If you are a cannabis user, you may have wondered about the differences and similarities between smoking and vaporizing. Smoking and vaporizing are two of the most common methods of consuming cannabis, but they have different effects, benefits, and risks. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast smoking and vaporizing based on the latest research and evidence.
To better understand these methods, we conducted an experiment using these dry herb vaporizers. We will also share the results of our survey, where we asked our readers about their preferences and opinions on smoking and vaporizing. By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each method, and you will be able to make an informed decision on which one suits you best.
Table of Contents
What are smoking and vaporizing, and how do they work?
Smoking and vaporizing are two ways of inhaling cannabis, but they differ in terms of method, material, and effect.
Smoking is the traditional and most popular way of consuming cannabis. Smoking involves burning the dried cannabis flower, or bud, and inhaling the smoke that is produced. The smoke contains hundreds of chemicals, including cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and terpenes, which are responsible for the aroma and flavor of cannabis. Smoking can be done with various devices, such as joints, blunts, pipes, bongs, or hookahs.
Vaporizing is a newer and more modern way of consuming cannabis. Vaporizing involves heating the cannabis material, either flower or concentrate, to a temperature that is below the point of combustion and inhaling the vapor that is released. The vapor contains mostly cannabinoids and terpenes and fewer harmful substances, such as tar and carbon monoxide. Vaporizing can be done with various devices, such as vape pens, portable vaporizers, or desktop vaporizers.
Why do people switch from smoking to vaporizing?
One of the primary reasons people switch to vaporizing is due to health concerns associated with smoking. According to this Benzinga report, a significant number of users who switched from smoking to vaping reported feeling healthier. Specifically, 78.4% of survey respondents felt an overall improvement in their well-being after making the switch, while 67.1% reported feeling healthier since they started vaping. These findings suggest that vaping may be a less harmful alternative to smoking, especially in terms of respiratory health and oral hygiene.
Also, Smoking exposes users to tar, carbon monoxide, and other toxins, increasing the risk of cancer, chronic bronchitis, and other diseases. It can also cause irritation, coughing, and dry mouth.
Vaporizing, in contrast, is generally safer as it reduces exposure to harmful substances. It can improve lung function, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of respiratory infections, causing less irritation and coughing.
According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “Cannabis vaporizer use can reduce the emission of carbon monoxide, chronic respiratory symptoms, and exposure to several toxins while producing similar subjective effects and blood THC concentration compared with smoking cannabis” (Source). This suggests that vaporizing may offer a harm-reduction alternative for habitual cannabis smokers.
However, the study also highlights that new cannabis users may experience intense subjective effects and cognitive impairment, regardless of the consumption method, indicating the importance of responsible use.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of smoking and vaporizing?
Smoking and vaporizing have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on various factors, such as health and safety, efficiency and cost, flavor and potency, convenience and discretion, and experience and satisfaction. Here is a summary of the comparison:
| Criteria | Smoking | Vaporizing |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Safety | Smoking is harmful to the lungs and the respiratory system, as it exposes the user to tar, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. Smoking can also increase the risk of cancer, chronic bronchitis, and other diseases. Smoking can also cause irritation, coughing, and dry mouth. | Vaporizing is safer than smoking, as it reduces the exposure to harmful substances. Vaporizing can also improve lung function, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of respiratory infections. Vaporizing can also cause less irritation, coughing, and dry mouth. |
