When it comes to cannabis, there’s no single inhalation method that works best for everyone. Smoking, dry-herb vaping, concentrates, and cartridges each offer a different experience in terms of flavor, potency, convenience, equipment, and upkeep.
If you’re new to cannabis, understanding those differences can make choosing a device feel much less overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common inhalation methods, how they work, and what to consider before deciding which option best fits your preferences and lifestyle.
Beginner-safety note: start with a small amount, wait before taking more, avoid driving, and keep products away from children and pets.
Combustion (Smoking)
What it is:
Combustion is the most traditional method. Whether you prefer rolling your own joints, lighting up a bowl, or using a water pipe, combustion is simple, affordable, and easy to share.
Pros: Fast onset of effects, minimal setup, and wide availability of accessories.
Cons: Smoke contains byproducts of combustion and feels harsher on the lungs than vapor.
Popular tools:
Rolling papers (joints, blunts, cones)
Glass pipes, chillums, and bubblers
Bongs and water pipes
Our Favorite Products:
Human Grade™ Wooden Dugout
MJ Arsenal Vulkan Mini Bubbler
Softglass Totem Waterpipe
Dry Herb Vaporizers
What it is:
Dry herb vaporizers heat cannabis flower to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the plant material. The result is vapor instead of smoke: smoother, less smell, and often more efficient.
Pros: More noticable terpene flavor, smoother feeling, and more efficient use of flower.
Cons: Devices cost more up front and require regular maintenance.
Popular devices:
Battery-powered portable vaporizers (discreet, travel-friendly)
Desktop vaporizers (for longer sessions and big draws)
Lighter-powered vaporizers (like DynaVap)
Our Favorite Products:
XVAPE Starry V4 Vaporizer
DynaVap M7 Vaporizer
Concentrates (Dab Devices)
What it is:
Concentrates — wax, shatter, rosin, live resin, and more — are much more potent than flower. Dab rigs (glass rigs with a heated banger) and electronic rigs make it possible to vaporize these extracts at precise temperatures. Dab pens and electronic nectar collectors, like the Lookah Seahorse, make concentrates even more portable.
Pros: High potency, flavorful, and efficient.
Cons: Stronger effects may be overwhelming for beginners; requires special gear.
Popular devices:
Glass dab rigs with torch
Electronic rigs (e-rigs)
Dab pens and nectar collectors
Our Favorite Products:
PuffCo Pivot Dab Pen
Lookah Seahorse Pro Plus
Vape Cartridges & Batteries
What it is:
One of the most convenient ways to inhale cannabis is with pre-filled cartridges (THC or CBD) that attach to rechargeable batteries. Just click or inhale, and you’re ready to go. Discreet, portable, and easy to use, carts are a popular choice for beginners and experienced consumers alike.
Pros: Simple, portable, discreet, and consistent.
Cons: Limited to what’s available in cartridge form; quality depends on manufacturer.
Popular devices:
510-thread (most common size) universal batteries
Proprietary pod systems
Button-activated vs. auto-draw batteries
Our Favorite Products:
Pulsar 510 DL 2.0 PRO Auto-Draw Vape Bar
Eleaf Mini iStick 20W Variable Voltage Mod
Cartisan Pro Pen NEO 900
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re rolling up with papers, experimenting with a dry herb vaporizer, exploring concentrates with a dab rig, or keeping it simple with vape cartridges, there’s a method for everyone. Each option offers a unique experience from flavor and potency to convenience and culture.
The best way to find your favorite? Feel free to stop by any of our store locations to speak directly with our incredible staff and we will help guide you to the best fit for you.