Top 10 Tobacco Alternatives For Joints

Rolling a joint with tobacco is pretty common practice. No matter where you go in the world, someone, somewhere will be rolling the mix. It’s no surprise really, it can prolong the life of your smoke, add flavour, and should you be so inclined, give you a hit of nicotine.

If you want to avoid tobacco but still enjoy the smoking ritual, it’s easiest to go pure. Well dried bud makes for a great joint, but it quickly gets expensive as you need a lot of material.

Luckily, nature offers a massive selection of alternative herbs that can be used to help a

1. Damiana

What is it?

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) will add some serious sensuality to your joints. Belonging to the Passifloraceae family, the shrub grows in its native range from Southern Texas all the way to South America and the Caribbean. The herb was used traditionally as an ingredient in Mexican liqueur. Damiana offers distinct hints of mint and spice, but the flavour isn’t overpowering, so it won’t mask the wonderful scents of your chosen cannabis strain.

Why use it?

Legend has it that damiana can kindle the libido. Whether true or not, the herb can definitely spice up your spliffs before some romantic activities with your partner!

2. Wild Dagga

What is it?

Wild Dagga, also known as Leonotis leonurus, is a perfect tobacco replacement if you’re looking for more peace of mind than a joint alone can deliver. The evergreen shrub, which belongs to the mint family, is native to South Africa where it grows in abundance. Cannabis is referred to as “dagga” in the region, and therefore locals view wild dagga as a type of wild cannabis (although it is different).

Why use it?

The herb produces subtle soothing effects, making it an ideal tobacco replacement when blazing in the evenings. Its flavour is generally unobtrusive, allowing the flavour of your cannabis to shine. Overall, smoking wild dagga with weed is like adding an extra bit of relaxation to your experience.

3. Blue Lotus

What is it?

Adding blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) to your spliffs will make you wonder why you were ever using tobacco in the first place. Not only does it contribute to a smooth and even burn, but it offers a mystical vibe! Cultures have revered blue lotus’ effects for thousands of years. Egyptian artwork often depicts the water lily during “party scenes” involving dancing and rituals.

Why use it?

Many users report the herb’s impressive ability to still the mind. Adding blue lotus to a spliff before bed may also increase your chances of lucid dreaming—the phenomenon of becoming conscious during a dream. With its mild yet exotic aroma and pleasant effect, the word “serenity” comes to mind when enjoying a blue lotus-laden spliff.

4. Passionflower

What is it?

Passionflower is one of the most alien-looking plants on Earth. This gorgeous life form is known for its deeply relaxing effects. Native to the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, the fresh and dried leaves and roots of the passionflower plant have long been used by Native Americans to brew a relaxing tea. Featuring a grassy, earthy, generally mild taste, the leaves of this herb are a great way to extend your weed stash without taking away from the smoking experience.

Why use it?

Use passionflower as a tobacco substitute in the evenings and during days off to still your thoughts and reach a place of relaxation and presence. The herb makes a particularly good choice before meditation and yoga.

5. Skullcap

What is it?

Despite its morbid name, skullcap can lighten your spirits and help you chill out. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) belongs to the mint family and is native to North America. Long used by Native Americans for a variety of purposes, dried and fresh skullcap is used today to help individuals relax and unwind.

Why use it?

Skullcap may take the edge off a cannabis high with its soothing effect. The herb also provides an earthy, slightly bitter taste that pairs well with fruity and earthy cannabis strains. This is a unique pairing to enjoy as its smoke gives off quite an interesting aroma.

6. Catnip

What is it?

Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria or catmint, has become well-known for its psychoactive effect on felines. But humans can benefit from the herb too. However, it doesn’t quite have the same effect. While it sends cats into a manic state, catnip has a subtle effect on humans. Catnip is a perennial herb native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central America, and China.

Why use it?

The herb infuses joints with a bitter and earthy taste, and it works in the opposite manner to tobacco. Where tobacco stimulates the mind, catnip slows things down. Add catnip to your joint when seeking chilled-out vibes.

7. Chamomile

What is it?

With a daisy-like appearance, chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an ancient herb with a rich history of use throughout Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In fact, chamomile could be one of the oldest, most documented herbal remedies. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, its striking appearance (bright gold flowers and white petals) has attracted herbalists and researchers alike for its wide variety of potential applications.

Why use it?

Given its popularity and widespread use, it’s probably easier to ask why you shouldn’t use it! Throughout the ages, chamomile has demonstrated soothing qualities, helping with feelings of queasiness, red and sensitive skin, sleep readiness, and positively influencing blood circulation. It also has a honey-like sweetness, making it the perfect complement to dank or fruity cannabis strains. Get your next joint loaded with chamomile and breathe in silky smooth, herbal goodness!

8. Yerba Mate

What is it?

Rich in vitamins, yerba mate was traditionally used in South America by the Guaraní tribes, often being brewed into a drink. These days, it is seen as a common and popular alternative to coffee. While it can still be used for this purpose, it is versatile and can make for a great tobacco alternative.

Why use it?

Made from the leaves and stems of the Ilex paraguariensis tree, yerba mate is full of energy-boosting and stimulating properties. Mild in taste but not overbearing, yerba mate blends well and allows you to feel the effects it has to offer without sacrificing flavour.

9. White Lotus

What is it?

Much like blue lotus, white lotus (Nymphaea Lotus) had a large impact on ancient Egyptian culture. Archaeologists have since found remains of the species in Egyptian tombs. The plant induces a fast-acting effect that motivates the mind and catalyses creativity.

Why use it?

Use the herb as a tobacco substitute alongside a heady sativa strain when looking for some inspiration. White lotus is also a great wake and bake option to boost alertness and help you start the day in good spirits. Add in a cup of coffee, and you’ll be ready to take on any task that comes at you.

10. Hops

What is it?

Last but not least comes hops. Hops (Humulus lupulus) are the cornerstone ingredient in many craft beers. Their varying terpene profiles offer a wide array of tantalising tastes. Interestingly, hops belong to the same family as cannabis—Cannabaceae—and thus make a prime addition to any spliff.

Why use it?

Add these aromatic flowers into your spliffs to experience tidal waves of flavour with every hit. Their fruity and citrusy tastes go down especially well with cannabis strains that share a similar flavour profile (think strains high in linalool). Hops can also be mixed with other herbs on this list to improve the flavour of the blend. Just make sure to pair it with herbs with a similar relaxing effect.

Tobacco Alternatives: Final Thoughts

So there you have it! For those of you trying to move away from tobacco whilst you blaze, or simply fancy adding something else into the mix, there are many options available. The great thing is that all of these herbs are legal in the majority of countries (but do check where you first!), are often cheaper than tobacco, and are just as easily obtainable on the internet. So get out there and get experimenting, your new favorite tobacco alternative could be just around the corner!