Vaping Marijuana vs. Smoking: Which Is More Effective?

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, including the pros and cons of each method.

Is vaping weed healthier than smoking?

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 they were 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.

Vaping pros

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, gives you control over temperature, and is generally more convenient and discreet.

Vaping cons

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.

Smoking pros

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.

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, and 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.

Smoking cons

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.

Is vaping weed better than smoking?

“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.