The simplest vaporizer definition is any device that utilizes heat to vaporize the active molecules in cannabis flower and concentrates. Though most are handheld, vaporizers come in all shapes and sizes despite fundamentally identical makeups. Cannabis flower, cannabis oil, concentrates, and extracts can all be vaporized to consume their activated cannabinoids following vaporization. Vaporization provide a less harmful alternative to smoking, as it occurs at temperatures that do not allow the cannabis flower to combust, which releases harmful tar and carcinogens.

“A vaporizer can be used to avoid combusting your weed.”

“For convenience on the go, I use a portable vaporizer.”

What is a Vaporizer?

A weed vaporizer is a device that uses a heating element to bring some form of cannabis—whether flower or concentrate—to the vaporization point, instead of the combustion point. There are two main types of vaporizers: a dry herb vaporizer lets you pack flower into the chamber, while other vaporizers use concentrates, typically in the form of a pre-filled cartridge. 

How Do Vaporizers Work?

The basic concept and function of a vaporizer is the same regardless of whether a weed vaporizer uses flower or concentrates. A battery provides power to a heating element, which heats either a small chamber full of herb or a cartridge filled with concentrate. The heating element generates enough heat to vaporize either the flower or the concentrate and the vapor is then inhaled through the mouthpiece.