Over the last decade, Cannabis consumers have been blessed with an ever-growing diversity of products and ways to consume Cannabis. One of the most popular forms nowadays is what is commonly called “Vaping”.
Vaping is basically a new method of consuming Cannabis by using an electronic tool called a vaporizer.
Vaporizers have become increasingly popular due to many different reasons- Whether you are not adept at rolling joints, you want a more discreet way consuming Cannabis, or just a healthier alternative to traditionally smoking Cannabis, vaping might be a solution for you.
How does a vaporizer work?
Vaporizers work by heating up a Cannabis product, either traditional cannabis buds or weed concentrates – Oils, Shatter, E-Liquids, or Wax’s (all of which you can buy from Online Dispensary Canada) – just enough to release the terpenes and cannabinoids, which get you ‘high’, into a vapour that you inhale.
What are some of the benefits of Vaping?
Woman using portable vaporizer
Vaping is largely considered being a healthier alternative to traditionally smoking Cannabis because you do not physically burn the buds or concentrate to combustion, thus sparing your body from inhaling all of the harmful tar and carcinogens that are released when conventionally smoking Cannabis. Studies have shown that vaping can reduce the risk of developing pulmonary conditions.
Vape devices are often small, portable, and release fewer odours than smoking- making them very discreet.
Vaporizers can be very efficient, using between 10% to 30% less product in comparison to traditionally smoking.
There are a vast plethora of Cannabis products available from traditional Buds to newer Concentrates in the form of oils, e-liquids, and wax. These vary in forms of strengths and effects and come in both THC-dominate and CBD-dominate types.
The 4 different types of Vaporizers
There are essentially four basic types of Vaporizers on the market today. Always remember before purchasing a vaporizer to consider the types of cannabis you intend to consume and look for one designed to accommodate that type of Cannabis product.
Some concentrate products come in pre-loaded cartridges and some are re-fillable which you load manually.
But be careful, not all Vaporizers contain the dual systems for both Cannabis buds and concentrate products, so always check the specifications of your Vaporizer before purchasing it.
Disposable Vape Pens
These are the newest type of vaporizers and are increasingly popular due to their ease and convenience. They are by far the easiest to use and are very small discreet, even smaller than ‘Vape pens’. They don’t require you loading any products; there is no battery to charge or anything to set up. They come pre-loaded with a TCH or CBD Concentrate, all ready to go, you just puff away, and enjoy. These are a great option for a first try in Vaping, without the commitment of an expensive device. The downside is they are not reusable.
Vape Pens
Vape Pens are the most common type of vaporizers around these days. Vape pens are very simple to use, very small, portable, and discreet, usually resembling a traditional writing pen.
If you’re familiar with the e-cigarette concept, this is basically the same thing.
They come in many styles and sizes usually consisting of a rechargeable battery, a cartridge, and a mouthpiece.
They can use either Cannabis buds or a form of Concentrate product depending on the device. Some use disposable cartridges, while others are re-fillable manually, so checking the specifications of your Vaporizer before purchasing it, is necessary.
Portable Vaporizers
Portable Vaporizers are slightly larger, but still very discreet and portable devices. These usually are more expensive than ‘vape pens’ but offer much more robust designs, longer battery life, and have re-fillable cartridges for often both Cannabis buds and concentrates.
Desktop Vaporizers
Volcano Desktop Vaporizer
Desktop Vaporizers are larger stationary devices that require them to be placed on a flat surface and plugged into a power source. They are considered to be more powerful and consistent when it comes to vapour quality and performance. Some tabletop vaporizers use a bag to collect the vapour, which is detached prior to inhaling, while others use a long tube that you directly inhale from. These devices are perfect for longer smoking sessions with friends and are often considered similar to a hookah or a bong. Most of these ‘Desktop Vaporizers’ can use both Cannabis buds and concentrates.
Conclusion on vaping
Vaping offers a convenient and effective option for consumers seeking fast and easy therapeutic or medical relief, or a healthier alternative to traditional smoking. But like all forms of Cannabis consumption, finding the right product for your personal needs can take a bit of trial-and-error, but that’s part of the fun, just remember to ‘Start Low and Go Slow!’