Tips for Vaping Cannabis

There are many ways to take advantage of the benefits of cannabis, and one way that is becoming more popular is vaping. Vaping weed works in the same way as other vaping devices such as those for nicotine, but a weed vapor uses oil concentrate or dry flower to create vapors. This happens by heating the cannabis material without combustion, which results in a vapor that is then inhaled into the lungs. While you have probably heard of vaping weed in the form of THC oil, you may not be aware of the variety of ways to vape and the many different flavors and aromas there are to choose from.

Furthermore, you might be surprised to know that you have the option to vape concentrates or dry flowers. It is also important to note that these materials are not interchangeable. Exploring the details of each method and the advantages of both may help you decide if vaping might be right for you. If you already vape, it is helpful to be aware of all your options.

Advantages of Vaping Cannabis Products

Though options are plentiful for cannabis consumption, vaping is becoming a new favorite method. There are many reasons that people choose to vape concentrates or dry flowers instead of other ways to consume cannabis products such as smoking or dabbing, the heating of marijuana concentrates at extreme temperatures. These include:

Efficiency

There is a lot of efficiency when it comes to vaping weed. The vapors are inhaled straight into the lungs, where it is quickly absorbed into the body. Whether you are vaping for medical or recreational reasons, if you want to feel the effects of your cannabis quickly, vaping can meet your needs.

Discretion

Discretion is another primary reason that people choose to vape cannabis. There is no smoke involved, therefore no tell-tale marijuana smell, and weed vapor looks the same as e-cigarette vapor, so it is unlikely anyone will be able to tell you are vaping weed, tobacco, or CBD products.

Vaping Cannabis May Be Healthier Than Smoking It

There is some evidence that there may be fewer effects on the respiratory system by vaping instead of smoking weed. This may be because the vaping device heats the flower or concentrate enough to release the effects of the cannabis, such as THC, but not so hot that it vaporizes unwanted materials. This means that you may avoid harmful chemicals from being inhaled into your lungs while feeling the effects.

Research also suggests that switching to a vaping pen or other vaping device from smoking or a bong may relieve some respiratory problems. This may be because less smoke means less irritation to the lungs and creating less tar buildup in the lungs.

Convenience

With vaping, the concentrate or flower is heated without the use of a lighter. They are battery-powered and will heat the cannabis product to the temperature you want so that you can maintain the intensity you want. They easily fit into a pocket, backpack, or purse and are perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle.

Flavor

You may not be aware of the many strains that concentrates come in, each with their own unique flavor based on the strain’s terpene profile. Whether you are in the mood for something sweet, exotic, sour, or something else entirely, you can find what you want in concentrates. With dry vaping, you can mix whatever ground material you want to create just the right flavor profile for your taste.

Dry Vaping Marijuana Versus Vaping Oil Concentrates

There are significant differences between vaping flower and vaping oil, and both have their advantages. The most obvious difference is that the dry vaping of the flower is vapor that results from heating a solid material, and the vapor from cartridges comes from the heating of liquid oil. Other differences include:

Customization

The concentrate-filled cartridges come in many strains boasting their own flavor profiles, sure to fit any mood. However, all of them are premade. If you want a completely customizable experience, vaping the flower is the way to go. This way, you can control the quality of the ingredients that go into the vape itself, and depending on the strain of flower you use, you will be able to tailor the flavor profile and potency to suit your needs.

Because you can physically control what substances go into a dry vape, this method is safer than using low-quality cartridges or ones from questionable sources. These black-market cartridges are very risky and often contain vitamin E acetate, which is highly harmful to the lungs. Black market dealers use this vitamin E as a “filler,” which makes it cheaper for them to produce because it takes the place of THC. This vitamin E acetate is thick and dangerous when inhaled. It is imperative that you use oil-filled cartridges of the highest quality, made and distributed by trusted companies if you choose to use concentrates.

Dry flower vaping is also safer than black-market concentrates. However, if you have the option between flower or high-quality concentrates, the decision comes down to personal preference.

Portability

Some people may choose liquid vaping over dry-flower vaping because they find carrying around cartridges is more convenient than carrying around flower, and cartridges aremore discreet. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about grinding the flower when vaping oil. When it comes to times when you are on the move, the concentrates may have an edge.

Health

As stated earlier, there may be less risk involved in choosing flower over black market concentrates. There have been some problems with e-cigarettes, but evidence suggests that black market products may be blamed for some of the extreme effects. Both flower and oil are inhaled but smokeless, so the harm of smoke to the lungs is not a factor. Until more is known, the healthiness of vaped concentrate versus vaped flower may be a draw.

Cleaning

When it comes to dry vaping vs. vape pen in terms of cleaning, there is a clear winner if you’re looking for easy cleanup. The cartridges in a vape pen are easily detached and discarded when used up. The dry cannabis container, on the other hand, needs to be physically cleaned to remove the used cannabis material from its chamber. If you’re looking for an experience without clean-up afterward, the choice for you is an oil vaporizer.

How to Vape Weed

There are many different devices, but perhaps the most common is the vape pen. Vape pens are specifically used for concentrate oils. If you wish to vape the dry flower, different devices are needed that will be discussed below.

How to Use a Cannabis Vape Pen

Vape pens are reusable, portable devices with rechargeable batteries. When using a vape pen, you will take oil-filled cartridges and insert them into the pen, where it will go through the process of being heated to vapor. The specific steps of the process:

1. This first step is important: make sure your vape pen is charged! You wouldn’t want to go out without your phone being charged, and your vape pen needs the same attention.
2. Choose the strain of concentrate you are in the mood for and securely attach it to the vape pen.
3. Different pens have different heating options. If your pen has temperature control, you can control it with buttons to bring it to your desired strength. With a little bit of practice, you will learn the temperatures that suit your needs best.
4. Inhale at your own pace. It is recommended to go slowly at first, but it takes very little time to become familiar with your device, and once you do, you will know just the right speed and amount to inhale that works best for you.
5. When the cannabis cartridge is out of oil, you can throw it away. It’s that simple!

You’ll be able to tell when your cartridge is empty because the flavor strength begins to decline or taste unpleasant. This is the perfect time to switch to a new strain, keeping the experience fresh.

How to Use a Cannabis Flower Vape Device

1. Just like a vape pen, you will want to start with a fully charged vape device.
2. Grind your flower. Grinding ensures the dry marijuana flower will be vaporized more uniformly, allowing you to get the most out of every inhale.
3. There is a chamber in your dry vaping device to put the flower. This acts as a sort of oven that “bakes” your herb. Be sure not to pack your stuff in too tightly. Much like the fuel in your gas tank needs room to breathe, the process of vaporization needs air.
4. Bring the device to your desired temperature. This is usually controlled by buttons on the vape, and it usually takes a minute or two to heat up.
5. Inhale slowly at first. You will soon become accustomed to the device and how hot to heat it, but it is always recommended that you start with small doses at lower temperatures, increasing the temp and/or dose in small increments as needed.
6. Once you have used up all the herb in your chamber and there’s no more usable material left, it is time to clean the device. You will start by brushing out the burnt material in the heating chamber. Once you’ve cleared out as much as you can, you will want to wipe it down with some disinfectant. A Q-tip helps clean out all hard-to-reach corners of the chamber.

Ready to Try Vaping Marijuana?

Regardless if you’re looking for a fun new way to explore new strains or in need of discretionary marijuana products, vaping is an ideal option. If you feel like you’re ready to try vaping, are an experienced user looking for new concentrates, or have any further questions about vaping devices, please don’t hesitate to contact the cannabis experts at Zen Leaf. We have quality cannabis vape products and are happy to answer any questions you may have.