Smoking Drugs: Complete List Of Drugs That Can Be Smoked

Smoking is one of the most common methods of drug use, and its health consequences extend far beyond cigarettes. Millions of Americans smoke tobacco despite well-documented health risks, but many other substances are also smoked for their effects, including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine. Each of these substances carries its own set of short and long-term health risks, many of which are compounded by the act of inhaling smoke into the lungs.

The dangers of smoking drugs can range from mild to severe depending on the substance involved, how much is used, and how long the habit has been going on. Common health risks associated with smoking drugs include lung damage, various cancers, cardiovascular problems, pregnancy and birth complications, and an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder. Because smoking delivers substances to the brain quickly through the lungs, it can also intensify the addictive potential of many drugs.

Commonly Smoked Drugs

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there are many commonly abused drugs that can be smoked. This includes illicit drugs and some prescription drugs that can be misused.

Here is a list of commonly smoked drugs broken down by category:

Tobacco and Nicotine Products

The following tobacco and nicotine products can be smoked:

• cigarettes
• cigars
• pipe tobacco
• hookah/shisha
• roll-your-own-tobacco
• herbal smoking blends (non-tobacco, often containing nicotine alternatives)

Cannabis And Related Products

The following cannabis products and by-products can be smoked:

• marijuana
• hashish
• hash oil/concentrates (wax, starter, rosin)
• kief
• Delta-8 THC or other hemp-derived cannainoids

Illicit Stimulants

The following illicit stimulants can be smoked:

• crack Cocaine
• freebase Cocaine
• methamphetamine (“crystal meth”, “ice”
• khat (very rare)

Illicit Opioids

The following illicit opioids can be smoked

• heroin (black tar or powdered)
• opium
• fentanyl (illicitly manufactured, often smoked on foil)

Prescription Opioids

The following prescription opioids can be smoked:

• morphine (in base form only)
• oxycodone in certain formulations (because of widespread abuse, most oxycodone pills cannot be smoked)

Other Substances

The following substances are also smokeable:

• kratom
• MDMA/ecstasy
• dmt
• mescaline (peyote)
• salvia
• ketamine

Some drugs may only be smokable in certain forms. Cocaine, for instance, can come in a powder or rock-like form that may be more easily dissolved and injected or snorted. It must be converted to “base” form (known as “free base” to be smokeable.

Short-Term Side Effects Of Smoking Drugs

Smoking drugs can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. The types of side effects and symptoms you experience will depend on the type of drug, whether it’s cut with other drugs, and its potency, among other factors.

Side Effects Of Smoking Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. Smoking a stimulant drug can cause a range of effects on the mind and body, including increased energy.

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Short-term effects from smoking stimulants may include:

• increased heart rate and blood pressure
• increased body temperature
• dilated pupils
• faster breathing
• euphoria
• reduced appetite
• headache
• visual disturbances (e.g. hallucinations, sensitivity to light)
• irritability
• talkativeness
• anxiety
• paranoia

Short-term effects of stimulants can vary by drug. Cocaine, for instance, may lead to psychotic symptoms such as severe paranoia and aggressive behavior when smoked. Prescription stimulants like Adderall may cause increased focus and concentration.

Side Effects Of Smoking Depressants

Depressants are drugs that depress CNS activity, like marijuana. This can cause a feeling of relaxation, reduce anxiety, and cause drowsiness.

Side effects of smoking depressants may include:

• changes in heart rate
• reduced panic and anxiety
• calmness
• dizziness
• slurred speech
• light-headedness
• reduced concentration
• confusion
• headache
• dry mouth

Drugs like marijuana may also cause visible side effects such as red eyes or changes in pupil size. People who smoke depressants may move more slowly, have slower reaction times, and appear sleepy.

Long-Term Effects Of Smoking Drugs

People who smoke drugs like maraijuana, cocaine, or meth generally do so for the immediate gratification of getting high. Unfortunately, smoking drugs can also increase the risk of developing long-term health conditions over time, affecting various organs and systems throughout the body.

Long-term side effects of smoking drugs may include:

• various cancers
• lung damage (e.g. lung disease, lung cancer)
• increased tolerance
• drug dependence
• respiratory distress
• irregular heartbeat
• blood pressure problems
• worsened asthma
• pneumonia
• malnutrition
• psychosis (e.g. paranoia, delusions, hallucinations)
• mood swings
• impaired memory
• difficulty sleeping
• depression
• anxiety

Smoking illicit drugs like cocaine can pose severe effects when used chronically. If you’re smoking cocaine that’s been cut with other drugs, this may increase the risk of experiencing drug overdose, becoming addicted to the drug more quickly, and experiencing other adverse effects.

