The Differences Between Smoking and Vaping Cannabis Flower

The Differences Between Smoking and Vaping Cannabis FlowerAs you browse a local medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC) in Florida, you’ll find a plethora of different cannabis varieties and brands. With so many options, it’s no wonder why it’s not common for medical marijuana patients to ask their certifying medical marijuana doctor as to the differences between smoking and vaping cannabis flower.

However, due to recent events, there’s been a growing interest in the difference between smoking and vaping cannabis flower. Read along to understand how smoking or vaping can provide profoundly different experiences while indulging in medical marijuana in Florida.

Potency

When it comes to medical marijuana in Florida, the vast majority of legal cardholders are on the hunt for the strongest cannabis varieties. However, does smoking or vaping produce a stronger high over the other?

When it comes to potency, vaporizing cannabis flowers is the route to go. The reason behind this is because vaporizers heat your medical marijuana to a specific temperature. Vaporizers utilize a low temperature that does not destroy the natural terpenes found on the flower.

Terpenes are organic compounds that are found in abundance on cannabis flowers, alongside THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Terpenes have recently been determined to play a significant role in how you feel while consuming cannabis. This means, the more terpenes present, the stronger the effects.

When you smoke cannabis flowers, the high temperature from a lighter instantly combusts the terpenes, which actually decreases the potential potency.

By vaping cannabis flowers, you effectively preserve potent terpenes, and you’re able to experience the true effects that the cannabis strain has to offer.

Lastly, depending on the type of vaporizer, vaping medical marijuana concentrates is the most potent method of all. The vast majority of cannabis concentrates test between 40-90% THC, which is leagues ahead of cannabis flowers that are capped at ~33% THC.

Flavor

Prior to the legalization of medical marijuana, most cannabis users weren’t so picky regarding the taste of their cannabis. Now, many medical marijuana users won’t consume anything that doesn’t provide mouth-watering flavors.

Due to the low temperatures of vaporizers, vaporizing cannabis flowers is the best way to get the most flavor out of your cannabis. Since the low temperatures of vaporizers don’t destroy the available terpenes, you’ll experience each on the tip of your tongue.

Pinene, limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, and more, will wow your taste buds with an assortment of flavors. Each of these terpenes is found in varying concentrations, depending on the strain, and each holds a mixture of flavors that leave medical marijuana patients speechless.

Although smoking cannabis flowers provides a robust flavor, it cannot compare to that of vaporizing marijuana. This is once again because smoking cannabis requires combustion, which instantly destroys the terpenes present in the flower.

Cannabis terpenes are delicate compounds, and you’ll need a vaporizer to fine-tune the temperature to experience the exquisite taste that terpenes provide.

Lung Health

Another significant difference between smoking and vaping cannabis flowers is your lung health.

Smoking anything is known to be detrimental to your health. Although medical marijuana isn’t known to be as dangerous as cigarettes, it’s still not healthy to smoke cannabis. It’s a well-known fact that all forms of smoke produce inflammation in the lungs. This, in turn, produces irritation and coughing.

Furthermore, smoking produces carcinogens, which are known to damage cells, which can lead to health issues. Lastly, smoking can damage lung tissue, which decreases your overall oxygen intake.

Although smoking cannabis is one of the most popular methods to use, it doesn’t come without risk.

Alternatively, vaping cannabis flower is a much safer option when compared to smoking marijuana. Due to the significantly lower temperatures used by vaporizers, smoke isn’t produced. Instead, a vapor is produced when using a vaporizer.

However, vaping medical marijuana isn’t free of risks. Tiny particles that are released while vaping may still irritate the lungs, especially for those who suffer from asthma.

Until more studies are available, vaping the whole cannabis flower is potentially safer than smoking.

Which is Right For You?

Although it seems that vaping cannabis flower and medical marijuana concentrate is better than smoking marijuana – it’s up to you to decide. Now that you understand the differences between smoking and vaping cannabis flower, you can make an informed decision when it’s time to indulge in your favorite medical marijuana strain.

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding the pros and cons of smoking or vaping medical marijuana, feel free to contact us here. At Compassionate Healthcare of Florida – we’re always here for you.

Click “Contact Us” for a quick and easy appointment today!