What is a Vaporizer?
A vaporizer is a device that heats up dried herbs to a temperature where the active components can be released into a safe aromatic vapor. In this process the herb is not scorched, burned or combusted, therefore no smoke is generated. Although vapor may appear to resemble smoke, it doesn’t contain any of the toxic particles (tar, benzene, toluene, naphthalene, etc.), which make smoking such a health hazard.
Vaporizing is different than smoking.
Smoking uses the process of combustion that releases the ingredients in the herb being smoked. One of the main issues with combustion is that it also releases toxins like CO2, carbon monoxide, tar, ash and other carcinogenic elements known to cause cancer. According to studies, between 30 to 50 percent of the ingredients in herbs are destroyed when the plant material is in the combustion stage. What this means is that not only does smoking have harmful effects on your health but also the essential ingredients of the plant are destroyed making the whole process a bit futile and self-destructive.
Vaporizing is considered a much better choice than smoking. It gently heats up the plant material using a heating element rather than combustion. Vaporizing allows the active elements of your herb to be released into a thin vapor around 180-200°C (356-392°F), which is 95% pure and clean and most importantly free of toxic byproducts. The vapor can be filtered and cooled down using several different methods before inhalation.
Vaporizers come in several different models and a range of price points. They come in all sizes from the larger home models to the specifically designed portable and discreet ones. Many home models come with a power cord so you’ll need to be near an electrical outlet and they often come with a variety of accessories such as balloons and valves that require some space. The Volcano by Storz-Bickel Vaporizer and the Arizer Extreme Q are popular examples of home models.
Most portable vaporizers come with rechargeable batteries and are fueled by butane or NO2 so they can be used just about anywhere. Some portable vaporizers have distinct designs like the Iolite models that look like walkie-talkies. This vaporizer enjoyed some fame in the hands of actor Ted Danson’s character on a TV series – ‘Bored to Death’.
Three Types of Vaporizers
There are 3 types of Vaporizers; the glass vaporizer, the electrical vaporizer and the digital vaporizer.
The Glass Vaporizer is the easiest way to get your herb to the desired temperature because there is distance between the heat source and your herb. One of the disadvantages is the lack of temperature accuracy but it’s an affordable choice.
The Electrical Vaporizer comes in several different models and is known for being easy to use. Your herb is heated up by an electrical element on a glass bulb that when filled creates vapor and the user inhales it through a small tube.
The Digital Vaporizer is the newer model on the market. It has a unique feature of having a chip that accurately ensures the exact temperature and the material is not overheated or wasted.
There are a few different methods of inhalation to choose from when shopping for your vaporizer.
The Stored Vapor method creates the vapor, stores it in a glass dome or balloon style bag until the user is ready to use it. The balloon style bag holds larger amounts of vapor than the dome style.
The Direct Lung method allows hot air to pass through the herb, sending the vapor directly into your lungs. This method allows for larger hits because there is no vapor storage. One of the advantages of this method is the taste – it’s clean fresh tasting vapor. Some models have a built in fan to get a higher volume of air moving into your lungs.
4 Reasons to Vaporize
1. Safe and clean. Vaporizing is a safe and cleanway of extracting the essence from various plant material. Scientific testing prove that in the process of burning, cancerous matter develops such as tar and carbon monoxide to name a few, which are hazardous for lungs and overall health. Vaporizing is therefore very suitable for the medicinal use of herbs.
2. Less is more. You’ll need fewer herbs because you’ll be able to re-use your dose 3 to 4 times over by using a vaporizer and you’ll enjoy even better results. When you smoke, all the material is released in one hit, but vaporizing allows the release of these herbs in a step-by-step process. Some vaporizer users have reported cutting down to at least half of their usual amount.
3. Taste! Vaporizing produces a delicious aromatic taste that is safe and gentle on your lungs. It is so much better than the harsh tar-flavor of smoke. Vaporizing lets you truly taste the herb you are using.
4. Effective! Vaporizing is the most effective when it comes to getting the most from your herb. One of the benefits of vaporizing is, not having to use tobacco, which often creates a dull and tired feeling. Vaporizing your herb enhances your overall experience.