For patients using medicinal cannabis, choosing the right consumption method can make a big difference in managing symptoms effectively. Vaporizers offer a modern solution that’s both gentle and precise, making them an increasingly popular choice among medical cannabis users.
Understanding how to use a vaporizer properly can help you get the most out of your prescribed cannabis while minimizing potential health concerns. From reduced respiratory irritation to better dosage control, let’s explore why healthcare providers often recommend vaporizing as a preferred method for medicinal cannabis consumption.
Benefits of Vaporizing Medicinal Cannabis
Compared to smoking, vaporizing offers several key benefits for medicinal cannabis patients:
- Reduced exposure to toxins and carcinogens1
- More efficient delivery of active compounds2
- Precise temperature control for optimal effects
- Faster onset of action for rapid symptom relief
- Less odor and greater discretion
By heating the cannabis to a specific temperature range, typically between 356°F and 392°F (180°C and 200°C), vaporizers can efficiently extract the therapeutic compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes without creating the harmful smoke and tar associated with combustion.3
Types of Vaporizers for Medicinal Cannabis
When choosing a vaporizer for medicinal cannabis, patients have several options depending on their needs and preferences:
Portable Vaporizers
Portable vaporizers, like the Venty, offer convenience and discretion for patients who need to medicate on the go. These battery-powered devices are compact and easy to use, making them a popular choice for many medicinal cannabis patients.
Desktop Vaporizers
Desktop vaporizers, such as the Volcano Classic, are larger, more powerful devices designed for home use. They often feature advanced temperature controls and deliver a high-quality vapor, making them ideal for patients who primarily medicate at home.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are compact, pen-shaped devices designed for use with cannabis oils and concentrates. While they offer portability and ease of use, they may not be suitable for all medicinal cannabis patients due to the limited range of available products and potential quality control issues.4
Choosing the Right Vaporizer
When selecting a vaporizer for medicinal cannabis, patients should consider factors such as:
- Compatibility with their prescribed cannabis products
- Ease of use and maintenance
- Temperature control options
- Battery life (for portable devices)
- Vapor quality and efficiency
- Durability and warranty
Consulting with a healthcare professional experienced in medicinal cannabis can help patients make an informed decision when choosing a vaporizer that meets their specific needs.
Using a Vaporizer for Medicinal Cannabis
Once a patient has chosen a suitable vaporizer, it’s essential to learn how to use the device properly for optimal results. Key steps include:
- Grinding the cannabis flower to a fine consistency for even heating5
- Loading the appropriate amount of ground cannabis into the vaporizer chamber
- Setting the desired temperature based on the specific cannabinoids and terpenes being targeted
- Inhaling slowly and steadily to allow the vapor to fill the lungs
- Exhaling completely and waiting a few minutes to assess the effects before consuming more
Patients should always follow their healthcare provider’s guidance on dosing and frequency of use, starting with a low dose and gradually adjusting as needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
Maintaining Your Vaporizer
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring your vaporizer continues to function properly and deliver high-quality vapor. Most vaporizers come with cleaning instructions specific to the device, but general tips include:
- Brushing out the chamber and screens after each use
- Disassembling and thoroughly cleaning the device with isopropyl alcohol every few weeks
- Replacing screens and other wear-and-tear parts as needed
- Storing the device in a cool, dry place when not in use
By properly maintaining your vaporizer, you can extend its lifespan and ensure consistent performance for your medicinal cannabis sessions.
Storz & Bickel: Leading Medicinal Cannabis Vaporizers
Storz & Bickel, a German manufacturer owned by Canopy Growth Corporation, is renowned for producing high-quality, medically certified vaporizers. Two of their most popular devices, the Mighty+ and the Volcano Hybrid, are widely used by medicinal cannabis patients worldwide.
Mighty+ Medic
The Mighty+ Medic is a portable, battery-powered vaporizer designed for use with dried cannabis flower. Its precise temperature control, combined convection and conduction heating, and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for patients seeking a reliable, portable medicinal cannabis vaporizer.
Volcano Medic 2
The Volcano Medic 2 is a desktop vaporizer that can be used with both dried cannabis flower and liquid cannabinoids dissolved in alcohol. Its advanced heating technology, precise temperature control, and compatibility with both balloon bags and a tube system make it a versatile option for medicinal cannabis patients.
Both the Mighty+ Medic and the Volcano Medic 2 have been certified as medical devices, underscoring their reliability and suitability for use by medicinal cannabis patients.
Conclusion
Vaporizers offer medicinal cannabis patients a safer, more efficient, and more precise method of consuming their prescribed treatments compared to smoking. By selecting a high-quality, medically certified vaporizer like those offered by Storz & Bickel and following proper usage and maintenance guidelines, patients can optimize the therapeutic benefits of their medicinal cannabis while minimizing potential risks.
As always, patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate vaporizer and treatment plan for their individual needs.
References
- Loflin M, Earleywine M. No smoke, no fire: What the initial literature suggests regarding vapourized cannabis and respiratory risk. Can J Respir Ther. 2015;51(1):7-9.
- Abrams DI, Vizoso HP, Shade SB, Jay C, Kelly ME, Benowitz NL. Vaporization as a smokeless cannabis delivery system: a pilot study. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2007;82(5):572-578.
- Hazekamp A, Ruhaak R, Zuurman L, van Gerven J, Verpoorte R. Evaluation of a vaporizing device (Volcano) for the pulmonary administration of tetrahydrocannabinol. J Pharm Sci. 2006;95(6):1308-1317.
- Giroud C, de Cesare M, Berthet A, Varlet V, Concha-Lozano N, Favrat B. E-Cigarettes: A Review of New Trends in Cannabis Use. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(8):9988-10008.
- Gieringer D, St. Laurent J, Goodrich S. Cannabis Vaporizer Combines Efficient Delivery of THC with Effective Suppression of Pyrolytic Compounds. Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics. 2004;4(1):7-27.
