Inhalation: Smoking vs. Vaping
Combustion: The Oldest Method of Inhaling Cannabis
Combustion, or smoking, is the most familiar and widely recognized method of inhaling cannabis. This method involves igniting the plant material—whether in a pre-roll, pipe, or bong—to heat it to the point of decarboxylation, which activates the cannabinoids and terpenes. As the plant material combusts, these compounds are released as smoke, which is then inhaled into the lungs, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream.
While smoking cannabis offers fast and potent effects, it's important to note that inhaling smoke of any kind can harm the lungs and potentially lead to respiratory issues. Cannabis smoke contains chemicals and tar that are similar to those found in tobacco smoke, which may contribute to lung damage over time.
Vaporizers: A New Approach to Cannabis Inhalation
A vaporizer is a device used to inhale the vapour of either dried cannabis or cannabis concentrates. Because cannabinoids can be activated at lower temperatures, vaporizers heat the material to a temperature that releases its active compounds in the form of vapour, rather than smoke. Like smoking, vaporizing allows the cannabinoids to be absorbed quickly through the lungs into the bloodstream. Vaporizers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with many models being rechargeable and refillable for convenience and long-term use. Some vaporizers are designed specifically for dried cannabis flower, while others are tailored for cannabis concentrates.
It is important to note that while vaporizers and vapes both produce vapour instead of smoke, they differ in design and functionality.
Vapes: An Overview of Cannabis Vape Pens and Their Function
While similar in their function to vaporizers in that they produce vapour instead of smoke, vapes typically refer to smaller, portable pens or cartridges that are pre-filled with cannabis concentrates such as distillate, liquid diamonds, or live resin. Vapes are fast-acting and, due to their higher potency, can lead to more intense effects. They are not recommended for novice consumers or those with low tolerance.
Types of Vapes
All-in One
A disposable vape, or “all-in-one,” typically consists of a pre-filled cartridge that contains a liquid cannabis concentrate and includes a battery-powered heating element to vaporize the liquid. When it’s empty, you discard of the entire device.
Cartridge
Pre-filled cartridges that contain a liquid cannabis concentrate that are sold separately from the battery. Once the concentrate has been consumed, you discard the empty cartridge but can reuse the battery.
The method you choose for inhaling cannabis ultimately depends on your preferences. At the end of the day, inhalation is a personal choice. However, it’s essential to recognize that inhaling any substance into your lungs can have potential negative health effects. When making your decision, it is important to choose legal cannabis products over those from the illicit market to ensure the quality of what you’re consuming.