What Is Hotboxing?

Picture two friends sitting in a parked car sharing a joint with windows rolled up and the air thick with swirling smoke.

Okay, that gives you an idea of what Hotboxing is. It can be a fun cannabis tradition to enjoy weed with your buddies—and supposedly intensify your high.

But is it really worth it? Does it actually get you higher? Are there any dangers to the practice?

This guide has everything you need to know about hotboxing, including where and how to do it safely.

What Does HotBox Mean?

Simply put, hotboxing is the act of smoking weed, usually among friends, in a small, minimally ventilated, or completely unventilated area.

This can be any small room or confined space, such as a garage, tent, bathroom, or, more famously, a car with windows shut and openings sealed. The goal is to trap the exhaled smoke inside, creating a dense, smoky atmosphere.

This way, everyone inside can breathe even more of it—sometimes leading to an intense session.

For the modern cannabis user, hotboxing is a right of passage. But interestingly, it isn’t exactly a new method of cannabis use.

The practice of hotboxing dates back to 2,500 years ago when nomadic groups made booths from sticks and woolen felts to create an enclosed space to smoke cannabis. Today, marijuana users still practice hotboxing for the sole purpose of intensifying the euphoric feeling of being high... but does it really get you higher? Let’s find out below!

Does Hotboxing Cannabis Get You Higher?

Most folks who have tried hotboxing swear it makes you feel higher. And in theory, it makes sense, right? The argument is you are sitting in an enclosed area full of marijuana smoke, meaning you are exposed to “extra THC.”

But does science back it up? Yes! There is some truth to the “extra smoke” idea. A 2015 study by Johns Hopkins University explored this exact question. The researchers divided volunteer participants into two groups of six smokers and six non-smokers.

They then conducted two sessions—in the first, each smoker was given 10 joints to smoke in an enclosed space while the other group (non-smokers) sat in the same space. In the second session, the same was done but in a well-ventilated area.

The results were fascinating. In the enclosed setting, non-smokers had detectable levels of THC in their blood and urine and even reported mild effects of being high. However, in the ventilated environment, non-smokers showed no signs of a contact high or detectable THC levels.

In short, the study proved that there is some THC in secondhand marijuana smoke, which equally proves that hotboxing does get you higher since you’re ideally exposed to more THC on top of the one you are inhaling from your device.

Common Ways People Hotbox

If you’re keen to try hotboxing, you’ll find lots of creative ways to do it. Some are classic, while others are more playful or adventurous. Below are a few popular options

Hotboxing a Car

Let’s start with the classic and most famous way: hotboxing a car. Just hop in, close the door, roll up all the windows, and blast some tunes while you enjoy your favorite form of bud. However, there are serious legal and safety considerations.

Driving while under the influence can lead to impairment and is illegal in many places. The pungent smell can attract unwanted attention even if the car is parked. If you choose this route, be mindful of your surroundings and forget to set the a/c off or recirculate to maintain the box!

Hotboxing a Tent

Camping with friends and wanting to create a memorable moment? Try hotboxing a tent. It has a cozy feel, especially if it’s chilly outside. The closed space traps the cannabis smoke, making for a shared session that can bring you closer together.

Remember to layer a tarp over the top of your tent and cover up any mesh parts to keep the smoke in. And more importantly, be sure you’re not in a public campground where rules might prohibit marijuana use.

Hotboxing a Bathroom

Bathrooms are also great places to hotbox if you don’t have the time to set up a space. Set your shower heater to maximum heat to let the steam fill your bathroom.

The mix of steam and cannabis smoke can feel spa-like (or it can feel overwhelming, depending on your taste!). So make sure you crack a window or use a fan to avoid a total fog-out.

Luckily, the steam works as an easy hack to hide the distinct weed smell, and you can also hop in the shower right after to wash off any lingering traces of weed.

Hotboxing a Closet

Although it might not seem like an obvious choice, closets are surprisingly popular for hotboxing. They are perfect for solo or duo sessions, and their small size makes it easy to build up smoke quickly. They’re also not visited as much, which is great for privacy!

Remember to remove your clothes before starting unless you want everything to smell like weed afterward!

