Cannabis vaporizers or vape pens are devices that deliver an experience similar to smoking cannabis but with reduced side effects. The popularity of cannabis vaporizers has soared since they produce euphoric effects minus the negative consequences of smoking.
The harmful chemicals released with every puff taken from a cannabis pipe are eliminated with cannabis vaporizers. This reduces the risk of contracting cardiovascular and respiratory diseases associated with smoking. To enjoy the positive effects of cannabis, it is important to understand how these devices work. In this article, we tell you all you need to know about cannabis vaporizers.
What is a Vaporizer?
A vaporizer is a device that heats dried cannabis flowers or concentrated extracts to produce vapors.
What are the Types of Vaporizers?
With so many types of vaporizers in the market, it can be difficult to determine which one you need. However, understanding how these devices work and what their characteristics are will help you choose the ideal vaporizer.
Pen-Style Vaporizers
This type of cannabis vaporizer is shaped like a pen or an e-cigarette. It is easy to use and popular among novice users since it comes in a range of different sizes.
Portable Vaporizers
Thanks to its compact size, you can take this device with you everywhere you go. Moreover, you can also find them in different camouflage designs that conceal them in plain sight. If discretion is a must, then this might be the right vaporizer for you.
Stationary Vaporizers
These devices are perfect if you want a full-time vaping experience at home or work. They come with an advanced temperature system and heating element to deliver a smooth smoking experience.
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What exactly is a Cannabis Vaporizer?
A cannabis vaporizer heats herbs and turns them into flavorful vapors that can be inhaled. This is a process called decarboxylation, which is necessary for you to enjoy the potent effects of marijuana.
Albeit similar, cannabis vaporizers are different from e-cigarettes. The latter requires the use of liquid nicotine, while cannabis vaporizers do not. Vapor pens are also a much cheaper alternative when compared to e-cigarettes.
How does a Cannabis Vaporizer Work?
The major components in any cannabis vaporizer include a heating element or chamber for heating or cooking herbs. This element is designed to heat evenly by using convection or conduction heating.
Convection vaporizers heat herbs by blowing hot air across them using an electric fan or pump. The heated air absorbs the active ingredients in the herb and turns it into vapor. The best feature about this kind of cannabis vaporizer is that it produces cool smokeless vapors.
What are the Benefits of Vaping Cannabis?
The benefits of vaping cannabis include:
- Reduced Risk: Harmful chemicals released with every puff taken from a cannabis pipe are eliminated. This reduces the risk of contracting cardiovascular and respiratory problems associated with smoking cannabis.
- Less herb damage: Vaporizers heat herbs evenly using convection or conduction heating, which leaves dry herbs intact and produces cool smokeless vapors.
- Healthier Alternative: When using smokeless vaporizers, people can enjoy feeling high without inhaling tar or carcinogens found in cigarette smoke.
- Convenience: Vaporizers are user-friendly, compact, and portable. They can be used for both dry herbs and extracts (cannabis oils).
- Flavor: Vaporizers provide stronger effects since less herb is required to achieve the desired result.
What Exactly Happens When You Vape Cannabis?
Vaporizers allow you to enjoy the same effects as smoking cannabis without inhaling anything burnt and the combustion coming from it. Here is a step-by-step guide of the vaporization process:
- Fill the chamber with ground marijuana and close it. Some portables have a filling tool.
- Press the 'ON' button to heat.
- Place your hand over the vaporizer and press the 'ON' button gently.
- Vape. Keep your hand on top of the vaporizer as you inhale cannabis slowly through the mouthpiece.
- Keep doing it until you feel the desired effect.
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What are the Different Kinds of Ways to Vape Cannabis?
Here are the different kinds of ways you can vape cannabis:
- Dry herb vaporizer
- Concentrate vaporizer
- Dabbing rig
Dry Herb Vaporizer
Vaporizers work by heating ground material evenly using conduction or convection heating. Dry herb vaporizers are the most cost-effective option, but they require cleaning.
