Is vaping cannabis safer than smoking for lung health?

Vaporization is generally considered less harmful than combustion for lung health, but "safer" does not mean "safe." Combustion produces carbon monoxide, tar, and numerous carcinogens from pyrolysis — all absent with vaporization. Studies show vaporizers produce fewer respiratory toxicants than smoking. A 2010 RCT (Abrams et al.) found vaporization produced equivalent cannabinoid delivery with lower carbon monoxide exposure. However, vaping carries its own risks: (1) EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) — the 2019 outbreak was linked primarily to vitamin E acetate in illicit THC cartridges, not licensed cannabis products, but illustrates the risk of adulterants. (2) Lipid pneumonia risk from oil-based cartridges. (3) Thermal degradation products at high temperatures (>230°C). (4) Heavy metal contamination from heating elements in low-quality devices. For patients who choose inhalation, vaporization of flower at 170–185°C appears to be the lowest-risk option. No inhalation route is without risk.