How To Get The Most Out Of Vaping Cannabis

Vaping cannabis is a consumption method that has been around since the early days of vaporizers, which were originally developed for cannabis. The technology has evolved from large desktop cannabis vaporizers to portable devices, making it more convenient than ever to enjoy cannabis. Whether you are new to vaping or a seasoned smoker looking to switch things up, this guide will help you to get the absolute most out of your cannabis vaping experience.

Essential Supplies: What You Need To Start Vaping Cannabis

To get started with vaping cannabis, you will need a few essential supplies. Regardless of whether you’re using a portable or desktop vaporizer, certain accessories will enhance your experience:

• Quality dry herbs or concentrates: The first thing you will need is high quality cannabis products to vape. This can be dry herbs or concentrates depending on which your device can accommodate. Dry herbs in particular should be neither too sticky nor too dry, as this can affect the vaping experience.

• Cannabis vaporizer: The main tool you will need is a cannabis vaporizer, with options ranging from portable devices to desktop units designed specifically for this purpose.

• Grinder: Grinding your herb is essential for most vaporizers, particularly those that use conduction heating. A grinder ensures a consistent texture, which is key for even vaporisation.

• Accessories: Most vaporizers come with cleaning tools like brushes and stir tools. Additional items like cotton swabs, pipe cleaners, and high-strength isopropyl alcohol are also useful for maintaining your device.

How To Pack And Use A Dry Herb Vaporizer Efficiently

Properly packing and using your cannabis vaporizer is crucial for a good vaping experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to proper usage:

1. Prepare the device: Ensure that your vaporizer is fully charged or plugged in before you begin.

2. Grind your herbs: Most vaporizers work best with a fine to medium grind. While some convection devices may allow you to use full buds, grinding is generally recommended. This is especially true for conduction vaporizers.

3. Load the chamber: Carefully place your ground herb into the vaporizer’s chamber using a tool like a small business card or scooper.

4. Pack the herb: Use a tool or your finger to pack the herb down evenly. For conduction vapes, a firmer pack is necessary to maximise surface area, but don’t pack it too tightly, as airflow is essential. Convection vapes can be packed more loosely but should still be even.

5. Set the temperature: Turn on your device and select your desired temperature. Temperatures between 163-177 °C are recommended for new users as this produces cool vapour with good flavour and effective potency.

How To Properly Inhale Vapour From A Cannabis Vape

Inhaling vapour from a cannabis vaporizer can feel different from inhaling smoke. The vapour is cooler but can still induce coughing until you get used to it. Here is how to do it properly:

1. Heat up the vaporizer: Wait about 30 seconds to a minute after the device reaches the desired temperature before taking your first puff.

2. Prime the vaporizer: Take a few gentle puffs to get the vapour flowing.

3. Inhale: Gently and evenly drag on the mouthpiece until your lungs are full of vapour, then exhale.

4. Adjust as necessary: If the draw feels too tight, loosen your lips on the mouthpiece as you would with a tightly packed joint. You can also adjust the temperature until you find your sweet spot. 

Most dry herb vaporizers are session vapes, meaning they automatically turn off after a while. However, you can turn them back on for another session if there is still life left in your herb, also referred to as “already vaped bud” (AVB). Check your herb after each session; if it still has some colour, stir it up, pack it down again, and vape it once more.

Cleaning And Maintaining Your Vaporizer

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the performance of your vaporizer. The best time to clean it is right after your session, when it’s easier and can even be an enjoyable part of your ritual.

1. Turn Off the Device: Ensure your vaporizer is off and completely cooled down before cleaning.

2. Remove the Mouthpiece: Take off the mouthpiece and clean it separately.

3. Clean the chamber: Use a brush to remove any leftover debris from the herb chamber.

4. Use alcohol: Dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and clean the inside of the chamber. For the vapour path, use a pipe cleaner soaked in alcohol.

5. Inspect the device and let it dry: Hold the vaporiser up to the light to ensure it is clean. Make sure it is completely dry before your next use.

Neglecting to clean your vaporizer can lead to residue buildup, which can cause uneven vaporisation. It is okay to skip cleaning for a few sessions, but do not wait too long, or it will be much harder to clean later.

Sanitising Your Vaporizer

Before using a new vaporizer for the first time, it is important to sanitise it as residual machine oils from production can affect the taste and quality of your vapour.

• Burn-off: Run the vaporizer for 3-4 heating cycles with an empty chamber to eliminate any residual machine oils.

• Clean the vapour path: Use a pipe cleaner or cotton swab to clean the vapour path.

• Sanitise the mouthpiece: Remove the mouthpiece, soak it in alcohol, wipe it down, rinse, and dry. Use the same process for any other non-electronic parts.

• Replace the Bag (if applicable): If you are using a desktop vaporizer with a bag, replace it when it becomes discoloured or sticky from cannabis resin.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your vaporizer is clean, sanitised, and ready for an optimal vaping experience. Whether you are new to vaping weed or looking to improve your technique, this guide will set you on the right path to enjoying cannabis in a whole new way.

To maximise your vaping experience with cannabis, it is essential to start with quality herbs, use the right vaporizer, and maintain your device regularly. Proper grinding, packing, and temperature settings are key to extracting the full flavour and effects of your cannabis. By taking the time to clean and care for your vaporizer, you will ensure consistent, enjoyable sessions every time. Embrace these practices and you will get the most out of your cannabis vaping experience, making it both effective and satisfying.