Dry Herb Vaporizing Explained: Benefits, Types, Flavor, and Proper Usage for Cannabis

Summary:

This video explains the basics of dry herb vaporizing for cannabis.

Vaporizing vs. Vape Pens: Dry herb vaporizers use ground cannabis, heating it below combustion to release vapor, similar to baking. Vape pens use concentrates.
Benefits: Vaporizing saves money by using less cannabis and allows for re-heating. It's healthier for lungs, lacking carcinogens found in smoke, and produces significantly less odor.
Odor Reduction: Products like Smoke Buddy and Cannabolish spray can further minimize cannabis smell.
Vaporizer Types: Options include plug-in/desktop models (powerful, for heavy users) and portable models (most common).
Heating Methods: Conduction heats cannabis directly, while convection uses hot air for a more even bake and better flavor.
Flavor & Cooling: Poor taste often comes from cheap, hot vaporizers. High-quality convection vaporizers like the Crafty+ and Arizer Air 2 (with glass stems) offer cooler, smoother, and more flavorful vapor. Lower temperatures (around 180°C/356°F) are recommended for better taste.
Experience: Vaporizing feels "airy" compared to smoking and takes adjustment. Smoking often tastes harsh after switching.
Proper Usage: Consult your vaporizer's manual for specific packing instructions (loose vs. packed). Draw slowly and deeply for about five seconds. Inhale and exhale without holding the vapor; holding it is a myth for increased effects. Wait 15 minutes for full effects, especially for new users.

Vaporizing Basics: Difference Between Vape Pens and Dry Herb Vaporizers, How Vaporizing Works [0:22]

Many people confuse vape pens with dry herb vaporizers.
- Vape pens use concentrates like oils or wax. [0:33]
- Dry herb vaporizers use dried plant material (ground cannabis). [0:43]
Dry herb vaporizing involves heating cannabis to a temperature below combustion. [0:54]
- It "bakes" the cannabis like an oven, releasing a vapor or steam for inhalation, rather than smoke. [0:57]

Economic Advantage: [1:23]
- Saves money as you use about 1/8th of a gram for a bowl. [1:23]
- Bowls can often be reheated, providing more than one session from the same cannabis. [1:23]
- After vaped bud (AVB) can be saved and used in edibles, adding another layer of value. [1:35]
Healthier for Lungs: [1:43]
- Vaping does not contain carcinogens found in smoke, making it a better choice for lung health. [1:47]
Reduced Smell: [1:46]
- Significantly less odor compared to smoking a joint, which can be an advantage in shared living spaces or apartments. [1:50]
- Odor Control Products:
  - A "Smoke Buddy" can be used to filter exhaled vapor. [2:16]
  - "Cannabolish Odor Removing Spray" helps reduce cannabis odor. [2:21]

Vaporizer Types:
- Plug-in or Desktop Vaporizers: [2:39]
  - Do not require a battery, reducing failure points.
  - Typically more powerful and hold more cannabis.
  - Often preferred by medical users who consume a lot of cannabis throughout the day.
- Portable Vaporizers: [2:43]
  - Most commonly purchased for convenience.
  - Suitable for most recreational users.
Heating Methods: [3:00]
- Conduction: [3:02]
  - Cannabis is heated through direct contact with a heating element.
- Convection: [3:09]
  - Hot air moves through the cannabis, similar to an oven.
  - Provides a more even "bake" of the cannabis.
  - Generally results in better taste and a smoother experience. [3:21]

Often due to using a low-quality or "shitty" vaporizer. [3:33]
- There are both good and bad vaporizers on the market. [3:39]

Quality of Vaporizer: A better vaporizer delivers a superior flavor experience. [4:15]
Recommended Vaporizers for Flavor:
- Crafty+: [4:21]
  - A high-end convection vaporizer.
  - Includes a cooling unit on top, which helps cool the vapor.
- Arizer Air 2 / Solo 2: [5:06]
  - Conduction vaporizers that use glass for their vapor path.
  - Offers bent stem attachments that provide a longer vapor path, cooling the vapor. [5:09]
Importance of Cooler Vapor: [4:30]
- Cooler vapor tastes significantly better and is less likely to cause coughing. [4:31]
- Hot vapor from cheap vaporizers can burn the throat and taste unpleasant. [4:48]
Optimal Temperature: [5:24]
- Turning the temperature down to approximately 356°F or 180°C provides a very nice tasting vapor.

Different Sensation: Vaping feels more like inhaling air, which can initially be odd, especially for those transitioning from smoking. [5:43]
- It might cause a slight lightheadedness at first. [5:53]
Adjustment Period: It takes time to get used to the airy feeling. [5:54]
- Over time, the airy sensation becomes less noticeable. [5:57]
Taste Comparison: After switching to dry herb vaporizing, smoking a joint can taste "disgusting" or "like licking an ashtray." [6:21]
- This is because lighting cannabis on fire (combustion) destroys the terpenes, which are responsible for flavor. [6:31]
- Dry herb vaporizing preserves these terpenes, offering a rich flavor. [6:35]

Consult the Manual: Check the manual for your specific vaporizer model to understand how to pack the bowl and how finely the cannabis needs to be ground. [7:01]
- Some vaporizers, like DaVinci models, may prefer a slightly more packed bowl. [7:18]
- Convection vaporizers generally perform better with a looser pack to allow hot air to circulate. [7:22]
Drawing Technique: [7:27]
- Different from smoking; you don't draw as hard or as quickly.
- For most vaporizers, draw slowly and steadily for a count of five seconds. [8:11]
- Some vaporizers, like the Crafty, have less draw resistance, while others (e.g., DaVinci IQ2) allow you to adjust the resistance. [7:44]
Inhaling and Exhaling: [8:21]
- Simply inhale the vapor and then exhale.
- It is a myth that holding the vapor in your lungs increases the effects; in fact, it can be detrimental. [8:26]
Patience for Effects: [8:47]
- Especially for new cannabis users, wait about 15 minutes after vaping to feel the full effects before consuming more.