Vaporizing cannabis — the vaporizer guide
A dry-herb vaporizer heats flower to 170–210 °C and releases cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the plant material.
Sweet spot: 180–200 °C. Two designs — convection (hot air, clean, pricier) and conduction (hot plate, cheaper, less even). Top 2026 devices: Mighty+, Volcano Hybrid, Dynavap M, Arizer Solo 3. ~30 % less flower vs a joint at comparable effect.
Why vaporize instead of smoke
Cannabinoids vaporize between 157 °C (THC) and 220 °C (CBN). Combustion begins around 230 °C — that is where tar, CO, and PAHs appear.
Vaporizers stay below that threshold. Studies (Earleywine 2007, Fischer 2015) show less airway irritation, better yield per gram, and stronger terpene perception.
Temperature — the three zones
170–180 °C: light, cerebral effect. Terpene-forward (limonene, pinene).
185–195 °C: balanced. Standard zone.
Convection vs conduction
Convection: hot air passes through the herb. Even extraction, clean taste. Examples: Volcano, Mighty+, Arizer.
Conduction: herb sits on a hot plate. Cheaper, compact, but uneven — needs stirring. Examples: PAX 3, DaVinci IQ.
Cleaning and maintenance
Brush the chamber after each session. Weekly clean with 90 % isopropyl alcohol. Replace mouthpieces and filters monthly.
FAQ
Optimal temperature?
185–195 °C for daily use. 175 °C daytime, 205 °C evening sedation.
Do I lose effect vs a joint?
No — often ~30 % more efficient per gram.
Can I vape CBD oil in a dry-herb device?
No. Use a 510-thread pen with CBD-specific vape liquid.
Really cleaner?
Yes. Smoke: 111 identified byproducts. Vapor: fewer than 5.
Beginner device?
Mighty+ (~350 CHF) or Arizer Air Max (~230 CHF).