A raw cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids; one of them is THC (which is responsible for getting people “high”). Unlike smoking a joint which involves burning the leaves to produce smoke, vaping involves burning the substance until it evaporates and then inhaling it. Both smoking and vaping can be quite harmful to your lungs due to exposure to tar, but vaping is perceived to be better, and here’s why:
Less lung irritation
The first thing to consider when looking into smoking vs. vaping THC is the irritation caused to the lungs. Many studies have shown that vaping THC reduces the symptoms caused by carcinogens, which are produced when smoking. These symptoms include: exacerbated asthma, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Reduced smell
Since vaping does not involve burning the cannabis, less smell (which many find to be unpleasant) is produced. The vaporizers can also come with flavourants which serve to mask the smell. Therefore, when vaping you don’t need to worry about the upsetting smell that can be stuck on your fingers and clothes for a long while.
More potent
Depending on the method of vaping used, researchers have come to the conclusion that vaping (especially when using concentrated hash oil) results in a stronger hit. This can be viewed as a benefit for those who want an even and long-lasting high, without having to endure the toxins produced by smoking. This further makes the case for vaping when it comes to smoking vs. vaping THC since it makes more sense to opt for a cleaner hit.
More Convenient
Not only is vaping THC more affordable, but also it’s easier to use in places where cannabis smoking may not be tolerated. Vaporizing THC does not produce any second hand smoke and is more economical to use because there is less cannabis wastage. Vaporizers are also less messy and easy to use.
The smoking vs. vaping THC debate entails many considerations but it is clear that many prefer vaping to smoking because of the benefits that come with vaping. Not much is known about the negative health effects of vaping THC, but recent research has expressed concern over the severe effects of inhaling vitamin E acetate, which is an additive in many THC vaporizers. You should consider all the pros and cons of both methods in order to assess what would be more suitable and convenient for you.