Cannabis: Dabbing vs Smoking - Pros & Cons

The history of cannabis is one of unbelievable quotes. There's Hamlet's famous: "To dab or not to dab? That is the question." Eventually followed by Descartes: "I smoke therefore I am."

OK, maybe these are fictional but then again historians are known for sanitizing the true facts.

Introduction to Dabbing vs Smoking

For hundreds - if not thousands - of years, smoking has been the primary way people consume cannabis. It’s a practice woven into history, whether through pipes, bongs, or rolled joints. While many people still picture the classic scenes from Cheech & Chong when they think of cannabis, modern consumption has become far more diverse. Recently, new methods have gained popularity, with dabbing standing out as a leading and potent alternative to smoking.

The dabbing of concentrates - or simply dabbing - involves vaporizing concentrated cannabis extracts, has been on the rise since the early 2000s, offering a more intense and flavorful experience. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both smoking and dabbing, weighing their pros and cons to help you decide which method best suits your needs.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both smoking and dabbing, weighing their pros and cons to help you decide which method best suits your needs.

What Is Dabbing?

Dabbing is a more modern method that involves vaporizing concentrated cannabis extracts instead of burning flower. These concentrates - for example, live resin - contain significantly higher levels of THCa compared to traditional flower. To consume concentrates, users typically use a dab rig or an electronic vaporizer like the Puffco Plus.

1. Dab Rigs – A dab rig is similar to a bong or water pipe in that it also uses a glass chamber and can involve water filtration. However, instead of burning dried flower, a dab rig is designed to vaporize cannabis concentrates at high temperatures, providing a more potent and flavorful experience.
2. E-Rigs & Vaporizers – Devices like the Puffco Proxy and Puffco New Peak simplify dabbing by using precise electronic heating, eliminating the need for a flame and allowing for more controlled, consistent temperatures.

Dabbing provides a cleaner, more potent experience, but it does have a learning curve and requires specialized equipment. However, it avoids combustion, which means fewer harmful byproducts when compared to smoking THCa flower.

What Is Smoking?

Smoking cannabis is the most traditional and still widely used methods of consumption. It involves burning dried flower and inhaling the smoke to deliver the cannabinoids like THC and CBD into the bloodstream through the lungs. There are several ways to smoke cannabis, each with its nuances:

1. Joints, Blunts & Pre Rolls – Rolled flower wrapped in paper or tobacco leaves (for blunts). They are portable and easy to use but produce a strong odor and in rare cases may contain added chemicals from the rolling materials.
2. Pipes & Bowls – Compact and convenient, these allow for quick and direct smoking without the need for rolling papers. However, they can produce harsher smoke.
3. Bongs & Water Pipes – These use water to cool and filter the smoke, offering smoother hits. While they reduce some toxins, combustion still occurs, leading to tar and carcinogen exposure.

Obviously, for most people, smoking is the most familiar and accessible method. It's convenient and has few unknowns. On the other hand, it also comes with downsides such as respiratory irritation, lingering odors, and the byproducts of combustion.

Obviously, for most people, smoking is the most familiar and accessible method. It's convenient and has few unknowns. On the other hand, it also comes with downsides such as respiratory irritation, lingering odors, and the byproducts of combustion.

Dabbing vs Smoking: The Pros & The Cons

Smoking: Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Widely Accessible - Easy to get started with; just need a lighter and your choice of smoking device (pipe, bong, joint).
2. Familiar Ritual - Smoking has been around for centuries, and for many, it’s part of the culture.
3. Quick Effects - The effects are almost immediate, as the cannabinoids are absorbed quickly through the lungs.

Cons

1. Health Risks - Smoking can harm the lungs due to inhaling combustion byproducts, which can cause long-term health issues.
2. Less Potent - Smoking cannabis flower may not be as concentrated or potent as dabbing, depending on the strain.
3. Smell - The odor can be strong and lingering, which might not be ideal in certain situations.

Dabbing: Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Higher Potency - Dabbing cannabis concentrates offers a much stronger and more immediate effect.
2. Flavorful - The concentrates tend to have a cleaner, more pronounced flavor than regular flower.
3. Efficiency - Less material is needed to achieve the same effects, making it more efficient for experienced users.

Cons

1. Complex Setup - Requires a dab rig, torch, and possibly a nail or other accessories, making it more involved than smoking.
2. Health Concerns - While dabbing can be less harmful than smoking, the high temperatures involved can still release harmful chemicals if not done properly.
3. Experience Required - Dabbing is often too intense for novice users, especially those who aren’t accustomed to high concentrations - no pun intended - of THCa / THC.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether you're rolling up a joint and lighting up like Cheech & Chong, or using a dab rig for a quick, potent hit, both smoking and dabbing offer unique experiences. The best method for you will depend on your preferences, your tolerance, and how much of an adventure you want on your journey to Cannabis Nirvana.

The best method for you will depend on your preferences, your tolerance, and how much of an adventure you want on your journey to Cannabis Nirvana.

Whatever path you choose, remember that both smoking and dabbing have their place in the cannabis world. The goal is a relaxing enjoyment and creating a vibe that matches the moment.