Smoking has been the most popular method of cannabis consumption for ages—until the vape craze hit. Now, many cannabis enthusiasts are asking: which is better for your health and lifestyle?
Let’s clear this up first: smoking cannabis, or using combustion to consume it, isn’t necessarily harmful in moderation. You don’t have to ditch your rolling papers for good, but understanding how combustion works and how it compares to vaporization can help you make the best choice for your cannabis experience.
What is combustion?
Combustion happens when you burn raw material with fire to produce smoke. When you smoke flower out of a bowl or bong, the bud is being combusted by the lighter. Dabbing can go either way—while the point is to vaporize the wax, combustion can take place instead if it’s overheated or heated too quickly.
Why Does Combustion Matter?
When cannabis burns, it creates:
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Smoke: A mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and unwanted byproducts.
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Tar & Carcinogens: While cannabis smoke isn’t as harmful as tobacco smoke, burning plant matter still creates some of these elements.
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Loss of Cannabinoids & Terpenes: High temperatures can destroy the delicate compounds responsible for cannabis’ effects and flavors.
Combustion vs. Vaporization
The main difference between combustion and vaporization is that they occur at different temperatures. Combustion happens at a higher temperature than vaporization, which burns more than just the active cannabinoids that you want. Any plant matter that’s burned will produce tar and other carcinogens, and unfortunately, it’s no different for cannabis.
Vaporization, on the other hand, heats the material at a lower temperature, which ensures nothing is burned and wasted. When you light up, you could accidentally overheat precious cannabinoids that will immediately be useless in getting you high. This is why vaping usually is better for those who enjoy a full-spectrum cannabis experience.
How to Vape Cannabis
If you’re curious about vaping but still love the ritual of smoking flower, a dry herb vaporizer is a great middle ground.
Dry Herb Vaporizers: The Best of Both Worlds
Ditch the smoke, keep the ritual. Ooze dry herb vapes give you a cleaner, smoother cannabis experience with full control over temperature and flavor.
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Ooze Flare – Our most affordable dry herb vape! Simple to use, budget-friendly, and perfect for first-time vapers looking to try flower vaping.
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Ooze Brink – Pocket-sized powerhouse with Nano-Glazed C-Core tech for big terpene flavor. First sub-ohm dry herb vape for better airflow and smooth hits.
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Ooze Verge – Premium performance with smart ceramic heating for ultra-efficient vaporization. Full-color screen, precise temp control, and big, flavorful clouds.
Vaping flower preserves terpenes, enhances flavor, and is easier on the lungs than smoking. Try one of these vapes and taste the difference!
Dabbing Without Combustion
Dabbing is another method where temperature control is key. If you love concentrates, low-temp dabs can provide potent effects without combustion.
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Use a Quartz Banger: These retain heat better, allowing for lower temperatures.
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Try a Carb Cap: It helps regulate airflow and cools the vapor before you inhale.
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Invest in a Low-Temp Rig: The Ooze Toxic Barrel Quartz Mini Rig is designed for smoother, flavorful dabs.
Vaping Cannabis Oil: A Convenient Alternative
For a hassle-free option, pre-filled oil cartridges are the way to go. These small, portable vapes make cannabis consumption quick and discreet.
Pair a 510-thread cartridge with a vape battery like the Ooze Twist Slim Pen for a smooth experience. Since oil is thinner than flower or wax, keep the voltage on the lowest setting to avoid burning the terpenes and cannabinoids.
The Bottom Line: Should You Switch to Vaping?
Smoking cannabis isn’t inherently dangerous, but vaporization offers:
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A smoother experience for the lungs
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More control over temperature and effects
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Better flavor from preserved terpenes
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Less waste of valuable cannabinoids
If you’re a daily smoker or looking for a cleaner way to enjoy cannabis, vaporization might be a game-changer. Whether you prefer dry herb, concentrates, or oil cart pens, vaping gives you control over your cannabis experience.
