Portable vaporizers come in different designs that vary in size from a travel size personal vaporizer (or tank) that is small enough to fit into one’s pocket all the way up to a large travel-size desktop vaporizer that can be used when sitting at home or on-the go. Other similar products include a table-top vaporizer and vape pens.
Portable vapes like the ones mentioned above are one of the fastest growing segments in the vaporizer industry. Due to this high growth rate and demand for these devices, there has been an increase in online stores offering these units which makes purchasing them much easier and convenient for buyers.
What is a Dry Herb Vaporizer?
A dry herb vaporizer is a device that vaporizes dry plant material, such as dried herbs. It is easy-to-use and it allows the you to inhale without combustion of the plant material and produce an inhalable aerosol of the active ingredients. These devices are typically powered by rechargeable batteries and small gas canisters. The two most common types of portable vapes are conduction-heating vapes, which employ a metal heating element to vaporize herbs, and convection-heating vapes which use hot air drawn through the herb chamber to heat it.
Disposable Vaporizers
Portable vapes have gained popularity in recent years with their superior vaporizing capabilities. Disposable vapes are the most common when it comes to portable vapes. These units are made of plastic, and come with pre-filled, non-refillable cartridges. Although the cartridge is not refillable, most have several available for purchase. Portable vaporizers are more appropriate for short sessions and should not be used like a regular pipe or bong. A portable vape helps eliminate waste material and does not produce smoke; instead, it produces steam or vapor that can be used for medicinal purposes.
Glass Vaporizers
One of the most common types of portables are the glass vaporizers. This type of unit is designed to fit over any standard glass bottle and can be used with almost any material. In the 1980s, manufacturers invented vaporizers that would fit into a car’s cigarette lighter. These units were popular until they were restricted by law in 1996. The best way to make an informed purchase decision is to try out samples in person at a fair or dispensary before you purchase one.
Pipe Vaporizers
In recent years, manufacturers have started making lightweight, portable pipes that incorporate a built-in battery and heating chamber into an aluminum tube which fits easily into a backpack or purse and connects via a mouthpiece to the user’s airway. These pipes can be used for both nicotine and non-nicotine herbal blends.
Portable Vaporizers: the batteries!
The majority of portable vaporizers employ rechargeable batteries. Different types of batteries produce varying levels of voltage, which in turn affects the heating time and therefore the amount of vapor produced will vary between vapes. The most common battery types employed by portable vaporizers are lithium-ion (Li-Ion), lithium polymer (LiPo) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH). Portable vapes, often referred to as e-cigarettes, are very popular with smokers looking to quit cigarettes or reduce their consumption.
Benefits of Portable Vaporizers
Proponents of portable vapes claim its benefits include having the ability to use it wherever needed, also making them more practical for people who do not have access to electricity, easy portability and ease of cleaning. These vapes can be used anywhere and everywhere because they are small enough to fit into a pocket or purse. The design of these devices also makes it highly stealthy as there is no visible smoke, or odor.
Another argument for portable vapes is that they are a healthier alternative to cigarettes, or any other form of smoking. While the health risks related to vaping are still unknown, it is most likely better than smoking cigarettes as there is no tar involved in vaporizing herbs or tobacco.
History and Science Behind it’s Benefits
Inhalable herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Many of these medicines were smoked while others were vaporized, an ancient technique that was revived in the early 20th century by a group of innovators fueled by the spirit of scientific discovery. In the 21st century, portable vaporizers have become a vital part of modern medicine. Emerging research shows that vaporizing is an effective and efficient method for delivering medication to the bloodstream while avoiding many of the harmful effects associated with smoking or other methods (i.e., combustion).
A growing body of research supports the use of medicinal herbs through inhalation for effective treatment of a wide variety of health conditions. Vaporizing offers a safe and simple way to deliver aerosols that contain therapeutic compounds from the plants and herbs without many of the harmful effects associated with smoking or combustion, which include emphysema, cancer, and bronchitis. As such, vaporization is becoming a preferred alternative method of administration for many medical professionals and patients around the world.
Temperature
Inhalation of the compounds in herbs and plants through vaporization has been shown to be an effective and efficient method for delivering medication to the bloodstream. When herbs are smoked or burned, they are heated to temperatures as high as 700°C, which causes some of the plant’s chemicals (i.e., terpenes) to evaporate while others (i.e., THC) undergo chemical reactions and break down into new compounds (i.e., a change in strain).
However, when a vaporizer is used to heat herbs, the temperature is not raised above 200°C, which prevents the breakdown of chemicals into toxic byproducts associated with combustion. Instead, the temperature is held at approximately 205°C–210°C and the vapor is inhaled. The temperature difference between the herb and air results in a slower release of chemicals in a more controlled manner. As such, vaporization of herbs is an effective and efficient method for delivering treatment without many of the harmful effects associated with smoking or combustion.
Analgesic properties are one of the primary benefits of vaporizing medical herbs. Vaporized marijuana extracts have been shown to effectively relieve pain specifically by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, which are involved in signaling pain signals to central nervous system receptors and produce analgesic effects (i.e., reducing pain).
Amazing, isn’t it? Raise your hand if you enjoyed reading all the information above! Happy vaping!