Vaporizer (inhalation device)
A vaporizer is a device used to release active compounds from plant material. Most commonly used with tobacco or cannabis, some say it is healthier because the material is only heated enough to release the active chemicals without burning the inactive organic matter. The essential oils are boiled (vaporized) and released in to the air, but the fiberous material is not burned. This means the worst combustion byproducts are not produced.
Scientific evidence
A NORML-MAPS study published January 7, 2001 found that "it is possible to vaporize medically active THC by heating marijuana to a temperature short of the point of combustion, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing harmful smoke toxins that are normally present in marijuana smoke." The study tested a device called the M1 VolatizerAE, which produced THC at a temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 degrees Celsius), while completely eliminating three measured toxins, benzene, toluene and naphthalene. Carbon monoxide and smoke tars were also reduced[1].
According to MAPS, "Theoretically, an ideal vaporizer could minimize production of tars by holding the temperature above the point at which THC vaporizes, but below that where carcinogenic hydrocarbons are produced by combustion. In practice, both vaporizers produced over ten times more tars than cannabinoids, indicating that there is plenty of room for improvement"[2].
Invention of better vaporizers has been stymied by prohibition. The MAPS study notes, "In the late 1970s, a vaporizer known as the Tilt appeared on the market. According to the manufacturer, laboratory tests showed that it released 80% more THC and 79% less tar than a regular pipe, a performance ratio almost ten times better than any observed in this study. It is to be hoped that these impressive results can be replicated in the future. Unfortunately, the Tilt was withdrawn from the market in the early 1980s due to the passage of anti-paraphernalia laws."
Heating options
- With indirect heating, the herbs themselves never touch a heating element. Instead, hot air passes over the herbs heating them very rapidly and allowing them to release their active constituents. According to growkind.com, "Indirect heating produces the very best vapor flavor possible".
- With direct heating, the herbs are placed on a metal plate that is then heated to release the active constituents. However, the direct contact between hot metal and herbs can cause them to burn.
Vapor delivery options
- With direct lung delivery, the user controls the rate of vapor creation by inhaling to draw the hot air over the herbs. This creates the freshest vapor possible.
- With stored vapor delivery, the machine creates vapor and stores it in a glass dome or plastic bag for later inhalation.
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