Clearing the Smoke - Combustion vs Vaporizing

vaping or smoking weed flower

Cannabis has become a highly sought-after plant globally. Its healing properties and wide array of impactful benefits on patients dealing with critical health issues have been the major reasons behind the astronomical growth.

Yes, cannabis is a treasured plant, but many people are still conflicted about taking it. Should I combust (smoke) it? Should it be vaporized? Or do I chew it?

These questions show a lot of confusion on how best to take cannabis, which is why in this article, we will be clearing all the smoke. You will understand how best to utilize cannabis as we consider two essential pathways: combustion vs. vaporizing.

What are combustion and vaporization?

Basically, combustion entails burning something, which in this case is cannabis. Vaporization is quite a different process that entails the transition from liquid to vapor. Some cannabis users are quick to point out that vaping is better than smoking, but you can use both methods, depending on your preferences.

There are several factors to consider when thinking about the pathway to chose. A good step to take entails considering the temperature used with each method, your purpose for taking cannabis, and the option that offers more flavor and aroma.

A scientific understanding of combustion vs vaporization

Temperature is the most critical aspect to consider when you think about combustion and vaporization. Some vaporization devices heat the cannabis below the combustion point between 180-190 degrees Celsius (this is 356-374 Fahrenheit). With combustion, the lighter produces an open flame that goes beyond 315 degrees Celsius or 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The combustion process offers a very high temperature that takes off a substantial amount of cannabinoids and terpenes before the cannabis is even consumed.

Scientifically, vaping cannabis increases the cannabis compounds activated in your system, which enhances the health benefits you get from cannabis. Patients who receive a marijuana prescription from a doctor agree that the vaping process enhances their cannabis experience.

There was a cannabis research conducted in 2009 that analyzed the medicinal qualities of cannabis through various consumption methods. The researchers analyzed the differences between vaporization and the traditional “cannabis smoke.” The temperature was the primary factor used in this analysis.

The research showed that the by-product of cannabinoids was significantly higher through vaporization than through combustion. Temperature also impacts the aroma and flavor of the cannabis as different terpenes have specific boiling points. This means the lower the temperature, the more flavor and aroma you will get from the cannabis.

The researchers concluded that vaporization has more advantages because it gives the users the ability to fine-tune the temperature such that their cannabis experience is more beneficial.

The effects of vaporization and combustion on cannabis users

Based on several works of research, and the firsthand accounts of several users it is evident that vaping is safer than smoking. Medical patients also prefer vaping because they are easily irritated with the smoke fumes.

Additionally, vaping also produces fewer carcinogenic compounds than combustion and eliminates toxic compounds that may occur during high combustion. The vaping process helps you retain more of the cannabinoids, impacting your body with all the natural chemicals you need to thrive in good health.

The fact that vaporization offers more heightened benefits doesn’t mean smoking is an entirely useless process. For thousands of years and in prehistoric times, people smoked cannabis for healing and got results. However, vaping is a recent invention that protects patients with underlying issues from the combustion fumes hence why the majority prefer it.

As we all know, if you have a health condition that needs help from cannabis, you will need ALL the properties and parts of the cannabis. This realization means you may miss some vital properties through combustion. But those who just enjoy cannabis for fun will get a more refreshing experience through combustion, so it’s a case of your reason for using cannabis.

How to get a good vaporizer

Since vaping is the most preferred and healthiest way to inhale cannabis, it is rapidly becoming popular among cannabis users. To get the best from vaping you will need a good vaporizer, while if you are taking cannabis intentionally for health purposes, a vapor device is essential.

It should be noted that vaporizers made with metal alloys are NOT recommended because they emit high heat. Some other vaporizers that contain plastic pieces near the heating elements are also not recommended as they release harmful compounds alongside the cannabis.

Please conduct your research on vaporizers before buying one. Below are a couple of helpful tips:

Get a vaporizer with adjustable temperature controls

Temperature control is one reason why vaporization is effective for inhaling cannabis, so you need a vaporizer with adjustable temperature controls.

Buy a glass or ceramic vaporizer.

Metals and plastics are not good enough as cannabis vaporizers because of the toxic chemicals they release. Hence the reason you should stick to ceramic vaporizers.

Don’t buy vaporizers with pre-filled cartridges.

These pre-filled cartridges contain thinning agents that will affect the quality of your cannabis. You must buy your weed yourself to verify the source and ensure that you are inhaling the excellent stuff.

Bottom line

Cannabis offers so much to users, and if you haven’t joined the cannabis trend, you might want to get started today! If you are already using cannabis, it is customary to consider your consumption method as you want to ensure that you are taking it the right way.

Both vaporization and combustion are popular ways to use cannabis, but they should be used based on particular circumstances and instances. For example, if you take cannabis for recreational purposes, it is okay to go the combustion way.

For recreational purposes, you are only looking to have fun with your weed at a party or after a long day at work. You will enjoy smoking cannabis for recreational purposes and bask in the “burnt” flavor/aroma. But if you are taking cannabis for medicinal purposes, vaping may be a better option. Vaping helps you achieve the perfect temperature with your cannabis such that you get the required marijuana medication experience.