Not all drugs pose the same long-term health risks. Marijuana, for instance, is prescribed to treat certain medical conditions and has been decriminalized and legalized in some states. Even still, smoking marijuana may pose some long-term risks, including effects on brain development in adolescents, dependence, and worsening symptoms in people with schizophrenia.

Dangers Of Smoking Drugs

Smoking drugs can pose several acute and long-term dangers when abused, including increased tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. Acute dangers of smoking certain drugs are some of the most worrisome. Overdose is a major public health concern in the United States. Overdose can occur by smoking too much of one drug or mixing excessive amounts of multiple drugs within a short period.

Other dangers of smoking drugs can include:

• increased risk for certain diseases
• pregnancy complications
• psychosis
• asthma attacks
• damage to heart and blood vessels
• blood pressure problems
• cognitive decline
• suicidal thoughts
• aggression
• impulsivity

This list is not conclusive. Some drugs may pose other dangers when abused by smoking. In addition, some of these dangers can be life-threatening. If someone you know is having trouble breathing, experiencing chest pain, or has fallen unconscious after smoking a drug, seek emergency medical attention right away.

How Does Smoking Drugs Compare To Snorting Or Swallowing Drugs?

Your method of drug abuse can influence how long it takes to feel the effects of a drug, the risk of addiction, overdose risk, and other factors related to drug use.

Many drugs that are smoked can also be snorted, injected, or swallowed depending on the type of drug and its form. All forms of drug abuse are dangerous and may require treatment to stop use.

Risk Of Addiction

Addiction is a serious risk among those who smoke drugs. People can become addicted to any drug, including prescription drugs, when abused. Smoking drugs can cause the active ingredients of these substances to reach the brain quickly. This can alter the balance of certain chemicals in your brain known as neurotransmitters, which can affect mood, perception, physical movement, and psychological processes associated with addiction.

According to a study published in the Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology journal, smoking cocaine carries a higher risk for dependence, more powerful effects, and other health consequences compared to snorting.

Faster Onset Of Drug Effects

Smoking a drug is one of the fastest ways to feel its effects. This is because this route of use can cause drugs to reach the brain more quickly than, for instance, swallowing drugs. Abusing drugs by injection or insufflation (snorting) can also cause quick effects. How long it takes to feel the effects of a drug after smoking, and how long they last, will depend on the type of drug and how much you’ve smoked.

Smoking some drugs may cause side effects that are more short-lived compared to other methods of use. This can be dangerous, in part because this may prompt people to smoke more or smoke too much at one time, which can increase the risk for overdose, severe addiction, and other health consequences.

The Link Between Smoking Drugs And Respiratory Health

One of the most immediate and lasting consequences of smoking drugs is the damage it causes to the respiratory system. Regardless of the substance being smoked, inhaling any type of smoke exposes the lungs to toxic chemicals, irritants, and carcinogens that can cause both short and long-term harm. For people who smoke drugs regularly, the damage to the airways, lungs, and surrounding tissue can be irreversible.

Common respiratory effects of smoking drugs include:

• chronic bronchitis and persistent cough, particularly among people who smoke marijuana or crack cocaine regularly
• increased susceptibility to respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis, as smoke damages the protective lining of the airways
• worsening of asthma symptoms, as inhaled smoke can trigger inflammation and airway constriction
• lung damage and reduced lung function over time, which can affect a person’s ability to breathe normally during physical activity
• increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory cancers with prolonged use of certain smoked substances
• damage to the throat and vocal cords, which can cause a chronic hoarse voice or persistent soreness

It is worth noting that some people switch to vaping or other delivery methods under the assumption that they are safer than smoking. While some methods may reduce certain risks, no form of drug inhalation is without risk, and many of the health consequences associated with smoking drugs can also occur through other inhalation methods.

Finding Treatment For Drug Abuse And Addiction

Recovery from drug addiction is possible. The first step towards overcoming drug addiction is acknowledging you have a problem and seeking help. The best way to find out what type of treatment you may need is to speak to a doctor or addiction specialist. Depending on the type of drug, how long you’ve been smoking drugs, and other personal factors—a professional may recommend an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.

Treatment programs for drug abuse include:

• medically supervised detox
• inpatient and residential rehab programs
• outpatient rehab
• medication-assisted treatment
• dual diagnosis programs (for co-occurring mental health disorders)

Common treatments used within these drug abuse rehab programs include behavioral therapy, support groups, supportive medication, and family-based treatments.

If you or someone you know is facing addiction, browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff