This story is published in cooperation with Willamette Week and Planet of The Vapes.
Of all the cannabis normalization that’s occurred since recreational legalization, arguably vaporization has had the biggest impact on the consumption game. Not long ago, flower vaporization was a stoner hobby gate kept by those with considerable canna-budgets, with rigs typically costing several hundred dollars. Today, vaporization is just another accessible form of consumption, enjoyed by cannathusiasts at all income levels.
Which is to say consumers who still eschew dry vaping are seriously missing out. That’s because many organizations, including the National Center for Biotechnology Information, recommend using cannabis vaporizers instead of smoking to reduce carbon monoxide emissions, chronic respiratory symptoms, and exposure to several toxins. Users can vaporize dry herbs and produce similar subjective effects and blood THC concentration compared with smoking cannabis while missing out on the riskier elements of blowing dro.
We’ve compiled a handy guide for folks hoping to plunge into dry herb vaping without breaking the bank or alienating the rest of the cipher. These basic hows and whys of dry vaping—created with assistance from Planet of The Vapes —should get you started on the path to vaporization glory.
Why Choose Vaporization over Pipes, Prerolls, or Bongs?
Consuming cannabis is rarely inconspicuous, but vaporizing is certainly the “mindful and demure” way to indulge. Vapor is harder to see and smell, and typically isn’t detectable except on the partaker’s breath. When you vaporize cannabis, you only smell like the fruity notes of your weed and can easily combat whatever skunky scent remains with a handy stick of gum or a mint.
The vapor smell is also not as heavy or pervasive as smoke, as opposed to the notorious smell or burning weed. And, bottom line, dry vaped weed tastes better, because users can identify the differences in flavor profiles of various cannabis strains without the addition of smoke, char, and the associated bitter mouthfeels.
Furthermore, vaporization produces more complex and heady effects than combusted (burnt) cannabis. According to a study funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, vaporized cannabis produced greater pharmacodynamic effects and higher concentrations of THC in blood when compared with equal doses of smoked cannabis. Theoretically, stronger effects are felt when vaping mainly because none of the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes are lost to combustion.
Where to Start
A dependable device for vaporizing flower is a solid investment, and there are several products on the market with accessible price points. For example, the Lobo, a flagship flower vaporizer from Planet of the Vapes, delivers a top-tier vaping experience that’s not only relatively affordable, but also low profile, stylish, and far more comfortably ergonomic than comparable units.
Even part-time stoners know that top-of-the-line vaporizers can be intimidatingly pricey, for instance, the Venty, a similarly discreet personal vaporizer on the market, is nearly $450. Planet of the Vapes’ Lobo is only $159.
All this to say, users don’t need to spend a fortune to get a top-shelf vape experience. And, experienced consumers who the dry-herb-vape cost barrier might turn off are more likely to appreciate the complex and flavorful hits delivered by vaping when the device is reasonably priced.
Regardless of where your dry herb vaping journey begins, a quality vaporizer is key. POTV’s commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in every aspect of the Lobo (particularly the 100% satisfaction guarantee and 100-day return window).
The Lobo’s responsive mouthpiece is as perfect for deep draws that produce thick clouds of potent, flavorful vapor and robust effects. And it all comes in a palm-sized portable package. Bonus: For the stylish stoners hoping to complement their stone zones, the Lobo is also compatible with POTV’s signature line of glass accessories. Dry stems such as the Globe, mini water bubblers for better cooling, and water pipe adapters that allow the Lobo to be used to hit the bong can all be purchased at affordable prices.