Hotboxing a Blanket Fort

Who says blanket forts are just for kids? Building a fort can be a fun, nostalgic throwback to childhood. You drape blankets over chairs or couches and have some cushions inside and lights. Then you spark up inside the fort, letting smoking weed become part of the cozy vibe.

This is perfect for a group who wants to laugh, snack, and watch a silly movie afterward. Don’t knock over any lamps or candles; keep the sesh short. Things can get hot really quickly!

Popular Smoking Methods for Hotboxing

• Joints: Joints are the most popular as they are easy to roll and share. They burn continuously, producing smoke whether you are taking a hit or not, which fills the smoke in your enclosed room faster.

• Blunts: Similar to joints but rolled with tobacco leaf wraps. They last longer and produce thick clouds.

• Vapes: Vaporizers heat up the cannabis without burning it. They create a lighter vapor, which some say is less harsh on the lungs. But the overall room fog might be less dramatic.

• Bongs: A bong can deliver big hits of cannabis smoke. In a small space, these hits can feel more intense, making them one of the most popular choices for hotboxing.

• Pipes: Like joints, pipes are simple to use. They’re small and can be passed around quickly. But they might not fill the space with as much smoke as a blunt or joint.

When choosing a method, consider your comfort level. Blunts and bongs often produce heavier smoke, adding to the hotbox effect. Vapes create thinner clouds, which may reduce the lingering smell.

Tips for a Fun and Safe Hotboxing Experience

• Ventilation: Smoking in a poorly ventilated room can cause oxygen levels to drop drastically below the normal level. If you feel dizzy or claustrophobic, crack a window or door or step outside to enjoy fresh air.

• Be Mindful of your surroundings: Choose a space that belongs to you or where no one will mind the smell of marijuana smoke. Be considerate of nearby non-smokers and ensure the setting is private and respectful.

• Know Your Limits: Everyone has a different tolerance for cannabis use. So don’t be afraid to step outside or quit the sesh entirely if you feel too high.

• Hydration: Due to the humidity of the hotbox, you can expect to feel dehydrated during a session. Weed can also cause a dry mouth, so have water close by to prevent any dizzy spells from dehydration.

• Respect Local Rules: Always ensure your session and the location you choose comply with local laws and regulations. Legal trouble can quickly ruin the fun, so stay informed and respectful of your surroundings.

FAQ:

Why Do People Hotbox?

People hotbox to get higher. When you smoke in an enclosed space, the smoke lingers, and everyone inside can inhale their hits and secondhand smoke, which is like taking a double dose of THC.

But it’s not just about the THC. The other reason is the shared experience. Hotboxing is a social activity and a fun and memorable way to connect with friends and loved ones.

How Can You Hotbox Safely?

The best way to hotbox safely is to plan ahead. Choose a ventilated space if you’re prone to discomfort or a beginner. Keep your sessions short, about an hour or so. And, of course, follow local laws and ordinances.

Is Hotboxing dangerous?

The lack of ventilation in a smoke-filled room can cause side effects like lightheadedness, dehydration, or even nausea, and there is also the risk of overconsumption.

On the other hand, there are plenty of ways to safely hotbox and still have a good time. Keep your session short, be aware of your body limits, and don’t dab into hotboxing if you have any respiratory health conditions.

How Long Does the Smell From Hotboxing Last?

Marijuana smoke is powerful, and the smell can hang around for hours. The odor might stick to fabric and linger even longer in places like a car or closet. Ventilating the space, using fans, air fresheners, or opening windows can speed up the process.

What Is the Purpose of Hotboxing?

Hotboxing is partly about intensifying the effects of cannabis. But it’s also a social tradition. Many see it as a communal event that brings friends together. You share laughs, snacks, and stories in a smoke-filled environment.

Is Hotboxing a Good Idea for Beginners?

If you’re new to marijuana use, hotboxing can be overwhelming. The smoke is dense, and the THC levels in the air might be higher than you’re used to.

Beginners should consider starting slow. Choose a more ventilated space, or be ready to step outside if you feel uncomfortable.

Hotboxing in a large room or an area with open windows can help you learn your limits without feeling trapped.