You're faced with a choice: vaporizer or joint? Both methods get you where you want to go, but the effects are more different than you might think. We'll explain honestly and straightforwardly what really happens—and why the vaporizer, as a modern alternative to the classic joint, could be important for you.
The question everyone is asking
You know how it is. You're sitting with friends, and the old debate flares up again: "Is the effect really different with a vaporizer than with a joint?" Some swear by classic cannabis smoking, others are convinced vaping fans. And you? You just want to know what's going on.
We totally understand. There are different ways to consume cannabis— smoking and vaporizing are the most well-known. Each method has its own characteristics and is preferred by different users. That's why we took the time to really dive deep into this topic. Not with theoretical treatises, but with real experiences, scientific facts, and above all, with the honesty you deserve.
The short answer first: yes, the effect is indeed different. And not just a little bit, but quite significantly. We will now explain why this is the case and what it means for you.
What is actually happening in your body?
Before we get into the details, let's briefly clarify what actually happens in your body when you consume cannabis. Whether you smoke a joint or use a vaporizer, the active ingredients in the cannabis plant enter your bloodstream via your lungs and from there travel to your brain.
For many consumers, inhalation is the preferred method, as it allows for rapid and efficient absorption of the active ingredients.
The main players are:
- THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive ingredient responsible for the "high"
- CBD ( cannabidiol): The relaxing active ingredient with no intoxicating effect
- Terpenes: The aromatic compounds that not only provide flavor, but also influence the effect
- Other cannabinoids: Over 100 different compounds, each playing its own role
So far, so familiar. But here's where it gets interesting: how these active ingredients are released makes all the difference.
The fundamental difference: combustion vs. vaporization
This is the crux of the matter. When smoking cannabis, i.e., smoking a joint, you burn the cannabis at temperatures above 600°C. This produces carcinogenic substances that are released during the combustion process. When vaporizing, you "only" heat it to 160-220°C, which largely avoids these harmful substances. This may sound like a minor detail, but it has a massive impact on the effects and health risks compared to smoking cannabis.
What happens when you smoke
When you light a joint, you start a rather brutal process. The herb burns continuously in the joint, causing more material to be lost and leaving no usable residue. The high temperatures during combustion destroy a large proportion of the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes. At the same time, a lot of by-products are created that you don't really want:
- Tar: Sticky residues that build up in your lungs
- Carbon monoxide: The same stuff that comes out of your car's exhaust pipe
- Benzene and other pollutants: Over 100 different toxic compounds
The result? You get your active ingredients, but you also get a whole lot of unwanted additives. And you notice this not only in your lungs, which are additionally strained by smoking, but also in the effect itself.
What happens during vaporization
Vaporizing is a much gentler process. The lower temperatures ensure that the cannabinoids and terpenes are released gently without producing harmful combustion products. You get practically pure vapor with the desired active ingredients—and nothing else.
The vaporizing experience is considered particularly pleasant and effective, as different vaporizer methods cater to different user needs and ensure an optimal vaporizing experience.
Not only is this healthier, but it also fundamentally changes the type of effect, as vaporizing offers health benefits over smoking. But more on that in a moment.
The effect in direct comparison
Now it gets really exciting. Because the different release methods lead to completely different effect profiles. Compared to smoke, vapor inhalation contains significantly fewer harmful substances and is therefore a lower-risk alternative. We tested this ourselves, discussed it with friends, and pored over countless studies. Here's what we found out:
Joint effect: The classic "high"
When you smoke a joint, you know the feeling: the effect kicks in relatively quickly, but is often accompanied by a certain "heaviness." This is not only due to the THC, but also to all the combustion products that are inhaled. With a joint, the entire plant material is completely burned, leaving no usable residue.
Typical characteristics:
- Faster, but often "less clean" onset of action
- Stronger "couch lock" feeling due to harmful substances
- Shorter duration of action
- Often accompanied by a tickly cough and a scratchy throat
- The high sometimes feels "muted" or "hazy."
