What are Weed Vapes

If you’re looking for a convenient and discreet way to take your weed with you anywhere you go, a weed vape may be exactly what you’re looking for. You can run into the bathroom for a few hits without anyone knowing. One of the best parts about a vape pen is that it releases practically no smell. The same could be said of weed vapes. It’s also more gentle on your lungs compared to smoking weed. These two key factors, among others, have rocketed weed vapes into popularity in the market and many believe that vape pens are the future. 

As familiar as many people are with vaping, weed vaping is still lesser known. So what is it and what are weed vape pens?

Basically, vaping weed is the heating of cannabis without burning it. This allows you to inhale and exhale the aerosol, also called “vapor,” which the vape pen produces. There are other similar devices that can also create this aerosol. And they are usually rechargeable, you just have to plug them into the wall or your phone. 

The components of a vape pen include:

• A mouthpiece
• Cartridge for holding the e-juice
• Filter
• Battery
• Atomizer

The battery is located at one end of the vape pen and that powers the device. This is usually also where the device is plugged in to charge. Higher up on the device is the atomizer, the component that provides the heat to vaporize an e-juice. These are typically made from steel or ceramic, both materials that are robust and conducive to heat. The atomizer will then be attached to a cartridge, which holds the cannabis concentrate. 

While many cartridges are disposable, there are some that are refillable. Next up is the filter, usually made of ceramic or glass. This will allow cooler air inside the vape pen so heat doesn’t go into the mouthpiece. Speaking of, the final piece is the mouthpiece, the part that actually makes contact with your mouth. 

Many weed lovers will tell you that vaping weed will pack a bigger punch than dry smoking weed, meaning you’ll experience a more intense high than simply smoking a joint. This is important to be aware of, especially for first-time users so as to not use too much of the cannabis concentrate. 

Vaping Cannabis Products in Canada

For a long time, using weed was mostly done in secret. It was viewed as an illicit activity, primarily by the government. Legislators said that marijuana was a gateway drug to addiction and other criminal activities. However, times have changed and Canada is making history in its legalization of recreational adult use of marijuana. 

To date, more than 36 countries have eliminated marijuana as an illicit trade. Now, legislation regarding cannabis is widespread and contributing billions of dollars in revenue. In fact, Canada is quickly becoming the largest exporter of cannabis in the world, though Israel and the Netherlands are making efforts to claim that title. 

Canadian weed has gained a reputation for the level of quality being produced. Descriptions like “dreamy” and “extra-chilled out” have been placed on Canadian weed, which tends to be incredibly smooth and provide a quick, amazing high. 

Changes in legislation have also allowed for more research funding, preparing it to be used for more than a recreational activity. For example, the cannabinoids in weed are being researched so they can one day be used to treat anxiety, seizures, pain, and certain types of cancer, along with other ailments. 

Economically, there have been benefits to the decriminalization of weed, as well. According to Statistics Canada analysts, the Canadian cannabis industry has added nearly $8 billion to the country’s GDP just in August 2019. Other data is also showing that weed sales are enjoying a rise, with an 8.1% rise reported in recent months. Some of the biggest sales areas are Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. 

What is Vaping and How to Get Started

Before you can start weed vaping, there are some things you will need to pick up. Below are the accessories you won’t be able to vape without:

Grinder

Arguably, this is the most important accessory to buy before you start weed vaping, namely because the key to a great vaping experience is consistency and the grinder provides that.

Vape Pen or Vaporizer

Obviously you will need a vape pen or vaporizer to vape weed. The quality of the vape pen or vaporizer is important. Good quality vape pens will be made with high-grade titanium, though there are some made from metal alloys that can allow you to weed vape. These metal alloy devices aren’t nearly as well tested and may have long-term consequences that we don’t know about yet.

Cleaning Kit

For the best vaping experience, you’ll need to clean your vape pen or vaporizer regularly. Traditional grocery store alcohol or kitchen table salt won’t be enough to provide you with a clean, enjoyable experience. You’ll need a cleaning agent that can remove resin residue. A cleaning brush should also come with your kit.

Vape Pen Types

There are new vaping products being released almost every day because the demand is skyrocketing, especially as more and more cannabis users are switching to the medium. One reason for the exodus from traditional ways of smoking cannabis to weed vaping is the clear-headed high vaping weed can provide. Plus, the benefits to the lungs are becoming more and more apparent. 

Here are some of the vaping products you should look into:

Vape Pen/Shatter Pen

These are also known as pen vaporizers. As the name would suggest, they are shaped like a pen. They are cost-effective, easy-to-use, and discreet.

They are powered by a battery and come in two forms: disposable and reusable. With higher quality reusable vape pens, you should be able to adjust the temperature to a much more exact degree than with cheaper options or disposable vape pens. Weed should be vaped on the lowest temperature possible, ideally below 580-degrees Fahrenheit. This will refine the taste of your vapor, allowing for a better experience.

