When it comes to consuming cannabis, what method immediately comes to mind. For many people, they still think of rolling a joint.
While joints are certainly common, vaping is quickly becoming a more popular option, especially among people who want to use cannabis more discretely.
There are many different types of vaporizers that you can choose from, including dry herb vaporizers.
If you’ve wanted to try a dry herb vape but aren’t sure where to begin, don’t worry. Read on to learn everything you need to know to get started.
What is a Dry Herb Vape?
A dry herb vaporizer allows you to heat up dried cannabis and experience its benefits without combustion and smoke.
Dry herb vaping is generally considered to be safer and easier on the lungs than smoking. Many people who choose to vape over smoking also find that the taste and effects are better.
Vaping is also more discrete than smoking a joint and is better for people who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis in public places.
How Does a Dry Herb Vape Work?
Dry herb vaporizers come in many different styles. But, they all contain the following components:
- Heating chamber
- Battery or another energy source
- Filter
- Heating element
When you use a vaporizer, the heating element heats to a specific temperature. At this temperature, it vaporizes the chemicals in the herb without combustion (smoke). This allows you to inhale a clean vapor without any tar or other substances that can turn to smoke when they’re ignited.
Types of Dry Herb Vapes
There are a few different types of dry herb vaporizers that you can choose from:
Portable Vaporizers
Portable vaporizers are some of the most popular vaporizers and for good reason. They’re great for people who want to vape on the go without disturbing others or drawing attention to themselves.
Many people also find that portable vaporizers tend to deliver smoother, more effective drags than other options thanks to their precise temperature control.
Vaporizer Pens
Vaporizer pens are a type of portable vaporizer. They are smaller than typical portable options, though, and are even more discrete.
They’re also easy to handle, which makes them a great option for beginners. At the same time, though, they don’t have as many features because they’re so small. They also have less precise temperature control, nor are they as powerful as other styles of vaporizers.
Desktop Vaporizers
Desktop vaporizers, like desktop computers, are larger and you’ll have to store them in one place. They are not portable or particularly convenient, but they are much more powerful than the other types of vaporizers listed above.
They offer the most precise temperature control and distribute heat more efficiently. You can also buy special attachments that make them easier to share with many people at one time.
How to Use a Dry Herb Vape
Once you’ve chosen the right type of dry herb vape for you, you’ll be ready to start using it.
The great thing about dry herb vapes is that they all work in essentially the same way. These basic guidelines will be applicable no matter what style you use.
1. Choose Your Dry Herb
First, you’ll need to choose the dry herb that you’re going to vaporize. It’s best to go with a fresh dry herb that hasn’t mildewed at all. This will allow you to get the purest vapor and the best effects.
2. Grind the Dry Herb
Next, you’ll need to use a grinder to break down your dry herb to release the cannabinoids quickly and more easily.
You can use a small, handheld grinder or an electric grinder for this step.
3. Fill the Vaporizer Chamber
Once you’ve ground your dry herb, it’s time to place the herbs into the vaporizer chamber. This is usually found near the top of the vaporizer, just below the mouthpiece.
Fill the chamber about 1/3-1/2 of the way from the top. Don’t overfill the chamber. The herb needs room to release the cannabinoids as it gets heated.
4. Start Vaping
At this point, you’re ready to start vaping. There should be a button on the body of the device that you press to begin heating the herb.
Once it’s heated (you’ll know because you’ll be able to see vapor rise from the device), place your mouth over the mouthpiece and inhale.
5. Clean the Vaporizer Chamber
Don’t forget to clean the vaporizer chamber when you’re done. Your vape will probably come with a cleaning brush, but you can order one online if it doesn’t.
This helps keep your vaporizer in good shape, and you’ll get better results when it doesn’t get caked in leftover residue from past vaping sessions.
Tips for First-time Vapers
As you can see, dry herb vaping is pretty straightforward. But, if you’re looking for some extra advice, these tips can help you ensure you have a great first vaping session:
- Always use fresh herb (avoid any that is old, stale, mildewed, or overly dried)
- Moderately grind your herb (avoid under-grinding, which will yield large chunks, and over-grinding, which will make it too powdery)
- Don’t grind more than you need to fill one chamber — any leftover grinds will quickly dry out and be difficult to use
- Get your temperature right; the ideal temperature for vaping is somewhere between 356 and 410 degrees Fahrenheit
- Preheat your vape before adding your herb to make sure it vaporizes properly
- Inhale slowly and take short, gentle drags
Finally, make sure to maintain your vape properly.
Vapes are often expensive, so you’ll want to protect your investment and keep it in good shape for as long as possible. Follow the specific care instructions that come with your vape and make sure you clean the chamber after each use.
Want to Learn More?
As you can see, using a dry herb vape isn’t as difficult as you might have originally thought.
Do you want to learn more about other types of vapes and e-cigarettes? Or, are you looking for tips and tricks on how to start using them?
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find the answers on our blog. Take a look at our e-cig and vaping articles today.