How to Enhance Your Hike with Cannabis

Now that the extreme heat and humidity of summer have died down and we’re heading into the cooler fall months, many people are dusting off their hiking boots to hit the trails.

If you prefer to take in the fresh air and natural surroundings with a little cannabis, we have some helpful tips and guidance to enhance your hike and get in touch with nature.

Best Cannabis Pieces for Hiking and Camping

Here are our recommendations for the best pieces to bring along on your hike:

• Joints: Joints are easy to roll in advance for quick access on a trail. They also stay lit in windy weather, are easy to share, lightweight and give you the experience you want.
  • The drawbacks are that they can be difficult to light in the wind, they require a lot of bud, a breeze makes them burn faster and you have to carry the waste back home with you.
• Vaporizers: Vapes and oil pens are a great choice for the trail because they’re impervious to inclement weather. They’re also versatile and give you options for the strains you want to bring along with you. As far as etiquette goes, vapes and oil pens are also discreet and emit minimal odor.
  • The high that comes from oil cartridges is different than normal, however, and some people can’t tolerate it. The battery on your vape can run out quickly as well, leaving you not quite high and dry.
• Pipes: Pipes are a favorite among hikers, due to their discretion and portability. Pipes are easier to extinguish if someone is nearby and they’re lightweight and easy to share.
  • Pipes are also breakable, hard to hit while walking and may be difficult to light if there’s wind.
• Travel water pipes: If you like an apparatus that uses water, a travel water pipe is a great option for imbibing on the trail. Small bongs and bubblers are easy to carry and give you the cooling and filtration benefits while you’re out in nature.
  • Even small water pipes can be heavy, however, and they take up quite a bit of space in your gear. They’re not really discreet, either, so be sure to take your surroundings into consideration.
• Edibles and tinctures: Though the effects may be too much for some hiking situations, edibles provide a smoke-free method for enjoying your cannabis on the trail. Smaller doses can give you a mellow, long-lasting high that won’t impact your energy levels as well, so you won’t get tired on a longer hike. Tinctures are a fine option too, since they’re less intense and have a faster onset.
  • Edibles and tinctures can lead to an intense high with a sedative effect, so be sure to monitor your dose to avoid drowsiness on the trail.

Best Strains for the Outdoors

Here are the best strains to bring along for your hike:

• Black Dahlia: This strain gives you a good high without impacting your mental sharpness, allowing you to stay safe on the trail.
• Willie Nelson: This strain has a high that’s a mix of euphoric, relaxing and enjoyable, so it can help you connect with yourself and do some self-reflection in nature.
• Cinderella 99: This is a great strain for active people looking to take on grueling hikes, because it promotes high energy levels.
• Redwood Kush: This strain gives you a comforting, warming high that feels a bit like enjoying a campfire with friends on a cool autumn night.
• Blue Dream: This strain has highly euphoric effects, which can enhance your experience in the great outdoors.
• Orange Crush: This strain gives you energy to get through the day, making it a great choice for a day-long hike.
• Afghan Kush: This strain unleashes your creative side, which is an excellent option for a long hike that ends around a campfire with friends.
• Cookie Wreck: This strain is great for hikers who suffer from joint pain or limited mobility, since it has mild analgesic effects.

Safety and Etiquette

Safety is important when you’re hiking in general, but especially when you’re hiking with cannabis. On top of that, you may be sharing the experience with other hikers, which is where etiquette comes in.

• Be respectful: Cannabis isn’t something you need to hide, but you still need to be mindful of other hikers. Like cigarette smoke, not everyone enjoys the smell of cannabis, so try to be considerate of those around you, especially if there are young children.
• Leave no trace: This applies to all trash on the hike, not just your joint. You should leave the natural area as you found it, which means any trash you bring in comes back out with you.
• Watch heat and fire: In dry areas, it doesn’t take much to start a raging wildfire. Something as simple as tossing a joint you thought was extinguished could be enough to ignite dry brush and devastate the area. Also, if you’re planning to camp, be aware of your campfire and take the appropriate precautions.
• Hydrate: Both hiking and smoking cannabis dehydrate you, so be sure to pack and consume a lot of water over the course of your day. You should also bring more water than you need, since it’s always better to have extra in an emergency.
• Know the trail: Depending on the location and your hiking experience, you may find yourself in areas with trails that are difficult to find. It’s easy to lose your bearings in these situations to begin with, but trying to navigate while high can only complicate things further. If possible, bring a map and mark your trails, so you’ll be less likely to lose your way.

Learn More About Hiking with Cannabis at Euphoria Wellness

If you’re looking for the best strains for hiking while high, Euphoria Wellness can help. Our experts will be happy to recommend the ideal strain options to enhance your hiking experience. Just stop by with your Nevada medical cannabis card and take a look at our menu! You can also find more information abut cannabis strains and their uses in our Cannabis Strain Guide.

 

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This content is not intended as medical advice. The information provided is meant to encourage cannabis education, not replace direct patient-healthcare professional relationships. Always consult your primary care physician or other healthcare provider prior to using cannabis products for treatment of a medical condition.  Any statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products are only available where the consumption of cannabis is legal.