Tips to switch from smoking to vaping
A lot of smokers ask us for help when they struggle to give up smoking dry herbs for vaporizing. It can be hard, but won’t take long if you apply a little discipline for two weeks. If you weren’t able to switch cold turkey and still crave a good smoke, or find yourself doing both because you want to vape but love the effects of smoking, follow these tips.
- Commit to a two-week break from smoke. It usually doesn’t take longer than that to fully make the switch if you only vaporize. But if you vape and then smoke because it didn’t fulfill, you’ll sabotage your efforts.
- Take a break from all dry herbs for two weeks before you try to switch. It’s much easier after a break.
- If you’re a heavy smoker, you may need a dry herb vaporizer with a bigger bowl. A lot of dry herb vapes hold between 0.1 and 0.2 grams of herbs, which isn’t much. Try something with a bigger bowl like a Mighty+, PAX 3 or a EX-PEN.
- Some of the intense effects associated with smoking are best felt vaporizing at the higher temperatures (just under 450F). If you aren’t satisfied, turn it up for a potent dry herb vaping experience.
Reliable, good quality dry herb vaporizers can initially set you back anywhere from $70 to $700. The sticker price can shock some, but remember this is an investment that will pay off immediately. Your herbal bill will drop from the first puff, and your long-term health is priceless.
A good glass pipe or bubbler can cost much more than a vaporizer. The only time smoking dry herbs is hands-down less expensive than vaporizing is when smoking a “roll your own”. But even that savings is questionable when you calculate how much is wasted from smoking.
Pick the right kit
Get advice from a specialist vape shop or a local Stop Smoking Service. Finding the right device and strength of nicotine in your e-liquid may take time – so stick with it.
Use a vape as much as you need
You should use the vape as much as you need to manage your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Do not worry if you are vaping more than you used to smoke.
Try nicotine patches for extra support
You can use patches with a vape if you need to, as these give ongoing support by releasing nicotine slowly. You can top up with your vape to deal with immediate cravings.
Talk to others who have made the switch
Talk to people who have switched from smoking to vaping. Ask them what they wish they had known before they started and if anything in particular helped them through it.
Benefits of Vaping vs Smoking: Pros and Cons
Vaporizing Pros:
- Healthier
- Saves money
- Stronger
- Tastes great
- Discreet
- Convenient
- Multiple effects
Vaporizing Cons:
- Initial cost
- Some can struggle to switch
- Most dry herb vapes and vape pens have to be charged
Smoking Pros:
- No initial investment required
- Simple and easy
Smoking Cons:
- Lung damage
- Abnormalities (ex. abnormal heart rate)
- Expensive
- Conspicuous
Vaping vs Smoking FAQs
Q: What’s stronger, vapor or smoke?
A: Vapor is stronger than smoke, because smoking dry herbs destroys compounds, while vaporizing liberates them. Smoke might kick in a little quicker, but five minutes is all it takes for the effects of vaping to catch up. A vaporist will run through fewer herbs than a smoker, but still get to the same place.
Q: Is it better to vape or smoke dry herb?
A: There are many reasons to vaporize plant material instead of smoke them, including better long term health effects, lower cost, easier use, more discretion, better taste and smell, and a variety of effects.
Q: What happens when you give up smoking and start vaping?
A: The most obvious effects are the next day. Smokers can wake up the next day groggy with a nasty cough. Vaporists wake up energetic with very little phlegm to cough up.
Q: How does vaping feel compared to smoking?
A: Vaping is a smoother and cleaner experience compared to smoking. Inhaling smoke irritates the throat and lungs, and comes with various respiratory symptoms. It also offers more control over the effects with adjustable temperature that you can tweak to your personal style.
Q: Do vaping and smoking have different effects?
A: It can. Vaping provides a more controlled and potent effect with the ability to adjust the intensity through different temperatures, whereas smoking may lead to a quicker onset but with more waste and harsher side effects.
Q: How does vaping dry herb save me money?
A: Smoking destroys many of the active compounds that you’re after, so it takes more herbs to reach your desired effects. Vaping, on the other hand, releases those compounds without destroying them. In other words, a vape will take you much further with the same amount of herbs than smoking them.