If you’ve been around cannabis lately, you’ve probably noticed more people reaching for vaporizers instead of lighters. This modern approach to enjoying cannabis is more than just a trend – it’s changing how people think about consumption, offering a fresh alternative to traditional smoking.
While both methods will get you where you want to go, vaping and smoking are quite different experiences. Let’s explore how vaping works, break down the pros and cons of each method, and help you figure out which option might work best for you.
What is Vaping Cannabis?
Vaping cannabis involves heating dried cannabis flower or concentrate to a temperature that vaporizes the active compounds like THC and CBD, but below the point of combustion. The vapor is then inhaled through a mouthpiece. Most cannabis vaporizers are designed to precisely control the temperature, allowing you to fine-tune your experience and flavor.
Vaporizers come in many forms, from portable vape pens to powerful desktop models. Some are designed for dry herb only, while others can handle concentrates as well.
High quality devices typically use convection heating, which passes hot air over the cannabis for even vaporization.
Cheaper vapes may use conduction heating, where the cannabis is in direct contact with the heating element, which can lead to uneven heating and potential combustion1.
The Pros of Vaping Cannabis
One of the biggest advantages of vaping over smoking is the potential health benefits. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxins and carcinogens as cigarette smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide. Vaping allows you to avoid these harmful byproducts while still enjoying the effects and flavor of cannabis.
A 2007 study found that vaporizers could convert 46% of available THC into vapor, compared to only 25% for smoking2. This means you may be able to achieve the same effects with less cannabis, saving your lungs and your wallet. Vaping is also much easier on the throat and lungs and doesn’t leave a strong lingering odor like smoking.
Another advantage of vaping is flavor. The lower temperatures preserve the terpenes that give each cannabis strain its unique aroma and flavor profile. Many connoisseurs prefer vaping for this reason, as it allows them to fully appreciate the subtle nuances between strains that can be lost when smoking.
Vaping also offers more control over your experience. Most vaporizers allow you to precisely adjust the temperature, which can affect the type of high you get. Lower temperatures around 320°F (160°C) tend to produce a more cerebral effect, while higher temps around 446°F (230°C) are more sedating.
Our vaping temperatures explained guide goes into more detail on how to use temperature to customize your high.
Vaping is also more efficient than smoking. When you smoke, a significant portion of the THC and other compounds literally go up in smoke. But with vaping, you can extract more of the good stuff from your herb. Already vaped bud (AVB) can even be used to make edibles, tinctures, or capsules for a second round of use.
Discretion is another mark in favor of vaping. The vapor dissipates quickly and doesn’t cling to clothing and hair like smoke does. Most vapes are also small enough to fit in your pocket and don’t require a lighter or any other paraphernalia. For medical cannabis patients or those who prefer to keep their consumption low key, vaping can be a game changer.
The Cons of Vaping Cannabis
While vaping has many advantages over smoking, there are some potential downsides to consider as well. One of the biggest is the initial cost of purchasing a vaporizer. While you can find budget vaporizers for under $100, high-end models can cost several hundred dollars. However, this investment can pay off in the long run through increased efficiency and savings on cannabis.
There’s also a learning curve to using cannabis vaporizers. Unlike smoking, which is pretty intuitive, vaping requires some practice to master. You’ll need to learn how to properly load and pack your vape, adjust the temperature settings, and inhale for the best results. Our how to use a vaporizer guide can help you get started.
Vaporizers also require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them performing at their best. Depending on the device, you may need to clean the oven, mouthpiece, and other components after each use. Neglecting maintenance can lead to clogged airflow, reduced vapor quality, and even complete device failure.
Another potential con of vaping is that the effects can feel different than smoking. Many people report that vaping produces a “cleaner” and more clear-headed high, while smoking tends to be more sedating and “stoney”. Neither is necessarily better, but if you’re used to the feeling of smoking, vaping might take some getting used to.
What About Smoking Cannabis?
Smoking is the traditional and most common way to consume cannabis. It involves burning dried cannabis flower and inhaling the smoke, usually through a pipe, bong, or rolled joint. Smoking offers several advantages, including simplicity, affordability, and fast-acting effects.
