As passionate vaporizer enthusiasts and part of Norddampfteam, we receive questions about health every day. "Is a vaporizer harmful?", "Is vaporizing really healthier than smoking?" or "What health benefits does a vaporizer offer?" are just a few of them. In the article "Vaporizers vs. Smoking," we would like to give you an honest insight into what science has to say about this and what our personal experiences are.
Vaporizers vs. smoking: the fundamental difference
Before we dive in, let's briefly look at the fundamental differences between vaporizing and smoking:
When smoking cannabis, you burn your herb at temperatures above 800°C. This produces hundreds of harmful substances such as tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogenic compounds, which enter your lungs directly. Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, at least 70 of which are considered carcinogenic. The same applies to smoking cannabis, whereby the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes are also partially destroyed.
With vaporization, on the other hand, you only heat your material to 180-210°C. At these lower temperatures, the active ingredients are vaporized without combustion. The vaporization process is much gentler and produces fewer harmful substances. The resulting vapor contains the desired active ingredients in concentrated form, without the harmful byproducts of combustion.
This fundamental difference between combustion and vaporization is the main reason why vaporizers are considered a less harmful alternative to smoking.
Is a vaporizer harmful? What science says
Let's be clear: any form of inhaling substances carries certain health risks. However, the crucial question is: how harmful is a vaporizer compared to smoking?
A comprehensive study by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health concluded that "alternative forms of consumption such as vaporizers can reduce the risks of cannabis use" [1]. The study shows that vaporization produces up to 95% fewer harmful substances than combustion.
The Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) also confirms that the cancer risk is lower with vaporizing alone than with smoking [2]. However—and this is important to emphasize—they point out that dual consumption (i.e., both vaporizing and smoking) does not confer any health benefits.
Current studies on e-cigarettes, which are based on a similar principle to cannabis vaporizers, also show that vaping puts significantly less strain on the cardiovascular system than smoking cigarettes [3]. However, research in this area is still ongoing, and long-term studies are still being conducted (as of June 2025).
Cannabis vaporizers: The modern way to consume cannabis
Cannabis vaporizers have undergone impressive development in recent years. From simple devices, they have evolved into high-precision vaporizers that enable exact temperature control. This precision is crucial because different cannabinoids and terpenes vaporize at different temperatures.
As a consumer, you now have a choice between different types of vaporizers:
- Tabletop vaporizers: These stationary devices offer precise temperature control and are ideal for home use. They typically produce the purest vapor and offer the best flavor experience.
- Portable vaporizers:These handy devices are perfect for on the go. Modern models now offer almost the same performance as tabletop vaporizers, but are significantly more compact.
- Vape pens for concentrates: These are specifically designed for cannabis concentrates and oils and often work with cartridges or pods.
Choosing the right device depends on your personal preferences, your budget, and the type of material you want to consume. At Norddampf , we are happy to advise you individually on which vaporizer best suits your needs.
Smoking cannabis: The traditional method and its disadvantages
Smoking cannabis has been the traditional method of consumption for centuries. Whether in a joint, pipe, or blunt, combustion has long been the way to activate the active ingredients in the cannabis plant. However, this method has significant disadvantages:
- Health risks: Burning produces tar and other carcinogenic substances that can damage the lungs.
- Loss of active ingredients: High temperatures destroy up to 30% of cannabinoids before they even enter your body. This is not only a waste of material, but also a waste of money.
- Smell and discretion: The characteristic smell when smoking cannabis is intense and long-lasting. For many people, this is a problem, especially in rented apartments or when discretion is important.
- Uneven dosage: When smoking, it is difficult to control the dose precisely, which can be particularly problematic for medical users.
In comparison, vaporization offers a significantly gentler alternative with better active ingredient yield and more precise dosing options.
Our personal experience: From smoker to vaporizer enthusiast
When we switched from smoking to vaping a few years ago, we quickly noticed changes:
- Chronic morning cough disappeared after a few weeks
- Lung function improved noticeably
- Taste and smell better again
- Endurance in sports increased
- The flavor of the herbs was much more intense and nuanced.
These experiences are consistent with a study published in the Harm Reduction Journal. In this study, vaporizer users reported chronic coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain less frequently than smokers [4].
Switching from smoking to vaping was a bit of a challenge for me at first, as the inhalation technique is slightly different. But after a short period of adjustment, we didn't want to go back. We were particularly impressed by the pure taste and the absence of morning coughing.
