Breaking Free from Nicotine: My Journey with Cannabis and a Dry Herb Vaporizer

Introduction

Who is Luke McCapes?

Over the years, I’ve met many people, and one question comes up often: Who are you, and what do you do? There’s a natural curiosity to know someone’s backstory—whether it’s to find common ground or understand what drives them. So, who am I? Well, that’s a story that’s constantly evolving.

In recent years, I’ve proudly embraced my dual identity: a “Muggle” job in software analytics by day and a “Fun” job in cannabis. By profession, I work in software support, but as a Master Mason and community advocate, I also volunteer to help kids, scholarships, and more through Aurora #100 Lodge. When I’m not working, you’ll find me with family, camping, or relaxing by a bonfire.

My Journey with Cannabis

I first explored cannabis back in high school—opting for “weed” over the typical high school party scene. After college, I quit due to the social stigma, but my love for plants never faded. I eventually became a Certified Master Gardener, earning a degree in Agricultural Industries from the University of Minnesota, and on August 1, 2023, I legally planted my first cannabis seeds. Growing cannabis legally has been a humbling and eye-opening journey, underscoring the need for accessible, fact-based knowledge, especially outside of urban areas.

Community, Education, and Growth

I joined Canna Connect in April 2024 and co-organized events like the Brainerd Green Gathering and Legacy Cup, helping bring cannabis knowledge to rural Minnesota. Collaborating with experts like Stephen Eigenmann and Tanner Berris at Minnesota Cannabis College, I’ve delved deeper into cannabis education and advocacy, which has been inspiring and deeply rewarding.

My Goals in Cannabis

I’m driven to dispel misconceptions around cannabis and empower Minnesotans with knowledge. Cannabis, like fine wine, can become a refined, respected industry if people are educated. As I continue my journey, I’m also exploring product specialization with Ganjier, keeping my focus on quality and legacy.

Personal Preferences and Health

My preferred method of consumption is smoking flower, usually in a joint or my vintage brass pipe. Due to a liver condition, edibles and beverages don’t work effectively for me, so I stick to inhalable products. Interestingly, research on certain cannabinoids suggests they may help remove toxins, a promising area for those of us managing health conditions naturally (though, of course, I’m no doctor!).

Bringing Together the Cannabis Community

My goal in the Cannabis Industry is to first and foremost, to be able to educate people about the uses, and misconceptions of cannabis. Minnesota has a great opportunity with Cannabis. If we empower the people with knowledge, the industry will only get stronger and bolder, yet more refined - Kind of like a vintage wine.

Another goal of mine is to keep growing the best product for personal and family use as possible. Recently started continuing education with Ganjier as a Product Specialist, I’m looking forward to working more closely with the ever growing number of cannabis and related products that are being released as well as keeping focus on the plant and being a steward for newer generations.

Modality of choice

I prefer smoking marijuana and CBD flower either from a roll, joint (yes, I can roll a joint, but NEVER enter me into a contest) or my vintage brass pipe reminiscent from that of the 70’s - Who’s name is copy-written (If you don’t know, it starts with proto and ends with pipe).

I was diagnosed a few years ago with liver failure and am constantly working on flexing choices to stay healthy. With that being said, edibles and beverages don’t always work for me. My liver only processes about 25% of the toxins from my blood leaving medicine to pull the rest out, so since edibles and beverages are hydrolyzed by the liver, those are either ineffective, or really slow. Don’t get me wrong, I love the edibles and beverages, however they just work a little slower than the average Joe for me.

Fun fact: Current research is being done on some cannabidiols as some of the molecules are larger and will bind to toxins to remove them from the blood, which would be a natural option to certain prescription pharmaceuticals, however please keep in mind that I am NOT a medical provider and am in no way giving medical advice.

Smoking is my favorite method and as I said previously, I prefer pipes, or paper.

Switching It Up: Can Cannabis Help Quit Nicotine?

I’ve smoked cigarettes and vaped for years, believing vaping might be the healthier route. I'd often say I'd quit once my vape “juice” ran out, but it never happened. Recently, while relaxing in a hot tub, my vape took an accidental plunge and didn't survive the dip. That mishap led me to a question I hadn’t fully considered: Could I use cannabis to finally quit nicotine?

The answer is still unfolding, but I’ve gone four weeks without nicotine, feeling improvements like heightened taste (especially enjoying terpenes!), more energy, and fewer fatigue slumps. Though I still consume cannabis, it’s no longer a mindless habit like cigarettes—it’s something I savor intentionally. Cannabis is helping me shift my relationship with smoking, and for now, I'm celebrating that change.

Through our premiere flower partnership with Stephen Cornell and Cornell Urban Ag, Stephen Eigenmann recommended that I replace nicotine with high-grade CBD flower to quit my vaping addiction. Cornell Urban Agriculture jumped on board this crazy train and donated his award winning top quality CBD flower to assist the cause. You see, besides being all “stoners” we are quite astute learners and experimenters (to a point where the innovation is off the charts). Addiction research is one of the largest categories with THC and CBD studies now.

Can you imagine if the 90 years of prohibition had never happened, how much research and medicine could have been developed in NINETY YEARS to help humans? How would our pharmacopeia be different today?

At night time I’m able to switch from CBD to THC and really enjoy the full spectrum plant. The THC aides the other cannabinoids to do what they are supposed to (and if you grew up with anyone near a mid-west farm, you know the saying “work smarter, not harder”). The THC enhances the CBD’s to really help with the setting and space you are wanting to go for, relaxing and a movie or book? Getting ready to hit a club and want to feel a little lifted? the full spectrum helps with both of these.

A Journey, Not a Destination

I may not be completely done with smoking, but I’m okay with that. Each turn on this path reminds me that life is about finding what works best for us as we grow. So, who am I? Just someone trying to make thoughtful choices for my health—and hopefully making a few good ones along the way.

As we all grapple with health and habits, it’s natural to ask questions, experiment, and evolve. Can a dry herb vaporizer help someone quit nicotine? Maybe. But I’m happy to share these explorations with you, as well as hear your thoughts and questions. Let’s keep the conversation going—your insights and stories are always welcome here!