Vaping FAQs

is smoking weed and vaping the same

by Alvis O'Keefe Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Vaping vs. smoking weed A person can use a vaping device to inhale tetrahydrocannabinol (THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol

Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of at least 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. With chemical name-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, the term THC also refers to cannabinoid isomers.

). THC is the chemical in cannabis that produces a high. According to a 2018 study examining infrequent cannabis smoking in adults, vaping THC produced stronger mind-altering effects than smoking a similar amount of weed.

Vaping can be difficult to detect as there is no smoke, minimal odor (although you may catch a whiff) and the vapor produced dissipates rapidly. However, just like smoking, vaping marijuana can result in bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and thirst, increased appetite and shifts in behavior and mood.

Full Answer

How much better is vaping than smoking weed?

Vaping is safer than smoking, the cannabis oil or cannabis plant material is heated and not burned. Studies have shown that vaping is more efficient than smoking weed. Vaping produces more pronounced effects than smoking and equal doses offer different results. Furthermore, vaping is a more efficient way for THC delivery.

Is vaping worse than smoking weed?

Teens who inhale cannabis via vape pens are more likely to develop breathing problems than those who vape tobacco products or even those who smoke either cigarettes or marijuana joints, according to research appearing in the Journal of Adolescent Health this spring led by University of Michigan nursing professor Carol Boyd.

Is vaping really healthier than smoking?

The American Heart Association recommends proven methods to successfully quit smoking. Many people think vaping is less harmful than smoking. While it’s true that e-cigarette aerosol doesn’t include all the contaminants in tobacco smoke, it still isn’t safe.

Which is worse cigarettes or vaping?

While not entirely 100% harmless, vaping is so much safer than smoking cigarettes that you can continue to vape if you happen to enjoy it without worring about the harm caused by cigarettes. In fact, the consumption of nicotine can prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease and probably other diseases of aging.

image

How long does vaping last?

These effects peaked within the first hour of smoking but were shown to last for up to eight hours or longer. The most profound discovery from this study was that the effects of vaping proved to be much more intense and potent at every dose.

When did vaping start?

However, the long answer is, more evidence still needs to be examined as vaping is still so new to the population. The modern vape devices didn’t start showing up on the market until 2003, but they became extremely popular in the mid-2010s.

How much does a THC cartridge cost?

One gram of a THC concentrate cartridge ranges from $40-$70. And if you use it wisely and medicinally, it should last well over a week. However, if you always have the vape pen nearby and hit it constantly, you will blast through the concentrate.

Does vaporizing cannabis affect THC levels?

According to this research, as published in the JAMA Network Open, “vaporized cannabis produced significantly greater subjective drug effects, cognitive, psychomotor impairment, and higher blood THC concentrations than the same doses of smoked cannabis”.

Is vaping the same as smoking?

The economics of smoking vs vaping are pretty similar. The ultimate differences will depend on a number of variables, perhaps most notably, the way in which you tend to partake.

Is vaping a good alternative to smoking dry flowers?

Even though there a number of extremely high-THC strains and flower options available on the market in modern times, vaping has been notorious for providing a bigger punch than smoking dry flower.

Does vaping affect your lung?

But with vape pens and cartridges, this cannot happen.

Why is smoking better than vaping?

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.

What are the disadvantages of smoking vs vaping?

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.

What is the alternative to smoking weed?

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.

Why do people vape?

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.

Does vaping require maintenance?

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 glassware.

Is vaping weed better than smoking?

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.

Does vaping make you faded?

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.

What does a vaporizer do to marijuana?

High-quality vaporizers on the other side will give your marijuana a much cleaner and flavorful taste than smoking.

What happens when you smoke marijuana?

Smoking, whether its marijuana, tobacco, or any other plant material: Potentially causes irreversible damage to our delicate respiratory system. Burning plants like marijuana causes the release of toxins, irritants, tar, and various carcinogens. When you smoke, you ingest all these harmful compounds into your body.

