Time: 7 minute read
In this article you'll learn:
- Vaporizing cannabis vs. other forms of ingestion
- How long does it take to feel edibles vs. inhaling?
- Are there any benefits to vaporizing over edibles?
- Does vaped cannabis feel different than edibles?
- What are cannabis tinctures?
- Is vaping better than smoking?
- Is vaporizing expensive? Is smoking cheaper?
- Are some vaporizers better than others?
Vaporizing Cannabis vs. Other Forms of Ingestion
Cannabis is filled with chemical compounds called cannabinoids, some of which have psychotropic or physiological effects when they bind with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. While the brain and central nervous system have the largest concentration of cannabinoid receptors, they are everywhere in the body (even our skin). How cannabinoids enter the body, and how the body processes them, determines which receptors are activated and for how long. Hence, how cannabis is ingested greatly influences cannabis’ effects and their scale.
For centuries, cannabis has been enjoyed in a variety of ways, and modern technology has expanded these options. Cannabis users can choose from traditional smoking to bongs to vaporizing to cannabis infused foods & beverages to tinctures and pills. Understanding the differences between all these methods will help an individual choose the best way (or ways) for themselves, their goals and intentions.
How long does it take to feel edibles vs. inhaling?
If inhaling cannabis, effects are likely felt straight away, generally within 30 to 90 seconds. Three main ways of inhaling cannabis are smoking it with tobacco, using a bong, or vaping/vaporizing. The effects are immediate because inhaled cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the blood flow to the brain.
In contrast, it takes much longer to experience noticeable effects when eating cannabis, usually at least 30 minutes and sometimes as long as an hour. This is because the cannabinoids have to be broken down and absorbed through the digestive system. While eating cannabis may take longer to begin to feel, the effects are far more lasting since the substance stays in the system much longer than inhalation.
Are there any benefits to vaporizing over edibles?
Since edibles’ effects are delayed an indeterminate amount of time, it’s most common to overconsume cannabis through eating. While it won’t cause any lasting harm, overconsumption can bring some rather unpleasant side effects, such as paranoia, nervousness, and nausea. For this reason, beginners often try vaporizing first since inhalation’s immediate effects and dose control make it easier to experiment without overconsuming.
Does vaped cannabis feel different than edibles?
Timing is not the only difference. As noted earlier, how the different cannabinoid receptors are activated influences the effects. For example, eaten cannabis is reported to bring the greatest and longest-lasting relief for body pain and inflammation while inhaled cannabis is reported to deliver stronger mental effects.
What are cannabis tinctures?
Tinctures are a form of liquid cannabis where glycerol or another compound to draw out the active ingredients, but the effects are much the same as any other edible.
Is vaping better than smoking?
Smoking, whether cannabis, tobacco or a combination, has irrefutable negative health effects. Smoke of any kind is filled with cancer-causing chemicals. In contrast, the relative health benefits of vaping over smoking are huge, potentially up to 95 percent better. Vaporizing cannabis allows users to enjoy the benefits of inhaled cannabis without the dangerous side-effects of smoking.
Besides the health benefits, vaporizing delivers a better experience. Clean vapor is both pleasant and discreet. Additionally, vaporizing can preserve and activate more terpenes that contribute to the herb’s effectiveness and flavor.
Is vaporizing expensive? Is smoking cheaper?
While a quality vaporizer may take an initial investment, vaporizing is a far more efficient method and will actually save money. Smoking burns away some of the plant before it can be consumed, while the high heat reduces the cannabinoid and terpene contents in what is consumed. Since vaporizing solves these problems, vape users report buying 50% less cannabis after switching. The efficient technology of the Firefly 2+ reportedly allows users to reduce cost by 75% or more, all while delivering a more enjoyable experience.
Are some vaporizers better than others?
To fully enjoy the benefits of vaporizing, it’s important to understand the difference between the two most common vaporizing technologies: convection and conduction. Put simply, conduction vaporizers can burn the herb or concentrate. While still better than traditional smoking, conduction vaping reduces the amount of cannabinoid and terpenes, which means a less efficient and less enjoyable session.
Convection, on the other hand, does not burn. Instead, in-direct heat activates the compounds while maximizing effects and flavors. The Firefly 2+ uses an advanced form of this heating technology, Dynamic Convection, which captures the most terpenes and cannabinoids possible for a flavorful and rich cannabis experience. For more in-depth information on, read our article Convection vs. Conduction - What Makes the Best Vaporizer?.
Interested in getting started with vaping? Click here to read everything you need to know in our article Intro to Vaping.
