Vaping heats cannabis to a temperature that turns its active compounds into a vapour, avoiding the burning of plant material. As such, vaping means less exposure because it doesn’t involve combustion like traditional smoking, where you burn cannabis and inhale the smoke.
It’s for this reason the popularity of cannabis vaping has surged in recent years.
Therefore, this article will give you a thorough guide to cannabis vaping, including a brief discussion on types of vaporisers. Whether you’re new to this method or seeking to expand your understanding, stick with us.
The Science Behind Vaping
Cannabis is evolving, and one of the changes is the option to inhale rather than smoke it. This process is called vaporisation, and it’s precise and controlled, allowing you to get the benefits of cannabis without the harmful byproducts of smoke.
Smoking cannabis by burning it can release harmful substances like tar and carcinogens, which are linked to lung and throat irritation and could potentially lead to more health issues over time. Vaping, on the other hand, is thought to reduce your exposure to these substances because it does not involve combustion.
In terms of delivering CBD, vaping can be more efficient than smoking. When you burn cannabis, the high temperatures destroy some of the CBD in the plant. Vaping uses lower temperatures, which may help preserve more of these compounds, making it a more efficient way to consume cannabis. It means you might need to use less cannabis to achieve the desired effects, which could be more cost-effective in the long run.
Temperature settings play a crucial role in the vaping experience. Different vaporisers allow you to control the temperature, which can affect both the flavour and the effects of cannabis. Lower temperatures produce a smoother vapour with a more pronounced flavour, as they preserve the terpenes (compounds that give cannabis its aroma and flavour) better.
Higher temperatures may result in a more intense vapour, potentially delivering more potent effects but with a slightly burnt taste. The ability to adjust the temperature gives you the flexibility to customise your vaping experience based on your preferences and the specific effects you’re looking for.
Types of Vaporizers
Vaporisers come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to suit different lifestyles and preferences. The following are the three main types you’ll encounter:
Pen Vaporizers
Pen vaporisers, or vape pens, are the smallest and most discreet option. They are shaped like a pen, making them easy to carry in your pocket or purse. When using a CBD vape pen, you can try cannabis oils and concentrates, although some models can also vaporise dry herbs. One of the drawbacks is its small battery, which means you might need to charge the pen more often.
Portable Vaporizers
Portable vaporisers are larger than pen vaporisers but small enough to carry around easily. They can vaporise both dry herbs and concentrates, offering more versatility. They have larger batteries than pen vaporisers, allowing for more prolonged use, and many offer adjustable temperature settings. However, they can be more expensive due to their advanced features and better battery life.
Desktop Vaporizers
Desktop vaporisers are the most significant type and suitable for home use. They plug into a power outlet and are known for their efficiency and high-quality vapour production. Nevertheless, desktop models are the most expensive due to their size and capabilities.
Best Practices for a Better Vaping Experience
There are different cannabis products and vaporisers in the market, so you should know the most suitable option for a safe and satisfying experience. Consider the following:
Select an Appropriate Vaporizer
For convenience and portability, a pen or portable vaporiser might be best. For those who prioritise vapour quality and are mainly using cannabis at home, a desktop vaporiser could be the better choice. Other factors are battery life, ease of use, the types of cannabis products it supports, and adjustable settings.
Choose the Right Type of Cannabis Product
It should match your desired experience. If you’re looking for quick effects, concentrates and oils are efficient and potent options. For a more traditional experience, dry herbs might be preferable.
Pay attention to THC/CBD ratios and strains. High THC products will have stronger psychoactive effects, while higher CBD ratios are associated with more subtle effects and are more suitable for therapeutic purposes. If you’re new to vaping, start with a low dose, especially if you’re using a product with a high THC content. Increasing dosage is easier than combating the effects of taking too much.
Hence, read the instructions for your vaporiser carefully and start with the lowest temperature setting to enjoy the flavour without harshness. Give yourself time to feel the effects before using more.
Buy Vaporizers and Cannabis Products from Reputable Sources
It ensures you’re getting safe, high-quality products. Therefore, check reviews and research to ensure the vendor is reliable and the products are safe and potent.
Maintain Your Vaporizer for Longevity and Optimal Performance
Regularly clean the mouthpiece, heating chamber, and any other parts that come into contact with cannabis. In addition, replace parts like filters or coils as recommended to ensure your device works well and produces clean vapour.