Many describe the joint effect as "earthy" or "heavier." This is no coincidence—the combustion products act like a filter, masking the subtle nuances of the cannabinoids.
Vaporizer effect: The pure experience
When you vaporize cannabis, you experience the active ingredients in their purest form. In addition to cannabis, various herbs can also be vaporized in a vaporizer, allowing you to enjoy the natural flavors and effects of different plants. Without the disruptive byproducts of combustion, you can perceive the various cannabinoids and terpenes in a much more nuanced way.
Typical characteristics:
- Clearer, "cleaner" effect
- Less physical heaviness, more mental clarity
- Longer duration of action
- Better control over dosage
- Significantly less coughing
- The different terpenes are more noticeable
Many of our customers describe the vaporizer effect as "brighter," "clearer," or "more focused." You're high, but still fully present—if you know what we mean.
Why is that? The science behind it
Okay, now it's getting a little more technical, but don't worry—we'll explain it in a way that everyone can understand. The different effects have very specific scientific reasons.
A cannabis vaporizer heats the cannabis to a controlled temperature so that the active ingredients such as THC and terpenes vaporize without combustion. This allows the aroma and effect to be precisely controlled and avoids harmful byproducts of combustion.
Temperature makes the difference
Different cannabinoids and terpenes have different vaporization temperatures. When smoking, they are all released at the same time—or destroyed. When vaporizing, you can activate specific active ingredients:
A major advantage of using a vaporizer is the precise temperature control, which allows you to release specific cannabinoids and terpenes.
| active ingredient | evaporation temperature | effect |
|---|---|---|
| THC | 157°C | Psychoactive, euphoric |
| CBD | 320-360°F | Relaxing, anxiety-relieving |
| CBN | 185°C | Sedative, promotes sleep |
| myrcene | 330-350°F | Relaxing, muscle-relaxing |
| limes | 176°C | Mood-lifting, energizing |
| pinene | 155°C | Alertness, memory enhancement |
This means that with a good vaporizer, you can adjust the temperature to get exactly the effect you want. Want to relax? Lower temperature. Need energy? Turn it up a little.
By the way: If you're interested in how different vaporizer technologies work, we've written a detailed article about convection vs. conduction. It explains why some vaporizers heat more evenly than others.
The Entourage Effect Phenomenon
This is where it gets really interesting. The so-called "entourage effect" describes how the various cannabinoids and terpenes interact and reinforce or modulate each other. When smoking, this delicate interplay is disrupted by combustion. When vaporizing, it remains intact.
This explains why many people report that they achieve the same or even better results when vaping with less material. Since vaporizing requires less material to achieve the desired effect, this method is not only more efficient—it is also more effective.
Practical experience: What our community says
We have had hundreds of conversations with our customers over the past few years. Many users report very different experiences when switching to vaporizers, especially when compared to smoking traditional joints. Here are the most common observations that come up time and time again:
“I need less material.”
We hear this all the time. Many people report that when they switch to a vaporizer, they suddenly find that they only need half or even a third of the amount they used to consume, which is due to the particularly efficient use of the vaporizer. This is because vaporization utilizes virtually all of the active ingredients, whereas smoking simply burns and wastes a large portion of them.
Marcus from Hamburg says: "At first, I thought my vaporizer was broken because I felt so good with so little material. But no—the thing is just incredibly efficient!"
"The effect lasts longer"
Another point that comes up time and time again. The vaporizer effect is often described as longer lasting. This makes sense when you consider that more active ingredients actually reach the body and are not burned off beforehand.
“I can measure out better”
With a vaporizer, you have much more control. You can start at low temperatures and gradually increase them. You'll notice more quickly when you've had enough. With a joint, it's more difficult—once lit, it burns all the way through.
“My lungs thank me for it.”
Okay, this isn't exactly a difference in effect, but it's still important. Many consumers report that they benefit from switching to a vaporizer. Virtually everyone who switches from smoking to vaping reports less coughing, less mucus, and a generally better feeling in their lungs.
