There are so many ways to enjoy cannabis, but vaping is one method that is quickly gaining popularity. This quick-acting and relatively discreet way to medicate is generally considered more safe and healthy than smoking.

What is vaping cannabis and why is it preferable to smoking?

“Vaping” is short for “vaporization” — and commonly refers to a method of cannabis consumption where the user inhales cannabis “vapor” or aerosol. To create this vapor, the active compounds in cannabis are heated at low temperatures. Unlike with smoking cannabis, no combustion or burning takes place at these lower temperatures — so there is no smoke.

How do you vape?

To vape cannabis you need a vaporizer. These electronic devices can be as small as a pen, or as large as a toaster. They come in desktop, handheld, and portable sizes and are usually designed with a power source (battery or plug), heating element (heater or atomizer), a chamber to pack either cannabis flower or concentrates (or come with a pre-filled cartridge of concentrate), a button to activate the heat, and mouthpiece to inhale the vapor through. Once the cannabis is in place, most vaporizers allow you to simply push a button and inhale.

Note that vaporizers sometimes feel like you aren’t getting enough vapor. When using a vaporizer, you often need to draw in the vapor longer and softer than you would if you were smoking.

How is it different than smoking?

Vaporizers gently heat the herb, rather than burning it, so there is no smoke involved. The vapor is thinner and less flavorful than smoke, but it is more efficient. Keep in mind that the high from vaping can be very different from smoking. It can also take longer to onset and last a little longer.