Avaporizer or vaporiser, colloquially known as a vape, is a device used to vaporize substances for inhalation. Plant substances can be used, commonly cannabis, tobacco, or other herbs or blends of essential oil.[1] However, they are most commonly filled with a combination propylene glycol, glycerin, and drugs such as nicotine (e.g. extract from tobacco) or tetrahydrocannabinol as a liquid solution.[2]
Vaporizers contain various forms of extraction chambers including straight bore, venturi, or sequential venturi, and are made of materials such as metal or glass. The extracted vapor may be collected in an inflatable bag, or inhaled directly through a hose or pipe. When used properly, cooler temperatures due to lack of combustion[3] result in significantly more efficient extraction of the ingredients. Hence, the irritating and harmful effects of smoking are heavily reduced,[4][5][6][7][8] as is its secondhand smoke.
Cannabis is also consumed via the vaporization of cannabis concentrates or oils that have been extracted from the plant, commonly referred to as "dabbing". Users typically employ a torch to heat a small cup shaped quartz or titanium attachment on a bong before dabbing the oil onto the heated surface and inhaling the vapors through the bong.[11] This route of consumption is generally much more potent than smoking or vaporizing marijuana flower due to the increased concentration of cannabinoids. Users typically report that the effects of dabbing are much more intense than regular cannabis, while also being shorter lived.[12]
Cannabis concentrate is also commonly used in e-cigarette style vaporizer pens in the form of liquid containers known as cartridges. A battery connected to the atomizer is used to heat the cannabis oil, creating a vapor that is inhaled by the user. Cartridges typically contain different preparations of cannabis oil mixed with cannabinoids, terpenes, solvents (primarily Propylene glycol and Glycerol) used for thinning, fatty acids, and flavonoids. Natural or artificial terpenes are frequently added by manufacturers to enhance flavor, often using blends that mimic popular cannabis strains or sugary foods such as candy or pastries.[13]
Of the studies that have investigated cannabis vaporization, few have addressed the quality of the vapor extracted and delivered; instead, studies usually focus on the mode of usage of the vaporizers. However, those that have addressed vapor quality have demonstrated promising results. Such studies suggest that the absence of combustion results in an aerosol that contains significantly lower amounts of harmful substances found in smoke, such as tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogenic compounds known as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).[14][9][15] One study found that cannabis smoke contains 111 compounds (including several carcinogenic PAHs) in addition to the cannabinoids, whereas only 3 additional compounds were identified in cannabis vapor, other than the cannabinoids.[9] This suggests that the vaporization of cannabis may be a safer alternative to combusted cannabis.[16] On the other hand, a study in the UK (where cannabis is illegal) found that some illicitly distributed cannabis vaporizers contained harmful levels of xylazine, an animal sedative which can lead to overdose.[17]
An electronic cigarette is a handheld battery-powered vaporizer that simulates smoking by providing some of the behavioral aspects of smoking, including the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, but without combusting tobacco.[18] Using an e-cigarette is known as "vaping" and the user is referred to as a "vaper."[19] Instead of cigarette smoke, the user inhales an aerosol, commonly called vapor.[20] E-cigarettes typically have a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution called e-liquid.[21] E-cigarettes may be automatically activated by taking a puff;[22] others turn on manually by pressing a button.[19] Some e-cigarettes look like traditional cigarettes,[23] but they come in many variations.[19] Most versions are reusable, though some are disposable.[24] There are first-generation,[25] second-generation,[26] third-generation,[27] and fourth-generation devices.[28] E-liquids usually contain propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavorings, additives, and differing amounts of contaminants.[29] E-liquids are also sold without propylene glycol,[30] nicotine,[31] or flavors. [32]
