Best tobacco substitutes for your spliffs

Joints are made with pure cannabis, whereas spliffs include the addition of tobacco. The tobacco tends to be added to prolong the enjoyment/duration of the smoking experience and help it burn slowly and evenly. But tobacco comes with numerous health risks. If vaping isn't your thing and you have health concerns about using tobacco you will be pleased to know there are some great natural alternatives which many people have used for years.

Best alternatives to tobacco in your spliffs

There are several solid, natural alternatives to tobacco. You may prefer to buy these from organic growers that don't use pesticides/chemicals on their crops. If you enjoy the process of rolling a spliff but don't need to smoke a full one, then diluting your weed with a natural herb is an option. It’s worth noting that despite the widespread use and availability of tobacco substitutes, relatively few Dutch coffeeshops offer them to customers.

Instead, in many coffeeshops, most people tend to smoke pure cannabis or cannabis mixed with tobacco. For those that are particularly health-conscious vaporisers are a great combustion-free way of enjoying cannabis.

If you grow your own cannabis from autoflowering cannabis seeds or photoperiod feminised seeds then you may even fancy trying to grow a plant or two of these tobacco alternatives in your grow room.

Hemp or CBD flowers

In some countries hemp flowers (AKA CBD flowers/buds) are available to buy from health shops and tobacconists. For many smokers, the most natural alternative to tobacco are low THC flowers. You can also grow these yourself using low THC/high CBD cannabis seeds. These won't add any potency to your spliff but they will add great taste.

Low THC cannabis seeds from strains such as CBD Mazar, CBD Charlotte’s Angel, CBD Auto Charlotte’s Angel, and CBD Auto Blackberry Kush all offer CBD levels of 10% or more in the dry buds with very low THC levels, usually well below 1%. These are all part of the CBD-rich cannabis seed collection, all the strains are selected for ease of growth and heavy yields. All these are part of the CBD-rich cannabis seed collection. They are all great tobacco alternatives.

Other options include cannabis strains that are ultra low in THC but high in unusual cannabinoids. Such cannabis strains include CBG-Force, which contains up to/around 15% Cannabigerol with THC levels typically below 0.2%. Auto CBG-Force is also available to fans of autoflower seeds. Auto CBD-Victory contains around 6-8% of CBDV (Cannabidivarin) and the same amount of CBD. These are part of the Dutch Passion special cannabinoids cannabis seed range.

Already vaped bud (AVB)

Already vaped bud (AVB) is sometimes kept rather than thrown away. Some people use AVB  for e.g. making cannabis edibles. Others use AVB as a free tobacco substitute, but note that AVB may still contain residual THC - something to be aware of since it may add extra potency to your spliff.

Note that AVB tends to contain high levels of CBN, a breakdown product from THC. Many report this produces a somewhat sleepy/couch-lock effect - perfect for that last hit before bed perhaps. One potential downside of using AVB in your spliffs is that, just like tobacco, it may produce a somewhat harsh throat hit.

Hops

Closely related to the cannabis family, Hops are traditionally used for making beer. But when dried many find they offer a great tobacco substitute. With high levels of the terpene Myrcene (also found in cannabis) the taste really complements cannabis well. Myrcene is associated with sedating effects, this may sometimes suit your own mood and complement your cannabis well. Some people dislike smoking hops and prefer to vape them for safety/health reasons.

Damiana

Thought to be first used by the Aztecs, Damiana is associated with a mild psychoactive effect which is said to provide an uplifting vibe. Many claim it also offers aphrodisiacal qualities and some herbalists say it is effective against constipation, headaches, bedwetting and depression.

Rosemary

The chefs favourite, rosemary has a great taste. Many traditional herbalists claim that rosemary is useful in the treatment of the immune system and inflammation. Some also feel rosemary helps promote brain fitness and memory.

Lavender

With its unmistakably lovable and sweet aroma, lavender enjoys almost universal appeal. The unique scent is due to the terpene linalool. Linalool is also found in many strains of cannabis, so augmenting your spliff with some lavender can produce some truly exotic tastes. Many feel that terpenes assist ‘steering’ the type of high that you experience. Herbalists often recommend use of lavender in the treatment of insomnia and may diminish nervousness/anxiety.

Sage

Sage is another everyday household herb that can be used to add extra bulk to your spliff. Many say that sage, especially white sage, promotes calmness, relaxation and a peaceful vibe to your smoking experience.

Skullcap

Another excellent tobacco alternative for spliffs, skullcap is a traditional herb often said to reduce stress, anxiety and nervous tension. Easy to grow in your garden, there are several strains of skull cap which you can enjoy growing. So if skullcap becomes one of your preferred tobacco substitutes in spliffs you have a few skullcap varieties to enjoy trying.

Greengo

Greengo is a particularly interesting tobacco alternative for your spliffs. It’s created from a blend of eucalyptus, papaya, hazel leaf and mint. Like other tobacco substitutes mentioned, Greengo contains no nicotine and isn't addictive. It offers a fresh taste and adds bulk to your spliff allowing them to burn at a steadier pace. With less tar than tobacco it’s viewed by many as a healthier alternative and can be bought online or via herbalists.

Vape your weed instead of smoking it

Smoking cannabis with (or without) tobacco remains a popular way for many to enjoy their weed. However, in recent years cannabis vaporisers have boomed in popularity. They are usually powered with either mains or battery electricity and gently toast your cannabis slowly releasing the vapours from it. Without combustion, many vape fans feel that they enjoy superior taste as well as a healthier smoke-free way to enjoy their cannabis.

Vaping cannabis is a more efficient way of using it - all the terpenes and cannabinoids are slowly released and enjoyed. In a spliff, much of the cannabis/THC is literally lost in smoke. So if you grow your own cannabis at home from autoflower seeds (or feminised seeds) and want to get maximum value from it a vaporiser makes a great deal of sense. From both a health perspective and a financial one.

Dutch Passion are a major distributor for the highly rated and fully proven Pax vaporisers. If you feel the time has come to make the switch to a vaporiser there really are few better alternatives for the price.

Do your own research and ask specialists

Before you smoke anything it’s important to do your own research. Many cannabis users prefer the combustion-free approach of a modern vaporiser. It feels inherently healthier than smoking for many people. Many cannabis users, especially those in e.g. legal US areas, also speak to their Doctor to discuss alternative ways to consume cannabis that don't involve smoking. Many recreational cannabis users (as well as medical users) enjoy cannabis edibles or cannabis oil drops.

Please let us know below if you have any favourite alternatives for tobacco in your spliffs. And whichever way you consume cannabis, remember Dutch Passion have been a reliable cannabis seed supplier since 1987. With over 35 years of experience you are assured of professional-grade service and support from one of the most experienced suppliers with multiple cannabis cup victories and thousands of repeat customers.