Cannabis vaporizers may seem like complex, highly technological devices, but they’re actually quite easy to understand.
If you’re interested in the world of cannabis vapes, from portable and desktop vaporizers to vape pens and cartridges, this is the guide for you.
What Are Cannabis Vaporizers?
Cannabis vaporizers are devices that are used to vaporize – rather than combust – cannabis. This means the cannabis isn’t set aflame with a lighter or a match. Instead, it’s gently raised to a temperature that releases cannabinoids, without any burning.
Vaporizers come in many varieties, but a simple way to categorize them is by the type of cannabis products they’re compatible with.
Some vaporizers are made for use with cannabis flower, while others are designed to work with concentrates and extracts. Some are even designed to work with both flower and extracts.
Dry Herb Vaporizers
Dry herb vaporizers are made for use with ground cannabis flower. These devices heat flower until cannabinoids and terpenes reach their boiling point, producing an inhalable vapor.
Generally, this vapor provides a less harsh experience, since no plant material is combusted during the process.
Popular dry herb vaporizers include the Arizer Solo 3, the Arizer Air MAX, and the DaVinci IQC.
Concentrate Vaporizers
Concentrate vaporizers are designed for use with extracts like oil and wax. These devices similarly heat concentrates until the cannabinoids and terpenes boil off into an inhalable vapor.
They are generally easier to use than conventional dab rigs. A typical dab rig can be difficult to handle for some consumers. It also requires a blowtorch, which makes it hard to determine the precise temperature. It’s also a lot of components to carry around.
Popular concentrate vapes and dab pens include the Yocan Orbit, the G Pen Micro+, and the Puffco Peak.
Dual Use Vaporizers
Dual-use vaporizers can be used with both cannabis flower and concentrates (though not every dual-use vaporizer works with all types of concentrates). Oftentimes, these devices include an additional part that can be swapped in to use the vaporizer with extracts.
Dual-use vapes are convenient choices for consumers who like both flower and concentrates and want the flexibility to use both with a single device.
Popular dual-use vapes include the PAX 3, the Storz and Bickel Mighty+, and the POTV Lobo.
Not familiar with all the lingo in this article? Check out our guide to cannabis terminology for helpful definitions.
How Do Vaporizers Work? The Science Behind Cannabis Vaping
Vaping differs from smoking in that vaporizers heat material without burning it, instead bringing the compounds within cannabis to their boiling points.
Rather than creating smoke, this process creates a vapor that contains high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the plant or paper. The result is a smoother inhale that contains the active cannabis compounds without additional byproducts of combustion.
Of course, temperature control is critically important when walking the line between vaporization and combustion. Too hot, and the material will burn; too cool, and valuable compounds may not be vaporized. Here’s how vaporizers are able to achieve the right balance.
Convection vs. Conduction Heating
There are two primary ways by which vapes heat cannabis flower or extracts: convection and conduction heating.
Conduction heating is when the material is placed directly on the heating element, such as a coil within the chamber of a vaporizer. While it is in direct contact with the cannabis product, the heating element warms until the material begins to vaporize.
The benefit of conduction vapes is that they heat material very quickly. They are also typically lightweight and compact.
The downside of conduction vapes is that it can be easy to overheat material, causing it to combust. Similarly, it can be difficult to evenly heat material without frequently stirring it within the chamber. Conduction vapes may also produce harsher vapor.
Convection heating involves the flow of hot air over the material. Rather than placing the material directly on a heating element, hot air is forced over it, vaporizing it as it passes by.
Convection vapes tend to produce a smoother, more flavorful vapor. They excel at evenly heating material as well, ensuring you’re getting the most out of each pack.
The drawback of convection vapes is they tend to heat up more slowly than conduction vapes. They also tend to be bulkier due to their need for additional components to move heated air through the chamber.
The Importance of Temperature Control
Regardless of whether you choose a conduction or convection vape, understanding temperature settings is critical.
Cannabinoids and terpenes evaporate at different temperatures, so which setting you choose can profoundly impact your experience. Moreover, the type of cannabis product you choose influences the temperature setting you’ll need; cannabis flower vaporizes at different temperatures than extracts.
When vaporizing flower, most folks recommend a temperature between around 350°F and 390°F. This will ensure the most valuable cannabinoids are vaporized without burning the plant material.
Concentrates can handle a broader range and higher heat. This is generally between 315°F and 450°F, but higher ranges like 700°F are not uncommon recommendations. Higher temperatures could result in less flavorful hits but more vaporized cannabinoids, and there’s generally a lower risk of burning the material.
Compare these to a flame from a lighter or a blowtorch, which can reach temperatures of around 1400°F to 2500°F.
The best way to determine your preferred temperature is to try different settings with the same product and take note of your experience with each. Some consumers may prefer mid-range temperature settings, while others like to use lower or higher heat.
Why Choose Vaporizers Over Smoking?
Consumers may choose vaporizers over smoking for many reasons. Among the most common we hear include:
- Discretion: Vaporizers, especially portable vapes, are less obvious than a bowl or a joint. You can easily conceal them in a pocket or a bag, and when consuming them they don’t leave behind a lingering smell like smoking. There is generally a short-lived aroma associated with vaping, but it fades quickly.
