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A vaporizer (or vaporiser) is a device commonly used to release psychoactive compounds from plant material, most commonly cannabis or tobacco, although it can also be used to release certain therapeutic compounds from herbs and other plants (See aromatherapy).
It is used by some as an alternative to smoking. Rather than burning material, a vaporizer heats it enough that the more volatile constituents boil away, where they can then be inhaled. In this manner, fewer harmful particles are released than by burning, and when done effectively, only fibrous plant material remains.
At the same time, vaporization offers the advantages of inhaling THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis): rapid onset, direct delivery into the bloodstream, and the possibility to stop delivery when the desired level is reached or conversely continue until the desired level is reached.
Scientific evidence
A NORML-MAPS study published May 2, 2003 found that the Volcano Vaporizer, a high-end vaporizer, was remarkably clean, its vapor consisting 95% of THC with traces of cannabinol (CBN), another cannabinoid. The remaining 5% consisted of small amounts of three other components: one suspected cannabinoid relative, one suspected PAH, and caryophyllene, a fragrant oil in cannabis and other plants. In contrast over 111 different components appeared in the gas of the combusted smoke, including a half dozen known PAHs. Non-cannabinoids accounted for as much as 88% of the total gas content of the smoke.
This high efficiency was in stark contrast to MAPS/NORML's previous studies into vaporizers which found far less encouraging results, leading one to the conclusion that the effectiveness of vaporization varies enormously from vaporizer to vaporizer. Some causes of variation in efficiency and output of vaporization have been suggested to include variations in temperature; differences in the density, weight, and consistency of the cannabis material; differences in the variety and potency of cannabis used; and use of different preparations such as hashish, hashoil, etc*. Further research may clarify the extent of such effects.
Analysis of the vapor from the Volcanostudy found that it delivered 36% - 61% of the THC in the sample - a more recent study using pure cannabinoid preparations achieved a maximum of 54%*. For comparison, studies of marihuana cigarettes smoked via a smoking machine under varying conditions of puff duration and air speed found very similar efficiencies of 34% to 61%. Consequently, users can achieve the desired effect with a similar amount of material as when smoking.
The far less encouraging NORML-MAPS study published January 7, 2001 found that "it is possible to vaporize medically active THC by heating marijuana to a temperature short of the point of combustion, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing harmful smoke toxins that are normally present in marijuana smoke." The study tested a device called the M1 VolatizerAE, which produced THC at a temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 degrees Celsius), while completely eliminating three measured toxins, benzene, toluene and naphthalene. Carbon monoxide and smoke tars were also reduced.
As a word of caution, these studies have not measured the presence of toxic gases, such as ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, though previous studies have indicated unquantified decreases in carbon monoxide with vaporization.
Although vaporizers produce cleaner vapors than smoking, it does not completely eliminate respiratory irritation. A puff of strong vaporized cannabis will occasionally cause coughing. This however, could be due to THC itself, which is known to irritate the bronchial tract.
Heating options
- With convection heating, the herbs themselves never touch a heating element. Instead, hot air passes over the herbs heating them very rapidly and allowing them to release their active constituents. This method of heating is by far superior, and releases far more active constituents than conduction heating.
- With conduction heating, the herbs are placed on a metal plate that is then heated to release the active constituents. However, the direct contact between hot metal and herbs can cause them to burn.
- Conduction occurs when tobacco makes contact with a hot solid.
- Convection occurs when tobacco makes contact with a hot gas.
- Inundation is the process of both types of heating combined.
Vapor delivery options
- With direct lung delivery, the user controls the rate of vapor creation by inhaling to draw the hot air over the herbs. This creates the freshest vapor possible.
- With stored vapor delivery, the machine creates vapor and stores it in a glass dome or plastic bag for later inhalation.
See also
"Vaporizer"