How to choose your vaporizer?

The vaporizers are currently flooding the cannabis accessory market. An ever-increasing number of medical patients and recreational users are choosing to vaporize their cannabis rather than smoke it. And for good reason.

Vaporizing—or “vaping”—dried herb or concentrates is healthier than smoking. The discreet nature of certain pen-style or portable vaporizers, along with their ease of storage and minimal odor, are among the key factors in their success in countries that are experimenting with the legalization of cannabis use, whether at home or outdoors.

The vaporization It works by heating a sample of cannabis (in the form of weed, oil, or wax), either by passing hot air over it or by placing it on a hot surface. The hot air or heated surface reaches or exceeds the boiling point of the various cannabinoids, releasing them so they can be inhaled by the user. Since this process involves no combustion, vaporizing avoids the ingestion of carcinogens and other toxins produced when any material is burned.

Vaporization offers the advantage of being able to fully enjoy the Health Effects of Cannabis. It also allows users to consume their substance discreetly, without disturbing those physically close to them.

Conduction vs. Convection

Two physical mechanisms are used for vaporization: conduction and convection. Conduction involves heating the herb or oil through direct contact with a heating element. Convection, on the other hand, works by exposing the herb to a stream of hot air, similar to certain types of household ovens.

Convection offers several advantages, including greater exposure of the trichomes, which contain all of the plant’s medicinal and psychoactive properties. The result is a thicker, denser vapor that delivers more cannabinoids and terpenes. Vaporizers that use convection, like the PAX2, which would be a great Christmas gift, may require agitating the combustion chamber to ensure that all the material is in contact with the heated surface.

Often, but not always, the models of conduction vaporizers produce a lighter vapor that lacks the potency of convection vaporizers.

The convection vaporizers, such as the Volcano or Vapolution home vaporizers, or the Vapir Prima portable vaporizer, generally provide a more intense heating of the herb or the cannabinoids found in concentrates.

Technically speaking, many convection vaporizers use both convection and conduction to create a more intense vapor and more pronounced flavors.

Types of Sprayers

There are three main categories of vaporizers, available at affordable price points and featuring a wide variety of functions and designs. Of course, some models are more expensive than others, but prices can start as low as €20.

Desktop vaporizers

Desktop vaporizers plug into an outlet to operate and are among the most expensive: they cost between €100 and €600. They produce very high-quality vapor and extract the maximum from the herb or oil.

The desktop spray bottles are designed for home use and are not intended for use on the go, such as while camping. The best desktop vaporizers can provide steam for several people at once.

There are two types of desktop vaporizers: forced-air and passive. Forced-air models, such as the Volcano, use a fan to circulate hot air around the cannabis sample. The vapor is collected in a clear plastic bag and can then be inhaled at the patient’s own pace. Passive models involve a glass or plastic tube from which the patient inhales the vapor, similar to a hookah.

Some desktop vaporizer models, such as the VapirRise, the viVape 2, and the HerbalAire, use both methods. However, the vapor quality is average. Users can, however, control their inhalation by taking either quick puffs—which produce cool, pleasant vapor—or long inhalations—which produce warmer vapor.

The Volcano is considered the Aston Martin of desktop vaporizers. However, it costs around 600€. For a more affordable option, the Vapolution is a good option (around €200), while the Vapolution 3.0 is available starting at €250, offering the latest technologies, such as a hydrotube that filters the vapor through water for a smoother and more pleasant inhalation experience.

Portable Sprayers

A relatively new category of cannabis vaporizers has emerged. These pocket-sized vaporizers are designed for patients who want an upgraded pen-style vaporizer, even if it takes up more space and is heavier. Portable vaporizers such as the convection-style Vapir Prima, the stylish PAX 2, and the DaVinci Ascent sell for around €250 and offer performance that is slightly inferior to desktop vaporizers, but this is offset by their battery-powered portability and built-in high-tech features.

The portable sprayers are among the most dynamic new markets in the cannabis industry. Fast-growing companies in Las Vegas and San Francisco are currently competing to establish their new lines of vaporizers, which feature ever-more advanced technology, improved battery life, more precise temperature control, and higher-quality craftsmanship.

The most discreet portable vaporizer—and also the most expensive—is undoubtedly the PAX2, with its high-end design. People who prioritize performance and already regret having to leave their desktop vaporizer at home will turn to the Prima.

Unlike the PAX 2, which only accepts dried herb, the Prima can handle concentrates—a major advantage for patients seeking quick relief from pain or nausea. Its removable battery allows users to replace it without having to buy a new vaporizer. Both the Prima and the PAX 2 offer four different temperature settings and are made of brushed aluminum, available in several colors, and priced at around €250.

Another portable vaporizer that stands out is the Crafty from Storz & Bickel, the company that designed the Volcano and has been setting the pace in the desktop vaporizer market for over ten years. This handheld vaporizer is packed with high-tech features and produces vapor comparable to that of the Volcano. This ergonomic model retails for around €340 and offers remote control via an app that displays the battery level and allows you to adjust the vaporizer’s temperature.

Pen-style spray bottles

The popularity of e-cigarettes has given rise to a new type of device for consuming cannabis: pen-style vaporizers. From entry-level models priced at €20 to more expensive devices, there is now a wide selection of pen-style vaporizers available for use at home or on the go.

The pen-style spray bottles consist of two main components: a battery and an atomizer that vaporizes cannabis, whether in the form of herb or concentrate. Many models charge via USB. Pen-style vaporizers offer the advantage of being inexpensive and allowing for easy replacement of any defective parts (charger, mouthpiece, battery, or (the atomizer).

Some concentrate companies, such as Bloom Farms and Neos, sell their products ready for consumption in pre-filled cartridges packaged with vaporizer pens. Neos offers capsules of CBD, while Bloom Farms sells cannabis oil capsules derived from different varieties of cannabis (indica, sativa, or hybrids). The company uses only recycled materials for its consumables. This allows medical patients to have quick access to their treatment.

We can also recommend checking out the O.penVAPE, the Go.Pen, or the Daborizer from BHO Pen, as well as the Dr. Dabber Ghost.

In summary:

• desktop spray bottle: for home use, with a budget set aside for high-end products
• portable spray bottle: For outdoor use, mainly for growing weed. The top-of-the-line models are still affordable
• pen-style spray bottle: for casual use, mainly for cannabis concentrates, or for those on a tight budget