Personally, I smoke and vape (pen & dabs). I get a better high from smoking, but I don't smoke in the house. If don't feel like stepping out, because I'm feeling exceptionally lazy or because it's effing cold, or I just want a minor buzz that I can still think straight with, then I vape. My 17 y/o Maine Coon mix prefers vape over smoke. I think it helps with his arthritis and is less acrid and irritating to his nose. Vaping tends to be easier to deal with on a road trip as well, as it doesn't smell the car up or leave as much residue on the windows as smoking does. So, IMHO there is a place and time for each.
As for the article, I think the author just needed a topic and something to bitch about.