A vaporizer is an electronic device that turns raw materials in liquid form and heats them to produce a fine mist of water and odorless, tasteless hydrocarbons. In turn, this process creates inhalable vapors that contain the active ingredients in cannabis.
The primary benefit of using one is the convenience of not having to smoke weed, but no one should neglect the ability for it to provide instant relief from nausea and inflammation.
It is important to be aware of certain facts concerning the use of vaporizers. Most notably, there is not enough evidence to prove that they work at significantly increasing the level of THC in the body. Some studies have shown that vaporizing does speed up the rate at which our bodies absorb cannabinoids, but it is unlikely that using vaporizers will increase THC levels significantly.
Since the technology has not been used long enough for a research consensus to be reached, it is safe to assume that there are no absolute benefits or risks when using vaporizers. It is still up to the individual to decide if they want to use them and how they wish to use them.
Innovations in portable vaporizers
Portable vaporizers have been around since the beginning of the modern cannabis culture. The first portable vaporizers were rudimentary in design and did not contain many features that we see in newer models.
The most basic portable vaporizers were made of metals such as aluminum and the original Volcano by Storz & Bickel. This was a basic design that became the model for most vaporizers to come.
A number of companies have been able to make small advancements in portability, but nothing like the advancements that we see today. Or maybe it is more accurate to say that there are so many new features going into vaporizers that it is sometimes hard to keep up! The amount of functionality integrated into one portable vape is staggering.
Esoteric heat technologies like titanium and quartz are incorporated into almost every portable vaporizer, all allowing for them to be very efficient with their heating abilities without using a lot of electricity.
However, the first models still provided cannabis users with a much more convenient way to consume cannabinoids than having to smoke them. As time went on, manufacturers began inventing innovative features that enhanced the overall experience of using portable vaporizers.
The most notable one was the making of battery-powered portable vaporizers. Prior to their creation, we had to use wall-powered models that were a hassle to lug around; this made it impossible for many people who wanted to enjoy vaping on the move.
However, with the advent of lithium battery-powered vaporizers, this problem was solved and we are no longer required to use uncomfortable wall-powered vaporizers. The biggest benefit of these is that they offer extended usage times and don't get affected by overly hot temperatures.
Since these options are becoming more popular among cannabis users, it is important to understand what the best portable vaporizer for weed is. There are a few factors that will make or break your decision on which vaporizer will work best for your needs.
The main factors to consider when choosing a vaporizer are:
- price,
- battery life,
- and the quality of the materials used.
Additionally, some models have temperature settings that allow you to control how deeply you inhale the vapors. Considering all of these factors is important for ensuring that you get a vaporizer that will meet your needs well.
Benefits for using vaporizers
Apart from convenience, there are many benefits associated with using portable vaporizers. A few of them are listed below:
- Instant pain relief: there have been numerous reports from people who use cannabis-based medicines and portable vaporizers claiming that their pain levels decrease after using it for just a week or two.
- Convenient: vaporizers are more convenient to use than smoking cannabis out of a traditional pipe or bong. This is because they provide an instant high that lasts for a few hours without the need of inhaling smoke.
- Safer: vaporizers make it possible for people who struggle with respiratory conditions like asthma to enjoy using medical marijuana without compromising their overall health. Also, users do not have to be concerned about the effects of secondhand smoke.
- Discreet: due to its small size and the lack of any sort of light or buzzer, portable vaporizers are discreet in nature, making it easier to use them in public places without attracting unwanted attention from onlookers.
Early models were also associated with a bunch of benefits but they were replaced with disadvantages in the modern era. For example, the first models were smaller in size and less expensive than the models available today. However, they also had to be plugged into an outlet for them to work.
Additionally, the older models did not have any temperature control setting, which made it impossible for you to adjust your vaping sessions according to your needs. Thankfully, most of these issues have been addressed by modern manufacturers and we now have more technologically advanced options at our disposal.
How to clean and maintain your vaporizer
As you are well aware, the material that the vaporizer's heating chamber is made of will affect how often it needs to be cleaned. For instance, glass-made heating chambers need to be cleaned daily if used frequently.
However, for the most part, people need to clean their portable vaporizers once a week. If you have a glass heating chamber, it is good practice to run hot water through it several times a day in order to keep it clean easily.
Additionally, you should avoid changing the temperature settings on your vaporizer until you are done using it since higher temperatures can cause residues from the cannabis materials to stick on your vaporizer walls.
Conclusion
Considering that there have been no reported cases of serious side effects so far, it is safe to assume that using a portable vaporizer may be safer than smoking cannabis. Still, it is up to you as an individual to decide if vaping is the right choice for you in order to enjoy all the benefits without any drawbacks associated with it.
As you can see, there are a lot of pros associated with using portable vaporizers. These devices offer convenient and more efficient ways to consume medical cannabis. However, these advantages are not without risks. Just like with any other recreational or medicinal drug, the health benefits of using a vaporizer versus smoking has not been determined by research yet.