Vaping vs. vaporizing cannabis: what’s the difference?
By SQDC.ca | Modified on November 25, 2025
Sometimes the words “vaping” and “vaporizing” are used interchangeably, a mistake arising from the words’ related etymological roots and similarities in the processes involved.
But despite the confusion, vaping and vaporizing are two very different inhalation-based methods of cannabis use. We hope this article will make the differences clear.
Vaping
Even if the word “vaping” isn’t familiar to you, you may have heard other related terms such as vape pen, penjamin, e-cigarette, e-juice, electronic cigarette, e-cig or pod. Vaping refers to the process whereby a liquid cannabis extract contained in a cartridge specifically designed for vaping is heated to between 200 and 300 degrees Celsius using an electronic device and transformed into an aerosol.
Vaping products with added artificial flavours can be found on the unregulated market. These products may also contain nicotine and are not sold at the SQDC because they are banned under the Cannabis Regulation Act.
The cartridges sold on the regulated market contain a liquid cannabis extract designed for vaping (such as rosin, resin and/or distillate), major cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and minor cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, etc.). In some cases, the liquid may also contain a solvent vehicle, such as propylene or glycerol. The aerosol is then inhaled by the user.
Good to know: cannabis in Québec
In Québec, cannabis products are not allowed to have a THC content above 30%, nor can they contain nicotine or artificial aromas and flavours that are not naturally found on cannabis plants. Products not meeting these requirements are prohibited under the Cannabis Regulation Act, and therefore come only from the unregulated market.
Vaping cannabis has become quite popular in recent years, especially as an alternative to combustion for some users and smokers. Though the vaping products sold at the SQDC are a lower-risk alternative to those sold on the unregulated market, using cannabis is never risk-free.
Vaporizing
Vaporizing involves heating raw materials (dried flowers, for example, or a solid extract like hash) in a device designed specifically for the purpose. The heat (between 160 and 230 degrees Celsius) activates the cannabinoids, transforming them from a solid state into a gaseous state, but without reaching the combustion point. This releases an aerosol, as opposed to smoke, which the user can inhale.
The differences
So what are the differences between vaporizing and vaping? While both are inhalation-based methods of use that involve heating but not combusting the product, vaporizing and vaping differ in four main ways: the type of product used, the accessories needed for use, the temperature used to decarboxylate the cannabinoids and, lastly, the language used to describe the inhaled output. Let’s take a look at the major differences.
| Method of use | Type of product | Accessory | Temperature | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaporizing | Raw material: solid (dried flowers, hash, kief, etc.) or semi-liquid (rosin, resin, etc.) | Vaporizer | 160 to 230 °C | While the term “vapour” may seem intuitive, the inhaled product is actually an aerosol. |
| Vaping | Liquid extract contained in a cartridge designed specifically for vaping (rosin, resin, and/or distillate) | Vape | 200 to 300 °C | Aerosol |
Bear in mind, however, that not all inhalation methods are the same. For example, the cannabinoid and terpene content of vaping products is often higher than that of dried flowers. In addition, vapes experience only a slight degradation of the THC and other active components and they reduce loss during inhalation. An important point to remember, however, is that smoke-free doesn’t mean risk-free.
Unlike vaping and vaporizing, smoking a joint involves burning the product. In this case, decarboxylation, the process whereby heat activates the cannabinoids, happens at a higher temperature and produces smoke instead of an aerosol. Some scientific data suggest that the effects of vaping may manifest differently compared to other inhalation methods for certain individuals. If you choose to vaporize, pay attention to the effects on your body and mind and don’t take other people’s use as a gauge for determining your own. Lastly, like tobacco products, burning cannabis can generate toxic by-products such as carbon monoxide and tar, which could prove harmful for the lungs. Though all SQDC products undergo mandatory testing to ensure they meet Health Canada’s quality standards, using cannabis is never entirely without risk.
And where does combustion fit in all that?
Caution is always the smart choice
Buying from the SQDC comes with a guarantee that you know what you’re getting. That said, science has not yet clearly determined what the acceptable inhalation levels for some substances are.
Our tips for lower-risk use apply to any and all methods of use you may choose:
- Always begin with a small dose, a short puff.
- Avoid using more than one category of cannabis product at the same time.
- Wait several hours to fully feel the effects before using more, if desired.
- If you decide to use cannabis, do so in a safe location and around people you trust.
- Avoid mixing cannabis use with other psychotropic substances, including alcohol.
Do you have questions? Put them to one of our advisors in an SQDC store or using our online chat service.
Frequently asked questions
Products
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What’s the difference between vaping and vaporizing cannabis?
Vaping uses a liquid cannabis extract (rosin, resin, distillate, etc.) contained in a cartridge. The vape heats the liquid to between 200 and 300°C.
For its part, vaporizing involves directly heating a raw material (dried flowers or hash, for example) to a lower temperature, between 160 and 230°C.
With both methods, the user inhales an aerosol instead of smoke. The differences between the two methods lie in the type of product, the temperature to which the product is heated and the devices used.
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Why do you say a vaporizer produces an aerosol and not vapour?
Even if the word “vapour” is tossed around quite a bit, the output of a vape or vaporizer is actually an aerosol: a mix of fine particles and vapour that carry the cannabinoids and terpenes. The chemical composition of the inhaled aerosol is more than just water vapour.
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Does the SQDC sell vapes?
Yes, the SQDC has sold vaping products (batteries, cartridges) since the fall of 2025. Vaping is an increasingly popular method of use, and the SQDC sells lower-risk products than those found on the unregulated market.
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How can I reduce the risks related to vaping and vaporizing?
Whatever the method of use:
- Begin with a small dose.
- Wait a few hours before taking more.
- Avoid mixing products or drinking alcohol at the same time.
- Use in a safe place and around people you trust.
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Is vaping cannabis safer than smoking it?
Cannabis vaping is generally considered a lower-risk option compared to combustion, as it produces fewer toxic by-products such as tar and carbon monoxide. However, it is not without risks: it can irritate the airways, and the effects vary depending on the THC concentration and individual sensitivity.
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Do the effects from vaping appear sooner than when smoking a joint?
Not necessarily. For some people, the effects may appear a bit more slowly but can also be more intense or longer-lasting, depending on the THC concentration, the type of extract, the method of consumption, and the individual. Always start with small inhalations and wait before taking more to better gauge your tolerance.
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Do the vaping products sold at the SQDC contain flavours or nicotine
No. The Cannabis Regulation Act prohibits the addition of nicotine and artificial aromas and flavours that are not naturally present in the cannabis plant. The products sold at the SQDC comply with these rules and are tested for compliance with Health Canada standards.
Other subjects of interest
Types of product
The SQDC sells a range of quality cannabis products with a lower risk level, all of which have been authorized by Health Canada.
The effects
Relaxing, stimulating and mood-altering: cannabis can have effects that are pleasant or undesirable. Learn what causes the effects and determines how intense they are and how long they last.
Assistance resources
Are you or a friend or family member dealing with a problem related to cannabis use? Several assistance resources are available to you. Take advantage of them!