What is a Thai Stick?
Thai stick is a term referring to a cannabis cigar that originated in Thailand in the 1960s and 70s. It consists of high-quality cannabis buds that are skewered on a stem or stick, rolled in cannabis leaves, and dipped in resin or oil. Thai stick is known for its powerful effects and exotic flavors as well as its complex and labor-intensive manufacturing process.
In this blog post, I will explain how it is made, what are its benefits and drawbacks, and how you can enjoy it safely and responsibly.
How Thai Stick Differs From Other Forms of Cannabis
Thai stick is one of the most unique and exotic forms of cannabis that exists today. It differs from other forms of cannabis in several ways:
It’s more natural than most forms of cannabis concentrates or extracts that use chemicals or solvents to isolate THC or CBD from the plant material. Thai-stick uses only organic ingredients such as buds, leaves, stems, and hemp or bamboo skewers to create a potent and flavorful product.
It’s more potent than most forms of cannabis flowers or joints that are smoked or vaped. Thai stick is cured and wrapped tightly with hemp or bamboo fibers, which preserves the cannabinoids and terpenes in the buds and enhances their effects. It can also be dipped in hash oil or wax for extra potency and flavor.
How to Make Thai Stick Step-by-Step
To make your own Thai sticks, you will need the following materials:
- Cannabis buds of your choice. You can use any strain you like, but sativa-dominant strains are more traditional. You will need about 7 to 10 grams of buds per stick.
- Cannabis leaves or stems. You can use any part of the cannabis plant that has some fibers in it, such as fan leaves, sugar leaves, or small stems. You will need 10 to 15 grams of leaves or stems per stick.
- Hemp or bamboo skewers. You can use any thin and sturdy sticks that are about 15 to 20 cm long. You will need one skewer per stick.
- Hemp or bamboo fibers. You can use any natural fibers that are strong and flexible enough to wrap around the buds. You can buy hemp or bamboo fibers online or at craft stores, or you can make your own by peeling off thin strips from hemp or bamboo stalks. You will need about 5 to 10 meters of fibers per stick.
- Hash oil or wax (optional). You can use any form of cannabis concentrate that is sticky and viscous enough to coat the buds. You can buy hash oil or wax online or at dispensaries, or you can make your own by extracting THC or CBD from cannabis using various methods. You will need about 1 to 2 grams of hash oil or wax per stick.
You will need to follow these steps:
1. Prepare the buds: Remove any seeds, stems, or excess leaves from the buds and break them into small pieces. You can use a grinder, scissors, or your fingers to do this. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will be to skewer and wrap later.
2. Prepare the skewers: Soak the skewers in water for about an hour to make them more pliable and prevent them from burning when smoking. Then dry them with a towel and sharpen one end with a knife or scissors.
3. Skewer the buds: Carefully pierce the buds with the sharp end of the skewer and slide them down until they reach the blunt end. Try to pack them as tightly as possible without breaking them apart. Leave about 2 cm of space at both ends of the skewer for wrapping later.
4. Wrap the buds: Take a long piece of fiber and tie it securely around one end of the skewer. Then start wrapping it around the buds in a spiral motion, covering them completely with the fiber. Make sure to wrap tightly and evenly without leaving gaps or loose ends. When you reach the other end of the skewer, tie off the fiber and cut off any excess.
5. Cure the sticks: Place the wrapped sticks in a dark and dry place for about two weeks to let them cure and harden. This will improve their potency and flavor by allowing the cannabinoids and terpenes to mature and interact with each other.
6. Dip the sticks (optional): If you want to add some extra kick and taste, you can dip them in hash oil or wax before smoking them. To do this, heat up some hash oil or wax in a small pot over low heat until it becomes liquid and runny. Then dip one end of each stick into the pot and let it drip off any excess oil or wax onto parchment paper. Let them cool down and dry for about an hour before smoking them.
You have now made your own Thai sticks! Enjoy them by lighting one end and inhaling from the other like a cigar. Be careful though, as they are very potent and can induce strong effects.
What Are Its Benefits and Drawbacks?
Thai Stick has many benefits for cannabis enthusiasts who are looking for a unique and potent experience.
Some of the benefits are:
- Has a high THC content, ranging from 20% to 30%, which makes it very effective for relieving pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
- Has a complex and exotic flavor profile, combining the terpenes and cannabinoids of the buds, leaves, resin, and oil. Some of the flavors that can be detected are citrus, pine, earthy, spicy, floral, and fruity.
- Has a long-lasting effect, lasting for several hours or even days depending on the dosage and tolerance level. It can induce a euphoric, energetic, creative, and psychedelic high that can enhance mood, creativity, focus, and sensory perception.
- Has a historical and cultural significance, as it represents a traditional and artisanal way of producing cannabis that dates back to centuries ago. It also reflects the influence of Buddhism on cannabis culture in Thailand, as some monks used Thai-sticks as a meditation aid.
However, the Thai stick also has some drawbacks that should be considered before trying.
Some of the drawbacks are:
- Is very potent and can be overwhelming for novice or inexperienced users. It can cause adverse effects such as paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry eyes, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Is not legal in most countries and states where cannabis is prohibited or regulated. It can be considered a concentrated form of cannabis that carries higher penalties and risks than regular cannabis.
How to Enjoy It Safely and Responsibly
If you decide to try Thai-sticks, you should follow some tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some of them:
- Start with a small dose. Since Thai-stick is very potent, you should only take one or two puffs at first and wait for the effects to kick in before taking more. You can always increase your dose later if you feel comfortable.
- Hydrate yourself. When smoked it can cause dry mouth, dehydration, and increased thirst. You should drink plenty of water before, during, and after smoking to prevent these symptoms.
- Eat something. When smoked it can also trigger your appetite and cause cravings. You should have some healthy snacks ready to satisfy your hunger and balance your blood sugar levels.
How Much Does a Thai Stick Cost?
The price of a Thai-stick can vary depending on the quality, quantity, and purchase location. However, some general estimates are:
- In Thailand, where they are widely available, a single stick can cost between 500 and 1000 baht (about 15 to 30 US dollars).
- In the US, where Thai-sticks are rare and mostly found in legal dispensaries, a single stick can cost between 50 and 100 US dollars.
- In Canada, where they are also rare and mostly found in online stores, a single stick can cost between 60 and 120 Canadian dollars.
These prices are only indicative and may change over time and across regions. It is important to note that buying, selling, or consuming it may be illegal in some countries and states and may have negative effects on health and well-being. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and discretion when dealing with this product.
FAQs
A Thai-stick is a type of cannabis product that originated in Thailand. It consists of a bud of marijuana wrapped around a stem or stick with hemp fibers and dipped in hash oil or resin. Thai-sticks are known for their high potency and long-lasting effects.
If you are looking for a Thai-stick, you may have a hard time finding one, as they are rare and expensive nowadays. You may be better off trying other methods of consuming cannabis, such as vaping, edibles, or tinctures.
Thai-Stick is a pure Sativa strain that comes from Thailand, where it was traditionally cured on bamboo sticks. It has a fruity, citrus, and woody flavor and aroma and a potent cerebral high that can be energizing and creative.
Thai-Stick is a rare and challenging strain to grow outside tropical climates, but it has influenced many popular hybrids such as Haze and Northern Lights.
The price of a Thai-stick may vary depending on the quality and availability of the cannabis used, but it is generally more expensive than regular cannabis joints. According to some online sources, a Thai-stick can cost anywhere from $15 to $50 per gram.
Thai-Stick was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, but it is rare to find it nowadays. Some people claim to have authentic Thai sticks, but most of them are likely imitations or low-quality substitutes.
