Vaping is another way to inhale cannabis, but rather than smoking a joint, you’ll be using an electronic device that heats the dried flower or oil versus burning it. You then inhale vapor versus smoke for the administration of cannabinoids. Many different types of vaporizers exist. They vary in size (some fit in your hand while others need to be placed on a table) and the type of cannabis they work with (some use oil cartridges while others use dried flower).   

A unique aspect of some vaporizers is you can set the temperature, this provides more flexibility than smoking and allows you to target the specific compounds you would like to consume. Below, you can find a table of the different boiling points of some of the more well-known cannabinoids and terpenes: 

Vaporizer types 

There are four types of vaporizers you may come across: a conduction vaporizer for dried flower, a convection vaporizer for dried flower, vape pens and dab pens.  

For dried flower vaporizers, you will first need to grind your cannabis flower before inserting it into either a conduction or convection vaporizer. A conduction vaporizer heats the ground flower via a metal plate. This can result in less even heating of the dried flower than if you were to use a convection vaporizer because a convection vaporizer moves hot air around the dried flower evenly (just like a convection oven!). Once you have decided on either a convection or conduction vaporizer, you can then choose from a wide range of options such as tabletop versus handheld in different price points. Steps for use for dried flower vaporizers are as follows:

Unlike a vape pen or using a pre-roll, it can be difficult to know when your vaporized dried flower has been used up. When the flower is heated for too long and reaches the end of its use, you will typically notice a change in the vapour taste and/or smell and the flower itself will look brown and dried up if you open the device.  

Vape pens do not use dried flower but rather a cartridge that contains a cannabis extract. You can either buy cartridges that twist into rechargeable batteries or disposable vape pens, which are the cartridge and battery in one. When finished, the disposable vape pens are thrown away or recycled (if your area has a program). They can be more convenient than a dried flower vaporizer, given you don’t have to grind and insert the flower into the device.  

It is also important to note that the oil in vape pens are not the same as ingestible oils. Vape pen cartridges are only meant for use with a vape pen and they can contain isolates (THC and/or CBD alone) or be full spectrum extracts (containing THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids and/or terpenes). Regardless of being an extract or isolate, these products tend to have higher concentrations of THC and/or CBD in comparison to the levels naturally found in dried flower due to the extraction processes involved with creating these products. The safety of vape cartridges (their ingredients, materials to make the cartridge and processes to create the extract/isolate contents) are carefully monitored and regulated by Health Canada.  

Using Aurora’s 510 Thread Battery  

Using Aurora’s 510 Thread Battery as an example, to use it, simply:   

• Screw a compatible cartridge onto the battery pack 
    
• Turn the battery on by pressing the button 5 times (press it another 5 times to close/lock the device)  
  
  
• Press your lips to the mouthpiece, hold down the side button and inhale until the desired effect is achieved   
  
  
• No need to “hold it in.” Casually inhale/exhale like normal    

If you are new to vaping, it is recommended to “start slow, go slow.” Begin with a single inhalation and wait at least 10 minutes to assess any effects. If the desired effect is not achieved, take an additional inhalation and wait another few minutes.  

Dab pens are a mix between a vaporizer and a dab rig and are used to consume cannabis concentrates. To use, you place a small amount of concentrate into the chamber that is heated via a battery, to create the vapour you inhale. The product category of Concentrates, includes a wide range of products (learn more about concentrates here). Overall, these products deliver exceptionally high concentrations of THC and/or CBD so be sure to start with a small amount at first and titrate slowly up until you reached your desired dose. Like vape pen cartridges, concentrate products range from isolates to full spectrum profiles.  

Caring For Your Vape  

It’s best to store your vape in an upright position and at room temperature. Avoid sudden and frequent changes in temperature and/or atmospheric pressure. In general, always remember to handle your vape pen with care.    

Have Any Other Questions About Consuming Cannabis?   

We’re here to help! Please don’t hesitate to contact our Client Care team by email at askus@auroramedical.com or by phone at 1-877-928-7672. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET (6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT).  

Reference: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/regulations-support-cannabis-act/consumer-information.html