Is herb vaporizing healthier than oil vaping?

[CaptainBiffle]

My understanding used to be that vaping in general was BARELY healthier than smoking, if at all. Now I'm hearing herb vaporizing is in fact healthier for the lungs, but OIL vaporizing may be almost as bad as smoking, just in a different "way". Is that correct? I tried smoking less and using oil vape more and I think I can even notice a difference in my breathing from just that. I'm researching for my first herb vape and I'm seeing devices with "second chambers" to "Break it down and filter it even more". or ones that cook it at really low temps and such. Are certain herb vaporizors "better" for you than others? Looking for large hits that are as gentle on the lungs as possible.

 

[darbarikanada]

I don't think vaping's been around long enough for there to be much if any good research on its health effects relative to smoking, even more so re comparing vaping concentrates to vaping flower.

if you're looking for a vaping device that's easier on your lungs, pay attention to the length of the vapor path. longer is better; that's why people attach long glass tubes to some portables. the volcano fills a bag with vapor so you can avoid inhaling hot vapor entirely. water filtration cools vapor, but some people think it's wasteful). a bong with a banger - but without water - gives you air cooling and optimal flavor.

lots of variables. you just have to pay attention to what your lungs/body tell you - if a device makes you cough a lot, that can't be good. I like the original S&B mighty; it has a very effective cooling unit and total temperature control - at low temperatures you can barely tell you're inhaling anything, and you can find your sweet spot, where you get clouds without coughing. you can vape wax (not oil though) with the concentrate pad, although there are better devices for concentrates (e.g. puffco proxy). it's consistently gotten top ratings from reviewers ever since it came out. one added perk is its discreetness - it looks so much like a nicotine-vaping device that you can use it in public. POTV sells it for ~$280.

you raise questions that a lot of people on this forum have discussed at length - and disagree about. you might want to mention if you want a portable or plug-in device; that'll help people make suggestions re devices.

 

[friedrich]

My understanding used to be that vaping in general was BARELY healthier than smoking, if at all. Now I'm hearing herb vaporizing is in fact healthier for the lungs

There's a lot of terminology confusion around these topics. I'm guessing that you come to this with the newer meaning of "vaping", referring to e-liquid. I can't speak to the healthiness of that; it's very different from the dry herb vaping that we've been doing here since long before that became popular, before the term was appropriated. (Yes, it bugs me that we can't use "vape"/"vaping" anymore without likely giving the wrong impression.)

It seems pretty clear that vaping dry herb is healthier than smoking. I mean, there are studies one could cite as evidence, but the difference is obvious firsthand.

OIL vaporizing may be almost as bad as smoking, just in a different "way". Is that correct?

I guess that you're thinking of cartridges here. The thing with those is that you might not always know what you're getting. Some made with improper ingredients have harmed people (even fatally), and I've heard of concerns that components may leach undesirable substances into the oil over time; but if you've got a clean product from a trusted source … well, I don't know, but I would estimate it at similar healthiness to dry herb vaping.

 

[darbarikanada]

fwiw, this is what perplexity.ai says on the subject:

there is research suggesting that vaporizing cannabis may be less harmful than smoking it, particularly in terms of respiratory effects. However, it's important to note that vaping cannabis still carries risks and is not without potential negative health consequences.

Respiratory Effects​

Vaporizing cannabis has been found to reduce exposure to several harmful compounds compared to smoking:

1. It produces fewer toxic pyrolytic compounds and by-products, such as carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, and toluene

• It reduces exposure to carbon monoxide, potentially lowering the risk of respiratory hazards

A small non-randomized trial reported significantly improved respiratory symptoms and forced vital capacity among cannabis smokers who switched to vaping for 30 days.

Additionally, a cross-sectional study found that vaporizer users were 40% less likely to report respiratory effects like cough, phlegm, and chest tightness compared to those who smoked cannabis.

Comparative Studies​

Research comparing vaping and smoking cannabis has yielded mixed results:

1. A study at Johns Hopkins University found that vaping marijuana had stronger effects on cognitive and motor skills than smoking it, raising safety concerns about activities like driving

• Vaping cannabis resulted in higher THC blood levels compared to smoking the same dose, potentially leading to more pronounced drug effects

Health Considerations​

While vaping may reduce some risks associated with smoking cannabis, it's not without its own health concerns:

1. Vaping doesn't address issues related to dependence, impaired driving, or potential brain damage among heavy adolescent users.

• Some research suggests that vaping marijuana may be associated with more symptoms of lung damage than e-cigarettes or smoking cigarettes or marijuana alone

It's important to note that more long-term studies are needed to fully understand the health implications of vaping cannabis compared to smoking it. While current evidence suggests some potential benefits in terms of respiratory health, vaping still carries risks and should not be considered completely safe.

