Vaporizing cannabis

Vaping is the common term used for vaporizing cannabis. Vaping involves heating a product to the point where cannabinoids, terpinoids, and other aromatics are released. To be a true vapor, this must be achieved without causing the material to ignite, thus avoiding smoke. Although you can save money (after your initial purchase) and make full use of the product you buy, vaping has its downsides too.

Shown: A tank filled with red liquid is screwed into a black, cylindrical battery. The silver button ignites the ‘vape pen.’

Vape pens, like this one, are the most common tool used to vaporize cannabinoids. This has the potential to be an inexpensive and reliable delivery method. However, we would be remiss if we didn’t point out that the highly concentrated cannibinoid liquids can make dosing difficult. The patient must also be aware of what other ingredients are in the liquid (e.g. propylene glycol) and research the potential risks of vaping them. Cheaply made tanks containing the liquids have also been known to leak heavy metals (e.g. lead) into the liquid. For these reasons, we will not readily recommend these products unless they meet our high standards.

Shown: common wood-box style vaporizer.

Vaporizers designed for dried cannabis come in a huge array of sizes, shapes, and prices. This simple wood-box vaporizer, or whip vaporizer, can be purchased relatively inexpensively and give many years of good service. It works by heating air to an adjustable temperature that is then drawn, by the patient, across the herb. This releases the active components into a vaporous form. This vapor travels down a tube so that it cools before reaching the patient. Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s look at the pros and cons of vaping.

The Good
-No smoke!
-Immediate effect (0 – 5 minutes)
-Easy dosing (but takes practice)
-Vast array of equipment options
-Uses cannabis efficiently (cheap to medicate after initial equipment purchase)
-Highest bioavailabilty 50% – 80% (range is due to variety of equipment used and patient’s ability to use that equipment)
-Whole plant entourage effect

The Bad
-Equipment can be expensive and confusing
-Learning curve for equipment use and care
-Transporting is not easy
-Not discreet

Vaporizing your medicinal cannabis can be effective and allow a user a broad range of control for dosing. The assortment of medical cannabis varieties can also be fully taken advantage of, which could allow for a broader effectiveness for treatment. That said, always know your risks, then take your time with finding a dosage that’s right for you. This is one method of consumption where you might lean on the equipment knowledge of a Patient Care Adviser.

Further reading:
SafeAccessNow.com
MedicalJane.com

Published by Eric

Lit Naturals founder, Eric McSwain, serves as Chairman of the Board for the Missouri Cannabis Industry Association. He is also a certified caregiver and patient. Eric's wife is also a caregiver and he also mentors several other caregivers in the state of Missouri. Eric's passion is for educating patients in the use of cannabis as well as at-home cultivation.