The first vaporizer I used looked like part of the archaic yet obscene drug inaling technology pictured on the cover of Ween’s second album, The Pod. Either that, or something used for nasty nebulizing by Lynchian bad guy Frank Booth in Blue Velvet. In either case, it wasn’t pretty, but you can be sure it did the job. And how. For a consumer used to the hot smoke of regular combustion, the smooth vapor produced by these units was nearly shocking.
That fresh difference is due to the heating process. When you burn a substance, like cannabis flower for example, that’s called combustion. Incomplete combustion produces smoke. That smoke, containing cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as other less beneficial substances like tar and oil, goes right into the lungs, but much is also burnt away.
On the other hand, the low, full range heat produced during vaporization prevents the creation and release of those extra, potentially harmful substances – especially Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or PAHs, a chemical compound found in all types of smoke as a byproduct of burning material – while rendering the remaining plant material, extract, or oil into a highly potent, cannabinoid and terpene filled vapor. The idea behind vaping is that you are heating your cannabis at a lower temperature to activate the cannabinoids without chemically destroying them, while also decreasing the health risks associated with smoke.
Taking advantage of the benefits of vaping is just a matter of knowing about the types of processes and products available to consumers. Complete combustion or vaporization of cannabis products using a well-designed and efficient vaping device is very important here, but it’s also important for consumers to know about the technology they’re embracing as they vape away the blues.
Dry herb vaporizers have evolved significantly from their rudimentary beginnings, providing users with a diverse range of options to suit various preferences and lifestyles. These devices, designed to heat dried cannabis flower and produce a vapor rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, have become a cornerstone in the vaping world.
Portable vs. Desktop
Portable dry herb vaporizers offer convenience and discretion, perfect for on-the-go use. These handheld devices typically feature rechargeable batteries, compact designs, and a variety of temperature settings, allowing users to customize their vaping experience. Popular models include the PAX series, known for their sleek design and consistent performance, and the Mighty by Storz & Bickel, celebrated for its robust build and powerful battery life.
Desktop vaporizers, on the other hand, are designed for home use and prioritize performance over portability. These larger units, like the iconic Volcano by Storz & Bickel or the Arizer Extreme Q, deliver superior vapor quality through more advanced heating systems and larger herb chambers. Desktop vaporizers often feature whip-style or balloon bag attachments, providing flexibility in how users enjoy their vapor.
Heating Methods and Chamber Types
The heating method used in dry herb vaporizers significantly impacts the overall experience. There are three primary types of heating methods:
Convection Heating: In convection vaporizers, hot air passes through the cannabis flower, evenly heating it and producing smooth, flavorful vapor. These devices, like the Firefly 2+, are renowned for their efficient extraction and exceptional vapor quality.
Conduction Heating: Conduction vaporizers use direct contact between the heating element and the herb. This method heats the flower quickly but can sometimes lead to uneven extraction. Devices like the G Pen Pro utilize conduction heating and are popular for their rapid heat-up times and ease of use.
Hybrid Heating: Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid vaporizers use a mix of convection and conduction heating. The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel is a prime example, delivering consistent vapor production and precise temperature control.
Chamber materials also play a crucial role in the vaping experience. Stainless steel, ceramic, and glass are common materials used in dry herb vaporizer chambers. Ceramic chambers, like those found in the DaVinci IQ2, are favored for their even heat distribution and purity of flavor, while stainless steel chambers offer durability and quick heat-up times.
Battery Types and Customization
Battery life and type are critical considerations for portable vaporizers. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common, offering a balance of power and longevity. Some devices, like the Arizer Solo 2, boast impressive battery life, allowing for extended sessions without frequent recharging.
Others, like the Grasshopper Vaporizer, feature replaceable batteries, ensuring that users can always have a backup on hand.
Customization options are another significant factor. Advanced vaporizers offer features like precise temperature control, allowing users to fine-tune their sessions to target specific cannabinoids and terpenes. App connectivity, seen in devices like the PAX 3, provides even more control, enabling users to customize temperature settings, track usage, and update firmware via their smartphones.
Concentrate Vapes and Vape Pens make use of THC oil or concentrate stored in a cartridge or chamber. When a heating element is engaged, the stored substance is vaporized, complete with beneficial chemicals like cannabinoids and terpenes. Vape pens were first introduced to American consumers circa 2009. They are portable and require a battery to make the heating element do its thing. Vape heating elements are typically metal, quartz, or ceramic.
The Elements
Metal atomizers are the most common, and stem from the start of electronic cigarettes. These vapes are considered inferior and studies show that the oxidized metals may leach heavy metals into your cannabis extract.
Quartz heating elements dodge the side effects of metal, but come with their own issues. Quartz is a form of glass, and thus prone to breaking, and can drain your vape’s battery quicker because of the additional power needed for maintaining high temperatures. These vapes also achieve a much higher temperature, which can cause your extract to taste burnt. But don’t count Quartz out yet; despite its fragility, it is more resistant to thermal shock, meaning no heat-related cracks. It’s also known to produce a clean flavor. Just don’t overdo it; quartz can achieve very high temperatures, making it more likely to give you a burned aftertaste.
Ceramic heating elements have high heat retention, which results in a smoother and better tasting cannabis experience. It does, however, have a slower heating time, which may be frustrating for impatient consumers. It’s also a bit more expensive to produce, but as they say, you get what you pay for.
The latest innovations in vape pen tech include variable-voltage batteries that allow for adjustable heating of the oils and waxes: different vaporization temperatures have different physiological effects, ranging from mild euphoria to anti-inflammatory.
Straws Don’t Suck
Vape Straws, colloquially referred to as “nectar collectors,” are a simpler alternative to a clunky dabbing rig. Take the quartz glass (or titanium) tube, heat the tip, dip the tip into your cannabis wax and inhale. It’s a simple yet effective way to partake in your favorite concentrate. Now you can find electronic vape straws, such as the Randy’s Path or the Dipper, allowing you to leave the butane torch behind. It should be noted that the term “Nectar Collector” was originally coined by glass artist Kristian Merwin of Wasatch Glass, who was the first to introduce the concept back in the early 2010s. Though a true Nectar Collector is exclusively a product of Wasatch Glass, the term has come to represent the genre as much as Merwin’s original design, just as the brand name, “Kleenex” can now be used in place of “facial tissue.”
A Cartridge in a Pear Tree
Cartridges of various sorts – for storing and using vaping material in vaping pens – are available in a variety of forms and recipes, using different sorts of extracts that have been obtained through differing methods. These methods may include distillate, full spectrum, live resin, Co2 Oil, etc.
Disposable Cartridges are now available to consumers not interested in owning a personal vaporizer or vaporizer pen, much to the chagrin of the environmentally conscious. These are generally one-piece, one-use units that sometimes include an integrated battery and heating element designed for immediate use and disposal.
As the name implies, hybrid vaporizers are designed to handle both dry herb and concentrates. These devices allow users to switch between vaping dried cannabis flower and various concentrates, such as oils and waxes, with ease. Hybrid vaporizers often feature interchangeable chambers or dual-use capabilities, providing the flexibility to enjoy different forms of cannabis without needing multiple devices. There are plenty of well-made hybrids out there, but our general advice is to approach this category with skepticism; the underbelly of expanded features is often a compromise in overall quality (pictured units excluded).
