As cannabis culture continues to evolve, so do the methods of consumption. Traditionally, smoking has been the most popular way to enjoy cannabis, but dabbing – a more modern technique – has quickly gained popularity. Understanding the differences between dabbing vs smoking is key to choosing the best method for your needs. This blog will explore how these methods work, their impact on your cannabis experience, and why dabbing might just be the better option.
Smoking vs Dabbing: Old vs New
When comparing smoking vs dabbing, it's important to recognize that these methods reflect two different eras of cannabis consumption. Smoking is the age-old method, involving the combustion of cannabis flower to release cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. Dabbing, on the other hand, is a newer, more refined approach that uses cannabis extracts, such as hash or other concentrates, vaporizing them instead of burning.
How Does Smoking Affect Cannabis Ingestion?
Smoking involves the combustion of cannabis, which generates smoke that is inhaled into the lungs. The high temperature of combustion not only releases the desired cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but can degrade some of the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids – potentially diminishing the flavor and overall experience. While smoking is an effective way to ingest cannabis, it carries health risks associated with inhaling burnt plant matter.
How Does Dabbing Work?
Dabbing represents a more modern and sophisticated approach to cannabis consumption. In this method, a small amount of cannabis extract, such as wax, shatter, or oil, is placed on a heated surface, typically made of quartz or ceramic. This surface, known as a nail or banger, is heated to a specific temperature, usually between 400-600°F – for more information, be sure to read our piece on choosing the best temperature for dabbing. Once the concentrate touches the hot surface, it vaporizes, producing a potent vapor that is inhaled through a rig or a specialized vaporizer.
Because dabbing involves vaporizing concentrates rather than burning them, the result is a cleaner, more efficient delivery of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Taking Dabs vs Smoking: Which Is Better?
When it comes to taking dabs vs smoking, the better option largely depends on your priorities—whether you're focused on flavor, potency, health considerations, or discretion.
Is Dabbing Healthier Than Smoking?
While a lot of research is still to be done, the National Library of Medicine has a paper attempting to understand the differences between vaporizing and smoking cannabis. It discusses whether using cannabis vaporizers can lower health risks compared to smoking cannabis. Evidence shows that vaporizing may reduce exposure to harmful toxins and respiratory symptoms, offering potential harm reduction for habitual smokers. However, new users may still face risks such as intense effects, cognitive impairment, and increased dependence, with no reduced risk for impaired driving. Policymakers are urged to consider age restrictions and further research to clarify long-term effects and risks of vaping cannabis.
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Harm Reduction for Smokers: Vaporizers can reduce exposure to carbon monoxide and toxins while producing similar effects and THC levels, potentially decreasing chronic respiratory issues among regular smokers.
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Risks for New Users & Driving: New users may experience stronger effects and higher dependence risks; vaping does not mitigate cannabis-related driving impairment.
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Need for Policy & Research: Policies should limit youth access and promote safe practices. More studies are needed on switching from smoking to dried-herb vaping and on the long-term safety of medical cannabis vaping.
How Do Dabs and Smoke Affect the People Around Me?
One of the significant differences between vapor vs smoke is their impact on those around you. Smoke, whether from cigarettes or cannabis, is more pervasive and lingers in the environment. The smell of burning cannabis can be strong and long-lasting, potentially affecting others nearby who might not want to partake.
Vapor, on the other hand, dissipates more quickly and usually has a much milder odor. When comparing smoke vs vapor, vapor is generally considered a more discreet and socially considerate option. This makes dabbing an attractive alternative to smoking for those who live in close quarters with others or simply want to minimize their impact on their surroundings.
What Are the Benefits of Vaporizing Concentrates?
Dabbing allows users to enjoy the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes without the harshness of smoke. This results in a more flavorful and potent experience, with many users reporting that they need less product to achieve the desired effects.
Furthermore, dabbing offers a more controlled and consistent experience. Modern devices, like those from Puffco, allow users to fine-tune the temperature, ensuring that their concentrates are vaporized at the optimal heat. This level of precision not only preserves the delicate compounds in the cannabis extract but also enhances the overall experience.
If you’re looking to explore the benefits of dabbing, Puffco offers a range of devices designed to make vaporizing concentrates easy and enjoyable. From the Puffco Peak to the Puffco Proxy, these devices provide the perfect balance of innovation and performance, ensuring that your dabbing experience is nothing short of exceptional.
