Whether you’re a fan of concentrates or flower, there are vaporizers out there for you. The idea of vaping is relatively new, but the popularity of vaporizers in recent years has skyrocketed for a reason. There are multiple factors that set vaporizers apart from more traditional consumption methods. From their portability to a cleaner hit, vaporizers have many pros that will have you asking, “should I try this?” Read our beginner’s guide to vapes to learn more about what these devices entail, so you can make an informed decision that’s perfect for you.
What Does a Vaporizer Do?
A vaporizer heats a liquid just enough to turn it into vapor. This process is different from smoking a blunt or bowl because, in the latter instances, a flame heats the cannabis and other materials to the point of combustion. For this reason, cannabis professionals consider vaping to be safer than smoking. You see, the act of flame combustion releases carcinogens or cancerous particles. Long-term smoking is also associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
When you vape cannabis, you consume propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and CBD and THC. A battery within the vape heats the air to achieve the desirable vapor that you ultimately inhale. This heated air releases the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids into the vapor.
It’s essential to know that a standard vape pen, typically used for nicotine consumption, cannot be used for cannabis. You’ll need to invest in a device specifically developed for cannabis. You will also need dedicated THC or CBD vape juice (unless you use a dry-herb vaporizer). With that in mind, there are several different categories of vaporizers you can choose from.
Different Types of Vapes
Disposable vape pens are the best option for vaporizing beginners. The best thing about these is that they’re intuitive, making them easy to use. They’re prefilled pens that come ready to use, require no prep, and need little clean-up; simply throw the disposable pen away once you’ve smoked through all of it. These also come with both THC and CBD vape juice.
Vape pods are also very user-friendly. However, most reusable pods are suitable for only THC. While there are CBD options, you may find them to be limited.
These devices are rechargeable and designed for longevity. The main housing of the vape contains battery housing, controls, and a mouthpiece. A separate “pod” contains the cannabis oils. Once the pod is empty, it’s easy to pop it out and replace it with a full one.
You don’t even have to wait to finish a pod before switching to a different strain. Vape pods make it easy to switch back and forth between pods, so you change from THC to CBD or a more desired flavor. Just like disposable vape pens, these are simple and convenient.
There are dry herb vapes, which are also portable and cheaper than some vape pods. However, they can scorch your cannabis if you’re not careful, and it produces more of an odor than any other type of vaporizer. It may not be as noticeable as smoking a joint, but it will be more apparent than a vape pod or portable e-dap rig.
Speaking of portable e-dab rigs, we don’t recommend them for beginners. These typically cost more money and produce a much more intense experience since you’ll be using hard concentrates (e.g., shatter and wax). They are also more noticeable than a vape pod or disposable pen and are generally used for THC oils rather than CBD.
A quick reminder for anyone looking to purchase a vaporizer is to buy one that uses indirect heating to ensure you’ll receive the best results. Traditional quartz and wick-type vapes pens apply direct heat, which creates a burnt flavor and can release carcinogens. Instead, try to find a vaporizer with a ceramic core.
The Benefits of Vaping
We’ve already covered that vaping helps you avoid harmful carcinogens. However, the lower heat levels also mean that your hit won’t be as harsh, and fewer cannabinoids and terpenes are destroyed.
In fact, an open flame burns off about one-half of the valuable cannabinoids and enjoyable terpenes. And, with fewer terpenes destroyed, you’ll have a richer, more noticeable flavor profile. Even with all that flavor, you’ll be excreting less odor, and the temperature isn’t just lower but often customizable.
Many vaporizers’ heat settings and intake levels are customizable. These qualities give you more control over your high. Vaping also provides a more “stackable” high. You can take a hit and wait 20 minutes before taking another. Repeat this process until you’ve achieved your desired effects.
Vaping Might Be for You
If you are new to consuming cannabis, we highly recommend that you try vaping. Of course, there are other ways to enjoy your product, such as edibles. However, if you are looking for immediate relief, as many seeking pain management are, vaping may be the perfect fit for you. Like smoking a joint or bowl, the effects of vaping set in about 15-20 minutes after you take a hit.
Vaping is also portable and discrete. So, you can take it with you wherever you go. There are so many different options for vaping, too, especially if you use disposable pens or vape pods. Their ease and convenience really can’t be beaten.
Purchase Your New Vaporizer at North!
You can check out all of North’s vaping options on our website. We have menus for both our Hillsboro and Pevely locations. At North, we care about your health and will always ensure you receive the best service possible. So much so, we now deliver! No worries if you can’t make it to one of our locations; we’ll come to you! Here is a link to all the areas where delivery is available. We always put our patient’s health first, which means you should too. Take care of yourself and head North today!
