10 Best Herbs You Can Add Instead Of Tobacco To Your Cannabis Joints

Smoking cannabis blunts, i.e., packing the joint with only cannabis buds, is an excellent way to get high, but the high a blunt produces is quite strong. Not many people enjoy the overwhelming high it produces, and sometimes, some people smoke cannabis only to get a mild buzz, aka microdosing. 

And since many people also smoke tobacco much the same way as cannabis, everyone has accepted tobacco as the by-default mixer for cannabis joints when they don’t want to smoke blunts. 

But tobacco is a terrible herb that contains over 600 ingredients, and when it is burnt, it produces over 7,000 chemicals, of which 69 are carcinogenic. Tobacco use is linked to various conditions like bronchitis, asthma, heart complications, high blood pressure, peripheral arterial diseases, stroke, and cancer. 

So, if you want to switch to some other herb, there are plenty of choices. These herbal tobacco alternatives offer various medicinal properties, which is why they have a rich history of traditional medicinal use, and they also contain several terpenes that pair well with cannabis. Most importantly, they taste and smell good. Some of them are neutral, so you can use them without altering the taste of cannabis. 

But which of these alternatives are best? Of course, you wouldn’t want to smoke oregano. But, first, let’s see if they are safe. 

Is It Safe To Smoke Herbs?

It’s always best to know or at least research about something before you get into it. Although it’s commendable that you want to switch to other herbs from tobacco, you should be aware of whether they are safe or not. However, the problem is that we don’t know the side effects. 

When it comes to smoking herbs, including those found in DIY blends, many people believe they are safe, due to their composition of flavonoids. Herbal blends are found everywhere nowadays, and given the accessibility, it’s even more important to know what they entail. 

The issue is that there isn’t much research on the long-term effects of smoking these herbs. There are a few studies, but it’s difficult to come to solid conclusions based on a handful of them. Unlike tobacco which has been extensively studied and proven to be linked to health issues such as cancer, the effects of smoking blends remain largely unknown.

Many herbs used in DIY blends are known for their excellent properties. From providing calming effects to antioxidant properties, there are many benefits of these herbs. Plus, most of them are found in our kitchen cabinets, so they are generally considered safe when consumed in various forms. However, smoking them is a different ballgame altogether. The introduction of heat raises concerns about impacts on health and there’s a dearth of studies shedding light on the risks associated with smoking blends.

Smoking anything, whether it's lavender or tobacco, produces harmful compounds — there’s no doubt about that. When herbs are exposed to heat or when you light them on fire, their composition undergoes changes that could result in the production of various other compounds that weren't originally present in the herb. 

Thus, if you aren’t an herbal blend smoker, there’s no need to start now. Also, if you like smoking cannabis, it’s best to stick to cannabis alone. Cannabis has also been extensively studied, so we know how it works, but the same isn’t true for herbal blends. 

If you choose to use various herbs, it’s best that you study the potential risks associated with them just so you understand how they may impact you. Make more informed decisions about your well-being.

In addition, individual sensitivities vary, meaning what may be safe for one person could trigger reactions in another. Factors like existing health conditions, allergies, or respiratory issues can influence how the body responds to inhaling combusted herbal compounds. So, although these herbs are considered safe to consume, you must be careful when they undergo combustion. Most importantly, you should put your health first and pay attention to any changes in how you feel when trying out different herbs.

If you’d still like to know about the herbs that can be included in a cannabis joint instead of tobacco, read on. 

Best Alternatives to Tobacco for Smoking Cannabis

1. Rosemary 

Rosemary is a popular herb in the cooking industry for its rich flavor. Many chefs worldwide add rosemary to a variety of dishes for the same reason. Plus, rosemary is also linked to improved cognition and memory. 

Since this herb is so popular, you can find it almost anywhere in the world — if you know where to look. Plus, it’s cheap and you can even grow them if you’re a green thumb. 

