. I mean, it is basic Science that whenever you burn {smoke} ANY plant matter, because all plant matter has Cellulose in it, Carbon will be produced and will be in the plant's smoke---that is where the problem is. And there is no way to filter the Carbon out of the pot's smoke--Bongs & Water Pipes, etc., don't take the Carbon out of the smoke: "High Times" has printed those facts many times, over the years!

So, use a Good VAPE {I prefer the "Natural Goods" Vape}, and you won't burn your lungs. Nor will you be putting "tar" {which is burnt, sticky Carbon}, nor Particulate matter, in/on your lungs.
"Chantix" should not adversely interact with your Smoke, but anything is possible.
Of course your health should take precedence over pot smoking.
Most doctors, in today's world, are amenable to pot-smoking being something that benefits you in many ways. If that is true in your situation, then you will have a powerful ally on your side. Just tell the truth: It benefits your moods, stress, etc. And it prevents Depression, mood-swings, etc.
Last, you always have the route of eating it! This is my FAVORITE method of using Kush! There are some excellent recipes for cookies and {my absolute favorite} a recipe for making THC/butter capsules, in these boards!
Last month's "High Times" advertised an EXCELLENT book on the Subject of baking/cooking Kush!
I have been making "Brownies" for over 30 years, with excellent results--Highs that last 4-6 hours! But, be sure to {A} Have PROVEN recipes, OR {2} Learn how to cook with Kush from an experienced cooker! Or else, you will waste a lot of Kush!
My favorite method of using Kush, is making a Tincture using the best Kush Buds you can afford!! Find an Herbalist who makes Herb-Tinctures, or a book teaching the same! My tinctures KICK ASS!! Two to Three dropperfuls of my Tincture will STONE me for 5-6 hours; Two Fl. Ounces will produce 20 POTENT doses!
And, you don't harm your lungs!!

Hope this helps you!

[Nathan604]

Smoking a bong is better than a bowl because the water filtration will lower the amount of tar in the inhaled smoke. At the very least the water in a bong would cool the smoke which would be easier on your lungs..If worse comes to worse and you need to get high, pack small bowls and then only kiss the lighter to the weed a few times instead of just torching the bowl. Its the hot air being pulled down onto the weed that vapourizes the THC, a fiery red cherry is unnecessary. By lighting the weed as little as possible you are smoking the weed basically the same way as a vapourizer works: heating it up to the point where the THC vapourizes but the plant matter is not completely destroyed. Anyways I hope these smoking tips help you in some way, and good luck:smokin:
niice i like that tip

[Igotsoul4u]

I got a vaporizer to keep my lungs safe. I think its pretty obvious that burning anything and inhaling it is never a good idea. Carcinogens are in most things that burn and carinogens cause cancer. I am skeptical of studies saying other wise. If you already have emphasima I would do anything I could to go easy on myself. Vaporizers of very high quality can be had for $150. My friend has one thats pretty good that only cost $65 but i can't imagine it will last long and has no warranty. Keep in mind that vaporizing extends your supply because its more efficient and you can even use the dried out nuggs for cooking. You will come out even based on the efficiency of it and will also be giving your lungs a break. I would use that as a daily smoke and hit whatever else if its passed to somewhere other then home. I have been sick only once last year when compared to the 7 times I usually would get sick when I was smoking out of a bong. CHeck out the hot box.

HOTBOX Herbal Vaporizer | Vaporizers Giant | Cheap Vaporizers Wholesale Prices | Volcano Air2 Vapir (http://www.vaporizergiant.com/hotbox_vaporizer.html)

this one is the one my friend has.

VP-400 Digital Ceramic Heating Herbal Vaporizer - VaporizerDealer - Herb Vaporizers & Tobacco Grinders (http://www.vaporizerdealer.com/collections/vaporizers/products/vp-400-digital-ceramic-heating-herbal-vaporizer)

[birdgirl73]

The most recent studies that exist on weed and emphysema in American/European databases--you can see many of the abstracts in Storm Crow's signature above--relate almost universally to cannabinoid isolates and their effects on pulmonary health, not to whole smoked cannabis and its effects. The Tennant-Portnoy data from the 70s and the Tashkin-UCLA studies did indeed show a lot of particulate/carbon/benzene crap coming out of combustible weed and remain the basis for the postulation that weed smoke is dirtier than cigarette. The part that is hard for people to grasp is that, even with that dirty factor in place, because of the amazing anti-carcinogenic/anti-inflammatory effects of the THC and CBD active ingredients, it's still less toxic on the lungs--at least from a cancer standpoint. No one is able to say the same thing is true from an asthma/bronchitis/emphysema standpoint, however, because doctors who see patients who smoke lots of weed see more trouble with those conditions in people who're heavy smokers, no matter what the Tennant-Portnoy and Tashkin studies seemed to indicate in their comparatively small-scale studies.

