Weed Vaporizers 

At their core, weed vaporizers, also known as vapes, are devices that contain a heating element that vaporizes cannabis rather than bringing it to its combustion point. 

Vaporizing cannabis activates more cannabis compounds compared to cannabis that’s combusted. Additionally, most vaporizers have greater temperature controls, allowing for lower temperatures than combustion, which prevents terpenes from burning. This typically results in a more flavorful and aromatic experience. 

You can use weed vaporizers to consume either flower or concentrates. 

Compared to bongs, joints, and pipes, vaporizer smoke dissipates faster than smoke and doesn’t stick to apparel. This is why they’re more discreet. 

Additionally, vaporizers tend to produce more potent effects. This can save you money because less product is needed to get your desired effect. 

There are many types of weed vaporizers available today, so it’s important to consider the following factors when you’re looking to purchase one:

Desktop vs. portable:

Desktop, also known as tabletop weed vaporizers, plug into a power source and need to rest on a table or stable, flat surface. Experienced consumers tend to prefer desktop vaporizers for consuming flower. 

Portable weed vaporizers are more compact, more discreet, and better for on-the-go use. Vape pens are great examples of portable vaporizers. 

Conduction vs. convection: 

Vaporizers also have two different ways they heat flower or concentrates: conduction vs. convection.

Most vaporizers heat via conduction. Conduction means that the heating element comes into direct contact with the flower or concentrate you’re consuming. 

Conduction heats products quickly, but their downside is that they may not heat the ground flower or concentrate evenly. Additionally, you have to be more aware of the temperature with conduction heating because it can potentially burn what you’re consuming due to direct contact.

Convection vaporizers, on the other hand, heat via indirect contact. They work more like an oven, where they produce hot air that surrounds the flower or concentrate in a chamber. 

Convection vaporizers take longer to heat, but they heat your product more evenly and reduce the risk of burning. 

There are vaporizers out there that use a combination of convection and conduction. 

Dry herb vs. concentrates:

When purchasing vaporizers, it’s also important to think about the type of product you want to consume. Some vaporizers are designed specifically for dry herbs (flower), some are designed for concentrates only, and some products allow you to consume both.   

Concentrate vaporizers are also known as e-rigs. 

Excluding vape pens, weed vaporizers cost anywhere from $30 to over $500. 

While you can buy weed vaporizers at head shops, dispensaries also sell them. 

Weedmaps can help you identify which dispensary near you carries the specific vaporizer you want to purchase. Using our website or mobile app, you can browse live menus, see any current deals a dispensary is offering, and purchase for pickup or delivery.