Smoking and vaping are the two basic inhalation methods for using marijuana. Both of these methods are popular, however they differ slightly in terms of health, discretion, convenience, flavor, and potency. Learn more about each and you’ll be able to choose which one is right for you.
5 Factors
Health
Health is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to smoking and vaping. We all love marijuana for its awesome health benefits, but is one method safer than the other? Smoking marijuana may leave tar and carcinogens in your lungs. Vaping releases the essential oils, and allows you to enjoy cannabis’ cannabinoids and terpenes without these negative factors, because it is heated below the combustion point. Smoking should be avoided for those suffering from lung issues, or with compromised immune systems.
It must be noted that some vaporizers (mostly made in China) have been found to contain harmful chemicals, glue, and metals that when heated can be inhaled along with marijuana. Most are safe, but if you want to be extra cautious, consider using a vaporizer with a ceramic or titanium heating element.
Discretion
When it comes to using marijuana discreetly, vaporizers win again. They produce a soft-smelling, quickly dissipating cloud. Better yet, because there is little to no odor, no one will know what you’re smoking.
Although vaping is permitted in more places than smoking is these days, you should still be courteous to the people around you. There may be parents of children, or people with compromised immune systems around that don’t want to inhale your vapor. While you should absolutely have the right to use your medicinal marijuana when you need it, common courtesy should not be thrown out the window.
Convenience
You may think that vaping is also more convenient, but most marijuana users would actually disagree. Although rolling a joint is slightly time consuming, you must remember that vaporizers have to be charged, loaded and cleaned regularly. Smoking, on the other hand, is a quick and reliable method of use.
Flavor
Heat is a big factor when it comes to the flavor of your marijuana. On one hand, vaping is a good option for maintaining flavor because you can adjust the temperature. If you overheat cannabis, it can destroy some of the beneficial cannabinoids and aromatic terpenes. While smoking presents a greater chance of overheating, it typically provides a much richer flavor. Depending on the quality of your vaping pen, your cannabis may taste weak. If you’re using flower, smoking is the way to go. If you choose to vape, use a concentrate instead of flower as the flavor will be much more consistent and apparent.
Potency
When it comes down to it, smoking yields stronger effects. Smoking marijuana in general offers strong effects, with a very rapid onset. Again, the potency while vaping largely depends on the quality of your pen and whether you’re using flower or concentrate.
Which is Right for You?
It’s largely a matter of preference. If you are more health conscious, and looking for a cleaner way to consume, you may consider vaping. If you don’t mind the stronger smells or effect, or are looking for a less complicated and time-consuming method, you may enjoy smoking. Regardless of which method you choose, smoking and vaping are both relatively safe, effective methods for the using marijuana.
Contact Us
If you’re a Florida resident and feel that you may be a good candidate for medical marijuana, set up your free consultation today. You can call us at (786) 224-4005, or schedule your appointment ONLINE.