The benefits and the health risks of e-cigarettes are uncertain.[33][34][35] There is tentative evidence they may help people quit smoking,[36] although they have not been proven to be more effective than smoking cessation medicine.[37] There is concern with the possibility that non-smokers and children may start nicotine use with e-cigarettes at a rate higher than anticipated than if they were never created.[38] Following the possibility of nicotine addiction from e-cigarette use, there is concern children may start smoking cigarettes.[38] Youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes.[39][40] Their part in tobacco harm reduction is unclear,[41] while another review found they appear to have the potential to lower tobacco-related death and disease.[42] Regulated US Food and Drug Administration nicotine replacement products may be safer than e-cigarettes,[41] but e-cigarettes are generally seen as safer than combusted tobacco products.[43][44] It is estimated their safety risk to users is similar to that of smokeless tobacco.[45] The long-term effects of e-cigarette use are unknown.[46][47][48] The risk from serious adverse events was reported in 2016 to be low.[49] Less serious adverse effects include abdominal pain, headache, blurry vision,[50] throat and mouth irritation, vomiting, nausea, and coughing.[51] Nicotine itself is associated with some health harms.[52]In 2019 and 2020, an outbreak of severe lung illness throughout the US has been linked to the use of contaminated black market THC vape cartridges.[53]
Vaporizers can be used to inhale other recreational drugs as well. A wide variety can be consumed this way, either dissolved in e-liquid or vaporized directly.[54] The use of e-cigarettes to inhale the psychedelic drug DMT has been reported.[55]
In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in May 2008, it was stated that vaporizers were a "suitable method for the administration of THC".[60] A 2007 study by the University of California, San Francisco, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that "there was virtually no exposure to harmful combustion products using the vaporizing device".[7] A 2006 study performed by researchers at Leiden University found that vaporizers were "safe and effective cannabinoid delivery system(s)". The study stated that the amount of THC delivered by vaporizers were equivalent to the amount delivered by smoking.[58] Because of those studies and other studies, vaporizers are considered medically sound devices for delivering THC.[14]
Vaporizers are sometimes used by chefs as a method of applying controlled heat to herbs and spices to release flavors that are otherwise difficult to titrate or apply, or that might be spoiled by overheating during cooking.[61][62][63] Grant Achatz, chef-proprietor of Alinea in Chicago, "uses the aroma-filled bags as place-mats, punctured when plates are placed in front of the customer".[61]
Instead of destroying your herbs in a cloud of smoke, dry herb vaporizers gently release the herbal essence with a strong and soothing vapor. Vaporizers heat your herbs to temperature settings below the burning point, and the higher the temperature, the more intense the effects.
Airflow - Some dry herb vaporizers need a slower hit than others for the best vaping experience. If you take slow, short sips, this might be right for you. If you prefer long, strong draws, get something with wide open airflow.
Heating chamber - This is the bowl, or where the herbs go. Materials can really make a difference here. Look for glass, ceramic, quartz, or safe metals like stainless steel, titanium and aluminum.
Battery life - When shopping for the best portable vape for your needs, consider battery life. Do you need something to last all night on a single charge? USB chargers are more convenient than traditional barrel-plug chargers. Do you want something with a variable shut-off timer to save battery life?
Dry herb vape pens heat up your herbs to a specific temperature that is hot enough to produce visible vapor but cool enough to avoid combustion. They are different from dry concentrate vapes that utilize an atomizer. Load the heating chamber with ground herbs (we recommend a medium to medium-fine grinder), select a temperature setting, and enjoy!
Many dry herb vaporizers are intended for use with herbal blends, which come in a wide range of cultivars commonly referred to as strains. Each strain has a different profile of compounds (called terpenes) which influence everything from taste, to aroma, to overall experience.
Dry herb vaporizers promote better health and are gentler on the lungs. Vapes release the active ingredients instead of destroying them, which can release harmful byproducts into the air and into your lungs. Dry herb vaporizers also stand out for their convenience and discretion in comparison to alternative dry herb consumption methods. Vaping enables (almost) unrestricted usage at any location and time, ensuring minimal disturbance and disruption to others.
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Our experts have created easy-to-understand resources for anyone who might be new to the game. Learn how to pick the right vaporizer, get familiar with cleaning tips, and read up on smoking accessories to help elevate your sesh. Our blog is updated regularly, make sure to come check back in so you're always in the know!
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