A Look Inside: How Does A Vaporizer Work?
A vaporizer works by heating the marijuana at a cooler temperature than required for burning (combustion). The temperature of vaporization can range from 200°C or 392°F. At this temperature, the active ingredients in marijuana are converted into a gas or vapor that is inhaled.
The Negative Effects Of Burning Marijuana
There is a huge difference in the quality of smoke that one receives when they vaporize versus igniting their medical marijuana. When burning marijuana in either a joint or a bong, 88% of the combusted smoke gasses contain non-cannabinoid elements, most of which do not get you medicated and provide potential health risks.
Burning medical marijuana is not ideal for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is the respiratory hazards due to the toxic by-products of combustion and the lack of active ingredients delivered (cannabinoids) when the marijuana is burned. The combustion of marijuana produces several known carcinogens and tar, which can irritate the lungs and lead to chronic bronchitis. Vaporizers are great at overcoming this issue.
Vaporizing Marijuana Is Safer And Even More Effective
Now, when one vaporizes their medical marijuana the vapors that they are inhaling consists of approximately 95% cannabinoids, otherwise known as the psychoactive ingredients that contribute to the medicinal effects of the marijuana.
Vaporizing marijuana emits a vapor that is about 95% smoke and carcinogen free. The plant matter is never actually ignited. When your burning or combusting your marijuana, you are creating smoke and that contributes to lung cancer and other respiratory disorders.
It’s All About the Temperature!
Studies have shown that the best temperature to vaporize marijuana is around 338 degrees. That is when vaporization is most effective. At 285 degrees cannabinoids begin to vaporize. Around 392 degrees marijuana plant matter begins to combust. It’s important to find that “sweet spot” for the maximum benefit.
An old myth says that if you hold in the smoke off a joint or bong etc… you will increase the effects felt. This is not necessarily the truth. Holding in the smoke allows more tar and chemicals from the combustion to be absorbed. Studies in Australia show that 95% of the THC in cannabis will be absorbed within the first few seconds of inhaling. It’s best to take small and shallow puffs.
So What Is The Best Vaporizer For Marijuana?
From our personal experience, the Volcano by Storz & Bickel wins every time. It is pictured above. From the design to the functionality it’s superior to every other marijuana vaporizer we have tried. It costs roughly $500 for the digital version which includes a bright led display and other conveniences. Our Volcano has seen about a year of daily use and I can’t say I regret the purchase! Some consider the Volcano to be the “Bentley” of the vaporizers. I could go on and on about how great it is, but we will dedicate a post just for our Volcano Vaporizer review.