Glad you're choosing to start the hard work of quitting cigarettes if you're on the edge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Everything I've heard anecdotally and learned about nicotine/cannabis/other drug receptors in the brain this year seems to indicate that for some people, Chantix can also dull the cannabinoid receptors. So be braced for that. Dr. Natural's suggestion that you vape or use tinctures is indeed your healthiest, best option. If you're trying to quit cigarettes, smoking something else is going to keep you locked into the physical behavior of drawing/inhaling, which is part of that habit you're working to break, right? And don't you want to give your poor lungs the full benefit of relief from both cigarette smoke and the particulate/by-products of cannabis combustion while you're at it? Seriously, emphysema is a ghastly thing. I'm watching my mom die of it right now. Do everything you can possibly do to help yourself let your lungs recover. Good luck to you!

[Weedhound]

I agree with BG....smoking pot even after I quit smoking still trashed my lungs.....vaping less..BUT STILL THERE WAS SOME...... so but cooking/capsules etc are the best way to go imho.

Seriously I don't think I lost a single receptor for ganja but the honest point I was trying to make is this.....if you don't crave it....you WONT miss it. Chantix STOPPED my craving for cigs and that's what's so amazing about it to me AND why quitting was sSO EASY for us. It's pretty hard for a cigerette smoker to imagine NOT CRAVING a ciggie so you just have to experience it for yourself (a mircle!). (hoping of course that you have the same great results we had and don't have any bad side effects.)

Good luck!

[stinkyattic]

When you say that your only experience with a vape in the past was unpleasant, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it was a 'lightbulb' type vaporizer- a bit primitive compared to the newer types with much more precise heating mechanisms.

And look in the 'edibles' section for a pair of related threads on washed cannabutter and the caramels you can make with it. For some reason, the high is far more head-y than I had expected- one common complaint with edibles is, "It's all body!!!" But it doesn't necessarily have to be. Try out different techniques until you find one that gives the effect you like.

A bonus of both vaping and cooking is that the quality of the cannabis used can be much lower and the experience still enjoyable- a REAL money saver... although just think of all the cash you're gonna have on hand with the cigs out of the picture!

[Sweet Little Sister]

Holy Cannoli, guys!! Thanks SO MUCH for all of the info!! I have some comments & questions, but I don't have a lot of time right now. I just wanted to get on to let you all know that I'm not ignoring you.... I'm only online on Sundays & Mondays. But when I saw all of the responses, I was blown away!! Thanks so much!! I WILL be back later, with some more questions, and I hope I'm not being too much of a pain. I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your help!! Now I don't feel so damn alone anymore. And thanks for not making me feel stupid for some of the questions I've asked. I get enough of that at work!! ;)

[boaz]

great thread. i really need to stop smoking weed, too. i haven't been too hip to try edibles or use my vap much just because i figured it was a waste unless you had good quality bud, which i don't at the moment, but maybe i will try some shwagg edibles, (thanks Stinky) and give that vap another day in court. :D

do all edibles take a few hours to take effect or are there methods for faster effect?? expiring minds want to know. :D

a few years back i was having breathing problems, docs didn't seem to have a clue but i eventually found out it was acid reflux, i guess eating my lungs (yikes), starting taking meds for the reflux and my lung problems cleared up, but pretty damn scary. take care.

[Barrelhse]

Just a quick note to reassure you, I hope. My father worked w/ Asbestos during WWII and was found to have emphy when in his mid-forties. He was eventually able to quit cigs and is now 86. Last time I went to visit he was up on a ladder painting a 2nd- floor window.

[illnillinois]

yep a vap is a great idea, or cooking.. but i read some where it doesn'tr contribute to emphysema. but smoke at all isn't good i think..

[daihashi]

great thread. i really need to stop smoking weed, too. i haven't been too hip to try edibles or use my vap much just because i figured it was a waste unless you had good quality bud, which i don't at the moment, but maybe i will try some shwagg edibles, (thanks Stinky) and give that vap another day in court. :D

Yes give it another try. Vaporizers enhance the high you get from shwag. It's well worth using them if you have one of decent quality.


do all edibles take a few hours to take effect or are there methods for faster effect?? expiring minds want to know. :D


If I eat mine on an empty stomach.. soon after waking up I can feel the inital effects within 30 minutes.. after about an hour I'm pretty high and after an hour and a half I'm peaked. I stay high for about the next 3 hours or so.. maybe 4. Even after I come down I still feel a slight buzz.

:thumbsup:

[boaz]

^ thank you for all the tips. :thumbsup: i am definately pulling out the vap and going to trying some fire crackers . . . just in time for the fourth :jointsmile: have a wonderful weekend everyone!!! today is my friday ;) and i'm all ready gone :D

[Dieseld725]

of course...smoking weed can help contribute to lung disease. ANYTHING that is burnt and inhaled is BAD for you. Common sense. Best way is to slow cook it at low temp to extract and have with brownies or what not.