The beginner’s guide to dry herb vaporisers

There are a huge number of ways to consume cannabis, from bongs and edibles to good old-fashioned joints. But while smoking may remain the most popular way of getting high, a new kid on the block is threatening to shake things up. In recent years, vaporiser products have been developed to an increasingly impressive spec, leading many cannabis users – both recreational and medicinal – to turn away from their regular method of consumption. And it’s easy to see why; fewer harmful byproducts in the vapour, fewer lingering smells and more economical use of your buds all make dry herb vapes an attractive alternative to smoking methods.

Dry herb vaporisers offer many benefits over the more traditional modes of administration. However, as these products are still relatively new in the cannabis world, many people may be dismissive of these benefits. So, we thought we would put together this beginner’s guide to explain what they are, how they work, and how they could be a better option for your consumption needs.

What are dry herb vaporisers?

Vaporiser products in general have become incredibly popular in the UK and pretty much every other developed country around the world. They offer convenience and at least the perception of a healthier and safer alternative. But in a market where disposable liquid-filled plastic pens rule the roost, dry herb vaporisers are often overlooked.

Sure, many of us may associate vaping with nicotine – whether used as a quitting aid or simply an alternative to smoking; but cannabis-oriented vaping is not all that new. Of course, in more recent years, the variety on offer is much wider than it used to be, and higher quality products are becoming increasingly available.

CBD vape pens and e-liquids don’t appear to be going anywhere, but for those of us who still prefer the allure of full-spectrum dried flower, these just won’t cut the mustard. Enter dry herb vaporisers – (usually) electronic devices that heat cannabis in an oven or heating chamber to release the active ingredients without burning the plant material.

How do they work?

These products allow you to utilise your cannabis flower in a similar way as smoking. Simply pack the chamber with your ground product, turn on your vaporiser and start enjoying the thick and smooth cannabis-rich vapour that follows.

Obviously, like more traditional smoke consumption, vaporised cannabis is administered via inhalation. However, dry herb vaporisers apply much lower temperatures when compared with smoking. This means that complete combustion is never achieved and, as a result, fewer toxic chemicals, including carcinogens, are released.

There is some evidence to suggest that smoking cannabis is not as harmful as smoking tobacco. While this may be true, many cannabis users continue to mix cannabis with tobacco for a number of reasons, whether to help with burning, they prefer the taste, or simply because that’s the way they have always done it. But dry herb vaporisers offer an easy alternative.

As we have said, they work by applying lower temperatures via a convection or conduction oven to dried cannabis buds. This direct heat causes the oils in the plant matter to evaporate and form a vapour which is then inhaled via the mouthpiece of the vaporiser. This vapour is rich in cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes – perhaps even more so than cannabis smoke…

The benefits of vaporising

Avoiding the combustion of plant materials offers a number of benefits. Firstly, as we have already alluded to, you are able to avoid the inhalation of toxic carcinogens and other harmful substances contained within cannabis smoke. This makes using a dry herb vaporiser a much safer and healthier alternative to smoking. But the lower temperatures applied may also help to preserve more of the cannabinoids and terpenes that cannabis users are looking to exploit, too!

Cannabinoids, like other substances, have individual boiling points – that is, the temperature at which they begin to evaporate. For the majority of cannabinoids, the sweet spot sits between 100-200°C (157°C for THC and around 160-180°C for CBD). That’s why a typical dry herb vaporiser will apply temperatures of somewhere between 140-240°C.

In comparison, temperatures in a burning cigarette or joint can reach between 400°C and 900°C! Unfortunately, this can mean that a significant proportion of those valuable cannabis compounds are effectively destroyed before you even have the chance to enjoy them. What’s more, dry herb vaporisers allow you to incrementally increase or decrease the applied temperature giving you complete control over your experience. This leads to better flavour, potent hits and a multitude of health benefits.

Dry herb vaporisers also offer a more appealing alternative to medicinal cannabis users. In fact, medical cannabis prescribers exclusively recommend the use of a vaporiser when consuming cannabis flower (for obvious reasons). These devices are much less daunting for new users and having a superior level of control has significant benefits for medicinal and experienced users alike.

