Tobacco Alternatives for Joints: 11 Herbs to Ditch the Spliff

The best tobacco alternatives for joints are smokable herbs like lavender, sage, rosemary, chamomile, calendula, eucalyptus, mint, raspberry leaf, hops, damiana and yerba mate. They stretch your weed and slow the burn like tobacco in a spliff, but without the nicotine, and many add their own flavor or a mild effect. Cannabis and tobacco have gone hand in hand for ages, yet health-wise tobacco is the bigger problem.

So next time you wonder what you can smoke instead of tobacco, or what makes a good tobacco substitute, keep these options in mind to mix with your weed and enjoy what they bring to the session.

Tobacco alternatives: what to keep in mind

A good rule of thumb when mixing herbs with weed is to start low and go slow, which is solid advice any time you try something new. If you're using a premixed herbal blend, 25% herbs to 75% cannabis is a reasonable place to start. As always, experiment a little at a time to figure out what works best for you.

Lots of dried herbs and leaves can stand in for tobacco. But some work better than others, or simply smell and taste nicer.

What can you smoke instead of tobacco?

Lavender:

When it comes to herbal tobacco alternatives, lavender is one of the most popular picks to mix with weed. Lavender is famous for its scent and its calming, relaxing qualities, and those are just some of the effects of smoking lavender. Weed and lavender go together perfectly: you get a smoother smoke, better flavor and a nicer high. Plus, some of the benefits of smoking lavender in a cannabis session may include taking the edge off nerves and insomnia, and it can make the whole smoke feel gentler.

Sage:

Sage is one smokable herb you can grow right in your own garden. It's a common herb you'll find in gardens and kitchens all over the world. As a tobacco alternative for stress relief, adding sage to your joint may boost relaxation and calm. It also improves the burn and adds a nicer aroma, which makes the smoke even more enjoyable.

Rosemary:

Rolling this kitchen herb into a joint makes a lot of sense because it contains a terpene called beta-caryophyllene, which research suggests may support cognition and alertness, help with inflammation and low mood, and back up your immune system, making rosemary a great match for weed. On top of that, it adds a one-of-a-kind aroma.

Chamomile:

Chamomile is a crowd favorite because you can find it pretty much anywhere in the world. It's one of those smokable flowers that may have a relaxing, anti-anxiety effect. People also say chamomile and its terpenes help with insomnia and stress. So while you can smoke chamomile for a relaxing, comforting effect, don't expect it to hit hard.

Still, smoking chamomile can help you settle in for bed and get nice and relaxed.

Calendula:

Calendula is popular and widely used in traditional medicine for its healing reputation. It's traditionally said to support the immune system. Pick calendula plants with bright yellow or orange flowers, since that's a sign the plant is fresh and still has its medicinal quality.

Eucalyptus:

Eucalyptus oil is one of the main compounds in the plant's leaves. It has an expectorant effect and a fairly sharp flavor, ideal if you're into strong, flavored tobaccos. 

Mint:

With mint, you've got tons of varieties to choose from, so it's up to you to pick your favorite for your herbal mix.  Mint oil is widely used for its health potential, aroma and flavor. Adding it to your joint is a natural way to relax, and some people say it helps circulation. Heads up: mint is pretty strong, so don't overdo it, or it'll drown out the flavor and aroma of your weed. 

Raspberry leaf:

The plant, also known as Rubus idaeus, has been used in folk medicine for dozens of conditions, including anemia, leg cramps and gum problems. On top of all that, it's an excellent tobacco substitute. Thanks to its light, fluffy texture, it's easy to roll and has a mild flavor.

Hops:

Hops belong to the same plant family as cannabis. The terpene myrcene is an active compound in hops, and it also shows up in lots of cannabis strains. Hops are said to have mood-lifting and sedative effects, which makes them a nice, complementary addition to a cannabis high. One caution: some sources warn that hops can be harmful when smoked at higher temperatures, so go easy.

Damiana:

Damiana is one of those herbal smokes traditionally used for everything from low mood to indigestion, and it's mainly used to ease tension. 

It's worth repeating that smoking anything can harm your body, so make informed choices and stick to natural herbs. That's why damiana is a great pick, plus it has a mild psychoactive effect that's said to give you a lift thanks to compounds that may act on the nervous system and brain.

Yerba mate:

Mate comes from South America, where people have been drinking it as a tea for centuries. Its complex aroma is earthy, smoky and bittersweet all at once.

Thanks to its high caffeine content, it's a smoking herb that's also considered a stimulant and is often marketed as a weight-loss aid. That's made mate a big deal in major cities, where it's been reinvented as an energy soda.

Look for organically grown herbs so you don't add chemicals and toxins to your joint.

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