Vaping vs. Smoking Cannabis: What You Should Know

                

Many people think vaping cannabis is safer than smoking it, but it's important to understand that vaping may expose you to more THC, the substance in cannabis that causes intoxication (or ‘high’). Research shows that when people use cannabis with the same amount of THC, those who vaporize it can have higher THC levels in their bloodstream and experience stronger effects than those who smoke it.

Why does this happen?

When cannabis is smoked, some THC is lost through burning (aka combustion) and smoke. Vaporization heats cannabis without combustion, which can allow more THC to be delivered to the body.

What does this mean for you?

Because vaping can deliver THC more efficiently, it may:

  • Lead to stronger intoxicating effects than expected or wanted.
  • Increase the chance of unpleasant effects such as anxiety, dizziness, rapid heart rate, or panic, especially for people who are new to cannabis or use it infrequently.

A helpful tip

If you choose to use cannabis, be aware that vaping and smoking the same cannabis product may not have the same effect.
Start with the lowest amount possible and wait to see how it affects you before using more.

Sources

  • • Spindle TR, et al. Acute Effects of Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis in Healthy Adults Who Infrequently Use Cannabis: A Crossover Trial. JAMA Network Open. 2018. [jamanetwork.com]
  • • Spindle TR, et al. Acute Pharmacokinetic Profile of Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis in Human Blood and Oral Fluid. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 2019. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
  • • Solowij N. Peering Through the Haze of Smoked vs Vaporized Cannabis: To Vape or Not to Vape? JAMA Network Open. 2018. [jamanetwork.com]