Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a chemical substance found in varying degrees in the different types of cannabis available. THC is the cannabinol compound that produces the high whenever the drug is consumed. While the drug has enjoyed recent use for medicinal (and recreational) use, a controversy exists especially among users on what method of consumption for the drug is safest, or better, which produces the least health hazard. This has thus raised the question to medical researchers who have (albeit scantily) delved into the contrast of the means of delivery of the cannabinol.
Smoking is the most common and the most conventional method of ingesting the drug. However, with increase in innovative technological devices, vaping pens have grown to be an established form through which cannabis users have consumed THC.
Smoking involves active burning of the ingredients of the weed which are inhaled by the consumer. This allows for one to consume the ingredients in their fullness, with only little escaping during inhalation. Vaping, otherwise known as vaporizing, on the other hand involves heating THC substance (mostly aerosols) to temperatures less than the combustion level, causing THC laced vapor to rise and is inhaled by the consumer. Vaping involves the use of a vape pen or a desktop vaporizer.
Both means have their own health advantages and disadvantages. Among these include:
- Vaping produces stronger effects than smoking
In a study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2018, it was concluded that vaping produces substantially higher rates of the characteristics associated with the ‘high’ feeling induced by THC, as compared with consumption by smoking.
This was especially observed in infrequent users of the drug. Symptoms of anxiety, nausea and the blood level of the drug in the participants were much higher for them who ingested by vaping.
- Vaping Produces more Flavor than Smoking
Seeing as ability to induce flavor in the drug is one of the main factors that inspired the alternative shift for users from smoking to vaping, flavors provided in vaping attracts many a fan.
- Smoking is more Low Maintenance Compared to Vaping
In addition to being quite expensive, vapes require to be properly maintained especially after a vaping session. It is more like owning a glassware, a factor that is not experienced when doing some smoking the classic way.
- Vaping Unlike Smoking, does not Produce odor
This is a big factor for them who wish to be discreet enjoying their THC. While smoking the traditional way tends to have too much odor, using a vaporizing device tends to be much more discreet. Even more alluring is the fact that only little or sometimes no smell is left behind when going the vape way. This is in sharp contrast with the smoking.
- Vaping Tends to be Less Risky to one’s Health
One of the prominent pro-vaping debates is that it is a much cleaner form of consuming cannabis. This is so given that only the vapor from the strain is consumed, which leaves out many harmful ingredients in the weed so consumed therefore making it a less damaging alternative.
While many people have a preference to vaporizing as a means of consuming their drug of choice, many are entrenched into the ritual that is inherent with the traditional smoking. The arguments for and against each method are mostly subjective and preferences are often based on tastes and one’s experiences with either means.