Medical cannabis: This is where the difference becomes particularly clear
If you use cannabis for medical reasons, the difference between smoking and vaporizing is even more important. Standardized cannabis flowers are often used for medical applications in particular, as they enable a safe and controlled form of administration. Therapy is all about precise dosing and specific effects—and vaporizing has a clear advantage here, especially if medical cannabis is only available on prescription.
Why doctors recommend vaporizers
More and more doctors who prescribe medical cannabis are explicitly recommending that their patients use a vaporizer. The reasons are clear:
- Better bioavailability: More active ingredient actually reaches its destination
- Fewer pollutants: Important for patients with weakened immune systems
- More precise dosing: crucial for successful treatment
- Reproducible results: Every application is the same
By using a vaporizer, patients also have better visibility and control over the dosage, enabling safe and traceable use.
The information on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. We do not make any promises of healing and in no way replace individual consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a doctor or other medically qualified professional. Always consult a doctor if you have any health questions or concerns.
Different temperatures for different ailments
In medical applications, different temperatures are often used to achieve specific effects:
- 160-180°C: For anxiety and stress (more CBD, less THC)
- 180-200°C: For pain and inflammation (balanced ratio)
- 200–220°C: For sleep problems (more sedative cannabinoids)
This is simply not possible when smoking.
Taste: An often overlooked factor
Here's something that isn't often talked about, but which makes a huge difference: taste. And taste not only influences enjoyment, but also the effect. In addition to flowers, concentrates can also be vaporized in the vaporizer, which often offer a more intense aroma and a stronger effect.
Terpenes: The forgotten heroes
Terpenes are not only responsible for the taste, but also have a massive influence on the effect. Most terpenes are destroyed when smoked. When vaporized, they are preserved and can unfold their full effect.
An example: Lime (smells like citrus fruit) has a mood-lifting and energizing effect. Myrcene (earthy smell) has a relaxing and sedative effect. When vaping, you can actually taste and feel these differences.
Why this is important
When you can taste the terpenes, you know what you're getting. It's like the difference between a good wine and rotgut—you can taste the quality and better assess the effect.
Efficiency: More for your money
Let's be honest: cannabis isn't cheap. That's why efficiency is an important factor. The good price-performance ratio of many vaporizers is particularly attractive, as they offer high-quality results at an affordable price. And this is where vaporizing has a clear advantage.
The numbers speak for themselves
Studies show that when smoking, only about 25% of cannabinoids are actually inhaled. The rest simply burns away. With vaporization, up to 95% is inhaled. That's almost four times as efficient!
Calculation example: If you normally smoke 1g per week, you only need about 0.3g for the same effect when vaping. At current prices, this saves you a lot of money.
AVB: Already Vaped Bud
Here's another bonus: the vaporized material (AVB) is not worthless. It still contains many cannabinoids that are activated at higher temperatures. Many people use it for edibles or teas. When smoking, everything is simply gone after the joint.
Disadvantages? Yes, there are some.
Let's be honest: vaporizers aren't perfect. There are definitely situations where a joint can be more practical. When using a bong, for example, more work is required in terms of cleaning, changing the water, and maintenance to ensure functionality and cleanliness.
In addition, the bong is a popular water pipe known as an alternative method of consumption for cooling and filtering the smoke.
Especially for inexperienced users, the intense effect of consuming cannabis with a bong, which is often underestimated, can pose a risk.
The learning curve
A vaporizer takes some practice. You have to find the right temperature, learn how to inhale properly, and understand how your device works. Anyone can light a joint.
The acquisition costs
A good vaporizer costs money. While you only need rolling papers and a grinder for a joint, you'll have to shell out €100-300 for a decent vaporizer. It pays for itself in the long run thanks to its efficiency, but the initial investment is there.
The social element
Sharing a joint is a social ritual. With a vaporizer, it's not quite the same. Some people miss that aspect.
The effect is different
Yes, that is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Some people like the "heavier" effect of smoking and find vaping too "clean" or "sterile."
