In recent years, cannabis consumption has undergone a notable evolution with the introduction of new forms of consumption, such as THC Vape Juice, which has challenged the traditionality of marijuana consumption through combustion. This change has sparked heated debates about the health effects, effectiveness, and overall experience between THC vaping and the traditional smoking method.
In this exploration, we will reveal the surprising truth behind these two modes of consumption, examining their differences, similarities, and the impact they have on the body and mind. Through detailed analysis, we will discover how these practices are shaping the landscape of cannabis consumption and what they reveal about users’ current preferences and perceptions.
What is Smoke Weed?
In the realm of cannabis enjoyment, smoking has been a longstanding and prevalent method of consumption. When cannabis flower is smoked, the combusted flower releases smoke into the lungs, rapidly introducing cannabinoids into the bloodstream and triggering a variety of physical and psychological effects, influenced by the strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profile. These effects typically endure for approximately two to three hours.
Despite its popularity, smoking cannabis poses a drawback: the combustion process destroys a significant portion of the strain’s cannabinoid content, leading to the inevitable waste of valuable cannabinoids and terpenes.
Nonetheless, smoking remains popular due to its pleasurable, convenient, shareable, and portable nature, enhancing the overall sensory experience of cannabis consumption. According to a 2019 study published in JAMA, 77% of medical cannabis patients identified smoking as their preferred method of consumption.
What is Vaping Weed?
Vaping has emerged as a widely popular alternative to smoking cannabis. A vape device, also known as a vaporizer, heats cannabis flower or concentrate to produce a vapor rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, as opposed to smoke.
Vaporization avoids combustion, ensuring a cannabinoid and terpene-rich vapor is inhaled. This method is applicable to both cannabis flower and concentrates.
The vaporization process aims to heat cannabis just below the point of combustion. While further research is needed, vaping lab-tested cannabis is generally considered a healthier and more potent option compared to smoking. Additionally, vaping preserves the flavors of the cannabis strain and activates valuable cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that would otherwise be lost during combustion.
Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that vaping can result in a stronger high due to the higher concentration of potent cannabinoids and the entourage effect from consuming a broader range of cannabinoids. A study from Johns Hopkins, published in JAMA Network Open in 2018, indicates that vaping cannabis delivers psychoactive effects more rapidly to occasional users compared to smoking.
Although individual experiences may vary, anecdotal evidence suggests that the psychoactive effects of vaping differ somewhat from those of smoking. Vaping cannabis offers a more controlled inhalation method compared to smoking, potentially leading to a cleaner high. Users can adjust the inhalation temperature, affecting the therapeutic effects. With no essential compounds burning away during vaping, consumers can appreciate the nuanced flavor of the strain, enhancing the overall experience.
Difference Between Smoking and Vaping Weed
There are several differences between smoking marijuana in a joint or using a vaporizer. It is good to keep in mind what the differences are to know with certainty if you want to smoke or vaporize the herb. Now we will see the main differences.
Combustion Weed
The main distinction between smoking and vaping lies in the presence of combustion, which occurs when cannabis is exposed to temperatures exceeding 220 degrees. Smoking generates toxic and chemical elements (tar, carbon dioxide…) responsible for its carcinogenic properties. However, vaping eliminates this process as temperatures range between 157 and 220 degrees, avoiding combustion and the harmful effects associated with smoking. In fact, several studies have certified that over 80% of substances entering our body through smoking are carcinogenic, whereas in vaping, only 5% are harmful elements, with cannabinoids comprising 95% of the consumed content.
Weed: Flavor and Smell
When cannabis is smoked and therefore combusted, high temperatures remove a large number of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a lesser smell and taste of the plant compared to vaping. On the other hand, the temperature at which marijuana is subjected to during the vaping process is ideal for experiencing all the properties of cannabis. In fact, comparing these two methods can make one feel that when vaping, marijuana seems purer, whereas when smoked, one can clearly taste the burnt herb flavor.
Control of Cannabis Effect
The vaporizer enables the control of marijuana flower or extract temperatures, which is ideal for managing their effects. If the temperature is low, the cannabis effect will be more cerebral, while gradually increasing it will lead to a more relaxing and physical experience. Not only can we control how the herb will make us feel, but we can also dictate its flavor. Science has researched the exact temperature for the appearance of most cannabis terpenes, their peak point, and the degrees at which they are destroyed. Thus, the experience will guide us on which effects and flavors we desire at any given moment, allowing us to regulate the cannabis vaporizer temperature accordingly.
Dosification Cannabis
The vaporizer also enables precise dosing of marijuana or concentrate to be consumed. The tank’s measurement is specific, so we know exactly how much cannabis we’re going to vaporize before refilling it. This differs from smoking marijuana, where the quantity is typically estimated by eye, and consumption isn’t calculated precisely.
Power Of Effects
There are differing theories regarding the potency of marijuana’s effects depending on whether it’s smoked or vaporized. In fact, some consumers claim that one method is stronger, while others argue the opposite. Ultimately, it’s become clear that it largely depends on the individual smoker, the amount consumed, potency, and tolerance levels.