 

[CaptainBiffle]

fwiw, this is what perplexity.ai says on the subject:

there is research suggesting that vaporizing cannabis may be less harmful than smoking it, particularly in terms of respiratory effects. However, it's important to note that vaping cannabis still carries risks and is not without potential negative health consequences.

Respiratory Effects​

Vaporizing cannabis has been found to reduce exposure to several harmful compounds compared to smoking:

1. It produces fewer toxic pyrolytic compounds and by-products, such as carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, and toluene

• It reduces exposure to carbon monoxide, potentially lowering the risk of respiratory hazards

A small non-randomized trial reported significantly improved respiratory symptoms and forced vital capacity among cannabis smokers who switched to vaping for 30 days.

Additionally, a cross-sectional study found that vaporizer users were 40% less likely to report respiratory effects like cough, phlegm, and chest tightness compared to those who smoked cannabis.

Comparative Studies​

Research comparing vaping and smoking cannabis has yielded mixed results:

1. A study at Johns Hopkins University found that vaping marijuana had stronger effects on cognitive and motor skills than smoking it, raising safety concerns about activities like driving

• Vaping cannabis resulted in higher THC blood levels compared to smoking the same dose, potentially leading to more pronounced drug effects

Health Considerations​

While vaping may reduce some risks associated with smoking cannabis, it's not without its own health concerns:

1. Vaping doesn't address issues related to dependence, impaired driving, or potential brain damage among heavy adolescent users.

• Some research suggests that vaping marijuana may be associated with more symptoms of lung damage than e-cigarettes or smoking cigarettes or marijuana alone

It's important to note that more long-term studies are needed to fully understand the health implications of vaping cannabis compared to smoking it. While current evidence suggests some potential benefits in terms of respiratory health, vaping still carries risks and should not be considered completely safe.

Yeah I'm only concerned with respiratory issues, Im okay on the mental ones, I only use at night.

but the difference is obvious firsthand.

Do people tend to notice breathing better when they switch from smoking to dry herb? I'm thinking of going with a Dynavap M7 for my first dry herb vaporizer, the difficulty of use and the tiny chamber are my only gripes looking at it right now.

 

[Photonic]

Because vaping flower is more "efficient" than smoking when it comes to effects, that should mean it is even better for respiratory health since not only are you not smoking, but you can consume less flower overall further reducing the potential negative impacts.

So vaping flower using clean, high quality methods is superior to smoking it. The only concern I have with vaping flower versus smoking is the potential for inhaling mold. Burning mold is likely better than vaping it, although both seem very bad. When vaping you should ensure it is cleanly grown and processed.

 

[darbarikanada]

I'm thinking of going with a Dynavap M7 for my first dry herb vaporizer

there's a learning curve with these (I have one). once you've figured it out, you might be able to get clouds with minimal coughing, but the vapor path's a short metal tube between the chamber and you (unless you do water filtration).

 

[CaptainBiffle]

there's a learning curve with these (I have one). once you've figured it out, you might be able to get clouds with minimal coughing, but the vapor path's a short metal tube between the chamber and you (unless you do water filtration).

Oh I don't know anything about vapor path or water filtration. What does that do? I'm honestly just looking for the best hits I can get with the least damage done specifically to the lungs. Would you recommend the Dynavap M7+ as a first vape, or is there something potentially better I should consider?

 

[darbarikanada]

Would you recommend the Dynavap M7+ as a first vape, or is there something potentially better I should consider?

I'd go with the OG mighty; no learning curve, easy on the lungs, discreet, vapes wax and hash. I haven't seen any portables that have come out since then that cover all those bases. the biggest complaints about the mighty are its cost and slow-ish heat-up time (~2 min); if those aren't deal-breakers for you, I'd go for it. POTV guarantees their vapes, so if you don't like it (and clean it really well), you can return it.

vapor path means the distance (and materials used) between the chamber and your mouth - the shorter it is, the hotter the vapor (vape pens are notoriously hot due to their short vapor path). water filtration pulls the vapor (or smoke) through water (like a hookah); it cools the vapor, but at the cost of efficiency - some of the desired material goes into the water, not your lungs.

 

[KingNAB]

Oh I don't know anything about vapor path or water filtration. What does that do? I'm honestly just looking for the best hits I can get with the least damage done specifically to the lungs. Would you recommend the Dynavap M7+ as a first vape, or is there something potentially better I should consider?

Define "best hits". Vapor production? Best extraction? Best tasting?

 

[CaptainBiffle]

Define "best hits". Vapor production? Best extraction? Best tasting?