Disposable Vape Pens

These types of vape pens will typically come prefilled and they are often a cheaper option. You also don’t need to charge it between uses. The downside is that, once you run out, it’s gone.

If you are a regular vape user, this can add up quickly, leading it to be more expensive. If you plan on weed vaping frequently or regularly, you should try and opt for a reusable vape pen. 

One nice thing about prefilled disposable vape pens is that the cartridges are interchangeable, meaning you can switch up which strain you are vaping and that you don’t have to recharge it, which can be inconvenient with a reusable vape pen. 

Vape Cartridges

A vape cartridge is simply a small compartment that is attached to your vape pen. Also known as vape carts, these are sold prefilled with weed concentrates and most contain high THC. Some do include CBD or terpenes. 

THC Vape Juice

When THC is in a liquid form, it is highly concentrated. Typical cannabis strains have THC concentrates between 12-35%. However, liquid THC is often 70% or more in THC content.

Depending on the quality of the extraction, your THC content can go as high as 90%. It’s important to be aware of the THC content of the E juice you are using.

Dry Herb Vaporizer

These are also known as herbal vaporizers and are small, compact, and portable. Their main benefit is that they are easy to use and you’ll never have a hard time replacing parts like the lithium-ion battery or the cartridge tank system. These can also extract the flavours very efficiently and they only produce small amounts of smoke.

CBD Vapes

While CBD vapes don’t contain more than trace amounts of THC, it’s important to talk about these vape pens that contain cannabidiol (CBD). When inhaled, the body can absorb the CBD easily, allowing you to get more for your money, especially when compared to other forms of weed or delivery systems. It has the benefit of almost an instant effect, typically just a minute or two before you experience the high. 

You’ll need to keep several considerations in mind when deciding on the right vape pen for your consumption needs. Many can also handle up to 12mg of nicotine and they will typically go up to 80 watts. If you want a device that will be highly portable and has many options for THC e-juice flavours, you may want to invest in a vape pen. Being a great method of delivery, vaping pens are also affordable and easy to use. Ultimately, this quick, efficient, and simple method can save you money on cannabis in the long run for the short-term investment you make today. 

What are Cannabinoids

More and more people are turning to marijuana and for a variety of reasons – relieving symptoms of an illness and recreational use, among others. Anytime you talk about cannabis, you have to also talk about cannabinoids, THC, CBD, and CBN. 

Cannabinoids

Strictly speaking, cannabinoids are the chemical compounds that cannabis flowers secrete. These can give you temporary alleviation of many symptoms, like pain, nausea, anxiety, and inflammation. They are usually taken from cannabis or hemp but can also be produced using other cannabinoid plants. In each cannabis plant, there are 140 different cannabinoids. The top three most popular are THC, CBD, and CBN. 

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol – also known as THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol – is just one of the psychoactive cannabinoids. It works by stimulating the brain, causing a release of dopamine, leading to a euphoric feeling, or a “high” and intoxicated effect. Usually the effect will last about two hours and you should start feeling the effects about 10 to 30 minutes after you consume. 

THC in both an extracted and synthesized form is used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting, usually that is associated with cancer medications. It’s also associated with the increase of an appetite, making it useful in treating patients with AIDS. Other research has also shown to encourage the development of neuroplasticity, along with inhibiting symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

CBD

Cannabidiol or CBD is another cannabinoid found in marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD isn’t psychoactive, meaning you would feel sedated and your mind and motor skills won’t be impaired. It’s highly popular among patients with seizures and is quickly becoming a popular treatment for some forms of epilepsy. It’s also been known to help in the treatment of osteoarthritis, back pain, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

Other Cannabinoids

Along with THC and CBD, there are other cannabinoids that aren’t as well known or as popular. They are all important within the cannabis plant and all have unique uses, many of which we are only just beginning to understand. Here are some you should be aware of:

CBN – Cannabinol

Another chemical compound extracted from cannabis – is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is usually found in older cannabis. Studies have been limited but researchers are finding that it could be an effective antibacterial agent, especially against those strains of bacteria that are antibiotic resistant. 

CBG – Cannabigerol

Appears to be found typically in the developing stages of the cannabis plant. It’s also possible to find in 94% of industrial hemp, so long as it hasn’t been synthesized by enzymes, UV light, and heat into better known cannabinoids. It’s a crucial component of cannabis with a world of possibilities yet to explore. 

