What is a Blinker?

Understanding Blinkers in Cannabis Culture

Cannabis culture is full of interesting terms and practices. One word you might have heard is "blinker." This term is often mentioned by people who use vape pens. You may have seen it used on social media by cannabis influencers with large followings. But what exactly does "blinker" mean, and why do some people use it? Let's explore this term and demystify it.

What is a Blinker?

A "blinker" is a particular way of using a vape pen, a popular device for consuming cannabis. Vape pens are small, portable gadgets that heat cannabis oil to create a vapor that you can inhale. The name "blinker" comes from the light on the vape pen. When you take a prolonged inhalation, the light on the pen starts to blink, signaling that you've reached the limit of the pen's heating time. This uninterrupted, deep draw from the vape pen is called a "blinker."

People in the cannabis community often see taking a blinker as a sign of tolerance or a way to challenge themselves. However, you don't need to take blinkers to enjoy cannabis. Everyone has their own preferences and tolerance levels, which means some people may like blinkers while others may not.

Why Do Some People Like Blinkers?

Different people enjoy blinkers for various reasons. Let's look at a few:

1. More Potent Effects: Blinkers can give a more substantial high because you inhale a large amount of vapor in one go. This means more of the active compounds in cannabis, called cannabinoids, enter your body quickly, leading to a more intense experience.
2. Fast Acting: When you take a blinker, the effects of cannabis can be felt almost immediately. This is because the cannabinoids go straight into your lungs and then quickly into your bloodstream.
3. Community and Fun: For some, blinkers are a fun way to connect with friends or show their tolerance for cannabis. It can be a game or competition to see who can take the longest draw without coughing or needing to stop.

Are There Risks with Blinkers?

While blinkers can be fun and intense, they also come with some risks. Here are a few things to be aware of:

1. Overconsumption: Taking a blinker means you might inhale more cannabis than you planned. This can lead to feeling too high, making you anxious, dizzy, or uncomfortable.
2. Irritation to Lungs: Because you are taking a long and deep breath of vapor, it can be harsh on your lungs. This might cause coughing or a sore throat; repeated use can lead to more severe lung irritation. 
3. Strain on the Battery: Vape pens are designed to work for a certain amount of time. Taking long blinkers can wear out the battery faster or even cause it to overheat, which could be dangerous.
4. Damage the Atomizer: The atomizer in a vape pen can get very hot; it's the only way it can quickly vaporize the cannabis oil. Prolonged use can damage the coil and could burn it out.

Using Blinkers Responsibly

If you decide to try taking blinkers, it's essential to do so responsibly. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Know Your Limits: Start with shorter inhales to see how you feel. If you feel comfortable, you can always take longer draws, but it's better to go slow and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Use Quality Products: Make sure your cannabis carts and vape pens come from a reliable source. High-quality products are safer and often provide a better experience. Low-quality vape pens or cartridges could leech dangerous metals like lead or nickel into the chamber, especially if they are overheated, such as when hitting blinkers.
3. Keep Your Pen Clean: Regularly clean your vape pen to make sure it works properly and to avoid any health issues from old, dirty residue.

Common Questions About Blinkers

Let's answer some questions you might have about blinkers:

Q1: What is a blinker hit? A: A blinker hit is when you inhale from a vape pen until the light starts blinking, meaning you've reached the pen's time limit for one inhalation.

Q2: How long is a blinker? A: A blinker usually lasts until the pen's light starts blinking, which is often around 8-10 seconds.

Q3: What does "blinker weed" mean? A: "Blinker weed" isn't a particular type of cannabis. It refers to the method of inhaling from a vape pen until the light blinks.

Q4: Can you take a blinker when smoking a joint? A: The term "blinker" is specific to vaping with a pen. When smoking a joint or using a pipe, there's no blinking light, but taking a long, deep draw can be somewhat similar.

Q5: Are blinkers bad for you? A: Blinkers can be intense and might lead to overconsumption or lung irritation. There are no long term studies on people who vape heavily in this way so it is hard to know if blinkers can cause lasting damage but it is supspected that it could casuse long term damage if practiced regularly.

Conclusion

Understanding terms like "blinker" helps you navigate the world of cannabis better. While blinkers can offer a strong, quick high, they aren't for everyone. Always make sure to use cannabis responsibly and choose methods that suit your comfort and experience level. Whether you decide to take a blinker or not, the most important thing is to enjoy your experience safely. Read more about cannabis slang and terminology.

We'd love to know your thoughts on blinkers. Leave us a comment below.💭