Which dry herb vaporiser should I buy?

It’s fair to say that dry herb vaporisers are changing the way we consume cannabis and are here to stay. If you’re keen on making the switch, are exploring a product to consume medical cannabis or just want to add a vaporiser to your cannabis toolkit, here are our recommendations:

Best vaporiser for medical patients – Mighty+

Storz & Bickel have a solid reputation in the vaporiser industry and for good reason. No company has done more to progress the use of vaporisers among the cannabis community. As you’d expect this German brand makes reliable, well-built products from high-quality materials.

The Storz & Bickel Mighty+ is the latest edition of the reputable Mighty vaporiser that has a wide temperature range and comes with a lengthy warranty. Thanks to the sturdy and robust design, it’s ideal for patients who want to make an investment in a vaporiser that will last.

While not the cheapest on the market, Storz & Bickle provides a number of accessories that help with medical cannabis consumption such as a filling device, cleaning brush and dosing caps. The Mighty+ has a decent battery capacity and a wide temperature control range via its LED display, making it an excellent option for those who want precise control over their vaping session.

Best vaporiser for convenience and discretion – Omura Series X

The Omura Series X is a unique vaporiser, thanks to the company’s patented Flowerstick™ technology. Instead of needing to grind your herbs and fill the device each time you want to consume, the Flowersticks are filled in advance using the filling device so you can simply pop one in when you’re ready.

The device is stylish and lightweight, at only 77 grams. Heat-up time is short, at just 20-30 seconds and the device does all the hard work for you, cycling through a heat curve to get the most out of your flower each session – the team at Omura claims that the Series X vaporises 99% of all cannabinoids!

When you’re done with the stick, you simply pull it out of the device and dispose. As the Flowersticks are made of paper, they are biodegradable and can even be added to your compost bin and if you’re really eco-conscious, they can be reused 2-3 times!

If you’re looking for an attractive and discrete device that is simple to use, the Omua X is a great shout. Grab the starter kit and you’ll get everything you need including a filling device and a bundle of Flowersticks.

Best vaporiser for big clouds – Tinymight 2

If you are looking for a device that matches the smoking experience then nothing beats the Tinymight 2. Designed and built in Finland, the Tinymight has built up a great reputation amongst the cannabis community for its robust and stylish device. Made from high quality materials such as aluminium and luxury hardwood, the Tinymight 2 packs in a powerful oven that is available on demand.

What makes this vaporiser so popular is the quality of the vapour. Thick, rich, full of flavour, just like you’d expect from smoking, with all the health benefits of a dry herb vaporiser.

Best vaporiser for on-the-go consumption – PAX Plus

PAX is another brand that comes with an excellent reputation, often referred to as ‘the Apple of cannabis’, this sleek and stylish vaporiser is perfect for people who want a discrete device to use out of the home.

Don’t be fooled by the pocket-size nature of this device, the team at PAX has crammed in a respectable battery, rapid heating and a large oven into this small vaporiser. PAX Plus users can control the heating temperature based on their personal preferences, and the wide range of accessories really sets this brand apart. If you’re looking for a portable dry herb vaporiser that works great and looks amazing, this is the product for you. What’s more, you can get a free 4-piece PAX grinder if you buy a PAX Plus from leafie, while stocks last. Bargain.

Best budget vaporiser – XMax 3 Pro

The cost of getting started with a dry herb vaporiser can be off-putting. Many people are worried they might not get on with an entirely new consumption method, and so the thought of shelling out hundreds of pounds on a product is often the main reason people stick with smoking.

If budget is a concern then the XMax 3 Pro is one of the best value dry herb vaporisers you can buy in the UK today. You might find cheaper brands on auction sites, but you’ll also be compromising on quality and even safety.

The XMax 3 Pro comes with a 1-year warranty and a great range of features that pack a punch in this price range. The battery can be replaced unlike other vaporisers, and this device works with both concentrates and dried flowers, so it’s versatile too. You can add in a number of accessories like a glass mouthpiece or a cooling unit to really make it your own. What’s more, the on-demand mode means you can use this vape almost instantly, a great feature for patients who need quick relief.