Vaporization is a technique for avoiding irritating respiratory toxins in marijuana smoke by heating cannabis to a temperature where the psychoactive ingredients evaporate without causing combustion.
Laboratory studies by California NORML and MAPS have found that vaporizers can efficiently deliver cannabinoids while eliminating or drastically reducing other smoke toxins.
Like tobacco, marijuana smoke contains toxins that are known to be hazardous to the respiratory system. Among them are the highly carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, a prime suspect in cigarette-related cancers. These toxins are essentially a byproduct of combustion, separate from the pharmaceutically active components of marijuana, known as cannabinoids, which include THC. Although there is no proof that marijuana smoking causes cancer, chronic pot smokers have been shown to suffer an elevated risk of bronchitis and respiratory infections. Respiratory disease due to smoking may therefore rightly be regarded as the primary physiological hazard of marijuana.
Cannabis vaporizers are designed to let users inhale active cannabinoids while avoiding harmful smoke toxins. They do so by heating cannabis to a temperature of 180 - 200° C (356° - 392° F), just below the point of combustion where smoke is produced. At this point, THC and other medically active cannabinoids are emitted with little or none of the carcinogenic tars and noxious gases found in smoke. Many medical marijuana patients who find smoked marijuana highly irritating report effective relief inhaling through vaporizers. Users who are concerned about the respiratory hazards of smoking are strongly advised to use vaporizers. Alternative devices, such as waterpipes, have been shown to be ineffective at reducing the tars in marijuana smoke (Report).
Many models of vaporizer are currently on the market. A review of the various types can be find at
www.vaporinfo.com. Following is a list of some products currently advertised on the Internet:
Vaporizers available: *
Volcano - State-of-the-art medical grade vaporizer from Germany tested by California NORML and MAPS, found to eliminate over 100 chemicals, delivering 95% pure cannabinoids in vapor. Unique collection system avoids wastage by collecting vapor in a balloon.
* New high-tech
handheld Model VM3 available from Chiro-tec, makers of M-1 Volatizer electric radiant heater that was tested in the first California NORML/MAPS study and found to completely eliminate benzene, toluene and naphtalene in the vapor.
*
The Vriptech - A popular design consisting of a hot air gun blowing into a bong
*
Vapolution.com - Glass vaporizer, w/ car adapter
*
Vaporlight - new design from Colorado
*
Herballoon - Based on design of Volcano, uses balloon to collect vapor.
*
Smoke-Right - "Ubie" glass tube holds sample, you heat it with a lighter - portable and inexpensive
*
HappyVappy - Compact streamlined design.
*
VaperWarez - Wooden chassis with tube insert.
*
The Vapie - Higher tech model from Portland, Oregon
*
Aromazap - Armotherapy convection-type oil diffuser.
*
The Vapouriser - Affordable British model heats cannabis in a closed chamber.
*
"Vapir" Air-2 Digital Air - with portable battery pack
*
Aromed - German system with automatic digital temperature control
*
Eterra - Wooden classic and new Tulip model (Emeryville CA)
*
Vapomizer - Inexpensive glass tube works with cigarette lighter
*
Pot Cooker - Inexpensive model
*
VaporTech - High Times award winner, Miami FL
*
Herbalizer - British Columbian model
*
MarijuanaVaporizer.com (Australian)
*
"The original" (Canadian)
*
The "Ultimate" Vaporizer - Air gun model
*
Hugegrins.com - Basic economical vaporizer
Vaporizer Vendors: * VaporWarehouse (portion of sales donated to Cal NORML)
* The Coop Store - 1733 Broadway, Oakland CA (510) 832-5346
More information:
Classic Pharmaceuticals on vaporization
www.vaporinfo.comDetails on vaporizer study: D. Gieringer, "Cannabis 'Vaporization': A Promising Strategy for Smoke Harm Reduction," Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics Vol 1 #3-4: 153-170 (2001). Reprints available for $5 from California NORML, 2215-R Market St. #278, San Francisco CA 94114.
Retail Sales:
Co-Op Store, 1733 Broadway, Oakland CA (510) 832-5346
Hemp BC, 199 W. Hastings St, Vancouver BC (604) 669-9069
