Mastering the Solo Sesh
A guide to make smoking alone
Smoking has always been an activity I've enjoyed alone. I'm sure if I started my weed journey earlier in life, like in college, I would have a stronger desire to smoke with others. Still, because it was just me on that 6th-floor fire escape in Harlem, I relish in my solo smokes. Don't get me wrong; I miss smoking with good company, but the little joys of smoking solo aren't lost on me. There's no one to wet the J; I don't have to worry about if my lipstick is on the J, and I can hog the J cause it's mine. 😉
I've worked from home full-time for over a year, which has given me 365+ opportunities to master smoking by myself. Given that the world is sheltering in place, many people are exploring what solo sessions look like, so I wanted to drop some tips on how to make smoking alone a sacred, personal moment, a ritual if you will. Because if you can't smoke with friends, you might as well set a mood for yourself.
A quality solo sesh requires some intentionality. Admittedly, this is not for every session; we all need that “quick quick” joint every once in a while. This is for days when you have time, ok?
My tips
Preparation
🤚🏾 Start by preparing your product. This is particularly important for those consuming flower. Consider breaking up your herb by hand to slow down your mind and body.
✨ If you're using glass, clean your piece. Nothing smokes better than a sparkly piece. It'll make for the smoothest, tastiest hits.
🍿 Get your fave munchie snacks. Your future self will thank you.
🕴🏾If you're a pro or are looking to elevate the effects of your flower, spice up your joints or bowls with some kief or concentrate. Kief or concentrates will give your flower an extra kick that's sure to enhance your high.
🥤Grab a beverage you love. I get cottonmouth pretty easily, so I keep water handy but spring for seltzer or a good tea for something more fun.
🎮 Have your post-smoke activity ready to go so you can maximize your high, even if that means smoking on the couch so you can easily lay down after. Grab your book, headphones, or remote, and get your content ready. 😉
Ambiance
If you've been sheltering in place and are anything like me, you're probably fatigued with your current view, which is why it's important to switch things up.
💡Change your lighting. Had all the lights on all day? Maybe turn them off. Got a dimmer? Set a mood.
🎵 When I'm elevated, music sounds way better. Turn on a good playlist. Need help selecting the right tunes? I recommend a playlist that I curated myself for such an occasion.
🕯 Light a candle or incense. Turn on a diffuser.
📵 Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. If there's one tip here that I recommend the most, it's this one. Minimizing interruptions and the nuisance of notifications will help you stay present in your session and focus on getting what you need from it.
So, your flower is prepped, and your environment matches the mood you're trying to achieve, the only thing left to do is prepare your body.
Body
💨 When I'm not in a rush, I like to take some deep breaths before smoking, particularly if I'm dabbing or using glass. My baby lungs need all the help they can get, so I practice 4-7-8 breathing to prepare for what's to come.
Now that that's out the way, you're ready to light up. Enjoy those hits. Savor them.
Post-Smoke
Now that you're elevated, depending on what you smoked, you might not want to move, and this, my friend, is why you prepped for your munchies and next activity. Relish in your high. You deserve it.
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Let it go...up in smoke.
Amid the pandemic, it's been even more critical for me to check in with myself and figure out what I need. I often feel bad for needing rest, quiet, or alone time, because being home 24/7 gives the illusion of rest, without the reward. I spend my time at home working, adulting 🙄, and enduring existential dread as the pandemic trudges along. I think it's safe to say that those aren't relaxing activities so, I'm letting go of feeling bad for honoring my needs. Cheers to more days off, more quality naps, more time outside in the sun, and obviously, more solo sessions!
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Reviews you may have missed:
Columbian Gold, a fun daytime smoke
Harlequin, a 1:1 strain perfect for anxiety and focus
Ghost Train Haze Swift Lifts, an energetic strain in a perfectly dosed preroll
Midweek Haul, because I had a shitty day and needed a pick me up
Katsu Bubba Kush, a true to its lineage indica that's sure to put you to bed
China Berry, a diesel-y indica
As always, if you read something that you want to know more about or have a cannabis-related question, hit that reply button and let me know. Your feedback is crucial, and I want to make sure you look forward to opening my email every other week.
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