Cannabis Vaporizer: Use, Types, Benefits, and Cons

Cannabis vaporizer, or commonly termed vaping, is a method of consuming cannabis that has been used for hundreds of years and is making a popularity comeback today. Vaporizers are used to get the most out of various herbs, flowers, and concentrates, and cannabis is the most sought-after herb.

Vaporizers heat the herbs and substances to a certain temperature to release its active ingredients. Since there is no combustion occurring in the process, no smoke is created, so vaping may be healthier than smoking. However, vaporizers are not only tools for inhaling concentrates, but chefs have been utilizing this device to infuse food with enhanced flavors by vaporizing aromatic ingredients instead of adding them to the recipe to cut the chance of spoiling the flavors in overheating during the cooking process.

Cannabis vaporizers may be the safest bets. This cannabis vape guide will discuss the cannabis vaporizer, how to use it, the different types, its benefits, and its cons.

What Happens when you Breathe in Cannabis Smoke?

Vaporizers, colloquially known as vapes, is a device that heats dried cannabis and other substances to a temperature just below its combustion point where vapor of active ingredients are emitted after that. The extracted vapor is then inhaled directly through mouth and nose, or through a pipe or hose, or collected in an inflatable bag.

The Jamaican steam chalices are regarded as traditional cannabis vaporizers. While portable cannabis vapes are growing in popularity today as vaporizing technology continues to improve.

Anatomy of Cannabis Vaporizer

Now that you have a grasp of the cannabis vaporizer, you may start to think that the device is a complex array of components. In truth, cannabis vaporizers are relatively simple when anatomized. To understand more about the cannabis vaporizer, how it works, and the parts that make up the device, let’s analyze each piece:

  • Battery: This is the most significant component of a vaporizer and is often built-in. This part is critical in properly functioning as it is the direct heat source that warms and evaporates your cannabis.
  • Atomizer: It is often called a heating chamber. The battery powers this, and it does the actual job of warming your cannabis. Usually, atomizers are made of small metal coils, sometimes surrounding the herb chamber and heat it on all sides.
  • Herb Chamber: This part is like an oven that packs and holds your cannabis. Depending on the type of vaporizer, some herb chambers can only support either dry cannabis or oil, while some can support both at once.
  • Mouthpiece: What is a cannabis vaporizer for if you cannot savor the vapor? A mouthpiece allows you to draw the vapor out of your device with no trouble.

Some cannabis vaporizers come with fancy accessories to help get the full experience, and devices are customizable and upgradeable. However, accessories are completely optional and only intended to unlock added features or improve the function of your vaporizer.

How Do Cannabis Vaporizers Work?

There are two types of heating methods in cannabis vaporizers: conduction and convection. These heating mechanisms are essential to keep in mind while narrowing your options on what is the best cannabis vaporizer model for you.

  • Conduction Heating

Vaporizers that operate using conduction heating work by placing cannabis materials directly onto a heated surface. The surface is heated until it reaches the ideal temperature, and your cannabis’ wonderful terpenes and cannabinoids will begin to turn into delicious vapor. Some pros of this heating method include quick heating and consumption of the herb, and is relatively more affordable. Some cons include uneven heat distribution and imprecise temperature controls.

  • Convection Heating

In convection heating, the cannabis material doesn’t come in direct contact with the heating element. This method relies on the flow of heated air over the cannabis material to warm and vaporize it. As it heats the herb, it converts the cannabinoids and terpenes into vapor. Most cannabis enthusiasts claim that convection is a more effective method than conduction as it allows more accurate temperature controls; hence, it is a more accessible device for newbies. However, some cons include a longer time to heat up and are far more expensive than conduction vaporizers.

  • Hybrid

There are hybrid vaporizers that use both conduction and convection heating mechanisms. Hybrids use a heating system similar to vapes using conduction, except with a heat source placed closer to the herb chamber. This method provides more efficient and evenly distributed heating with much faster heat-up time, but it is more expensive than conduction and convection counterparts.

Types of Cannabis Vaporizer

Aside from knowing the parts and the mechanisms of a vaporizer, knowing the different types are vital likewise to get a good grip on what a cannabis vaporizer is in this tech-forward era. Here are the types of cannabis vape, their sizes, and features, and how one would be suitable for a certain individual more than others.

  • Desktop Vaporizers

There are large and powerful vaporizers ideal for cannabis users who indulge at home. This type won’t probably leave your house often as they are placed on a table or any secure surface, and they are usually run on A/C power. In this type, the vapor is collected into a traditional vaporizer bag and is inhaled through an attached mouthpiece. This type is not one-hit-and-done because the vaporizer bag can store the vapor for up to 8 hours. This option is suitable for users who enjoy sharing and those who enjoy a full bowl alone at their home’s comfort.

