When you walk into Groth Industries, you'll notice our customers have different preferences for how they enjoy cannabis. Some prefer the classic approach of smoking flower, others love the smooth experience of vaping, and many are curious about dabbing concentrates. Each method offers a unique experience, and understanding the differences can help you find what works best for your lifestyle and goals.
Let's break down the three most popular consumption methods so you can make an informed choice about what might work best for you.
Smoking Cannabis: The Traditional Method
Smoking remains the most recognizable way to consume cannabis. This method involves combusting dried cannabis flower and inhaling the resulting smoke through joints, pipes, bongs, or other smoking devices. When you light cannabis, you're creating temperatures around 2000°F, which instantly releases cannabinoids and terpenes into the smoke.
The effects from smoking hit quickly: usually within minutes: because the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream directly through your lungs. This rapid onset makes it easy to gauge your tolerance and adjust accordingly. Most users feel peak effects within 10-30 minutes, with the experience lasting 1-3 hours depending on the strain and amount consumed.
How Smoking Works:
The high temperature of combustion breaks down the plant material, releasing THC, CBD, and other compounds in the smoke. While this delivers effects quickly, it also creates tar and other byproducts that can be harsh on your respiratory system.
What to Expect:
Smoking typically produces the most immediate and intense initial effects. The experience tends to peak quickly and then gradually diminish. Many users appreciate this predictable timeline, especially when they want controlled, shorter sessions.
Vaping: The Smooth Alternative
Vaping has gained popularity as a gentler alternative to smoking. Instead of burning the cannabis, vaporizers heat flower or concentrates to temperatures between 315-440°F: hot enough to release cannabinoids and terpenes, but cool enough to avoid combustion and the harmful byproducts that come with it.
There are two main types of vaporizers: those designed for dry flower and those made for concentrates. Flower vaporizers use convection heating, where hot air passes through the cannabis, gradually releasing compounds over multiple draws. This creates a more controlled experience where you can taste different flavor notes as various terpenes activate at different temperatures.
The Vaping Experience:
Effects from vaping typically build more gradually than smoking. You might notice subtle effects within a few minutes, with the full experience developing over 10-15 minutes. Many users report that vaping provides a cleaner, more flavorful experience with better preservation of the cannabis's natural terpene profile.
Benefits of Vaping:
- Smoother on your lungs and throat
- Better flavor preservation
- More discreet with less odor
- More efficient use of your cannabis
- Precise temperature control for customized experiences
Dabbing: The High-Potency Option
Dabbing involves vaporizing cannabis concentrates on a heated surface, typically using a specialized device called a dab rig. The process uses conductive heating: the concentrate touches a hot surface (usually a "nail" heated to 500-600°F) and instantly vaporizes, creating a potent vapor you inhale through the rig.
Cannabis concentrates used in dabbing contain much higher cannabinoid levels than flower: often 60-90% THC compared to flower's 15-25%. This means even a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) can produce significant effects.
The Dabbing Process:
Using a torch, you heat the nail until it's hot enough to instantly vaporize the concentrate. You then apply a small amount of concentrate to the heated surface and inhale the resulting vapor. The entire dose is delivered at once, creating immediate and intense effects.
What Makes Dabbing Unique:
- Extremely potent effects from small amounts
- Immediate onset: effects are felt within seconds
- Enhanced flavor from high-quality concentrates
- Shorter duration but more intense experience
- Requires specific equipment and technique
Comparing the Three Methods
| Method | Onset Time | Duration | Potency Level | Equipment Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | 1-5 minutes | 1-3 hours | Moderate | Simple (papers, pipes) | Quick effects, social use |
| Vaping | 5-15 minutes | 2-4 hours | Moderate to High | Vaporizer device | Flavor, discretion, lung health |
| Dabbing | Immediate | 1-2 hours | Very High | Dab rig, torch, tools | High tolerance, medical needs |
Safety Tips and Common Mistakes
Smoking Safety:
- Start with small amounts to gauge tolerance
- Use clean, well-maintained equipment
- Avoid sharing devices to prevent illness transmission
- Stay hydrated, as smoking can cause dry mouth
Vaping Safety:
- Choose quality devices from reputable manufacturers
- Keep vaporizers clean for optimal performance
- Start with lower temperatures and gradually increase
- Allow the device to heat properly before use
Dabbing Safety:
- Always let the nail cool slightly after heating: too hot can destroy terpenes and be harsh
- Use a timer to avoid overheating
- Keep a safe workspace clear of flammable materials
- Start with tiny amounts: concentrates are much more potent than flower
Common Beginner Mistakes:
- Taking too much too quickly with any method
- Using dirty or poorly maintained equipment
- Not understanding the delayed effects of edibles vs. inhalation methods
- Mixing different consumption methods without understanding combined effects
What Groth Industries Offers
At Groth Industries, we stock everything you need for all three consumption methods. Our flower selection includes various strains perfect for smoking or vaping, from mellow indicas to energizing sativas. For vaping enthusiasts, we carry high-quality dry herb vaporizers and vape cartridges from trusted brands.
Our concentrate selection features various textures and potencies for dabbing, including live resin, shatter, wax, and rosin. We also stock all the necessary equipment: from simple pipes and rolling papers to advanced vaporizers and complete dab rig setups.
Our Budtender Recommendations:
Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right products and equipment based on your experience level and preferences. They regularly share these insights with customers:
- New users should start with vaping or smoking small amounts of lower-THC strains
- Those interested in concentrates should begin with a knowledgeable friend or budtender guidance
- Quality equipment makes a significant difference in your experience
- Different strains affect people differently: what works for friends might not work for you
Tips for Beginners
Start Low and Go Slow: This applies to all methods but is especially important with dabbing. Begin with the smallest possible amount and wait to feel the full effects before consuming more.
Consider Your Environment: Plan your consumption in a comfortable, safe environment, especially when trying a new method or strain.
Stay Hydrated: All consumption methods can cause dry mouth, so keep water nearby.
Know Your State Laws: Understand local regulations about where you can consume cannabis and never drive under the influence.
Quality Matters: Invest in good equipment and products. Cheap vaporizers or contaminated concentrates can create poor experiences and potential health risks.
Choosing Your Method
The right consumption method depends on your personal preferences, experience level, and goals. If you're new to cannabis or prefer a controlled experience, vaping might be your best starting point. Those who enjoy the ritual and quick effects of traditional consumption often prefer smoking. For users with higher tolerance or specific medical needs requiring rapid relief, dabbing might be appropriate.
Remember that your preferences might change over time as you gain experience and your tolerance develops. Many cannabis users end up incorporating multiple methods into their routine depending on the situation: vaping for discretion during the day, smoking for social situations, or dabbing for evening relaxation.
Visit Groth Industries to explore our full selection of products and equipment, and don't hesitate to ask our budtenders for personalized recommendations based on your needs and experience level.