Looking to get started with using weed vapes? In this article, Gage Cannabis Co. helps to educate Massachusetts cannabis consumers about vaporizing. We cover what these devices are, the different types and features, and more.
What Are Weed Vapes?
Using weed vapes and smoking cannabis are very different. When cannabis is smoked, a lighter or other heat source is used to combust a joint, bong, or pipe. Combustion is the act of burning something, in this case, cannabis.
Weed vapes, also called vaporizers, don’t heat cannabis to the point of combustion, meaning the user inhales vapor instead of smoke. Vaporizers heat cannabis products using internal heating elements that prevent combustion.
The process of using a weed vaporizer breaks down into three steps. First, the vape applies heat to your cannabis product. Next, the vaporizer’s heating chamber extracts compounds oil in cannabis. Finally, these compounds and oils turn into a vapor that consumers inhale.
Different Types of Weed Vapes
There are several different types of weed vapes. The four most common examples include:
Desktop Vaporizers
Desktop vaporizers are for use at home. These are larger devices than portable vapes and typically require a flat surface. Desktop vapes are great for parties and other group settings.
Portable Dry Herb Vaporizers
Portable dry herb vaporizers are classic weed vapes that you can take out and use anywhere. For most portable vapes of this kind, we recommend using a grinder to break down your dry herb, also called cannabis flower.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are strictly for use with concentrates. Perhaps the most common type of vape pen uses a disposable cartridge filled with cannabis oil. Vape pens are arguably the most convenient and discreet of all devices mentioned here, as they require little or no setup.
Dual-Purpose Weed Vapes (For Dry Herb and Concentrates)
With dual-purpose weed vapes, you can choose between either flower or concentrates. For many cannabis dispensary consumers in Massachusetts, the option to use both with the same device is a great option, especially for newbies.
Temperature Settings for Cannabis Vaporizers
Aside from choosing your type of cannabis vaporizer, the heat settings of your weed vape is a crucial thing to understand. There are two main types of heating elements in a cannabis vaporizer: conduction heating and convection heating.
Conduction heating applies heat directly to your concentrates or flower, almost like cooking in a frying pan. Convection heating uses hot air that passes over your cannabis product, similar to cooking in an oven. Heating elements in conduction vapes tend to use stainless steel materials, while convection vapes favor ceramic materials.
There are two main choices for heat settings: precise temperature control, and fixed heat settings. Depending on the brand, precision controls are set at 1-degree, 5-degree, or 10-degree increments. For fixed settings, you will choose from 3-5 heat settings that are preset by the manufacturer.
Other Portable Cannabis Vaporizer Features
Beyond choosing a type of weed vape and a heating element, learning about the various features of modern-day devices can be fun. Some portable dry herb vaporizers and vape pens can be controlled using an app on your smartphone. This can help improve your vaping experience by allowing you to set precise temperature controls, among other things.
Some weed vape brands build online communities around the owners of their devices through their branded device apps and social media. These communities will recommend strains and concentrates to try, and offer helpful tips to get the most out of your portable weed vape.
Is Vaporizing Safer Than Smoking?
Vaporizing cannabis is typically seen as a healthier and safer option because there is no smoke. However, some studies on vaporizers suggest that things are not necessarily so cut and dry. As is the case with all things cannabis, more unbiased research must be done. Smoking or vaping anything, in general, may come with some risks.
Vaporizing cannabis typically occurs in the temperature range of 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. A lighter can reach up to 600 degrees, which can boil off essential cannabis compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes.
Similar to smoke points in regards to cooking oil, each cannabinoid and terpene can have its individual point of combustion. The temperatures of these points of combustion are not entirely known. The goal of manufacturers is to avoid the point of combustion, which defeats the purpose of your cannabis vaping experience.
Gage Has all the Products for Your Weed Vapes
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cannabis consumption. Whether vaporizing cannabis is better than smoking depends on the individual. Some indicators suggest vaporizing may be a better option, while many consumers prefer that classic feel of inhaling a pre-rolled joint.
For Massachusetts cannabis consumers, understanding the differences between smoking and vaping can lead to a better experience. This quick guide will get you started with cannabis vaporization, but your favorite consumption method comes down to your preferences.
Already know what your preferred method of consumption is? Our friendly staff and knowledgeable budtenders are ready to help you any time. If you know what products you want, you can check out our Massachusetts dispensary menu and place an online order.
We look forward to seeing you, and helping to enhance your vaping experience!