Which method is right for you?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The answer depends on your personal preferences, your situation, and your goals.
You should try a vaporizer if...
- You value your health
- You want to consume more efficiently
- You want to taste the subtle nuances of different varieties
- You use medical cannabis
- You want to measure out precise amounts
- You want to consume discreetly (less odor)
You could stay with the joint if...
- You love the ritual of smoking
- You are not ready to invest in a vaporizer
- You prefer the "stronger" effect
- You mainly consume in social gatherings
- You like things simple and straightforward
Our honest conclusion
Based on everything we have experienced, tested, and learned, our opinion is quite clear: for most people, vaporizing is the better option. The advantages simply outweigh the disadvantages.
That doesn't mean joints are bad or that you should feel bad if you prefer them. Everyone is different, and what's perfect for one person may not be right for another.
But if you've never tried a good vaporizer, then you should definitely give it a go. Most people who make the switch don't regret it.
Our recommendation for beginners
If you're curious and want to try vaporizing, we have a few tips for you:
- Start with a good entry-level device. You don't have to buy the most expensive model right away, but don't skimp on the wrong things either. In our vaporizer shop, you'll find a large selection of proven devices for every budget. If you're unsure which vaporizer is right for you, our vaporizer comparison will help you make your decision.
- Take time to learn. The first few sessions may be different than you expect. Give it a chance.
- Experiment with temperatures. Start low (160-170°C) and work your way up slowly.
- Use good material. A vaporizer can only be as good as the cannabis you use. If you are looking for high-quality products, feel free to check out Nordkraut.
- Be patient. Some people need a few weeks to get used to the different effect.
Special recommendation: If you are looking for a truly high-quality device, we can highly recommend the Relict . A genuine premium device that shows what is possible when it comes to vaporizing.
For further information and detailed reviews of various devices, we also recommend taking a look at Vaporizer.shopping and Vaporizer-Review.de, where you will find independent tests and evaluations that can help you make your decision.
New to vaporizing? Then our ultimate beginner's guide to vaporizers is just right for you. In it, we explain everything you need to know as a beginner, step by step.
The future of cannabis use
We are convinced that vaporizing is the future. Modern vaporizers and evaporators play a central role in this, as they enable an efficient, healthier, and more controlled way of consuming cannabis. Not only because of the health benefits, but also because of the improved control and efficiency. The more people understand the differences, the more will switch over.
This does not mean the end of the joint—but it does mean that you have a choice. And an informed choice is always better than an uninformed one.
Frequently asked questions that we hear time and time again
Does a vaporizer get you as high as a joint?
Yes, but differently. The effect is often clearer and longer lasting. Many find it more pleasant.
Is vaping really healthier?
Definitely. Compared to smoking, vaporizing produces 95% fewer harmful substances because there is no combustion. This has been scientifically proven.
Can I also use my joint tobacco in a vaporizer?
No, most vaporizers are only intended for cannabis. Tobacco has different vaporization temperatures and can damage the device.
How long does a vaporizer last?
A good vaporizer can last for years with proper care. The initial cost is quickly offset by its efficiency.
Does vaping smell less?
Yes, definitely. The vapor smells less intense and dissipates faster than smoke.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, it's all about your experience and well-being. Whether you smoke or vape, do so consciously and informed. Understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.
We hope this article has helped you understand the differences. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please let us know. We all learn from each other, and every experience is valuable.
With this in mind, no matter which method you choose, enjoy it responsibly and take care of yourself. Your health and well-being come first.
Do you have questions about vaporizers or would you like some advice? We're here to help! At Norddampf not only Norddampf high-quality devices, but also a community of people who are happy to share their experiences. Because ultimately, it's about more than just consumption—it's about quality of life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We do not provide instructions on how to consume cannabis and do not encourage illegal activities. The contents do not replace medical advice. If you have health questions, consult a doctor. Find out about the current legal situation in your country. Everyone acts on their own responsibility—we accept no liability. For adults over 18 only.