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Dabbing vs. Vaping: The Debate Continues

Updated: Jan 17, 2023



Dabbing vs. Vaping



The past few decades have seen a boom in the cannabis industry. It is primarily due to an increase in consumption and a change in the stigma behind cannabis. The world is widely accepting cannabis as a routine, and negative stereotyping against stoners is fading away. Therefore, people are looking for effective and healthy ways to consume cannabis.


To date, two well-known ways to ingest weed are dabbing and vaping. So, is there any difference between dabbing and vaping? What is the more effective method to get the most out of cannabis?

Choosing a technique that helps increase pleasure and is also easy to use might be challenging.




So, keep reading if you are also facing the same challenging situation. This article will tell you the fundamental differences between dabbing and vaping. We assure you that at the end of this article, you will have answers to all your questions and will be able to select the one that suits you better.


Dabbing and Vaping: What are they?


Dabbing is a method in which you heat a waxy or oil concentrate of weed. Heating is done until it turns into vapors and smoke, which are then inhaled using a dab ring, e-nail, or nectar collector. Dabbing temperature depends on personal preference. Some people choose a low range (315°F-450°F) for a moderate sensation. In contrast, others favor a high temperature (above 600°F) for a strong effect.



Unlike dabbing, vaping uses a low-temperature range (160 -180 °C) to produce light vapors. Devices used in vaping include a vape pen or portable vaporizers. Like dabbing, temperature range also affects the quality of vapors in vaping. Consumers who want more flavor, fresh taste, and no coughing use low temperatures. At the same time, those who prefer thick, visible, and strong vapors go for high temperatures.



Conduction and Convection


Back in high school, maybe physical science? I learned that conduction is a heat transfer process that occurs directly from one object to another. Contrarily, convection is the indirect transfer of energy through liquid or gas. Who would've thought I could recall that?


Conventionally, vaping uses a convection process in which cannabis flower or oil is vaporized using hot air. In this method, surrounding air is heated to release THC and other cannabinoids, which are then inhaled. This method is considered healthier than conduction. Convective heating also prevents charring, producing the purest consumable cannabis.



On the other hand, dabbing uses conductive heat, where the wax concentrate of cannabis is heated directly. Although the material is more efficiently burnt, this method has a significant risk of charring. Moreover, health issues associated with conductive heating are also a concern.




Devices

As established earlier, the devices are also different between the two. However, the difference was evident in the past. With the advancement of technology similarity between dabbing and vaping devices is increasing.


As mentioned earlier, the significant difference between the two devices is that vape pens use the convection process, and dab rings use the conduction method. Regarding mobility, vaping pens are more easily portable than dab rings. You can carry them in your pocket wherever you go. Comparatively, most dab rings are difficult to carry along.

In terms of safety, vape pens are considered safer than dab rings. However, the market has recently flooded with feasible, portable, and safer dab pens.

Tools

Along with primary devices, dabbing and vaping also need some extra tools. In vaping, a few accessories are enough, while dabbing needs more tools. You will need several other instruments if you want to go for a dab ring.



Tools needed for vaping other than a vape pen include an atomizer, battery, coils, concentrates, and cartridges. Accessories required for dab rings are a dab torch, quartz banger, dabber tool, diffused downstem, dab nail, concentrates, and dome. Here dab nails and quartz bangers can be used interchangeably. You should also remember that dab pens do not involve that many tools.




Effect


Dabbing has a solid and long-lasting effect as compared with vaping. A solitary, large hit in dabbing is more potent than multiple sips in vaping. However, the high caused by dabbing is intense, and not everyone can bear it.



Dabbing is more effective for people who consume cannabis to decrease chronic pain because dabbing delivers the full impact of THC or CBD. The potency of vapors produced by a vape pen is the same as that of smoke by a pipe. Therefore, vaping is more suitable for new consumers.



Health Effects


Vaping is safer than dabbing health-wise. Vaping uses a harmless approach for releasing essential cannabinoids from the material. The temperature is sufficient for releasing THC or CBD but not enough to produce dangerous byproducts like carcinogens and allergens. Therefore, vaping does not pose as much danger as smoking weed or dabbing. It does not mean that the high caused by vaping is lesser than smoking.





Dabbing, on the other hand, is more dangerous for health. The high temperature used in dabbing produces a high level of THC and triggers the release of many harmful byproducts. Extreme levels of THC might cause confusion and debilitation. Other side effects of dabbing might include hallucination, memory loss, anxiety, and brief psychosis.


Final Words


Now that we have established major differences between dabbing and vaping. Let’s briefly look at the pros and cons of the two.



Pros of Vaping


1. It is the most convenient way of consuming cannabis.

2. In vaping, you heat the material instead of combustion, which gives you a strong flavor.

4. Vaping does not produce smoke and associated harmful chemicals.

5. Vaping is harmless compared to dabbing.

6. You can easily control the temperature.



Cons of Vaping

1. Vaping does not produce as strong an effect as dabbing.

2. Vaping might cause depression.



Pros of Dabbing

1. It is the best option for consumers who want a powerful effect. It causes an intense high.

2. A single hit is more potent than multiple sips of vaping.

3. It is best for consumers who want instant relief from chronic pain.

4. Dabbing is also suitable for those who wish for a smokier environment.

5. Its overall effect is entirely satisfying.



Cons of Dabbing

1. The high produced by dabbing is exceptional and can only be borne by regular users.

2. The method is complicated and not safe for newbies.

3. Dabbing is also more harmful health-wise.











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