Testimonials from various types of consumers suggest that smokers feel the effects more intensely when they try vaping, and the same occurs vice versa. Due to individual habits, it’s normal for stronger and more pronounced effects to be felt when trying the less frequent method. However, it’s important to take this argument with a grain of salt due to the lack of scientific conclusions. It’s often said that smoking brings about more noticeable psychoactive effects of cannabis (which tend to appear suddenly and less subtly), while vaporization creates a gradual, smooth, and delicate experience.
What is THC Vape Juice?
THC vape juice is a concentrated form of cannabis that is heated and inhaled through a vaporizer or e-cigarette. Unlike traditional smoking, which burns the plant material, vaping heats the cannabis product just enough to release its active compounds without combustion. This process produces a vapor, not smoke, which is believed to be less harmful to the lungs.
Are vaporizers a lower-risk alternative to smoking cannabis?
In a study published in 2022 titled Are vaporizers a lower-risk alternative to smoking cannabis? They wondered if using a vaporizer has fewer risks than smoking marijuana in a traditional way. The researchers reached the following conclusions.
There is a growing concern regarding the increased negative health effects resulting from the availability of various formulations and concentrations of cannabis products in the legal market. Scientists and policymakers are exploring alternatives to mitigate harm and lessen the strain on the healthcare system caused by cannabis smoking. Current evidence suggests that vaping cannabis, compared to smoking it, can reduce exposure to several toxins, carbon monoxide, and chronic respiratory symptoms while producing similar subjective effects, potentially leading to harm reduction among regular cannabis smokers.
Additionally, vaping is suggested as an effective method for administering therapeutic doses of cannabis compared to oral consumption and smoking. Future research should prioritize examining the benefits and drawbacks of transitioning to vaping dried herbs instead of smoking cannabis among chronic users, as well as investigating the long-term effects of therapeutic cannabis vaping. However, it’s important to note that the potential benefits in terms of cognitive, mental health, driving impairment, and the risk of developing dependence among new users are outweighed by the associated harms, and policies should be implemented to restrict access among youth.
Risk Smoke Weed
According to the American Lung Association, inhaling smoke from any source, be it cannabis, tobacco, or any other substance, is detrimental to lung health. Compared to tobacco smokers, marijuana users tend to retain smoke in their lungs for longer periods, increasing their exposure to harmful tar and consequently posing a greater risk to lung health.
Chronic marijuana use can lead to the formation of air pockets between the lungs and the chest wall, known as pneumothorax. This can cause difficulty breathing and, in severe cases, require medical treatment. Additionally, chronic marijuana smoking is associated with the development of chronic bronchitis, characterized by a persistent cough and excessive mucus production.
This chronic irritation of the airways can lead to a chronic cough and respiratory discomfort. Additionally, excessive mucus production can clog the airways and make normal breathing difficult. In immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV, chronic marijuana use can increase the risk of respiratory infections and other diseases due to suppression of the immune system.
Additionally, chronic marijuana use can weaken the overall immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness and infection. Finally, chronic marijuana smoking can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing, which may be indicative of underlying lung problems.
Vape vs Smoking: Cost and Efficiency
In terms of economics, the expenses associated with smoking and vaping marijuana are comparable. The typical cost of a gram of cannabis flower varies from $6 to $15, influenced by factors like quality and where it’s purchased. A gram of marijuana can provide approximately three bowls or 3/4 joints. Therefore, one can estimate smoking expenses based on their daily consumption. For a regular smoker, consuming a gram in 1-3 days could equate to weekly costs ranging from $35 to $70.
Nevertheless, there is a widespread belief that vaping maximizes the potential of your buds or concentrate oil compared to smoking, as some cannabinoids are lost through combustion in the latter. Additionally, it’s thought that vaporized THC produces stronger effects than smoking a joint (we’ll delve into that later), leading to the need for smaller quantities of weed to achieve a high. Lastly, another advantage of vaping is the potential to reuse the vaporized buds to create cannabutter or even to roll them up in a joint for smoking again.
Consideration of Vaping or Smoke Weed
Using marijuana can be enjoyed alone or shared as a meaningful way to connect socially. Often, the process of preparing marijuana for consumption adds to the enjoyment, with rituals and social interaction playing a significant role.
In contrast, vaping offers a more discreet experience compared to smoking, as it’s easily concealable and doesn’t produce the same strong odor as burning marijuana flower does. The distinctive smell of cannabis smoke tends to linger.
Consumers have a variety of options for vaping, including dried cannabis flower and concentrates, with a wide range of vaporizer devices available. These devices, ranging from handheld to tabletop, packable to disposable, e-cigarettes to volcanoes, provide unmatched versatility and convenience. Vaping typically involves packing or using pre-filled cartridges with flower or oil, which are then heated using a battery, with the vapor inhaled through a mouthpiece. Smoking marijuana usually involves grinding dried flower and packing it into a pipe, bong, or bubbler, before lighting it and inhaling the smoke through the mouthpiece.