THC-A Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

is one cannabinoid that is often readily available in good quantities in mature plants. It’s not as psychoactive as THC and is usually the cannabinoid used in topical medications like creams and patches. It can also be used in dietary supplements and has shown to be effective in relieving nausea and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Effects of Vaping THC

A change is happening in how marijuana is consumed and increasing numbers of people are inhaling cannabis through fashionable and trendy devices and cartridges, often filled with flavored weed oils. Vape pens and vaporizers differ mainly in how they handle the weed – they heat the cannabis to temperatures that release the cannabinoids, but don’t create the tar and cancer-causing chemicals associated with combustion involved in smoking. 

Vaping really is an efficient, healthier way of getting THC into your bloodstream. Once absorbed in the bloodstream, the THC puts the adrenal gland into action, leading to a release of the hormone epinephrine, which then stimulates the central nervous system. This will elevate your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Typically the peak high is usually achieved within 2 to 3 minutes when vaping and will take several hours for the THC to decline. 

Medical Benefits of Vaping Weed

Whether or not you choose to vape weed for medical reasons or not, the advantages are increasingly well documented when it comes to switching, so every weed lover should consider making the transition from old-fashioned joints and bongs to the sleek and high-tech vaping technology we have today. 

Fundamentally, smoking is a form of combustion, which then creates a huge variety of carcinogens and sticky, ugly tar. These can irritate the lungs and lead to many respiratory problems. On the other side, vaping doesn’t involve combustion like more traditional methods do. Those same traditional methods also involve a lower THC concentration than the stuff that can irritate your lungs. 

Here are some of the reasons to consider making the switch:

1. It could be better for your lungs, as vaping doesn’t create the same irritants and harmful byproducts that smoking does. 
2. You’ll enjoy experiencing more immediate relief from chronic pain. Rather than waiting 10 to 30 minutes for relief, you can help even shooting pains in as little as 90 seconds. 
3. It can help to alleviate nausea experienced from cancer treatments like chemo. 
4. There are fewer carcinogens because vaping doesn’t involve combustion.

Side Effects of Vaping Weed

One of the most positive side effects creates fewer toxic substances that can do you harm when it’s compared with smoking. But many question whether there are negative side effects.

For several years, vaping pens were widely used and there weren’t reports of any apparent consequences on a user’s health. Suddenly reports came out in 2019 of lung injuries due to vaping. Experts believe a source of the issues could be a new additive or possibly contaminants, but not the technology itself. 

In fact, there’s a very strong link to additives being included in e-juice formulas, including Vitamin E acetate. If a manufacturer included this, it could be used to dilute cannabis oil, thus making them more money, so it’s a strong possibility this is one cause of the health concerns. 

Additionally, if you have respiratory issues like asthma, weed vaping could trigger an attack. It may also contribute to the constriction of the bronchial tubes in some users. 

You also need to be careful where you buy your THC e-juice – bad sources can cut your e-juice with other substances to make it stronger. THC e-juice can also worsen diabetes, low blog pressure, and heart problems in some people. 

How to Vape Weed 

Vaping weed with a vaping pen is simple, so long as you have the right accessories. From there, try the following steps:

Step 1

Make sure your vape pen is on and fully charged.

Step 3

Place a little of the shredded weed into the vape pen’s chamber with a scooper.

Step 4

Pack the herb using your finger, but be sure to not pack it too tightly, just enough to make the surface relatively flat. You should make sure it’s loose enough to allow adequate airflow.

Step 5

Turn your device on and select your desired temperature. If you set it too high, you could lose the flavour of the strain. Aim for less than 580-degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6

Before you take the first puff, wait about 30 seconds after the vape pen has reached the temperature you set it for.

Step 7

Take a couple of gentle puffs to prime the weed vape pen. 

Step 8

Place your mouth onto the mouthpiece and inhale until you fill your lungs with vapour.

Step 9

When you’re done, be sure to clean your vape pen and make sure you turn it off.

If you let the residue from vaping your weed build up you can wind up with an uneven vaporization, so be sure you clean your weed pen – it’s one of the most important steps. You may not have to clean it after each session, but you should never go too long without cleaning your vape pen. You will never get the best results with a residue-filled vape pen.

Other Weed Products

These are a wide variety of marijuana products on the market and they can be consumed in a range of ways. But which is the right option for you? The answer really depends on your primary reasons for consuming the marijuana in the first place. Consider your lesser-known options below:

Weed Edibles

This includes any marijuana you can eat, including weed gummies and candies. Most of these have a THC concentration of 5 to 10 mg per serving. You can also purchase weed in a THC pill form.

Marijuana Concentrates

A concentrate will have a much more potent form of THC than most. Concentrates are also used to make weed oil, tinctures, shatter, or wax.

Hash

This is another concentrated cannabis product. It’s made by extracting resin and crystals, or trichomes, from dried marijuana flowers. 

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing which form of marijuana you want to consume is that there are varying absorption levels, potency, and health benefits to each alternative. Consider how you want to feel and why you are consuming first before making your decision.