Why is vaping bad?

Because if you don't get a safe vaporizer, you risk damaging your health even more with vaping compared to smoking weed.

What temperature do terpenes need to be to smoke?

Most terpenes have a low boiling point. If you keep the temperature setting of your vaporizer between 320°F (160°C) – 356°F (180°C), you will get a much stronger and cleaner flavor than smoking can ever possibly give you.

Can a vaporizer reverse respiratory symptoms?

Although prevention is key in health-related matters, if you already have respiratory issues caused by smoking marijuana, getting a quality vaporizer could be the solution, and here is why: Research suggests switching to a vaporizer can reverse respiratory symptoms caused by smoking cannabis.

Is vaping weed better than smoking?

The biggest benefit of vaping your weed, instead of smoking it, is related to health. 1. Vaping Weed instead of Smoking It Reduces Your Exposure to Harmful Compounds. Studies have shown that marijuana vapor contains significantly less tar, carcinogens, and other toxic by-products than marijuana smoke.

Does smoking cannabis cause cancer?

Cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke. And although no clear links have yet been found between smoking cannabis and cancer, smoking cannabis could increase your risk of lung cancer, exactly because it contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke.

Why do people vape in place of smoking?

In addition, some report that they vape in place of smoking – at least some of the time – in an effort to save money by buying fewer cigarettes.

How many people smoke a vape?

While projections vary, it's estimated that somewhere around half of the more than 10 million adults who vape in the U.S. also smoke. And there are a number of reasons people give for both smoking and using electronic cigarettes, which turn nicotine into a vapor that can be inhaled.

How many people quit smoking in 2014?

Among those vaping and smoking in 2013-2014, nearly 9 in 10 were still smoking tobacco cigarettes a year later. In total, only 12% had quit smoking, including 5% who were still vaping, and just 7% had stopped smoking and vaping – and 44% were still doing both. Most experts still suggest at least trying FDA-approved quit aids first – ...

How do I quit smoking?

If that's you – or a loved one – start with seeing a primary care doctor who is equipped to suggest options for smoking cessation. "I think our first choice is always the FDA-approved medications plus counseling," Houston says. All states also have quitlines staffed by counselors who can help you kick the habit. You can call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) to connect directly to your state's quitline.

How many teens have vaped?

About 1 in 4 teen s now report having vaped. That, in turn, increases the likelihood of smoking, with some adolescents using both e-cigarettes and cigarettes. Meanwhile, many adult smokers prefer e-cigarettes over quit aids – such as the medication Chantix and the nicotine patch – that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration ...

Can vaping make you smoke less?

Dual use could lead to a greater dependence on nicotine, so for many, the rationale that by vaping they'll be able to smoke fewer cigarettes may be more of a pipe dream.

Is vaping done in close quarters?

Experts note that vaping is sometimes done in close quarters not only with others who use e-cigarettes, but also in proximity to people who don't vape or smoke. Some data indicates that adults are more likely to vape than smoke in homes and cars, even when children are present, despite the potential risk of of what's referred to as secondhand vaping for anyone exposed to the aerosol.

What happens when you smoke weed?

When someone smokes weed, they are inhaling the full range of secondary compounds in the cannabis flower , so that may lead to greater symptom relief and psychoactive experience, says Chasen. “When using a vape pen [a person is] inhaling an oil that contains mostly cannabinoids, so the effect may feel thinner or more one directional,” she says.

How does smoking cannabis work?

To begin, smoking burns the entire plant. This turns the different cannabinoid, terpenes and other chemical compounds into an inhalable vapor. “All of them acting together produce what’s called the entourage effect, which means that the combination of all of them working together is more effective than if you were to consume each of them in isolation,” chief medical officer Dr. Perry Solomon of HelloMD, a digital healthcare platform for the cannabis industry, tells Bustle. Vaporization involves heating the flower material to a temperature that boils off the essential oils and cannabinoids for inhalation without creating combustion, says Dr. Solomon.