Medical cannabis: Why doctors recommend vaporizing
For patients who use medical cannabis, doctors almost without exception recommend vaporization as the method of consumption. There are good reasons for this:
- Precise dosing: Accurate dosing is important when treating with medical cannabis. Vaporizers allow for much more precise control over the amount of active ingredients consumed.
- Maximum active ingredient yield: For patients who depend on the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids such as THC or cannabidiol (CBD), the higher bioavailability achieved through vaporization is a decisive advantage.
- Fewer side effects: The reduction of harmful substances means fewer undesirable side effects, which is particularly important for people with existing health problems.
- Rapid onset of action: Similar to smoking, vaporizing produces a rapid onset of action, which is beneficial for acute symptoms such as pain or nausea.
Many health insurance companies in Germany now even cover the costs of medical vaporizers if cannabis is prescribed on prescription – a clear sign that this method of consumption is also recognized from a medical point of view.
Is vaporizing healthy? The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
We want to be honest with you: "Healthy" would be an exaggeration. No consumption of substances is completely risk-free. But scientists agree that vaporizing is significantly less harmful than smoking.
Apotheken Umschau sums it up well: "The risk of developing COPD, asthma, and oral diseases is currently considered to be lower with vaping than with conventional cigarettes" [5].
Why is a vaporizer better than smoking? Here are the most important reasons:
- No combustion = fewer harmful substances: Vaporization produces up to 95% fewer harmful substances.
- Better bioavailability: You absorb more active ingredients and waste less.
- Gentler on the respiratory tract: less irritation, less coughing, improved lung function.
- No passive smoking: The exposure for people around you is significantly lower.
- No smoke smell: Your clothes, hair, and home will no longer smell like smoke.
- Better taste: You experience the full terpene profile and thus the authentic taste of your herbs.
Less harmful: the scientific consensus
Research on the topic of "vaporizers vs. smoking" is clear: vaporizing is less harmful than smoking. A study by the University of California San Francisco found that vaporizing cannabis produces about 95% fewer carcinogens than burning it [6].
The German Cancer Research Center also confirms that vaporizing produces significantly lower levels of harmful substances. However, the researchers also emphasize that "less harmful" is not synonymous with "harmless" [7].
A long-term study of e-cigarette users is particularly interesting, as it found no evidence of damage to the respiratory tract even after 3.5 years of intensive use [9]. To a certain extent, these findings can also be applied to cannabis vaporizers, as the basic principle—vaporization instead of combustion—is the same.
For people with existing respiratory problems or other health restrictions, switching from smoking to vaporizing can be a sensible alternative if quitting completely is not an option. There are also important points to consider when exercising.
What you should pay attention to: Quality makes the difference
One important point we would like to mention is that not all vaporizers are the same. The quality of the device plays a crucial role in your health and consumption experience.
In inferior devices, problematic materials such as plastics or low-quality metals can be heated, releasing harmful substances. That's why we recommend choosing high-quality devices that are certified for medical use—like our models at Norddampf.
Pay particular attention to:
- Material quality: The mouthpiece and vapor path should be made of safe materials such as medical-grade silicone, glass, or high-quality stainless steel.
- Temperature control: A precise temperature controller is important for setting the optimal vaporization temperature for different cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Uniform heating: The heating chamber should heat your material evenly, without hot spots that could lead to local burning.
- Vapor path: The longer and cooler the vapor path to the mouthpiece, the more pleasant and gentle the consumption.
Investing in a high-quality vaporizer pays off in the long run—not only because of the better consumption experience, but above all because of the reduced impact on your health.
Our personal conclusion
After years of experience and studying numerous scientific studies, we are convinced that a vaporizer is definitely better than smoking when it comes to your health. The reduction of harmful substances by up to 95% speaks for itself.
Is vaporizing healthy? No, but it is a significantly less harmful alternative. If you already smoke and do not want to or cannot quit completely, switching to a high-quality vaporizer is a sensible decision for your health.
We ourselves would never go back to smoking. The advantages of vaporizing—both in terms of health and taste—are simply too compelling for us. The purer taste, greater efficiency, and above all, the knowledge that we are doing less damage to our bodies make the vaporizer the clear first choice for us.
What are your experiences? Have you already made the switch, or are you still considering it? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or contact us directly. We at Norddampf are happy to help you with any questions you may have about vaporizers.
