Vaporizer Information Guide
What Is a Vaporizer? Is It Healthier Than Smoking?
A vaporizer heats herbs or extracts to release active ingredients as vapor instead of smoke. The vapor is inhaled through a tube or a balloon bag. By heating without burning, vaporizers deliver the benefits of herbs with far fewer irritants than smoking and they are more efficient since you use less material while getting effects faster than teas or tinctures.
Conduction vs. Convection
Conduction: The herb touches the heat source directly.
Convection: Hot air passes over the herb without direct contact.
Convection often gives smoother, more even vapor while conduction can provide thicker clouds when used carefully.
Temperature Tips
Start around 180°C–185°C (356°F–365°F).
Avoid exceeding 200°C (392°F) to prevent smoke or harshness.
Some units with great temperature control and extra airflow can go higher without any smoke.
Always follow the manufacturer’s temperature guidelines.
Does Vaporizing Smell?
Yes, a little. Vapor carries the natural aroma of your herbs and it dissipates quickly compared to smoke. Used properly, a vaporizer produces vapor only with no lingering smoky odor.
Do I Need a Grinder?
Highly recommended. Grinding increases surface area so hot air moves through evenly. You extract more from each session and get consistent, flavorful vapor.
How Do I Know When My Herbs Are Done?
- Taste fades when most active ingredients are gone.
- Color turns golden brown. If it’s still green, increase temperature slightly.
Once flavor is light and the color is even, you’ve fully extracted your material.
Inhalation Technique
Forced-air vaporizers (with fans like Arizer XQ2 or Extreme Q): sit back and let the vapor flow.
Manual draw vaporizers: take slow, steady inhales. Vapor is lighter than smoke so smaller draws work best until you get used to the feel.
How Much Herb Should I Use?
Light sessions: cover the bottom of the chamber. For fuller sessions: fill the chamber loosely. Do not pack it down — free airflow creates thicker, more even vapor.
Vapor vs. Vapour — Which Is Correct?
Both are correct. “Vapor” and “vaporizer” are common in North America while “vapour” and “vapourizer” appear in some Canadian and older English usage. Either way, if you are vaporizing instead of smoking you’re on the right path.