Rosemary is also one of the easiest tobacco alternatives to use. All you have to do is grind some up using your grinder, add to your cannabis joint, and roll it up. That’s it. The flower adds a woodsy flavor profile to cannabis with notes of pine, sage, mint, pepper, and lavender. Delicious. 

The best part of using rosemary is that it brings a layer of complexity to the cannabis joint. Belonging to the mint family, you’ll see that smoking rosemary along with cannabis offers an experience that’s beyond the ordinary. How? Well, rosemary has that distinct earthy taste, and when you infuse it with cannabis, you get to enjoy a blend of flavors.

Rosemary is known for its abundance of antioxidants and compounds that reduce inflammation and potentially benefit our health. So, as you can see, combining rosemary with cannabis not only adds a herbaceous flavor but also enhances the potential health effects.

Like cannabis, rosemary also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to our well-being. While individual responses may vary, some users have reported experiencing improved clarity and focus when they combine rosemary with cannabis. Of course, we need some studies to prove this, but if you’re looking for a different experience once in a while, rosemary could help as this unique combination provides a flavorful experience for those who enjoy smoking.

2. Chamomile

Tobacco is often not sweet; it has a spicy or woody flavor profile, and many users may not like it. The harsh flavor of tobacco can interfere with the sweet cannabis flavor. But if you want to bring out the flavor while adding a bit more sweetness to your joint, there’s hardly a better alternative than chamomile. 

Chamomile is one of the sweetest alternatives to tobacco, and it is a pleasant-tasting flower with gentle notes of earth, wood, and honey. This sweet flavor complements many cannabis strains, especially the ones with fruity flavors. Plus, it produces a relaxing effect with clear thoughts.

Chamomile is also cheap to purchase and burns consistently. It will drastically increase the quality of your cannabis joint in the way it burns. However, chamomile is about as tame as its tea — it won’t produce a noticeable kick but will relax you. 

Chamomile is often referred to as the gentle giant due to its qualities. Almost everyone who fancies a cup of tea knows about chamomile. It tastes so good due to aromatic compounds like chamazulene and bisabolol which contribute to its flavor profile. As they blend with the other terpenes found in cannabis, they add a subtlety that elevates your experience. 

If you have access to chamomile flowers as a gardener, then you’re in for a treat. Combining it with cannabis creates a taste that is neither overpowering nor intrusive. Instead of the harsh flavors of tobacco, it offers a fine balance and you won’t even hurt your throat. 

Chamomil is often used as a relaxant. Although it doesn’t work like cannabis to produce a high, meaning it has no psychoactive properties, it does produce a sense of relaxation. These calming effects are believed to come from compounds that interact with receptors present in the human brain, much like how the cannabinoids of cannabis work as well. 

The combination of chamomile and cannabis isn’t about the high. Many people say that they feel more relaxed when using this combination, which is why it’s a popular choice among those looking to replace tobacco. Even those who want to quit cigarettes tend to research herbal blends to kick the habit. But, when you combine chamomile and cannabis, you kill two birds in one stone where you reduce stress and get high as well. 

3. Damiana

Damiana is a plant that grows close to the ground and it is native to Southern Texas, Mexico, and South America. There aren’t many scientific studies backing the claim, but many people suggest that it is effective against constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, menopause, and urinary conditions. 

Damiana has a sweet, woody, and minty flavor that works well with a variety of cannabis strains. Plus, rolling it with cannabis is fairly easy. And, it also produces a high of its own!

However, be warned, smoking a lot of damiana can produce hallucinations, but for that to happen, you’ll have to smoke over 200g of damiana at a time, which is a tall order for most people. 

4. Hops

You may not come across hops so often but if you drink beer, congratulations, you’ve already drunk at least a garden's worth of hops in your lifetime. Hops is one of the crucial ingredients of beer because of its rich flavor profile that includes hints of spice, floral, earth, and grass. 