The high, I find that combusting flower unfortunately has the best effects, I don't really care about clouds or taste. the only vaping method I've tried before is 510 oil vaping and it's just not the same, people say that it's "stronger" but I find it's the opposite, I need to REALLY hit a oil battery hard to get anywhere near where a half gram of burning flower can get me.

 

[KingNAB]

The high, I find that combusting flower unfortunately has the best effects, I don't really care about clouds or taste. the only vaping method I've tried before is 510 oil vaping and it's just not the same, people say that it's "stronger" but I find it's the opposite, I need to REALLY hit a oil battery hard to get anywhere near where a half gram of burning flower can get me.

Okay, If you're looking at a combination of health and potency then check out a device with a larger bowl. Joints are typically between .5 and 1 gram. Most vaporizer bowls average .3 grams so you're already behind on volume. The other factor to consider is temperature, as the "intensity" of your high is correlated with the temp. Higher temp, higher intensity. The issue with this is you're affecting your lungs more at higher temps, so a device that does a great job of cooling the vapor before inhalation would be ideal. The Volcano with a bag comes to mind in order to meet both requirements.

 

[friedrich]

Do people tend to notice breathing better when they switch from smoking to dry herb?

I was never a big smoker myself, so I can't really speak to that from experience; but yes, it's a common sentiment. The feel and taste and odor of vapor compared to smoke is vastly different.

is there something potentially better I should consider?

It's hard to make recommendations without knowing more about your use cases: do you need pocket-portability and stealth? Do you (want to) use a bubbler or bong? Would you prefer something battery-powered or not?

I'll go ahead and tell you my favorite, most-used vape by far: a Quartz Cap from The Rogue Wax Works (specifically my "11", but the other varieties are great too; you might prefer a Megacicle for larger bowl and more airflow). It requires a big torch (or a plug-in heating coil & controller) and something like a j-hook or water pipe to hold it upright in use, so it's far from discreet, but, ooh boy, can it hit!

 

[Himothy]

The high, I find that combusting flower unfortunately has the best effects, I don't really care about clouds or taste. the only vaping method I've tried before is 510 oil vaping and it's just not the same, people say that it's "stronger" but I find it's the opposite, I need to REALLY hit a oil battery hard to get anywhere near where a half gram of burning flower can get me.

As someone who owns a bunch of vapes including a mighty + and a venty, I find that a ball vape and vapcap style( tempest, anvil) are much closer to the smoking high while still being vaping. I couldn't get a single one of my friends to convert to vaping over smoking until I stopped loaning them S&B products and loaning them vapcaps. Just my 2 cents, can't go wrong with either, but a vapcap seems more like a vaping one hitter than the rest of that list. I don't own one but I also heard sticky bricks are super comparable to smoking.

 

[Fearless Disaster]

I think there is a difference between damage based on whats in the vapor vs mechanical damage from the vapor itself.

I can only offer anecdotes from my own life. I switched from cigarettes to nicotine vaping in 2009. The impact on my lungs was massive. I used to be an athlete (yes a smoking athlete) and the way my lungs felt under load was worlds better. My lungs never hurt, i never coughed, etc.

A year ago I tried concentrates. They wrecked my lungs. i was coughing, they hurt, it felt like they were coated with a layer of oil. I switched to DHV and the issues went away. While I generally trust the contents of the vapor since I trust my weed source, I think there is mechanical damage that can happen from lots of oil in the lungs.

 

[simba]

Yeah I'm only concerned with respiratory issues, Im okay on the mental ones, I only use at night.


Do people tend to notice breathing better when they switch from smoking to dry herb? I'm thinking of going with a Dynavap M7 for my first dry herb vaporizer, the difficulty of use and the tiny chamber are my only gripes looking at it right now.

I understand why people call for studies about whether vaping herb is better for them than smoking. But as someone who has been smoke-free over ten years there is no more evidence I need than my own health.

It's a huge difference and not just respiratory health but also not having constant carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Dynavap is fine for a first vape and it's not hard to use. I wouldn't worry about the chamber size.

Also my mental health is better than ever after switching to vaping.

 

[justcametomind]

Yeah I'm only concerned with respiratory issues, Im okay on the mental ones, I only use at night.


Do people tend to notice breathing better when they switch from smoking to dry herb? I'm thinking of going with a Dynavap M7 for my first dry herb vaporizer, the difficulty of use and the tiny chamber are my only gripes looking at it right now.

If you want to switch to vaping you'll need will power, sticking to the vape and do not ever combust for a couple of weeks. During this couple of weeks you will probably feel that the high of the vape is not that great and lacks something, you are lacking carcinogens, tar, the hit on the throat. In order to stick to the vape you'll have higher chances of success with an easy, repeatable experience. I wouldn't go with a Vapcap and get an OG Mighty as someone already suggested.