One of the biggest pros of smoking is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or knowledge. All you need is some cannabis, a smoking device or rolling papers, and a lighter. This makes smoking accessible to almost anyone, regardless of budget or technical skills.
Smoking also produces effects almost instantly, as the THC is rapidly absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream. This can be beneficial for those seeking quick symptom relief or for recreational users who want to feel the effects right away. The whole experience of preparing and smoking cannabis can also be a relaxing ritual for some.
Another advantage of smoking is the sheer variety of options available. From hand-blown glass pipes to artisanal rolling papers, there’s a smoking accessory to suit every taste and personality. Smoking can also be a social activity, whether passing a joint around a circle of friends or bonding over a shared bong.
The Cons of Smoking Cannabis
Despite its popularity, smoking cannabis does have some significant drawbacks. The biggest concern is the potential health risks associated with inhaling smoke of any kind. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide3.
Regularly smoking cannabis can lead to respiratory issues like chronic bronchitis, coughing, and increased phlegm production. It may also increase the risk of lung infections and worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma4. While the long-term effects of cannabis smoke are not as well studied as tobacco, any smoke inhalation can be harmful to the lungs.
Smoking is also less efficient than vaping, as a significant portion of the THC and other active compounds are destroyed by combustion. This means you may need to use more cannabis to achieve the same effects, which can be costly over time. Smoking also produces a strong, lingering odor that can cling to clothing, hair, and furniture.
Another downside of smoking is that it can be harsh on the throat and lungs, especially for new users or those with sensitive respiratory systems. The hot smoke can cause coughing, irritation, and inflammation. Some people find the taste of smoke to be unpleasant as well.
Smoking also offers less control over dosing and effects compared to vaping. With smoking, you’re essentially consuming everything in the plant material, including the THC, CBD, terpenes, and other compounds. This can make it harder to achieve specific desired effects or to microdose for medical purposes.
Vaping vs. Smoking Cannabis: Which is Right for You?
So, is vaping or smoking cannabis better? The answer depends on your individual needs, preferences, and priorities. If discretion, flavor, and precise dosing are important to you, then vaping might be the way to go. Vaping is also a good choice if you’re concerned about the health risks of smoking or want to get the most out of your cannabis.
On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget, value simplicity, or enjoy the ritual and social aspects of smoking, then sticking with traditional methods might make sense. Smoking can also be a good option if you’re seeking fast, hard-hitting effects or prefer the “full-bodied” high that smoking can provide.
Ultimately, the best way to consume cannabis is the way that works best for you. Many people enjoy both vaping and smoking for different occasions or desired effects. You might enjoy a vape session during the day for a functional, clear-headed high, and unwind with a joint in the evening for a more relaxing body stone. The key is to experiment, listen to your body, and find what brings you the most enjoyment and benefit.
If you do decide to try vaping, be sure to choose a high-quality device from a reputable brand. Cheap, poorly made vaporizers can be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst. Look for vapes with good temperature control, clean airflow, and quality materials. Our best cannabis vaporizers guide is a great place to start your search.
No matter how you choose to consume your cannabis, remember to start low and go slow, especially if you’re new to vaping or smoking. Always purchase your cannabis from a licensed dispensary and never drive or operate machinery while under the influence. With a little knowledge and care, you can enjoy all the benefits of this amazing plant in whatever form you prefer.
References
- Loflin M, Earleywine M. No smoke, no fire: What the initial literature suggests regarding vapourized cannabis and respiratory risk. Can J Respir Ther. 2015;51(1):7-9.
- Abrams DI, Vizoso HP, Shade SB, Jay C, Kelly ME, Benowitz NL. Vaporization as a smokeless cannabis delivery system: a pilot study. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2007;82(5):572-578. doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200
- Meehan-Atrash J, Korzun T, Ziegler A. Cannabis inhalation and voice disorders: a systematic review. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019;145(10):956-964. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2019.1986
- Tashkin DP. Marijuana and lung disease. Chest. 2018;154(3):653-663. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2018.05.005
