Today, anyone over 21 years old can walk into a cannabis store and purchase recreational cannabis. This access to cannabis is a gift, but the way we consume cannabinoids can affect our comfort and effectiveness.
A variety of factors influence your cannabis experience, ranging from product potency to hydration. Learn how to maximize your cannabis consumption and achieve the results you seek.
Vaporize with a Purpose
Weed vaporizers are increasingly popular because they offer a more convenient way to consume marijuana. They can be a safer alternative to smoking because they don’t involve combustion, which isn’t good for your lungs. Instead, a cannabis vaporizer uses heat to extract the active cannabinoid chemicals into a vapor that is inhaled.
A weed vaporizer typically has a heating chamber or oven, which is where the cannabis flowers are loaded and heated to produce vapor for inhalation. Before using a vaporizer, make sure you grind the cannabis well and pack the oven firmly but not tightly. Packing too tightly can cause uneven heating and poor airflow.
Once the device reaches your desired vaping temperature, take a slow and relaxed draw from the mouthpiece. The flavor produced from a vaporizer is more pronounced than smoking, and you’ll be able to taste the terpenes and cannabinoid profiles of each strain. This will become less pronounced as your session continues.
Vaporize with a Concentrate
Vaporizers allow users to administer precision doses and reduce the amount of cannabis needed to experience an effect. They also eliminate the extra tar and carcinogens that are produced by combustion.
To use your vaporizer, start by grinding and packing your marijuana thoroughly inside the heating chamber (also called an oven). Avoid overpacking, as this can block airflow. After your marijuana is packed, close and seal the device. Once ready to inhale, slowly inhale to maximize cannabinoid intake and experience. When the marijuana vapor begins to lose flavor and becomes thinner, it’s time to reload.
Vaporizers are easy to use, but reading the manual is essential. Understanding how your tabletop or portable weed vaporizer works is crucial for enjoying the best experience and prolonging your device’s lifespan.
Vaporize with a Sativa
Cannabis vape cartridges are one of the fastest-growing product categories among legal cannabis consumers. These devices are designed to hold a pre-measured amount of cannabis oil or concentrate and are powered by an atomizer that heats the cannabis for inhalation.
The vapor produced is inhaled into the lungs and can be adjusted using different heating settings. Unlike traditional quartz coils or wick-style vaporizers that apply direct heat to the cannabis and can release carcinogens, ceramic core vaporizers use indirect heating for a cleaner flavor and less smoke.
Operating a vaporizer may seem intimidating to beginners, but it is simple. Most vaporizers turn on automatically when used and only need to be loaded with a fresh cartridge and activated with a button. Compared to smoking a joint or using a pipe, the process is far more precise and less messy. The odor from the cannabis will dissipate much faster as well.
Vaporize with an Indica
When using a vape pen with cannabis, it’s best to start by reading the device’s manual. This will help you maximize your experience and ensure you use the device correctly to avoid damaging it.
Once you’ve done this, load the device with high-quality dried or cured marijuana. Grind the weed thoroughly, and then pack it into the vape’s heating chamber (often called an “oven”). Don’t overpack, as doing so can impede airflow. Then, select the proper temperature setting according to your device’s instructions.
Finally, attach a mouthpiece and inhale the vapor through short, measured draws. This allows you to experience all the nuances and flavors of your chosen strain while getting a more accurate dose. Remember to use a low dose and increase it in small increments as needed to maximize your cannabis intake while avoiding unnecessary side effects. If you’re unsure about the correct dosage, consider booking an appointment with a cannabis counselor.