We all know the facts, the current use of joints or pipes for the inhaling of cannabinoids is recognized as delivering numerous irritants and possible carcinogens along with the desired active principles like THC and CBD’s. Any mitigation of irritants to the mouth and tracheobroncheal tree, especially in the chronic marijuana user would be inherently safer and in the case of the immuno-compromised, or people in respiratory distress the change could be life saving.

Visit the page of Dr. Todd Mikuriya to see his complete essay on the benefits of vaporizing.

Vaporization separates out the more therapeutic chemical components from the crude plant or resin impurities that come from the combustion of plant matter.

To know whether you would like to switch to vaporizers, you first might like to learn about how they work. Vaporizers are designed to release active ingredients of marijuana without burning the plant material. Whatever type of vaporizer you use, you will need to set it at a temperature of about 356°f - 392°f in order to heat up the THC enough for it to vaporize. It takes experimentation with different strains at slightly different temperatures to get it absolutely right. Concentrates can also be used in a vaporizer and boil at a higher temperature.

Every vaporizer user has a favorite model and at present there is no scientific data comparing various products to each other. CA NORML website has links to various vaporizer vendors and retail stores. Vaporizers can also be expensive with the most popular, the Volcano costing over $500. A favorite of ours at PCC, The Extreme Q by Ariza was cost effective and made our medicine taste amazing. One place we found it for sale was GotVape.

It’s important to do your research before investing in any pricey piece of equipment. There are lower cost options and plenty of websites with reviews can be found after a simple Google search of vaporizers. If you are located in the Bay Area, the Co-Op store in Oakland has a wealth of information and vaporizers for sale.

For some, rolling a joint will always have a certain ritual but it’s great to have the knowledge and the technology to choose safer options and reduce harm wherever possible.