FAQ – Vaporizers vs. Smoking
Is vaporizing completely risk-free?
No, and we want to make that very clear. Every form of consumption carries certain risks. Although these risks are significantly lower with vaporization than with smoking, they are not zero. Vaporization can also pose risks, especially for people with pre-existing lung or cardiovascular conditions.
Can a vaporizer cause lung problems?
When used properly, a high-quality vaporizer significantly reduces the risk of lung problems compared to smoking. A recent long-term study of e-cigarette users found no evidence of damage to the respiratory tract even after 3.5 years of intensive use [8].
However, it should be noted that very intensive use can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, especially if you select excessively high temperatures or have very long sessions.
How long does it take before we notice improvements in our health?
Based on my experience and reports from our customers, we can say that you will often notice the first improvements after just 1-2 weeks. Your morning cough will subside, breathing will become easier, and you will feel fitter overall. After about a month, many people report significantly improved lung function and endurance.
What is the optimal temperature for vaporizing cannabis?
The optimal temperature depends on which active ingredients you primarily want to extract:
- 160-180°C: Ideal for terpenes and CBD, milder effect
- 180–200°C: Balanced spectrum of all cannabinoids
- 200–220°C: Maximum THC extraction, more intense effect
We recommend starting with lower temperatures and gradually increasing them to experience the full spectrum of active ingredients.
Can I save money with a vaporizer?
Absolutely! Although the initial investment is higher than for smoking accessories, you save money in the long term because the efficiency is much better. When smoking, up to 30% of the active ingredients are lost through combustion, while a vaporizer extracts almost all of the active ingredients. Many of our customers report that they only need about half as much material as before.
Are e-liquids and vaporizers the same thing?
No, there is an important difference here. E-cigarettes use e-liquids that are vaporized. Cannabis vaporizers, on the other hand, heat the plant material directly or concentrates without the need for a liquid as a carrier medium. The technology is similar, but the application and the substances consumed are fundamentally different.
Can I also use my vaporizer for other herbs?
Yes, most vaporizers are ideal for various herbs such as chamomile, peppermint, lavender, or other aromatic plants. Many users appreciate this versatility and enjoy experimenting with different herbal blends for different effects.
How do I clean my vaporizer properly?
Regular cleaning is important for the lifespan of your device and the quality of the vapor. In general, you should:
- Lightly brush out the heating chamber after each session.
- Clean the mouthpiece regularly with isopropyl alcohol.
- Thoroughly clean all removable parts approximately every 10-20 sessions.
- The exact cleaning method depends on the model – you will find detailed instructions in our product descriptions.
Are there any differences in the effects between vaporizing and smoking?
Yes, many users report a "clearer" effect when vaporizing. This is because you don't experience the numbing effects of carbon monoxide from the smoke. In addition, the absorption of the active ingredients is more efficient, which can lead to a more intense experience of the actual cannabinoids. The effect sets in just as quickly as when smoking, but often lasts a little longer.
Is vaporizing suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! In fact, we recommend vaporizers especially for beginners, as they offer a gentler introduction. Precise temperature control allows you to start with milder settings and gradually work your way up. It also makes it easier to control the dosage, reducing the risk of unpleasant overdoses.
Sources:
[2] Cancer Information Service (DKFZ): “Vaping instead of smoking: Is the cancer risk lower?”, 2025
[4] Harm Reduction Journal: “Cannabis Vaporizer vs. Smoking: Self-Reported Health Outcomes,” 2024 [5] Apotheken Umschau: “Is Vaping Better Than Smoking? What Makes Vaping So Dangerous,” 2025
[6] UCSF Center for Tobacco Control: “Chemical Analysis of Vapor vs. Smoke from Cannabis,” 2022
[7] German Cancer Research Center: “Contaminants in different forms of cannabis consumption,” 2024
[8] InnoVape Research: “Current long-term study on the health effects of e-cigarettes,” 2024
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. We do not recommend the consumption of cannabis or other substances.
Legal information: Cannabis is regulated by law – find out about the situation in your state beforehand. You act on your own responsibility.
Medical information: We are not doctors. If you have any questions about health or interactions, please consult your doctor.
Safety: Our content is for adults only (18+). Do not consume during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or when driving.
Products: Linked products are not a solicitation to purchase. Always pay attention to legality and quality.
As of June 2025 – Information is subject to change.