Earlier this month we talked about how recreational marijuana has been rolling out across Arizona and this time we wanted to dip our toes back into that pool to address a specific piece of it that is completely within our realm of expertise! Here’s what you need to know about THC vapes, and how to start vaping marijuana recreationally in Arizona.
THC Vapes – What Are They?
If you’re one of the thousands of Arizonans who are brand new to this whole thing you might be wondering what THC vapes even are, heck what’s THC? What’s vapes?! No worries! We’ll cover everything in simple terms to clear it all up.
First, THC
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of many different cannabinoids identified in cannabis. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. In effect, THC is the active compound from cannabis plants that produces the “high”
Now, What About Vapes
Vapes, short for vaporizers, are tools that are used for the inhalation of vapor. Like a pipe or paper for smoking, it is just the means by which a user inhales the substance of choice, frequently nicotine.
So, THC Vapes?
Put ‘em both together and what do you get? A vaporizer designed specifically for the inhalation of THC.
Got it? Nice. So let’s look at some other questions you’re likely stewing on now that that’s all cleared up.
Why Vape THC?
Vaping THC is a cleaner, more efficient way of using marijuana. Like vaping is to traditional smoking, it removes smoke, burning paper and particles from the experience, all of which are harsh on the lungs. For those looking to get “high,” but to do so without smoking vaping is a great option.
How to Use a THC Vape
Before we dive too deep into this answer, let’s first address that there are several different kinds of vaporizers for marijuana. There are tabletop vapes that take dry flower (plant matter) and vaporize them while sitting stationary. There are portable dry flower vaporizers, and then there are concentrate vaporizers. For our purposes we’re specifically looking at concentrate vaporizers as they’re what we handle! These usually come in what are called vape pens (because, well they look more like your traditional BIC pen than they do a pipe or something).
Vape pens come in two varieties. A rechargeable, reusable pen that has separate cartridges and batteries or an all-in-one disposable option. Here’s how to use them, regardless of what type they are.
- First, if using a pen with a rechargeable battery, make sure the battery on the pen is fully charged. Connect the cartridge to the battery tightly.
- Certain rechargeable batteries will have a temperature control. If yours does, make sure it’s set at the desired temp.
- Does the pen have a button? If so press and draw, otherwise it’s built to auto-draw, meaning automatically heat when inhaled.
- Inhale slowly. This will help you pace yourself, as well as preventing you from overheating and damaging the oil. Overheating will cause the oil to degrade faster, ruining the cartridge’s lifespan.
- Proceed with low, slow draws to get your perfect level of ‘high.’
When you’re running low, and you’ll know because the vapor will lose it’s flavor, or taste burnt and harsh, it’s time to move one. If it’s a reusable cartridge it’s time to refill, otherwise simply dispose of the pen and purchase a new one.
At its most basic, that’s all there is to it! If you have a more complex vaping rig, there will be more options, features, and specifics to know and dial in so make sure you read any manual that comes with your product before use!
Being an informed consumer is the biggest step towards safety in all things and you already know that, or else you wouldn’t be here! As you go forward on your vaping journey, always be sure you’re buying the best, highest quality products from trusted stores and dispensaries to ensure you get the best possible experience.
Ready to get started on your vaping journey? DC Alchemy has you covered!