  • Portable Vaporizers

These are small battery-powered vaporizers perfect for on-the-go cannabis enthusiasts. Portable vaporizers can be used to consume different types of cannabis products, depending on the model. Though small, they are designed with powerful heating systems, and most models permit temperature control.

  • Vape Pen

Vape pens are smaller and with more compact design than portable vaporizers designed to vaporize cannabis oils. Although, as technology continues to enhance, vape pens have been developed to accommodate both oils and dry herbs.

The device looks similar to that of a traditional pen and consists of two components: battery and cartridge. Vape pens have a mouthpiece, chamber, and a heating element that activates upon charging the battery. The chamber is filled with cannabis oils filled with concentrated amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes.

There are several considerations when choosing vape pen models. Aside from battery capacity that will dictate your device’s heat-up time and overall lifespan, it is also essential to ask if your vape pen selected model is compatible with your desired cannabis material. Certain vape pen models can only accommodate specific cannabis material, and using the wrong substance/product can ruin your vaporizer.

How to Use a Cannabis Vaporizer

If a cannabis enthusiast is asked what a cannabis vaporizer is, the essence of his response would be it is a device designed to avoid combustion and to give a smoke-free option. To enjoy this vape experience, you need to have an overall understanding of what the vaporization process involves. Here is everything you need to know to get started, whether using a desktop, portable or vape pen.

Procedure:

  • Get a high-quality dry herb, and grind your bud to small granules. Do not pulverize. Or if you are using a solid extract like hash, crumble it.
  • Load your herb chamber three-quarters of the way full or depending on your vaporizer model’s holding capacity. Avoid packing the herbs too tight to allow airflow; instead, pack a little loose to produce thick, heavy draws.
  • Set the temperature and preheat. The ideal temperature is around 160°C to 180°C.
  • Start by taking gentle puffs. After priming, indulge by dragging on the mouthpiece with vapor; exhale.

Clean your vaporizer

Right after your session, clean your vaporizer. Read the instruction manual of your vaporizer device and follow them carefully. Regular cleaning can prolong your vaporizer lifespan and help your device run properly, and produce clean vapors.

The Benefits of Using Cannabis Vaporizer

Suppose you are still smoking cannabis, and you want to try another method or just a curious individual. In that case, this guide will discuss what a cannabis vaporizer and the benefits it holds is. Read and determine if you are ready to make the switch.

  • It is healthier

Vaping is much safer than smoking. Studies have shown that you can get harmful substances from smoking cannabis. The burning process produces toxins that can cause issues in the lungs. A study performed by the American Lung Association revealed that weed smoke contains more tar than tobacco, which is not suitable for people with lung conditions. Vaping doesn’t use combustion and is a smoke-free alternative. By switching to vaping, you will enjoy a much safer, smooth cannabis experience, and your lungs are at a much lower threat of negative consequences.

  • Maximize potency

The active compounds in cannabis like cannabinoids and terpenes are burned off when smoked, and you lose 15-20% of it as your bud burns. On the other hand, vaping involves much lower temperatures than the smoking method, so the active compounds are preserved and utilized to their full potential. Cannabis vapor is much purer and potent.

  • Enjoy richer hits

Cannabis’s aromatic compounds called terpenes are the ones giving every hit flavor. Terpenes are sensitive to heat, and extreme temperatures during combustion can destroy them. However, in vaping, heat is produced at a lower point, which can optimize the terpenes. Some terpenes require different boiling points, and since the temperature in vaporizers can be adjusted, you can fine-tune your experience to enjoy the full range of flavors and aroma.

  • Less Odor

Vaping conceals the scent of cannabis; your clothing and home will no longer stink of smoke.

  • It saves money in the long run.

Because you can get the most out of your cannabis, less cannabis is needed to get the experience you would smoke it, potentially generating large savings over time.

All these benefits and more make vaporizers a healthy, pure, potent, and flavorful way to enjoy cannabis.

Disadvantages of Using Cannabis Vaporizers

Now that you know what a cannabis vaporizer is and the benefits it holds, it is essential to take into account that every coin has two sides. Read the following downsides of using vaporizers to have a frame of reference whether vaping is right for you.

  • Expensive initial cost

Vaporizers are expensive, though you get what you pay for.

  • The cumulative cost of maintenance

Vaporizers require maintenance. This includes regular cleaning and proper storage. You may need to buy new batteries, chargers, or you may need accessories to maximize your vape.

  • Overwhelming options

As you ask the question “what is a cannabis vaporizer best for me,” there are a handful of choices, and it can be hard to process every choice, compare each function and style, and choose the best.

  • Learning Curve

Vaping is a whole new experience, and with all the hardware and technology, it may lead one to think that vaping needs intricate knowledge to experience it.

Final Thoughts

Vaporizers are cleaner and safer ways to enjoy cannabis. If you want to level up your cannabis game and think you’re ready to embrace vaping, consider all information above before picking up your cannabis vape.