Smoking vs. vaping cannabis: You might be surprised what difference it is
It can be challenging for those who need fast-acting stress relief or pain treatment to find a better method. That is precisely why we should understand the differences between smoking and vaping. Low-temperature evaporation is a safer alternative to smoking. It allows users to limit the negative health consequences and control the effects that cannabis offers.
Surprising differences between smoking and vaping
There are some surprising differences between smoking and vaping cannabis. Scientists have not yet found conclusive evidence that cannabis smoke contributes to respiratory diseases such as lung cancer. However, it irritates the delicate tissues in the lungs, neck, and mouth. Such irritation occurs mainly due to high temperatures and the inhalation of tar and ash, which the user breathes into the lungs. Vaporization may not eliminate heat irritation, but you will not inhale hot ash or burnt parts of the plant material.
Five key differences between smoking and vaping cannabis:
1. Lower temperatures
When you light up plant material, it burns, creating smoke. Evaporation (vaporization), however, works differently. Vaporizers are devices that heat hemp flowers or oils at temperatures low enough to melt fatty hemp resins and oils without igniting the material. They then transform from their solid form into steam. Finally, the vapor is inhaled into the lungs using a vaporizer.
This method has several benefits. However, bear in mind that it is essential to choose a device that allows temperature adjustment when buying a vaporizer. A device that goes above 229 °C will burn the botanical material. The most common temperature range when vaping cannabis is between 165 and 187 °C. Staying within it, the user very likely gets a large amount of mildly visible steam, giving them strong effects.
2. Greater efficiency of cannabinoids
You do not like wasting cannabis. However, use efficiency is another and often overlooked factor that should be considered when comparing smoking and vaping. When smoking cannabis, up to 50 percent of all cannabinoids are immediately destroyed. Another 15 - 20 percent gets lost during smoking, and this is a superficial level of efficiency.
3. Fewer potential carcinogens
Another big difference between smoke and vaporization? The occurrence of potentially toxic compounds.
A 2001 study found that users expose themselves to a far lower formation of toxic and potentially carcinogenic compounds when switching to a vaporizer. A cannabis vaporizer was heated to 185 °C during the trial. Although the correlation between cannabis smoking and cancer risk is often questioned, several known carcinogens are still released during the burning process.
These potential carcinogens include benzene, naphthalene, and toluene. Benzene occurs during natural processes involving combustion when smoking. As a result, the reproductive system can be damaged in high concentrations of this compound.
Naphthalene is a potential carcinogen. In high concentrations, it can damage red blood cells carrying oxygen. It can even cause organ damage in severe cases.
Toluene is a benzene derivative and is thus less toxic. Although it is unknown whether it is carcinogenic, we know that too much exposure to this compound has adverse effects on the central nervous system. These effects include headache, nausea, fatigue, and drowsiness. Inhaled toluene can then irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract.
4. Various tastes
Did you know that you can get different tastes from cannabis when you vape at different temperatures? This is because molecules called terpenes are responsible for cannabis plants’ unique aroma.
Terpenes are natural aromatic chemicals found in plant resins and affect the effects you can experience in distinct varieties of cannabis. In addition, terpenes have different boiling points, meaning that when heated to low temperatures, some flavors and aromas are released more often when heated at higher temperatures. Hence, having the option of setting the temperatures on the vaporizer allows you to get a completely new experience in cannabis use.
Terpenes, such as beta-caryophyllene, which has a pepper aroma in black pepper, can be released at temperatures as low as 118 °C. Other terpenes, such as linalool, can tolerate higher temperatures. Thus, unlike smoking, vaporizing will give you a more varied range of flavors and aromas.
5. Possibility to customize the experience according to your preferences
Another significant difference between smoking and vaporization is adjusting the experience to personal needs when vaping. This includes regulating the vaping temperature. Not only do different temperature settings release various smells and tastes from cannabis, but with the amount of heat you use, you can determine how much you will feel the psychoactive effects.
Here is a general guide on how to choose the ideal temperature for cannabis vaping:
- Gentle and mild effect: 143 to 166 °C
- Fun and still controllable effect: 166 to 187 °C
- Solid and heavy effect: 187 to 225 °C
Vaping at low temperatures also helps you avoid irritation of the mouth, neck, and lung tissues. Of course, the only way you can set the vaporization temperature is to have a device that allows temperature control.
What a good quality vaporizer should have
Vaporization is the healthiest way for cannabis inhalation. However, not all vaporizers are the same.
Some vaporizers made of metal alloys are not recommended as they usually are used for high temperatures. Others may have too many plastic parts placed near the heating elements. These materials are most likely toxic and may release potentially harmful compounds into the steam.
Tips for choosing a good quality vaporizer:
- Avoid pre-filled cartridges that contain solvents such as propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol.
- Choose a vaporizer made of materials used in the medical or aerospace industries.
- Opt for stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic heating elements.
- Go for glass or ceramic steam airflows.
- Pick a vaporizer that has adjustable temperature control.
PHOTO: The Vape Guide, Shutterstock
"All the information provided here or through this website is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained herein is intended to be a suitable medical diagnosis or construed as medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not promote, condone or advocate licit or illicit drug use or other criminal activities. For more information see our Disclaimer"