Vaping means heating cannabis enough to release its active compounds as vapor, without burning it. Because there is no combustion, vapor contains fewer of the byproducts found in smoke, and many people find it smoother and less smelly.
Two main types
- Dry herb vaporizers heat ground flower. Portable and desktop models are available, and many let you choose the temperature.
- Cartridge (cart) vapes use pre-filled cartridges of cannabis oil that screw onto a battery. They are discreet and easy, and the oil is usually much stronger than flower.
Safety
In 2019, a wave of serious lung injuries (known as EVALI) was linked mainly to illicit THC cartridges containing vitamin E acetate. Buy cartridges only from licensed dispensaries, where products are tested, and avoid street or unbranded carts.
Tips
- Start with small puffs – cartridges can be potent.
- For dry herb, lower temperatures give more flavor; higher temperatures produce thicker vapor.
- Keep batteries and carts away from heat and out of reach of children and pets.