What temperature does a vape pens burn?

“Combustion occurs between 600 – 900 degrees Celsius whereas vape pens typically operate between 160 and 230 degrees Celsius, ” cannabis educator Emma Chasen tells Bustle. “Combustion produces toxic byproducts that lead to respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis. Vaporizing does not produce such toxic byproducts and therefore leads to less respiratory symptoms.”

Is vaping a smoke?

Although the “smoke” from a vape isn’t technically smoke (it’s vapor), there are noticeable differences in what you’re inhaling. “Vaping tends to impart a lighter flavor and reduced odor as compared to that of smoking,” says Solomon. “Vapor also tends to diffuse more quickly than the smoke from a joint does.” Because vaping doesn’t involve combustion, this can be easier on the lungs.

Is vaping the same as smoking flower?

With smoking flower, there is much more variation from batch to batch and grower to grower. With vaping, there is much more consistency in the product. “The plant material is an agricultural product and will have significant variance from farm to farm and year to year, much like wine,” David Erickson, chief science officer at Sublime Canna, a cannabis manufacturing company, tells Bustle. “Vape products can be produced in a way that accounts for these variations with the goal of producing the same product with the same experience from batch to batch.”

Is it safe to vaporize cannabis?

Vaporization can be a safer alternative, but not all vaporization is the same: Ground flower seems to be much safer than vaporizing oils. “With a good flower vaporizer, set properly to 350°F, cannabinoids can be inhaled with little to no products of combustion,” cannabis therapeutics specialist Jordan Tishler, MD, of InhaleMD, a medical cannabis clinic, tells Bustle. “However, oil cartridge vaporization can be harmful. There are additives, whether polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or more recently cannabis terpenes, which convert to carcinogens at relatively low temperatures.”

Does smoking cannabis flowers hurt your respiratory system?

Because of this combustion, smoking the regular way can do more damage to the respiratory system than vaping. “In the research that is available, it seems clear that smoked cannabis flowers are certainly more irritating to the respiratory system than vaporizing ,” says Dr. Crockett. “With prolonged smoking in this form, many consumers have reported respiratory issues, such as coughing, wheezing, and other bronchitis-like symptoms.”

Why do you vaporize cannabis?

The reason behind this is because vaporizers heat your medical marijuana to a specific temperature. Vaporizers utilize a low temperature that does not destroy the natural terpenes found on the flower. Terpenes are organic compounds that are found in abundance on cannabis ...

What is the most potent method of vaping?

Lastly, depending on the type of vaporizer, vaping medical marijuana concentrates is the most potent method of all. The vast majority of cannabis concentrates test between 40-90% THC, which is leagues ahead of cannabis flowers that are capped at ~33% THC.

Why do you need a vaporizer for smoking cannabis?

This is once again because smoking cannabis requires combustion, which instantly destroys the terpenes present in the flower. Cannabis terpenes are delicate compounds, and you’ll need a vaporizer to fine-tune the temperature to experience the exquisite taste that terpenes provide.

What are terpenes in cannabis?

Terpenes are organic compounds that are found in abundance on cannabis flowers, alongside THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Terpenes have recently been determined to play a significant role in how you feel while consuming cannabis. This means, the more terpenes present, the stronger the effects.

Is vaping marijuana better than smoking marijuana?

Although it seems that vaping cannabis flower and medical marijuana concentrate is better than smoking marijuana – it’s up to you to decide. Now that you understand the differences between smoking and vaping cannabis flower, you can make an informed decision when it’s time to indulge in your favorite medical marijuana strain.

Is vaping marijuana safe?

Tiny particles that are released while vaping may still irritate the lungs, especially for those who suffer from asthma. Until more studies are available, vaping the whole cannabis flower is potentially safer than smoking.

Is vaping cannabis flower safe?

Although smoking cannabis is one of the most popular methods to use, it doesn’t come without risk. Alternatively , vaping cannabis flower is a much safer option when compared to smoking marijuana.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9