Native to the UK, hops is an excellent plant that has been in use for centuries due to its holistic benefits. Hops are also rich in myrcene, which not only gives it its flavor but is also linked to health benefits like relaxation, calmed nerves, anti-inflammatory, etc. 

Add hops to your cannabis bud and it will give you a unique kick of flavor while helping you wind down after a hard day’s work. This is basically a beer rolled in a joint, but it won’t be frothy and alcoholic. 

5. Lavender

One of the most popular tobacco alternatives for rolling cannabis joints is lavender, a gorgeous flower that we’d argue tastes even better in tea. Lavender is easy to access in most regions and is relatively cheap, too. 

No real scientific evidence exists but some anecdotal reports suggest that lavender can help improve your sleep quality and reduce anxiety or nervousness. Plus, the flower is rich in linalool, so it can significantly improve the flavor profile of your cannabis buds, too. 

6. Mint

Who doesn’t like mint? Mint, which is also known as mentha, is a 20-plant group that includes peppermint and spearmint, and it is a common ingredient in a variety of foods like gum, cake, ice cream, and candy. Pro tip: add mint leaves to your burger!

Mint’s flavor profile needs no introduction, but did you know that it has some lifestyle benefits, too? Regular consumers of mint report that it can soothe an upset stomach, relieve cold symptoms, and boost immunity. 

While you may not experience these benefits when rolling mint with cannabis, one benefit you will get is a much smoother joint. Mint clears out the respiratory passages, so the joint feels smoother and cooler. 

The only downside is that mint has a robust flavor profile that can overpower your cannabis buds. Make sure you are smoking a strain that goes well with mint, ideally, something with minty notes. 

7. Mullein

Adding mullein to your blends introduces an intriguing element that enhances the overall smoking experience.

Mullein, scientifically known as Verbascum thapsus is an herb widely recognized for its medicinal properties. It has velvety, soft leaves. Throughout history, it has played a role in traditional medicine where it has been reported to be used in various concoctions. When combined with cannabis, mullein adds depth to the herbal blend.

Interestingly, mullein tends to make inhalation smooth. This is because the leaves contain mucilage that is known for its soothing effects in relieving cough. That’s why, it’s believed that this herb can make it more comfortable to inhale smoke while potentially reducing any irritation to the throat and lungs.

As a result, mullein has been used widely for its benefits in supporting respiratory health. While smoking mullein alone cannot replace modern treatments, some people choose to incorporate it into their blends due to these potential advantages.

Coming to the flavor, mullein has a neutral flavor profile, so it won’t add any flavor while you smoke cannabis. If you don’t want extra flavor for herbs as some of them could be overwhelming, mullein could be the better choice. It has a subtle, earthy flavor, and since cannabis strains also give off earthy aromas, combining the two could result in a better experience. 

8. Rose

Did you know that rose petals are a common addition in many herbal blends? The main reason they are added is that their captivating fragrance immediately enhances any blend, whether it’s cannabis or a bunch of herbs. 

Beyond the appeal of its fragrance, we suspect that the visual effect also has a role to play. After all, we live in a world where everything is posted instantly on Instagram, so who can resist the combination of roses combined with cannabis? Most people who search for alternatives to tobacco will certainly find roses more appealing. 

Rose petals contain compounds like geraniol and citronellol that create a magical experience. As they seamlessly blend with the terpenes found in cannabis, it’s easy to understand why these flowers are popular. Imagine blending floral aromas with the herbal essence of cannabis — you’re bound to create a fusion like none other. 

9. Lemon Balm

Moving on, next up is Lemon Balm — an herb found in many kitchens and gardens. Since lemon balm also comes from the mint family, you can expect it to add a burst of vibrancy when you combine it with cannabis. However, despite its relation to mint, lemon balm tastes and smells more like lemons — hence the name. 

