Vaporizing Cannabis

While herbal vaporizers are often used to vaporize aromatherapy oils and flowers, they are increasingly used to vaporize cannabis (marihuana/weed). There are several reasons for this, which we’ll discuss below.

Medicinal Use

Cannabis is widely used (and prescribed) for pain relief, amongst other applications. Many physicians recommend a vaporizer to administer medicinal cannabis, because it eliminates the harm to the lungs that occurs when cannabis is smoked. Another reason is that cannabis is easier to dose with help of a vaporizer compared to smoking or oral ingestion.

How to Vaporize Cannabis?

Virtually all commercially available herbal vaporizers can be used to vaporize cannabis. However, it is important to note that some vaporizers require the herb to be (finely) ground before it can be vaporized. This can be achieved with help of a herb grinder.

In addition, the structure and moisture content play an important role in the quality of the vapor that is produced. Most vaporizers will vaporize any type of herb, both dry or fresh, but with some types of vaporizers it helps to grind your herb into fine particles. The instruction manual of your vaporizer should contain information on this.

Also, it is wise not to pack the herb too tight, as it could block the airstream and cause your cannabis to become too hot or even cause combustion.

Because vaporizing is so much more efficient than smoking, the herb can be used until the bud has turned brownish in color. Some people prefer to use this leftover material to prepare cannabis-butter, because it still contains a small amount of psychoactive substances.

Stealth

Another reason why vaporizers are gaining popularity amongst cannabis users can be attributed to the stealthy aspect of a vaporizer. Vapor does not smell like burnt cannabis does, and with many handheld vaporizers fitting in the palm of your hand (such as the MFLB) they can be used in a variety of public areas, where it would otherwise be impossible to medicate.

In most cases, the smell of the cannabis stash is more likely to be noticed by others than the vapor itself. The density of the vapor also plays an important role in the odor it gives off. Smaller hits will give off less smell and don’t linger around for too long, whereas a big cloud of vapor is more likely to be noticed.

Top 3 Stealthy (Electric) Vaporizers:

While flame-powered vaporizers can be very portable and easy-to-use, there are usually more steps involved, including the process of producing a flame. For this reason, we believe electric vaporizers are the way to go when choosing the most stealthy portable vaporizer.

1. Magic-Flight Launch Box - This is hands down the best stealth vaporizer at this moment. The MFLB is extremely small and light-weight, and literally fits in the palm of your hand. We've succesfully used it in a theatre, on the beach and during music shows, without anyone noticing.
2. Arizer Solo - At the size of a thin soda can, the Solo is another great vaporizer for on the road. What truly makes it stand out is the battery life (the built-in lithium battery lasts up to 3 hours) and the massive hits it can deliver.
3. iolite - Not as tiny and silent (the iolite produces a hissing sound when heating up) as the MFLB, but with the looks of a walkie talkie it still makes a great vaporizer to carry with you. Can also be used when it is stored in your shirt pocket, the straw will make it seem as if you're taking a sip from a drink!

Cannabis Vaporization Temperature and Effect

The optimal vaporization temperature for cannabis varies between 365°F and 450 °F (185–210 °C). Preferred temperature settings can vary from person to person, as different temperatures can affect the ‘high’ you get. Note that not all vaporizers can be temperature controlled and that some (cheaper) units don’t accurately display the current vaporization temperature.

In general, lower vaporization temperatures (under 374°F/190°C) give a more psychoactive high, whereas higher temperatures (428°F/230°C) allow for a more sedative body high.

Of course, the quality and strain of cannabis that is used also have a great impact on the effect.