Vaping Cannabis: A Complete Guide

How Vaping Works

Vaporizers heat cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without combustion (burning). This produces smoother, cleaner inhalation with less tar and irritants than smoking. There are two main types: dry herb vaporizers and cartridge/pen systems.

Dry Herb Vaporizers

These heat actual ground flower in a chamber. They offer the full spectrum of the strain's terpene profile and are considered the purest vaping experience. Popular models include the Mighty+, Pax, and Arizer. Prices range from $80-$400.

Cartridges & Pens

Pre-filled cartridges ("carts") screw onto a battery pen. They're convenient and discreet but use processed oil rather than whole flower. Look for cartridges tested for heavy metals and pesticides. Avoid black market cartridges — the 2019 EVALI crisis was linked to illicit vitamin E acetate additives.

Temperature Matters

Lower temps (325-350°F): More flavor, lighter effects, more terpenes preserved.
Medium temps (350-400°F): Balanced flavor and potency.
Higher temps (400-430°F): Thicker vapor, stronger effects, fewer terpenes.

Start low and experiment. Each terpene vaporizes at a different temperature — myrcene at 334°F, limonene at 349°F, linalool at 388°F.

Safety Tips

Only buy cartridges from licensed dispensaries. Look for lab testing results. Clean your dry herb vaporizer regularly. Replace coils and screens as recommended. If a cartridge tastes burnt or chemically, stop using it immediately.