Smoking vs. Vaping Cannabis – What’s The Difference?

Both methods will yield the desired effects between vaping and smoking, though there are pronounced differences between both that one should be informed of before consuming cannabis.

Health and Safety

Smoking and vaping both have adverse effects on one’s lungs, no matter the consumed material. EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) studies have reported that vaping damages blood vessels and causes lung scarring, inflammation and incites fluid to enter the lungs. Most of these studies were conducted on individuals who purchased a THC vaping cartridge from an establishment or venue other than a dispensary, albeit nicotine vaporizers were also included in the sample.

Traditional smoking methods are causes of detrimental health effects, for the combusted particles of cannabis enter the lungs and may inhibit immune systems if any spores or mildew are present. Long-term use may lead to coughing, a runny nose, and inflammation of the lungs.

Overall, vaping is less harmful than smoking. However, little research has been conducted on vaping methods as the prevalence is relatively new within the last twenty years since the technology was invented.

Almost one-third of all deaths from heart disease are the result of smoking and secondhand smoke. Seven of ten smokers express a desire to quit. Heart disease-related deaths account for one-third of deaths resulting from exposure to secondhand smoke. Abstention from smoking or vaping will spare every organ in your body from damage and be conducive to optimal health.

Pros and Cons of Vaping

Pros of vaping are that it’s a discreet vapor (undetectable through scent), safe, efficient, no lighter or matches are required, temperature control, and a pronounced flavor profile.

Cons of vaping are that the apparatus can be a pricey investment depending on the quality, maintenance is required, there’s a learning curve to operating devices, a grinder is usually needed, the intensity of the “high” may be diluted gram for gram, and they require periodic charging.

Pros and Cons of Smoking

Pros of smoking are a cheaper up-front cost for required apparatus or product, there’s less of a learning curve, a more intense “high” gram for gram, lower maintenance, and the ritual of packing and rolling joints (if that’s your preferred method) may be meditative for some.

Cons of smoking are a more pungent and detectable odor, less control of the consumptive experience, secondhand smoke in conjunction with combustive health hazards relating to carcinogens, and a less robust flavor profile.

In Essence

What’s better is subjective, though each method, with its respective pros and cons considered, is suitable for different people according to their wants and needs. If you’re going for a no-fuss way to jump right in for a traditional method that’s worked for ages, smoking is for you and cheaper, too.

Try both variants to understand which method is best suitable for you. At times, both methods may be viable depending on the context of a situation, so there’s no reason to limit yourself to one device if you’re in a position where you can afford to equip yourself with both options. After all, “variety is the spice of life” isn’t limited to bud selection, but devices–and the company you keep around to enjoy the effects with you.