Its natural lemony flavor greatly enhances the taste of joints by introducing zesty and invigorating sensations. As citrus notes combine with that of cannabis, it creates a wonderful contrast that appeals to those seeking an uplifting smoking experience. Also, many cannabis strains taste like lemons, thanks to the presence of limonene which also contributes to uplifting your mood, so combining lemon balm with such strains could make your experience all the more amazing. 

Essentially, adding lemon balm to your joint is not only going to tantalize your taste buds, but the fresh citrus also adds to the sensory pleasure. If you’re looking for a complex blend that tastes like fresh citrus, lemon balm could be an excellent addition. 

Apart from adding flavor to the joint, lemon balm also tends to induce relaxation. This herb contains compounds like rosmarinic acid that are supposed to have some sedative effects. Now, some cannabis strains also have the same properties. For example, myrcene is a terpene present in cannabis that also produces some sedative effects and acts like a relaxant. Thus, combining lemon balm with strains containing myrcene could make you very sleepy and relaxed. If that’s what you’re aiming for, it could be the perfect thing to do just before you hit the bed. 

10. Jasmine

Surprised to see jasmine on this list? Well, don’t be, because it has been used in herbal blends for quite a while. Jasmine is used to make aromatic teas due to its wonderful fragrance and medicinal qualities. Thus, incorporating it into your joints will impart a delightful floral essence, much like using rose petals. 

Jasmine is renowned for its captivating aroma. It contains benzyl acetate and linalool, which is also present in flowers like lavender and cannabis as well. All in all, it creates a perfect blend when combined with the aromas of cannabis, and you can expect to enjoy every puff. 

Apart from the aroma, jasmine is known to calm you down. It’s used like chamomile tea, although it’s much more expensive. The flowers are harvested, dried, and then infused with teas, offering a rich experience. Similarly, you can expect the same when you combine it with cannabis. Cannabis is also used to reduce stress, so combining the two could make for a beautiful joint. 

How to Use Tobacco Alternatives for Smoking Cannabis?

Using these herbs for smoking cannabis is fairly easy and most times it is very similar to smoking cannabis with tobacco. All you need to do is grind your cannabis buds, grind the herb, mix both properly, and roll it up in a joint. That’s it. 

While smoking these herbs, just pay attention to dosing. There is no standard ratio for how much cannabis you should add to a joint — it depends on your preferences. Some people add cannabis and tobacco alternatives in a 1:1 ratio whereas others only sprinkle some cannabis on the base. 

These aren’t the only tobacco alternatives you can smoke with cannabis — there are hundreds. But whichever one you choose, we advise you to research a bit about the herb you choose. Look at things like how much to use, expected effects and flavors, any potential side effects or complications, and how well it pairs with cannabis. 

One more thing — make herbal blends! One of the best ways of elevating your cannabis smoking experience. So what exactly is an herbal blend? It’s a mix of various herbs that you add to your cannabis joint to benefit from each herb’s effects or benefits. 

A herbal blend consists of various kinds of herbs. The first is the base, which holds everything together, followed by action herbs that add flavor to cannabis. Then, there are astringent herbs that smoothen the smoke and kicker herbs that add a little kick. 

Look up herbal blend recipes on the internet or experiment and come up with your own. It’s a terrific way to make each cannabis joint rich and unique!

Summary: 10 Best Herbs You Can Add Instead Of Tobacco To Your Cannabis Joints

There used to be a time when physicians prescribed tobacco to their patients for various “benefits” it seemingly offered. But experts later learned just how terrible tobacco can be for the human body. 

For example, every time you smoke tobacco, you are consuming thousands of chemicals, including carbon monoxide — the silent killer. 

So, it could be better to substitute tobacco with other herbs, like lavender, chamomile, hops, mint, or rosemary. These herbs also improve the overall cannabis experience with their flavor or health benefits. 

If none of these herbs entice you, just smoke cannabis blunts without adding any filler. Sure, you’re going to get more high than usual, but it’s perhaps the best way to consume for you.