Herbs have been used to relax and reconnect us for hundreds of years as ceremonial blends have long been used for smoking, tea, or incense.
A “Spliff” is any blended smoke, but it is most generally associated with mixing cannabis and tobacco. The language used to characterize spliffs and other herbal cigarettes is used all over the world, and it has a variety of fascinating origin stories.
Is a Spliff a Joint?
The expression “joint” comes from a French adjective that means “joined.” Specifically the past participle of the verb joindre. The word spliff, on the other hand, is said to have originated in Jamaica and the West Indies, and refers to a marijuana cigarette without tobacco.
As it goes, the term spread to the United Kingdom and across Europe, where the expression spliff almost always applies to tobacco-laced smoke.
New Orleans musicians started touring with the famous “jazz cigars” that became prominent in prohibition-era speakeasy culture later in the 1920s. And, smoking a joint became a sign of peaceful nonviolent resistance against a dysfunctional government during the anti-war counterculture of the 1960s and continues to this day.
Bottom line, a spliff experience, and use of the term for that matter, is completely personal — you get to decide what you want to call it and roll-up in it. But if you are going to spice up your herb with other herbs, it’s recommended to include blends that have a great synergy with cannabis. Herbs like Bear Blend are a natural pair with cannabis, without the harshness on the lungs that smokers get with tobacco. More on some of their blends below.
What Does the Research Say?
Despite what you were taught in school, science has discovered that cannabis does not cause cancer. In fact, it has been shown to reduce cancer risk and increase lung capacity.
In a 2006 UCLA study, cannabis users were found to have no elevated risk of cancer. In fact, researchers discovered that light to moderate smokers had lower rates than those who did not smoke.
In addition, a 2012 UCLA study found that smoking cannabis had no harmful effects on lung function. Low to moderate use actually increases lung capacity. So depending on the amount smoked, cannabis will potentially aid in the development of healthy lungs.
More Reasons to Give Up Tobacco For Good
Tobacco smoking, on the other hand, is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking a pack of Marlboro Reds raises your risk of lung cancer by 50 to 30 times.
And don’t forget about the cost of those cancer sticks, since they aren’t cheap. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $6.28, which means a pack-a-day habit sets you back $188 per month or $2,292 per year.
5 Reasons to Try Tobacco-less Spliffs
1–Mixing other herbs with your cannabis can help dial in the right amount of chill, especially for you baby boomers who aren’t used to today’s loud nugs.
2–Cannabis conservation! Sounds like a cause to get behind, but the point here is that adding anything to your bud will help you balance your herb budget.
3–Looking to take a T-break but the idea of giving up your daily preroll ritual isn’t sitting right? Make the switch to some herbal blends to help with the transition.
4–Feeling moody? Some like to match their spliff cocktail to their present vibe by paying close attention to the holistic benefits of all the types of plants they are consuming.
5–But, the best reason of all…you want to quit smoking tobacco! Today is as good as any other to take back your health, and it’s always recommended to use the support of friends when trying to quit a nasty habit. And herb makes a great friend for smoking cessation.
5 Herbal Blends to Try Instead of Tobacco
As mentioned, herbal blends can be used as a replacement to tobacco in spliffs or as a helper for tapering off nicotine. Begin by adding tobacco to the blend, adding less as time progresses.
Bear Blends has loads of info on their site about herbs and blends and will even consult with customers personally to find their perfect blend. Take a look at some of their blends and enter our Stoner Stimulus to win prizes from Bear Blends and other partners here.
The Flowers Of Life
Dream Lodge Herbal Ceremonial Blend: Valerian, Hops, Wormwood, Tarragon.
Dream Lodge contains herbs such as wormwood and valerian to create dream-enhancing experiences. One of the stronger blends, Dream Lodge relaxes the body and mind allowing soul expression.
Kin Nik Nik Herbal Ceremonial Blend: Damiana, Uva Ursi, Motherwort, Passion Flower.
The Kin Nik Nik blend is both peaceful and cerebral. Intended to help open and expand the third eye, Kin Nik Nik’s herbs work to soothe anxiety. This blend’s name comes from a very old Native American term “Kinnikinnick” which means “that which is mixed.”
Kin Nik Nik is a smooth, flavorful, full-bodied smoke, and recommended as an excellent alternative to tobacco. With a hint of lavender, and most notably Bearberry leaves, which gets its name from the fact that the berries are a favorite food of bears. Many tribes, including Blackfoot, Cheyenne, and Chippewas would dry the leaves and smoke them for their healing & pleasurable effects.
OG Bear Blend Herbal Ceremonial Blend: Mugwort, Rose Petals, Damiana, Catnip, Lobelia, Vanilla Bean.
The foundation of Bear Blend, created over twenty years ago, the OG Ceremonial Blend is the most floral and aromatic blend. OG is recommended for those looking to soothe, relax, and center.
Shaman Ceremonial Blend — CBD Flower: Hemp CBD Flower, Red Raspberry Leaf, Rose Petals, Uva Ursi.
Shaman included numerous herbs but most notably its high terpene hemp CBD flower. Specially blended for healing and ceremonial use, this hand-crafted blend pays homage to the magical medicine men and women around the world.
WARNING: This stuff smells just like weed but contains less than 0.01% THC.
Moon Herbal Ceremonial Blend: Rose Petals, Motherwort, St. John’s Wort, Holy Basil.
With hints of rose and lavender, the Moon Ceremonial Blend is said to bring balance and calmness. Considered their most magical blend, providing relief from anxiety and overthinking.
These blends can also be dry vaped, please see the Bear Blend FAQ for more information.