- Portability: Portable vapes mean you can bring your cannabis with you easily. There’s no need to carry an elaborate piece along with you when you go to a friend’s house, for example. It’s as simple as bringing a compact, portable vaporizer with you, most of which can fit in your pocket.
- Flavor: Some consumers prefer the flavor of vapor to smoke. Smoking cannabis flower means combusting plant material, which can obscure the flavor of the terpenes in a given strain or extract. Some consumers like to avoid combustion altogether to get a better sense of what the terpenes taste like.
- Experience: Some consumers may find smoke harsh and uncomfortable, preferring the smooth inhalation of vapor instead. If you find yourself coughing uncontrollably after smoking, vaping may be a preferable method.
Different Types of Cannabis Vaporizers
Vaporizers aren’t unique in the type of cannabis material they’re designed to work with, but also in how they’re designed altogether.
Some are compact devices that can be easily brought along with you anywhere, while others are bulky units capable of seriously powerful vapor production. Others are extremely simple, low-maintenance devices that do the job quickly and easily.
Portable Vaporizers
Portable vaporizers are small, mobile devices. They typically use rechargeable batteries and can be set to maintain consistent, precise temperatures throughout a session.
While more expensive than simple vape pens, they offer better flavor and more efficient extraction of active compounds.
Most portable vaporizers have digital temperature displays and adjustable settings. They’re ideal for someone who wants quality vapor production but also values discretion and convenience.
Desktop Vaporizers
Also called stationary vaporizers, these larger units plug into a wall outlet and are designed for home use. They offer superior vapor production and temperature control compared to portable options, with powerful heating systems that can maintain exact temperatures.
Most use either a “whip” (a food-grade silicone tube) or a detachable balloon that fills with vapor for inhalation.
While they require more space and aren’t portable, they’re extremely reliable and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Desktop units excel at group sessions due to their unlimited power supply and larger chambers. They also tend to be more efficient at extracting compounds from plant material, though they require an initial investment and dedicated space.
Many users find them ideal for therapeutic use where consistent, high-quality vapor delivery is important.
Vape Pens for Concentrates
Also called “dab pens,” these slim, pen-shaped devices are specifically designed for use with cannabis concentrates.
They typically consist of a battery section and an atomizer or coil that holds the concentrate. When activated, they heat the concentrate to create vapor.
They’re the most portable and discreet option, fitting easily in a pocket or purse, though they can only be used with concentrate products, not flower.
Most concentrate pens are very simple to use. Many just require inhaling to activate them, while others have a button to press.
How To Use A Cannabis Vaporizer: Tips For Beginners
The process of using a cannabis vaporizer varies depending on the specific model and the material you’re using. However, the following steps offer a helpful general overview that applies to most cannabis vaporizers.
Always consult your device owner’s manual for detailed instructions from the manufacturer about how to use your specific device.
Prepare your device
Before you begin your session, make sure your device is charged and in working order.
Make sure you emptied and cleaned it after any previous sessions as well. If not, do so before loading more material.
Power your device on when you’re ready to begin.
Load your material
Load your material into your vaporizer.
For dry herb vaporizers, make sure your cannabis flower is finely ground. Pack the chamber, being careful not to overpack it and leaving enough space for air to flow (especially for convection vaporizers).
For concentrate vaporizers, add a small amount of extract (just a dab) to the chamber. If you’re using a 510-thread vape pen or pod system, simply attach the cartridge or pod. Be careful not to overfill it.
Remember, this step varies considerably depending on the make and model vape you own. If you’re not sure how to load your material properly, consult your device owner’s manual — loading your material incorrectly could result in damage to your device.
Set your temperature
Once your material is loaded, select your desired temperature.
We recommend starting with mid-range temperatures at first and gradually increasing them until you identify your preferred flavors and effects.
At lower temperature settings, the vapor remains cool, which tends to result in less harsh experiences. However, you may not vaporize all the cannabinoids you’re hoping to, so gradually increase the temperature setting until you feel the desired effects.
During your session
During your session, be sure to inhale slowly and evenly on the mouthpiece of your device for a few seconds at a time.
These types of measured inhales can prevent accidental overconsumption or harsh draws that cause coughing.
As you inhale, take note of vapor production, flavors, and effects you’re experiencing. Use this to guide adjustments to your temperature settings to fine-tune your session.
Also, be aware of any burnt smells or flavors. This could be a sign your temperature setting is too high, you’re holding the activation button down too long, or your device is malfunctioning somehow.
Check out these other handy tips for responsible cannabis consumption in our guide.
Clean your device
When your session is complete, empty the used material from your device and clean it in accordance with your device owner’s manual.
Many vapes are easily cleaned with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol, for example. However, some vapes may be damaged by this method, so be sure to double-check your instruction manual before cleaning your vape if you’re uncertain.
Cleaning your device after each session can extend the life of your vape and ensure every session is a quality experience.
Welcome to the wide world of cannabis vapes
Now that you’ve been introduced to the exciting and varied world of cannabis vaporizers, you can choose a device that’s right for you.
You can take your sessions to the next level with the right device, whether you prefer to consume flower, concentrates, or like a mix of both.
Stop by Blue Oak for high-quality cannabis products and check out the cannabis vapes we have in stock for a device of your very own.
