8 Organic Tobacco Alternatives for Your Joint

Love smoking cannabis but hate having to roll it with tobacco? Then you’re in luck, as there are a number of alternative options out there for you. By choosing to roll your joint with some of these natural, healthier alternatives, not only will you be benefiting from their health-boosting qualities, but you also won’t be exposing yourself to the harmful effects of nicotine. Here are the 8 of the best tobacco alternatives for your joint:

Top Tobacco Alternatives

1) Sage

Sage is one of the best and oldest medical herbs in the world. This natural herb has amazing healing powers and is often used for digestive problems, including loss of appetite, gas, stomach pains, diarrhea, bloating, and heartburn. Due to its smell and anti-irritation effect, it is also used as a tobacco alternative.

As well as garden sage, there are many varieties of the herb out there which are a suitable alternative to using tobacco in a joint. The most commonly used are white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage (Salvia mellifera) and pineapple sage (Salvia elegans). One variety of sage, Salvia divinorum (more commonly known simply as Salvia or Lady Salvia) is illegal in many states due to its strong psychotropic effects. It is strongly advised that you check the legal status of Salvia Divinorum in your state if you intend on using it.

2) Real Leaf

Even though most of the tobacco alternatives on this list are natural, we had to add Real Leaf simply because of their organic herb blend. Unlike other tobacco alternatives, Real Leaf blend contains raspberry leaves, marshmallow root, and mulleins, which gives this blend a sweet yet earthy-soft taste. The combination of the blend provides a well-balanced flavor that is perfect for cannabis smokers looking to extract the most out of the marijuana plant. Furthermore, the mulleins within the blend are perfect for soothing inflamed or infected lungs.

If you love smoking joints but would prefer to avoid the harmful effects of nicotine, then a Real Leaf’s tobacco substitutes are a great alternative to the real thing. By using a tobacco substitute, you are not exposing yourself to the chemicals contained in nicotine, and you are also not risking become hooked on a highly addictive substance which will damage your health. As Real Leaf tobacco substitutes are nicotine-free, they are considered to be a cleaner and purer smoke.

3) Damiana

Damiana is a low-growing plant which is native to Southern Texas, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Damiana has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries, but is also believed to have other health benefits. While there is little evidence for some of its purported health benefits, Damiana is used to treat conditions like dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, and urinary and bladder conditions, as well as menopause and premenstrual syndrome.

In addition to its wide array of purported health benefits, Damiana leaf also produces a slight high when smoked, but it is mainly used to relieve tension due to its relaxing and soothing effect. Damiana’s small leaves are easily broken up, which makes them perfect for rolling into a joint. The smoke from a Damiana joint is reportedly very smooth and clean. Damiana leaf is ideal for pairing with a soothing indica strain for a relaxing smoke with a subtle high.

It is important to be aware though that in higher doses, Damiana can cause hallucinations. While Damiana is generally considered to be safe in lower doses, in very high doses, i.e., at 200g or more, Damiana has caused extremely damaging symptoms in people which have been compared to the symptoms of rabies and strychnine poisoning. It is strongly advised that you speak to a pharmacist if you are planning on using Damiana as an alternative to tobacco in your joint to find out what amount is safe for you to consume.

4) Rubus Idaeus

Rubus idaeus, more commonly known as Raspberry Leaf, is readily available and grows throughout Europe and North America. Raspberry Leaf is widely used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including cold sores, gingivitis, anemia, leg cramps, diarrhea, and morning sickness during pregnancy. It is also used as a uterine relaxant, to name just a few of its benefits.

Apart from its many purported health benefits, Raspberry Leaf is also suitable to be used in a joint as an alternative to tobacco. Raspberry Leaf is an excellent choice as a base due to its light and fluffy texture. Smokers of Raspberry Leaf love its smooth and mellow taste which complements cannabis nicely.

One thing to bear in mind is that, if you are taking any medications which have laxative or diuretic side effects, Raspberry Leaf can also have a diuretic effect. This could potentially cause excessive urination and, ultimately, dehydration. It is recommended that you discuss using Raspberry Leaf with a pharmacist or your medical practitioner if you have any concerns or questions.

5) Mint

Mint, also known as Mentha, is a genus or group of around 15-20 plant species, including peppermint and spearmint. Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy and beauty products, while the leaves are used either fresh or dried for teas and food. Mint tea is used to boost health in a number of ways. People drink mint tea as it good for soothing an upset stomach, helps to improve digestion as well as fighting off colds and flu, and also is believed to boost the immune system.

Mint leaves are also an excellent alternative to using tobacco in a joint. Apart from avoiding the harmful effects of nicotine, smoking mint leaves is believed to improve blood circulation and have a relaxing effect. Peppermint leaves are said to be good for clearing the lungs and respiratory passages, making breathing easier.

One thing to bear in mind if you are going to use mint leaves in your joint is that the menthol flavor is very strong and could potentially overpower the terpene content of your weed. You could try using a little bit of mint leaf in combination with another tobacco alternative on this list to give your joint a little bit of extra flavor.

6) Eucalyptus Leaves

Eucalypti trees, more commonly known in Australia as gum trees or stringybark trees, belong to a much larger genus of myrtle trees which are native to Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and nearby islands. The leaves of a eucalyptus tree contain an aromatic and volatile oil (vaporizes readily) known as eucalyptus oil which is renowned for its expectorant effect (promotes the discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract).

Eucalyptus leaves and its oil are used in teas to help treat a sore throat as well as to ease congestion. Eucalyptus leaves are a fairly popular alternative to using tobacco in a joint, but some find the taste to be a bit too strong and spicy. Whether or not eucalyptus leaves will be for you will entirely be down to personal taste.

7) Calendula Leaves

Calendula officinalis is a plant native to southern Europe, but also naturalized and cultivated in other parts of Europe, North America, and North Africa. The calendula plant has been used medicinally for centuries due to its strong healing properties; it has been used to treat burns, wounds, and rashes, among other things. The flowers of the calendula plant are edible too and have been used in soups and stews to help boost the immune system.

Calendula flowers contain a resin which is where its purported health benefits stem from. If you are going to try using calendula as an alternative to tobacco, it is advised that you source a plant with a bright yellow or orange color as this will give you a good indication of its freshness and overall medicinal quality.

8) Cannabis Leaves

If you are growing your own cannabis at home, then why not try using the cannabis plant’s leaves as an alternative to tobacco in your joint? It is recommended that you use the sugar leaves of the cannabis plant rather than the large fan leaves as they will produce a less harsh smoke and have a milder chlorophyll taste. Sugar leaves also contain more trichomes so you will enjoy a much better high too.

Final Thoughts on 8 High Quality, Low-Cost Alternatives to Tobacco for Your Joint

Well, hopefully, you found this list to be helpful. Apart from their health benefits, these tobacco alternatives also offer the added benefit of removing nicotine from your joint. If you are trying to quit smoking cigarettes but love smoking joints, then these alternatives will help you do that. These tobacco alternatives are especially great for medicinal cannabis smokers who want to enjoy the health benefits that cannabis has to offer, without compromising their overall health in the process.

You will also find that these low-cost tobacco alternatives will be much easier on your wallet as well as your lungs too. So if you are looking for a cleaner, healthier smoke, which costs less, then why not give one of these tobacco alternatives a try? Be sure to speak with a pharmacist or your medical practitioner first if you are on any medications to find out what amount of each tobacco alternative is safe to consume.