Vaping weed is the modern alternative to smoking it. Vaporization is the process of heating weed or hemp flower to specific temperatures below the point of combustion in a vaporizer. It produces a stream of vapor that is inhaled through a mouthpiece or bag.
Is vaping weed better than smoking it? “Better” is subjective. They are very different, so it depends on what you want from the experience—but they will both get you ripped! Though, what’s particularly interesting is that the effects are not the same.
In this guide, you’ll learn the differences between vaping vs. smoking weed and which high is right for you, included in the pros and cons of each method.
Smoking weed, or smoking anything for that matter, produces tar and other harmful by-products. Whether it’s through a bubbler, joint, pipe or ten-foot bong, it still relies on combustion—though, you can vape with bongs and the like.
While there haven’t been a lot of studies conducted on the effects of vaporizing cannabis specifically, vaping nicotine is generally recognized to be at least 95% safer than smoking cigarettes by top UK scientists. It’s not a huge leap to make this assumption with pot. That’s why vaporization is the most recommended way of administering medicinal cannabis.
There are still some legitimate concerns about various devices on the market. Namely the very cheap ones made in China. We strongly urge you to only stick with trusted devices from reputable brands, no matter the country it was manufactured in.
The better vaporizers are designed so the vapor only passes through materials like ceramic, stainless steel, and quartz—no plastics, rubber, glue, or soldering near the heating elements.
The most obvious reason to consider vaping over smoking is for your health, but there are other additional benefits. Vaping marijuana allows you to taste more distinction between strains, and it gives you control over temperature and is generally more convenient and discreet.
One of the drawbacks of vaping marijuana is that you need to learn how to use your device, keep it clean and make sure it is always charged or plugged in with desktop units. Another con of vaping bud is that it requires an initial investment in a vaporizer (and grinder). Lastly, the effects of vaporizing cannabis can are somewhat different than what you’re used to with smoking.
The major advantage of smoking over vaping is that it typically produces more intense overall effects. Smoking also doesn’t require as much of an investment. Also, the whole smoking ritual can be addictive – rolling up a joint or packing your favorite glass piece, yet another reason why some people still do it the old school way. Lastly, smoking is relatively low maintenance, it’s easy to roll up a joint, put it in your pocket, and go about your business.
More intense effects: Smoking dry herb can more quickly create intense and euphoric effects. The extreme temperatures of fire immediately release all of the cannabinoids responsible for this more sedative effect such as THC in addition to THCv.
No investment required: Smoking doesn’t require as much of an investment upfront unless you are buying a big fancy glass piece. It’s so much cheaper to just buy some rolling papers, which prevents a lot of smokers from delving into vaping.
Smoking is a ritual: The entire process of rolling, packing, smoking can become almost ritualistic at times. It can be difficult for some to break this routine.
No learning curve: Smoking is simple and doesn’t require a lot of practice. Anyone can light up a joint or bowl, and it’s easy to know when your session is over. Vaping pot is more complex and requires a bit of experience and knowledge.
Low maintenance: There is some general maintenance involved with pipes or bowls, but they typically don’t require as much effort as cleaning a vaporizer. Joints, on the other hand, are relatively low maintenance, aside from having to roll them.
The main disadvantage of smoking vs. vaping is the health risks. It isn’t tobacco, but it’s still smoking. You also get less control over the effects, it leaves a much stronger smell and isn’t as efficient as vaping bud. The final downside to smoking is that you don’t notice the subtle nuances between strains as much as you would if you were vaping them.
“Better” is highly subjective, but vaping might suit you. For example, if you’re looking for a safer more discreet way to toke, or are a medicinal cannabis patient, then it probably is for you.
But if you are only trying to get completely blazed, smoking is the cheapest way to make that happen, just keep in mind the cons that come along with it.
The choice is yours, but every smoker should at least try vaping weed to see if they enjoy it. The differences between vaping marijuana vs. smoking can be night and day.
The taste is much clearer from a good vaporizer, with more flavor distinction between different strains. Flavor chasers who start vaping will find it hard to return to burning their precious buds and terpenes.
But what about you? Are you going to stick to smoking or embrace the technology? Let us know in the comments section.
This was a very well written article. Very informative without the bias. Thank you!
I agree. No bias. Fair writing. Be a journalist!!
Thank you, Mathew!
Thank you, Chris!
Helpful and informative. Regular smoking is too hard to regulate to find the right dosage for my medical needs. Will look more into vaping.
Thank you for the kind words beepea! I agree, vaping is not only easier to regulate but it’s also less risky than smoking. Finding the right dosage is not easy and will be different for everyone’s individual needs. It’s definitely worth looking in to.
A few things. While I appreciate the authors sincere attempt at impartiality, he has leaned heavily towards smoking. I’d even go so far as to say he seems a bit dishonest. I own a vape that cost me 60 dollars and it requires cleaning no more than once a month AND it’s powered by butane, so no batteries. It’s the MOST commonly available vape. Also, cleaning it involves harvesting the condensed oils within which can be used to make a pretty strong cannabis infusion. His pros vs cons list is greatly padded in favour of combustion. Ritual is a pro… Read more »
I’ve recently bought a vape for weed and one for nicotine, because when I was vaping weed I felt I missed the nicotine I used to get from a traditional joint, the combinate use of the two is great for me. Apart from the benefits to my health that are felt immediately after quitting smoking, I consume less of my stash and I get the most out of it in terms of aroma, which makes all the difference. Vaping hits not as high as smoking at first, but at the end of the day I’m stoned as I was before… Read more »
Hey Paolo, welcome to the club! I know exactly how you feel about trying smoking once you get used to vaping. It just doesn’t taste right. I get more excited about the different strains and terpene profiles now because I can vape them at a medium temp and enjoy all the flavor. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and congrats on making the switch! Best of luck to you, vape on.
Vaping herb helped to lower my tolerance to thc saving me money I’ve been a oldschool smoker for 20 years . Now I use a portable vape and I love it less burnout more flavor
That’s awesome, congrats Mr mike, vape on! It’s hard to go back to smoking after that, the flavor will never be the same for you.