There’s no question that smoking weed is still the most popular method of consumption among cannabis users. But we also live in an era of choice. It’s why our Fitchburg dispensary is loaded with edibles, beverages, tinctures, concentrates and more alongside flower. Many of our customers prefer to vape their weed rather than smoke it, which leads many to wonder, is vaping weed better for you than smoking it? Is it healthier?

It’s a big question and the answer isn’t 100% clear. But most agree that vaping is a better, healthier alternative to smoking. Here’s why:

Vaporizing produces fewer toxins 

Most people who switch from smoking to vaping do it for a few reasons: convenience, discretion, and health. We still don’t have a solid answer to whether smoking cannabis increases lung cancer risk like cigarettes do, but we know that any form of combustion produces toxins. When you smoke anything, you are inhaling a host of toxins. 

Here’s where vaping differs: Rather than combust, quality vape products are designed to get just hot enough to produce a vapor without ever burning. As a result, those inhaling the vapor are not exposed to carcinogens produced by smoke, such as carbon monoxide and tar. Theoretically, this means consumers are lower risk of health complications from vaping cannabis than if they were to smoke it. 

But it’s not all that simple. 

Limited data on vaping vs smoking cannabis

While we know that there are many reasons to assume vaping is healthier than smoking cannabis, there are also a lot of unknowns. For example, the vape crisis of 2019 had many vape enthusiasts ditching their pods in exchange for an old school joint. Many argued that we at least know the health risks associated with smoke, whereas vaping is relatively new and lacks comprehensive studies. 

Let’s be clear, though. The vape crisis was associated with low-quality, often illicitly-sold vape cartridges. Many contained additives such as Vitamin E Acetate, which is not meant to enter the lungs and was found responsible for many health complications. So while the fear around vaping was well-founded, it wasn’t necessarily tied to cannabis solely. Nor was it related to quality, regulated products you’d find at reputable dispensaries like our Fitchburg pot shop. 

With that said, it’s true that we don’t have a lot of data to support whether vaping is healthier than smoking. In this case, it’s up to the consumer to decide what works best for their body. 

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that not all vaping is the same. Sure, there are some vape products on the market that contain additives and unhealthy ingredients. But there are also many cartridges that contain nothing more than pure cannabis oil. Beyond that, there is also a whole other category of vaping in which users skip the oil altogether and just vaporize herbs they’d otherwise smoke. 

Dry herb vaping vs oil and wax 

Dry herb vaporizers come with a chamber where users can add their ground flower to the device. It heats the flower up to just below a combustible temperature and produces a vapor that can be inhaled. The result is typically a better smell, flavor, and for many, a different high experience. 

Although we are lacking studies to confirm that vaping dry herbs is healthier than smoking, many people opt for this method because, on some level, it does seem to be the healthier option. It still utilizes ground flower, it produces no carbon monoxide or tar, and it tends to be easier on the lungs. 

On the other hand, a lot of people who vape like to use concentrates. They tend to be more potent, portable, and convenient. Similarly with dry herb vaping, there isn’t a lot of information about the health benefits or risks because we don’t have many definitive studies on the topic. We have a lot of anecdotal evidence, though, where users say they feel healthier vaping than smoking. 

Oil pens and other concentrate-based vaporizers must be purchased with more care than dry herbs. This is because users don’t have control over what goes into the product. Fortunately, many quality cannabis brands produce vapable products that include nothing but the plant. It’s why it’s important to shop at a dispensary and never buy vape products from an unregulated source. 

Smoking cannabis vs cigarettes 

Cigarettes contain a host of additives and toxins. That’s been well-established across the medical community. And while we don’t have as much definitive information about the health risks of smoking cannabis, we do know there is some overlap. 

The American Lung Association says, “Smoke is harmful to lung health. Whether from burning wood, tobacco or marijuana, toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion of materials. Smoke from marijuana combustion has been shown to contain many of the same toxins, irritants and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.”

Cigarettes contain a significant number of chemicals and additives, which lead many cannabis users to believe that they are healthier. But keep in mind that cannabis users tend to inhale cannabis more deeply for longer periods of time, which can lead to greater tar and carbon monoxide exposure. 

Cannabis has also been associated with higher lung volumes and is even known to work as a bronchodilator, meaning it can relax the muscles in the lungs and widen the airways. As a result, some people turn to cannabis to help with their asthma. Of course, it varies from person to person, and users should not swap an inhaler for weed until they’ve talked to their medical provider. 

The bottom line 

So, is vaping better for you than smoking it? It’s a tough question, and we can’t give a definitive answer. While there are a lot of arguments for swapping your joint for a vaporizer, the choice comes down to your own lifestyle and needs. 

Clearly, we like cannabis in all forms here at our Fitchburg weed store. And we support customers choosing the method of consumption that works best for them. 

We hope this overview will help you make an informed decision about your future consumption methods. 

Stop by The Healing Center 

Need weed? We’ve got you covered. Stop by our Fitchburg dispensary for all of your cannabis needs. And if you have any questions, we’re always here to help and direct you to the best products on the market. 

We are a recreational dispensary located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, serving all guests 21 or over with legal identification. We carry a wide selection of brands with a variety of categories like cannabis flower, concentrates, pre-rolled joints, vaporizer cartridges, edibles, infused drinks, tinctures, and accessories. Give us a follow on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

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