The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
By SQDC.ca | Published on June 15th, 2022
Sometimes the words “vape” and “vaporize” are used interchangeably, a mistake that arises due to the words’ similar etymological roots and to similarities in the processes involved.
But despite the tendency to confuse the two, vaping and vaporizing are two very different ways of consuming cannabis. We hope the following article will clarify the differences.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, let’s note that the SQDC does not currently sell vapes or vaping accessories.
If the word “vaping” is not familiar to you, you may have heard some of these other related terms: vape pen, e-cigarette, e-juice, electronic cigarette or e-cig, pod vapes or vape pods, wax pen, etc. Vaping refers to the process whereby a liquid is heated in order to transform it into an aerosol. The liquid may be flavoured or contain nicotine or, in the case of cannabis distillate, THC. In some cases, the liquid also contains a carrier solvent, either propylene or glycerol. This aerosol is then inhaled by the user.
Vaping has become quite popular in recent years and is even used as an alternative to cigarette smoking by some people. But despite being an alternative, it’s not without risk. Since 2019, Public Health has seen an increase in pulmonary disease related to vaping products sold on the underground market. Although the long-term effects of vaping are not yet known, there is compelling data justifying a warning by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (french only).
Remember that, for the time being, all cannabis vaping products sold in Québec are from illegal sources and therefore unregulated, because the SQDC does not sell these types of product.
Vaporizing involves heating raw materials (dried flowers, for example) in a device created specifically for the purpose. The heat activates the cannabinoids, transforming them from a solid to a gaseous state, but without reaching the combustion point. This enables vapour to be released from the product for inhalation by the consumer.
So, what is the main difference compared to vaping? The form of the product consumed. While with vaping a liquid or distillate is used, it is dried flowers or other types of cannabis extract that go in a vaporizer.
Vaping and vaporizing are also different in another important way: the purity of the product consumed. As mentioned above, vaping liquids may contain a number of chemical substances. But vaporizing gives you better traceability of what you are consuming, provided you use dried flowers or extracts purchased at the SQDC, because only they meet all of Health Canada’s quality requirements.
Whatever form it takes, cannabis use involves a degree of risk, and our advice for responsible consumption applies equally here:
Any questions? Just ask one of our in-store advisors or use our chat service.
Several categories of cannabis exist but Indica, Sativa and hybrid are the most common.
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.
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!