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Missouri Cannabis Education
What Is the Difference in How
Smoking versus Vaporizing
Cannabis Influences Your Body ?
by Leah Maurer , contributing writer
Leah
Leah Maurer , a native Missourian , is a canna journalist and activist living in Portland , OR . She is a co-owner of The Weed Blog www . theweedblog . com Co-Owner 420-420 Digital Media Solutions and the text code 420-420 . In 2014 , Maurer founded Moms for Yes on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone , which proved pivotal in adult-use legalization in Oregon . During that time , she also co-founded Show-Me Cannabis to help launch the legalization effort in Missouri . Maurer is a social justice activist at the core and hopes to see the end to the prohibition of cannabis globally .
When it comes to consuming cannabis , the methods you choose for consumption can significantly influence the effect on your body , brain , and endocannabinoid system . While there are many consumption delivery methods , this month , we ’ ll focus on the difference between two that are semi-similar : smoking versus vaporizing .
Vaporizing cannabis has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional smoking and has even been celebrated for its potential health benefits and distinct effects . But , how exactly does vaporizing differ from smoking when it comes to its impact on the human body and the intricate systems within ?
Let ’ s look at the key differences .
Smoking cannabis ( by definition ) involves the combustion or burning of plant material , which produces smoke that contains a mixture of cannabinoids , terpenes , and other byproducts from the smoke . On the other hand , vaporizing heats cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes in the form of vapor without burning the plant material . This fundamental difference in the method of consumption leads to varied effects and health implications that can vary between different people ’ s bodies . One of the primary differences between vaporizing and smoking cannabis is its effect on the human body ’ s respiratory system . Smoking exposes the lungs to harmful byproducts of combustion , which can , over time , contribute to respiratory issues such as bronchitis , coughing , and excess phlegm production . While smoking cannabis is generally considered less harmful than smoking tobacco , the presence of irritants in smoke can still pose risks to lung health . For some consumers , and especially for some medical marijuana patients , smoking may not be an option because of this issue .
In contrast , vaporizing cannabis is often considered a less harmful option for the respiratory system . Because vaporizing avoids combustion , it produces fewer harmful byproducts . Research suggests that individuals who switch to vaporizing may experience improvements in respiratory symptoms , such as reduced coughing and less lung irritation . However , it ’ s worth noting that while vaporizing may be less irritating to the lungs , it is not entirely risk-free , as prolonged inhalation of any substance can still impact your lung health .
Cannabis primarily exerts its effects on the brain through its active compounds , particularly THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol ) and CBD ( cannabidiol ). When smoked , THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs and quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier , leading to rapid onset of effects . Smoking also delivers a broader spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes , which may contribute to the “ entourage effect ,” or the synergistic interaction between various cannabis compounds .
Vaporizing cannabis delivers cannabinoids in a similar fashion , but the absence of combustion can alter the overall experience . Because vaporizing preserves more terpenes and cannabinoids , some consumers say they get a cleaner , more flavorful experience this way . Additionally , the onset of
12 March 2025