There are currently 33 states in the United States and Washington, D.C. in which cannabis is legal.
Thanks to this increase in legalization, the use of cannabis by adults is increasing, too. In fact, in 2017, one in seven adults had tried cannabis at least once.
Whether you’re brand new to the world of cannabis or you’ve been consuming it for a long time, it’s important to know that there are other methods of consumption besides smoking.
For example, vaping is a popular — and in many cases safer — alternative.
If you’re interested in vaping cannabis but aren’t sure how to begin, we’ve got you covered. Here is your beginner’s guide to vaping cannabis!
Benefits of Vaping Cannabis
Before we get into the specifics of vaping cannabis or start addressing the different accessories you might want to purchase, let’s go over some of the benefits of vaping.
There are many reasons why you might want to start vaping, including the following:
Better Health
One of the primary benefits of vaping cannabis over smoking is the fact that vaping is a lot easier on the lungs. Many people who have a habit of smoke cannabis find that they are cough less and experience less irritation when they switch to vaping.
Better Assimilation
Vaping also allows you to feel the effects of cannabis as quickly, if not more quickly, than with smoking.
Vaping helps cannabis reach the bloodstream faster because there’s no filtering system to slow things down like there is when you’re smoking a joint.
This makes vaping a prime option for those who are using cannabis to relieve pain or manage other physical symptoms.
Increased Convenience
Vaping cannabis can be a lot more convenient than smoking, too.
You don’t have to worry about carrying a lighter with you and lighting a joint since the vape handles the heating process for you. You can also slide a vape into your pocket and use it almost anywhere.
The convenience of vaping is especially beneficial to those who are chronically ill and need access to instant relief wherever they go.
Increased Discretion
Finally, vaping is much more discrete than smoking.
You can vape on the go without worrying about distracting people with the smell of cannabis or irritating them with smoke.
Vaping is essentially odorless, and any smell that is produced will dissipate very quickly.
Beginner’s Guide to Vaping Cannabis
Okay, you’re convinced that you might want to start vaping. Where do you begin, though? Listed below is everything you need to know to simplify the process of beginning to vape.
How do Vapes Work?
The process by which vapes work is pretty straightforward. They function by heating up plant material until it turns into vapor. The vapor rises through the device and is inhaled through a mouthpiece.
There are two main types of vaporizers: desktop vapes and vape pens. As the name suggests, desktop vapes are meant for stationary use. Vape pens, on the other hand, can be used on the go.
Parts of a Vape
A vape is comprised of several different parts, including the following:
- Battery: This is the component that powers the device and allows it to heat up
- Atomizer: This is the heat-resistant component that stores wire coils, the wick, and possibly a reservoir to hold the vape juice.
- Coil: Coils are small pieces of resistance wire contained inside the atomizer; the vape juice is heated on the coil and vaporized
- Wick: The wick carries vape juice from the container where it’s stored to the coil where it’s heated
There’s also the vape juice. Vape juices vary in potency and contain different ratios of THC to CBD. You can also purchase vape juices in a variety of different flavors.
How to Vape Cannabis
Now for the fun part — how to vape cannabis.
If you’re using a desktop vape, you’ll first need to plug it into a power outlet and set it up on a table or flat surface.
Place the cannabis into the chamber, then plug the vaporizer in and turn it on. Select the desired temperature of the vape and let it heat up — this will take a minute or two.
Once it’s heated, hold the hose attached to the vape to your lips and inhale for a moment, then exhale the vapor back out.
If you’re using a vape pen, the process is similar.
Instead of plugging in the vaporizer to the wall, though, you’ll just need to make sure the battery is charged. Then, place the cannabis in the chamber and press the button on the vape to begin heating it.
Let it heat for a moment, then inhale through the mouthpiece and exhale the vapor.
Maintaining Your Vape
It’s also important to maintain your vape properly. A vape can be expensive upfront (although they are more economical in the long run), so you need to make sure you’re taking good care of it.
Be sure you’re cleaning your vape on a regular basis. This will ensure it works well and will enhance its effects.
Take it apart and clean it once a week or so and make sure you’re storing it in the proper way. Invest in a case to hold your vape so you don’t accidentally drop it and break it.
Want to Learn More About Vaping Cannabis?
The idea of vaping might seem intimidating at first. With a little research, though, you’ll find that it’s a lot easier than you initially thought.
Keep the information from this beginner’s guide to vaping cannabis in mind and you’ll be an expert vaper before you know it.
Do you want to learn more about vaping cannabis or other methods of consuming it? If so, check out some of the other articles on our site today.
The Get High with Cannabis section of our site is full of helpful articles that will teach you everything you need to know about consuming cannabis in a safe way, whether you’re using it for recreational or for medicinal purposes.