Vaping Marijuana vs. Smoking: Which is Better?

Vaping weed is the modern alternative to smoking it. Vaporization is the process of heating dry herb 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! In this guide we cover the differences between vaping vs. smoking weed and their various pros and cons.

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. While there hasn’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 for administering medicinal cannabis.

There are still some legitimate concerns about various devices on the market. Namely the very cheap ones that are typically made in China. We strongly urge you to only stick with trusted devices from reputable brands. The better vaporizers are designed so the vapor only passes through materials like ceramic, stainless steel and quartz — no plastics and no glue 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.

• More pronounced flavor: Vaping typically produces more pronounced flavor than smoking. You taste the individual terpenes and cannabinoid profiles of each strain more distinctly, whereas smoking obliterates the taste and subtle nuances between strains. But, keep in mind that the flavor will significantly diminish towards the end of the sessions.
• Control over temperature: Most weed vaporizers have adjustable heat settings that give you control over the temperature throughout your session. It takes a bit of trial and error to find the best temperature for vaping weed but it can produce a range of effects from mellow and uplifting to a more intense euphoric experience.
• Efficiency: Vaporizing weed allows you to extract the cannabinoids from your dry herb slowly and effectively. You can often get multiple sessions from a single pack. Already vaped bud, or ABV, can also be used to create edibles and tea, or even as an emergency smoke or vape. On the other hand, when you combust weed, it turns to ash and is longer valuable or even a thing.
• It’s safer than smoking: Vaping is better for your health according to the current research and doesn’t require an open flame. If you are health conscious and love dry herb, making the switch to vaping is a no brainer.
• No lighter/matches required: Vaporizers don’t require an external heat source, so you’ll never have an incident where you’re stranded with weed and no lighter.
• Discreet: One of the most appealing aspects of vaping marijuana is that it doesn’t produce as much of an odor, especially at lower temps. In addition, vaping smells a lot less than smoke, so it’s a smart option if you’re trying to fly high under the radar.

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.

• Typically requires a grinder: Most vaporizers don’t function properly without a medium to fine grind. This calls for a good grinder, especially if you’re using a portable vape that runs on conduction heating (which the vast majority do). Grinding increases surface area and allows all of the cannabinoids and terpenes to be extracted from the plant more efficiently.
• Must be charged or plugged in: You won’t need a lighter, but if your device isn’t charged or near a wall socket, then you’re out of luck. The good news is that when it is fully charged, most portable vapes can provide several sessions before needing a recharge.
• The learning curve: Unlike smoking, there is a significant learning curve with vaping cannabis. It takes experience to learn how to vape weed properly, getting the right grind and pack, learning to adjust the settings and how to inhale from your device.
• Requires general maintenance: Vaping marijuana requires a bit of maintenance versus smoking it. Keeping your vaporizer clean and in top shape is essential to its performance. After every few sessions, it is imperative that you clean your vape — but this is similar to having glass ware.
• The effects are somewhat different: Often called a “cleaner” high, vaping can still get you faded — like, seriously faded! — but it’s not as heavy as when smoking gram for gram.
• Not cheap: A solid device for vaporizing cannabis isn’t cheap. There are a few decent inexpensive vapes out there, but they typically run upwards of $100. Luckily, they save you money in the long since vaporization is a more efficient method.

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 up front 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 in to 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 are 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.

• Risks associated with combustion: The reality is, although weed smoke is said to be less harmful than tobacco smoke, it’s still smoke! There is a common misconception that although smoking tobacco is bad for you, smoking marijuana isn’t. When any plant matter is combusted it produces tar, carcinogens and other by-products like toluene, naphthalene and benzene. This is an unavoidable consequence of smoking, not to mention the hazards of second-hand smoke and using an open flame.
• Less control: There isn’t much you can do to control the effects of smoking. You can find a strain with less THC, take smaller puffs or roll your joint a little tighter, but that’s about it. Vaping gives you a lot more control over the overall experience.
• Stronger odor: Smoke can be detected from much further away and it lingers for longer than vapor. It’s not even close! When you vape weed, it has an aroma, but it doesn’t have the same burnt smell and it dissipates quicker, especially after airing out the room.
• Not as efficient: Smokers tend to burn through their stash quicker than people who vape it. Once you smoke a joint or a bowl, it’s gone. When you vape it, the herb is cooked much slower, giving you more opportunity to extract every last drop of THC.
• Less nuanced flavor: When you smoke cannabis, it is a lot harder to discern the differences between strains. If you’re very experienced, it is still possible, but vaping gives you a much more distinct flavor profile for each one. Most of the terpenes responsible for giving weed its unique smell are depleted at these higher temps.

“Better” is highly subjective, but it could very well be the best method for 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. Vaping marijuana vs. smoking can be night and day. The taste is much more robust from a good vaporizer, with more flavor distinction between different strains. Terpene connoisseurs who started vaping will find it hard to go back to setting their precious buds up in smoke, instead of savoring every last drop of flavor. Embrace the technology.