Dabbing vs Smoking: A Legal High Guide

Dabbing vs Smoking: For centuries, smoking has been the go-to way to enjoy cannabis. From hand-rolled joints to ornate bongs, it’s a ritual deeply rooted in culture and history. But today’s cannabis scene is evolving fast. Concentrates, advanced tech, and refined methods have taken the experience to a whole new level, and dabbing has quickly become a favorite for seasoned enthusiasts seeking power, purity, and flavor.

Dabbing—vaporizing potent cannabis extracts—has been making waves since the early 2000s, offering a stronger, cleaner alternative to smoking. In this guide, we’re breaking down both methods, highlighting the pros, cons, and considerations so you can choose the perfect experience for your preferences.

What Is Dabbing?

Dabbing is the modern, high-performance way to consume cannabis. Instead of burning flower, you’re vaporizing highly concentrated extracts like live resin, rosin, or diamonds, often containing significantly higher THCa levels than traditional flower.

• Dab Rigs: Similar to a bong, but designed for concentrates. The heated nail or banger vaporizes extracts instantly, delivering smooth, terpene-rich vapor instead of smoke.

• E-Rigs & Vaporizers: Devices like the Puffco Proxy and Peak make dabbing easier, using precision temperature control to eliminate guesswork and remove the need for a torch.

The payoff? Potency and flavor unmatched by combustion methods. While dabbing requires a learning curve and specialized equipment, it’s often considered a cleaner and more efficient way to consume.

What Is Smoking?

Smoking cannabis remains one of the most popular and accessible consumption methods. It involves burning dried flower and inhaling cannabinoids through the lungs. This classic experience is simple and versatile, with plenty of ways to enjoy:

• Joints, Blunts & Pre-Rolls: Portable, easy, and iconic, though they produce noticeable odor and may include chemicals in certain wraps.

• Pipes & Bowls: Compact and convenient for quick sessions, but harsher on the lungs.

• Bongs & Water Pipes: Water filtration helps cool smoke, making for smoother hits, but combustion byproducts remain.

Smoking’s charm lies in its familiarity and ritual. However, its downsides include lingering odors, lung irritation, and exposure to harmful byproducts.

Pros & Cons: The Side-by-Side Breakdown

Smoking

Pros:

• Easy access and minimal equipment required

• A cultural staple with simple rituals

• Fast onset of effects

Cons:

• Combustion can irritate the lungs and introduce toxins

• Lower potency compared to concentrates

• Persistent odor that clings

Dabbing

Pros:

• Extreme potency with smaller amounts

• Cleaner, terpene-forward flavor

• More efficient for experienced users

Cons:

• Requires specialized equipment and setup

• High temps can be harsh if mishandled

• Too intense for some, especially beginners

Dabbing vs Smoking: The Verdict

Both smoking and dabbing have their place in the cannabis world. Smoking offers ease and nostalgia, while dabbing delivers a high-powered, modern experience that’s tough to match.

At Legal High, we’re about elevating the experience—whether that’s a perfectly rolled pre-roll or diamonds that hit like a freight train. The choice comes down to your vibe, your tolerance, and the kind of session you’re after. One thing’s certain: when the quality’s this good, you get what you see.