Both vaping and smoking offer various methods and price ranges to suit individual lifestyles.
We already saw all the benefits and disadvantages of vaping cannabis or smoking weed in the traditional way. Now it is up to you to decide which method best suits your interests. Remember to take your consumption calmly and manage it at tolerable levels, do not exceed the limits to avoid having a bad trip. Whether you want to vape or smoke a marijuana joint, don’t forget that at Blimburnseeds.com we have the best weed genetics on the market for you to grow at home and thus obtain great marijuana.
Benefits of Vaping THC:
- Healthier Option: Vaping is considered a healthier alternative to smoking because it doesn’t involve combustion, which can release harmful carcinogens. Studies have shown that vaping can reduce exposure to toxins and tar compared to smoking.
- Efficiency: Vaping can be more efficient than smoking. It converts a higher percentage of THC to vapor, which means more of the active compounds are delivered to the user without being burned away.
- Control Over Effects: Users can control the temperature of their vaporizer, which can influence the effects of the cannabis. Lower temperatures tend to produce a more cerebral, less intense high, while higher temperatures can yield a stronger, more physical effect.
- Discreetness and Convenience: Vape devices are often small and discreet, making them easier to use without attracting attention. The odor of vapor is also less pungent and dissipates more quickly than smoke.
Great cannabis strain for smoke and vape
You know that in each of our blogs we recommend some genetics that you can buy now, at Blimburnseeds.com. Now we will see which are the most suitable genetics for smoking and vaping. Note that each of the varieties that we recommend below are in our online store, blimburnseeds.com and in addition, each recommended weed variety is part of the genetics most sought after and coveted by weed farms in the USA.
C Banana Strain
Elevating the Banana OG lineage, C Banana emerges as a potent hybrid resulting from the fusion of OG Kush and Banana OG strains. With an impressive THC concentration reaching up to 34%, C Banana solidifies its position as a top-tier cannabis variety globally, offering users a robust and impactful experience. The C Banana Feminized Cannabis Seeds are known for their ease of cultivation, making them suitable even for beginners.
This strain delivers potent Kush effects that gradually intensify, providing a creeping sensation over the body. Particularly beneficial for patients aiming to surpass their tolerance levels, C Banana effects are adept at alleviating chronic pain and nausea. Whether smoked as a joint or vaporized, C Banana stands out for its potency and therapeutic potential.
With C Banana you will obtain great harvests that can reach 21 oz/plant in outdoor cultivation. In other words, it is a great option for the next growing season that is approaching in the northern hemisphere. In case you live in very cold places and you absolutely need to grow indoors, we tell you that C Banana will provide you with up to 1.32 oz/ft2.
When smoked in a joint, C Banana provides potent Kush effects that gradually intensify, allowing users to experience a comforting “creep” sensation as it spreads through the body. On the other hand, when vaporizing it, users can enjoy a smoother, more controlled experience, which preserves the strain’s terpene and cannabinoid compounds without the harmful byproducts associated with combustion.
G13 x Nebula Strain
In terms of flavor and aroma, G13 X Nebula offers a complex and rewarding experience. It presents earthy and sweet notes, with citrus and spicy touches that complement each other. Its aroma is intense and penetrating, with floral nuances that accentuate its distinctive character. This combination of flavors and aromas makes G13 X Nebula very attractive to users looking for a complete sensory experience.
In terms of its effects, this genetics tends to produce a balanced effect that combines a feeling of physical relaxation with a gentle mental elevation. Users often experience a feeling of happiness and euphoria, accompanied by deep relaxation that can relieve stress and anxiety. It is a great option for both those looking to relax at the end of the day and those who want to socialize and stay active.
G13 X Nebula is a good genetic for vaping due to its high resin and terpene content. By vaporizing it, you can better appreciate its complex flavors and aromas, in addition to obtaining a smoother and more controlled experience. On the other hand, it is also an excellent option for smoking a joint due to its uniform and smooth combustion, which allows you to fully enjoy its effects and flavors.
Alien Rock Candy Strain
Alien Rock Candy buds are covered in resinous trichomes that emit a sweet, earthy aroma with citrus undertones. When vaporized, an exquisite flavor is released that combines earthy notes with hints of sweetness and a subtly spicy finish. The effects of this strain are primarily relaxing on a physical level, with a feeling of euphoria and mental clarity that make it perfect for day or night use.
Alien Rock Candy is a medium-growing cannabis plant that adapts well both indoors and outdoors. Its nutrient needs are moderate, making it easy to grow even for beginners. This strain has a flowering period of approximately 7 to 8 weeks and produces satisfactory yields of dense, resinous buds.
Alien Rock Candy is a smart choice for those looking for a unique and rewarding vaping experience. In addition to its exceptional flavor profile and balanced effects, this strain is relatively easy to grow and offers consistent, high-quality yields. Adding Alien Rock Candy to your growing garden is a guarantee of satisfaction for both novice and experienced growers.