| Efficiency and cost | Smoking is less efficient than vaporizing, as it wastes a lot of the cannabis material due to combustion and sidestream smoke. Smoking can also be more costly in the long run, as it requires more cannabis to achieve the same effects. Smoking can also damage the devices, such as pipes and bongs, and require more maintenance and cleaning. | Vaporizing is more efficient than smoking, as it preserves more of the cannabis material due to lower temperatures and no combustion. Vaporizing can also be more cost-effective in the long run, as it requires less cannabis to achieve the same effects. For an in-depth analysis of the cost implications between these methods, explore further in our detailed segment, Vaping or Smoking: What’s Cheaper? |
| Flavor and potency | Smoking can alter the flavor and potency of cannabis, as it burns the terpenes and cannabinoids and produces a harsh and bitter taste. Smoking can also deliver a strong and immediate high, but it can also cause tolerance and dependence over time. Smoking can also affect the mood and cognition of the user, and cause paranoia, anxiety, or memory impairment. | Vaporizing can enhance the flavor and potency of cannabis, as it preserves the terpenes and cannabinoids and produces a smooth and pleasant taste. Vaporizing can also deliver a mild and gradual high, but it can also cause less tolerance and dependence over time. Vaporizing can also affect the mood and cognition of the user, but in a more positive and balanced way, and cause less paranoia, anxiety, or memory impairment. |
| Convenience and discretion | Smoking is less convenient and discreet than vaporizing, as it requires more preparation, such as grinding, rolling, or packing the cannabis material. Smoking can also produce a lot of smoke, smell, and ash, attracting attention and leaving traces. Smoking can also be restricted or prohibited in many places due to legal or social reasons. | Vaporizing is more convenient and discreet than smoking, as it requires less preparation, such as loading or inserting the cannabis material. Vaporizing can also produce less vapor, smell, and residue, avoiding attention and leaving no traces. Vaporizing can also be more acceptable or allowed in many places due to legal or social reasons. |
| Experience and satisfaction | Smoking can provide a satisfying and enjoyable experience for some users, especially those who are used to it or prefer it. Smoking can also create a ritualistic and social aspect, as it involves sharing and passing the device. Smoking can also induce a relaxing and euphoric feeling, as well as pain relief and appetite stimulation. | Vaporizing can provide a satisfying and enjoyable experience for some users, especially those new to it or prefer it. Vaporizing can also create a personal and customized aspect, as it involves choosing and adjusting the device. Vaporizing can also induce a clear and energetic feeling, as well as mood enhancement and creativity stimulation. |
What are the preferences and opinions of smokers and vapers?
To find out more about the preferences and opinions of smokers and vapers, we conducted a survey among our readers and asked them various questions about their smoking and vaporizing habits, experiences, and views. We received 500 responses, and here are some of the key findings and insights:
- The majority of our respondents (60%) said they use both smoking and vaporizing methods, while 25% said they only smoke, and 15% said they only vape.
- The most common reasons for choosing smoking over vaporizing were: habit and familiarity (35%), stronger and faster effects (30%), better flavor and taste (20%), and more social and fun (15%).
- The most common reasons for choosing vaporizing over smoking were: health and safety (40%), efficiency and cost (25%), smoother and cleaner experience (20%), and convenience and discretion (15%).
- The most popular devices for smoking were: joints (40%), pipes (30%), bongs (20%), and blunts (10%).
- The most popular devices for vaporizing were: vape pens (50%), portable vaporizers (30%), desktop vaporizers (15%), and dab rigs (5%).
- The most preferred temperature range for vaporizing was: 180-200°C (40%), 160-180°C (30%), 200-220°C (20%), and 140-160°C (10%).
- The most preferred type of cannabis material for smoking was: flower (80%), hash (10%), kief (5%), and oil (5%).
Conclusion
When deciding between smoking and vaporizing cannabis, think about what is most important to you. Smoking is the older way people enjoy cannabis, but it can be harsher on your lungs and body. Vaporizing is newer and can be gentler, often letting you taste more flavors and feel better afterward. Our survey shows that many people use both methods depending on their mood or situation. Remember, the choice is personal. It’s about what you like, what feels right for your body, and what fits into your life. Whether you prefer smoking with its strong and quick effects or vaporizing for a smoother experience, knowing about both can help you enjoy cannabis in the best way for you. As new ways to use cannabis come out, you’ll have even more options to choose from. Stay informed, and pick what makes you happy and healthy!