Concentrate Vaporizer
Cannabis concentrates or oils can be used in certain vaporizers. Oil made from wax, shatter, and other types of cannabis extracts release thick clouds of vapors when heated by a dabbing rig that has a titanium nail, quartz banger, or ceramic donut. Some concentrates can also be put in a dab rig (water pipe) and smoked like ordinary cannabis.
Dabbing Rig
Dab rigs are used to smoke concentrates directly without the use of e-cigarettes or vaporizers. The smoking device is called a rig because it resembles old-time mining equipment. This machine uses a high-voltage battery to heat a special 'nail' made of titanium, quartz, or ceramic.
A piece of concentrate is put on top of the nail and heated until it vaporizes, producing thick smoke/vapor that is inhaled through the pipe's mouthpiece. Vaporizers vape pens with hash oil cartridges are also used for vaping concentrates.
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What are the Accessories Needed for Vaping Cannabis?
Vaporizers may look complicated at first glance, but they are easy to use. You can get started by investing in one of these devices, along with some basic accessories:
- Chamber: The chamber is where you place your ground cannabis before heating it. It holds the marijuana securely until vaporization.
- Battery: The battery heats your chamber. Some models can be recharged, while others are disposable after use. Choose one that has at least 1100 mAh capacity. You can find vaporizers with LCD or OLED displays for optimal performance.
- Charger/Adapter: Most charge by USB cable, but make sure yours is compatible before purchasing.
- Carrying Case: Your vaporizer may come with one, but you should still get a carrying case if you want to keep it protected from accidental falls. Never leave it lying around where kids or pets can reach it.
- Cleaning Tools: These make cleaning easier and faster. You can find them online or in your local smoke shop.
What are the Things to Consider Before Buying a Vaporizer?
The following factors should be considered before buying a vaporizer:
- Pen Size: Whether you want an electronic cigarette-looking device or one that is more discreet, choose one based on your preferences. The vaporizer pen is easier to control because it has smaller chambers, while the larger ones provide more hits/vapor per session.
- Power/Heat settings: Some vaporizers have an LCD display that shows time, temperature, and battery life. Make sure your vaporizer has those before purchasing it. You don't want to guess the temperature or how long you have been heating your cannabis. We recommend choosing a vaporizer with an adjustable temperature setting. This allows you to choose how hot or cold you want your vapors to be, depending on the strain of cannabis used.
- Vapor quality: The vaping experience is determined by the device's heat settings and how it uses water filters. Heat options are usually low, medium, or high, with the low being cooler/gentler while higher temperatures produce more vapors and flavors. The ceramic chamber is an example of a heating element that doesn't use water filters, and the same device without it uses water filtration to cool/purify the vapor before inhalation.
- Price: Even if you go for a cheap vaporizer, it will end up being expensive if you use it every day. It's better to invest in a good one that offers the features you’re looking for.
- Vapor Density: Density units measure the overall amount of vapors created during a vaping session. Higher levels mean denser vapors, which can be harder to inhale.
If you are looking for an efficient way to consume your cannabis, invest in a high-quality vaporizer. You can find them online or in your local smoke shop!
Is Vaping Healthier Than Smoking?
There is no doubt that smoking any substance, whether it is tobacco or marijuana, is dangerous for your health. The hot pieces of debris you breathe in when you smoke irritate the sensitive tissue in your lungs. You can also inhale some potentially toxic compounds when you burn marijuana leaves, which have been linked to cancer.
No material is burned in vaporizers. The substances containing the THC are instead heated to the point of creating an aerosol but not so hot that the substances combust. Marijuana vaporizers produce a much smoother aerosol than the harsh smoke that results from burning leaves.
How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects after Vaping Cannabis?
It takes about 1-2 minutes to feel the effects, depending on how much you take at once or how often you take it. Cannabis vaporizers are a great way to smoke and relax in less harmful ways. If you enjoy smoking cannabis and want to do it in a healthier way, then you should definitely opt for a cannabis vaporizer.
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