Vaping Cannabis for the First Time? Tips for a Smooth and Safe Experience

By Space Coast Daily // October 29, 2024

Are you considering becoming a cannabis vape? Well, you’re not alone. According to recent estimates, 23.8% of U.S. vapers prefer marijuana to other herbs.

Vaping has a faster onset time than other popular cannabis delivery methods, allowing the beneficial compounds in weed e-juices to enter your bloodstream within as few as five minutes. It’s also a safer alternative to consuming marijuana than smoking.

But if you’re new to cannabis vaping, you must implement certain tips to ensure a smooth and safe vaping experience. This article highlights some of those techniques.

1. Start With the Right Vaporizer

The vape market teems with vaporizers of different sizes and styles. But how do you find the right device for your needs?

First, determine whether a vaporizer works by the conduction or convection method. The former is designed primarily for high-temperature vaping, while the latter provides cleaner vapor.

Besides, consider a vaporizer with a more extended temperature range. The Volcano hybrid boasts a full temperature range of 266 – 446 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to experiment with diverse vaping experiences.

Moreover, pick a vape device made of durable metals. This often requires researching each of the gadget’s components. For instance, the drip tip can feature rubber or glass, whereas the atomizer should preferably be made from Kanthal or Nichrome.

2. Familiarize Yourself With Cannabis Laws

Weed is regulated in many jurisdictions worldwide. In the United States, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug, making it federally illegal.

However, hemp-derived cannabis products (including e-juices) are legal for medical use throughout all fifty states, provided that they contain no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Besides, at least 24 states have now legalized recreational cannabis.

3. Understand Vaping Laws Too

Like cannabis, the legality of vape products varies from one jurisdiction to another.

Most regulators prohibit vaping in places where smoking is generally banned, including gas stations and public transportation vessels. Therefore, only vape in designated spots to avoid run-ins with the law.

There are also restrictions on the minimum age to purchase cannabis e-liquids.

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4. Analyze The Dominant Cannabinoids in Your E-juice

Cannabis boasts over 100 cannabinoids, the most notable ones being tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD).

Most cannabis-infused e-juices are high in THC or CBD.

CBD is non-psychoactive and is typically administered for medicinal benefits, whereas THC is psychotropic and is popular with recreational vapers looking to savor the famous ‘high.’

5. Assess Other Ingredients in Your Cannabis E-juice

Cannabis vape oils contain other key ingredients that may impact the vaping experience in varied ways. These include vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), and flavorings.

VG is a thick, plant-based substance renowned for its vapor-producing effects. It differs from PG, a petroleum-derived compound added to enhance flavor production.

If you’re new to cannabis vaping, start with a VG: PG ratio of 70:30 or 80:20, then adjust gradually as desired.

As for flavors, it’s best to stick to natural sources. Note that cannabis is inherently rich in aromatic compounds called terpenes. Choose flavors that complement the dominant terpenes in your e-juice.

6. Find Your Ideal Vaping Temperature

Vaporizers come with different temperature settings.

But for an optimal experience vaping cannabis, aim for anywhere between 365 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the range at which most cannabinoids and terpenes vaporize.

Exceeding the ideal temperature range may degrade the cannabinoids in your e-juice. Conversely, falling below the limit might impede flavor and vapor production.

7. Moderate Air Flow

Modern vape devices come with adjustable airflow. Increasing the airflow helps regulate your vape’s temperature while restricting it causes the coils to overheat, potentially resulting in a burnt hit.

The thumb rule is to start with moderate airflow and gradually adjust upwards.

Note that excess airflow also increases the quantity of cannabinoids inhaled per draw, posing risks of overdose.

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8. Insist On MTL Vaping

There are two vaping techniques based on how you draw heated vapor from a vape device to your lungs. They include mouth-to-lung (MTL) and (direct-to-lung).

MTL vaping entails drawing vapor into your mouth and holding it for a few seconds before swallowing, whereas DTL involves inhaling vapor directly into the lungs.

DTL vaping is gentler on the throat since you don’t hold vapor in your mouth. But if you want to savor the flavors in your cannabis e-juice, then an MTL draw might suit you better.

9. Plan Your Sessions Around Mealtimes

Cannabis is associated with the munchies.

Tetrahydrocannabinol is mainly known for its appetite-stimulating properties. So, the ideal time to vape THC-high e-juices is around mealtimes.

However, this strategy mainly applies to THC and other psychoactive cannabis compounds. Non-psychoactive chemicals like CBD may suppress appetite rather than stimulate it.

10. Mind Your Doses

If you’re a first-time cannabis vape, moderation is key.

Start with e-liquids formulated from lower CBD and THC potencies.

Then, take a puff or two and wait about twenty minutes before taking another round of draws.

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Final Word

While vaping cannabis provides several benefits compared to administering weed by other means, vaping isn’t entirely risk-free.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cite irritability, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating as the key side effects of tobacco vaping. In the case of cannabis, you may also experience marijuana-specific adverse events, such as hallucinations and dry mouth.

Fortunately, you can minimize the unpleasant effects of cannabis vaping by practicing moderation. The idea is to start low and build momentum incrementally until you hit your sweet spot.