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A dry herb vaporizer is a device that gently heats cannabis flower to a precise, controlled temperature, releasing its active compounds — including cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, and aromatic terpenes — as a clean, inhalable vapour rather than smoke.
Unlike smoking, which relies on combustion (burning the material), vaporization avoids combustion entirely. By heating the flower only to the point where therapeutic compounds are released, a vaporizer delivers the desired effects while significantly reducing exposure to harmful by-products such as tar, ash, and carbon monoxide.
This controlled approach preserves more of the plant’s natural flavour, offers a smoother inhalation experience, and allows patients to benefit from a cleaner, more efficient method of cannabis administration.
Cleaner and gentler on the lungs
Vaporizing eliminates combustion, significantly reducing exposure to carcinogenic and irritant compounds found in smoke. This results in a smoother, safer, more comfortable experience.
Fast onset of relief
Inhalation allows cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream quickly, typically producing noticeable effects within minutes — making it well suited for symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or sleep disturbance that benefit from rapid relief.
Precise dosing and control
Modern vaporizers feature digital temperature and session settings, helping patients better manage their dose and therapeutic effects.
Better preservation of therapeutic compounds
Lower, controlled temperatures help retain cannabinoids and terpenes that are often destroyed during smoking, supporting a more complete therapeutic effect while retaining the natural flavour and aroma.
Medical-grade vaporizers are designed and certified to meet strict performance and safety standards, and we generally recommend them for patients who inhale their prescribed cannabis flower. We have a selection of medical vaporizers available to purchase online or at our Ponsonby clinic:
Grenco Elite 2 – $499 ($450 for Community Services Cardholders)
Storz & Bickel Mighty Medic+ – $669
Storz & Bickel Volcano Medic 2 – $999
Oleo Panacea – $339 (online only)
Whilst we recommend using a medically registered vaporizer, we recognise that cost can be a barrier.
Our primary concern is that patients choosing inhalation are using a device that vapourises the flower – not combusts it. For this reason, we also accept the use of non-medical dry herb vaporizers, provided they are specifically designed for dry herb vapourisation without the risk of combustion.
Start Low, Go Slow
Begin with a lower temperature and small amount of flower. Gradually increase as you learn what works best for you.
Grind & Pack Gently
Using a grinder ensures an even grind for optimal extraction. Gently fill the chamber without overpacking — compacting the flower into the chamber will restrict airflow, good airflow is key to even extraction.
Inhale Slowly
Take long, steady draws rather than quick puffs to allow the hot air to pass through the flower evenly. A controlled draw also helps your device maintain stable temperature and delivers smoother, more effective relief.
Stir Mid-Session
Some devices benefit from a quick stir mid-session to redistribute material around the chamber and ensure full vaporization. This can be done while the chamber is hot, just be careful not to burn yourself.
Check Your Airflow
Make sure the mouthpiece, screens and intake holes are clear. A clear, clean airway ensures your vaporizer can perform optimally, delivering better flavour and more consistent extraction.
Clean Regularly
Brush out the chamber after each use. Soaking removable parts in isopropyl alcohol removes stubborn resin build up. Soaking in warm cooking oil also works well for this, just be sure to wash off oil after, and don’t let it seep in to any cavities.
Temperature shapes which cannabinoids and terpenes are released, influencing flavour, potency, and the type of relief you feel. Because each compound vaporizes at its own point, adjusting the heat lets you tailor your session for clarity, balance, or deeper relaxation.
Low (160–175°C):
Lower temperatures preserve more terpenes and volatile compounds, producing light, flavourful vapour with uplifting, clear-headed effects. THC and CBD begin activating here without heavy sedation, making this range ideal for daytime use, focus, creativity, and gentle relief from stress, anxiety, or mild pain.
Medium (175–190°C):
This range delivers a balanced extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes, offering smooth but denser vapour with a mix of mental clarity and physical relaxation. It’s well-suited for moderate pain, muscle tension, and mood support, as compounds like CBG and CBC also release effectively to enhance the entourage effect.
High (190–210°C):
Higher temperatures maximise cannabinoid extraction, including THC, CBD, and sedative compounds like CBN, producing dense, warm vapour with strong body-focused effects. Best for severe pain, insomnia, muscle spasticity, or evening sessions when deeper relaxation is needed.
How a vaporizer heats your medicinal cannabis directly affects vapour smoothness, consistency, and therapeutic effectiveness. Not all devices heat the same way, and the technology used determines how evenly your flower is extracted and how comfortable the vapour feels. There are three ways a vaporizer can heat the flower:
Conduction Heating
Conduction vaporizers heat the flower through direct contact with a hot surface (usually a metal or ceramic chamber wall). This method heats up quickly and is common in compact, budget-friendly devices.
Pros: Fast heat-up, simple design, often cheaper.
Cons: Uneven extraction can create hot spots, harsher vapour, and requires frequent stirring. Heat is constantly applied so vapour can be wasted between draws.
Convection Heating
Convection vaporizers heat the flower using hot air that passes through the chamber as you inhale. Because the flower isn’t touching a hot surface, the heat spreads evenly and gently.
Pros: Even & efficient extraction; smooth, cool vapour, better flavour. Flower is only heated with air-flow so less vapour is wasted between draws.
Cons: Takes a little longer to preheat, typically more expensive than conduction.
Hybrid Heating
Hybrid vaporizers aim to combine the quick heating of conduction and the even extraction of convection.
Pros: Faster heat-up than pure convection with more even heating than pure conduction.
Cons: Performance can vary greatly — budget hybrids are usually conduction dominant with ‘hybrid’ being more marketing than anything. While high-end hybrids like the Mighty+ Medic strike a true balance, making the most of both technologies.
You’ll know your flower is fully extracted when the vapour becomes thin & hardly visible, the flavour turns bland or toasty, and the material has changed to an even medium–dark brown. Once these signs appear, your session is essentially complete.
No — vapour produces a lighter, shorter-lasting smell than smoke because there’s no combustion. The scent is usually mild, herbal, and disperses quickly, especially in well-ventilated spaces. While it still has a noticeable smell, it’s far more subtle than smoking.
Yes. If your mouthpiece is removable, you can dismantle it and soak in isopropyl alcohol for 10–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and let it dry fully. For a non-alcohol option, a quick soak in warm cooking oil (such as vegetable or coconut oil) will loosen sticky resin — then wash with warm soapy water and rinse to remove the oil. Be sure not to soak any parts with an internal cavity that can fill with oil. For quick cleans between sessions, a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol works well. Make sure parts are completely dry before using.
You can travel with your dry herb vaporizer, but only if you follow the laws and rules of wherever you’re going. In New Zealand, you may carry your device domestically, but you should keep it clean, empty, and stored with your medication in its original packaging. For international travel, cannabis laws vary widely — some countries have strict penalties — so always check the regulations before you fly.
Store your medicinal cannabis in a cool, dark, dry place, in its original airtight container. Keep it away from heat, sunlight, and moisture, and avoid the fridge or freezer. Proper storage helps maintain freshness and potency.
Your prescription will include guidance on the amount of cannabis flower to use. Most dry herb vaporizers indicate the approximate chamber size, which helps you portion your dose. For the most accurate dosing, you can use a small digital scale and a dosing capsule to measure the exact amount of flower for each session. Starting with the recommended dose and adjusting only under medical guidance ensures safe and consistent use.
Generally, a full chamber will last 5–10 minutes. The duration of a session depends on your vaporizer, temperature, and the strain you’re using. Lower temperatures generally last longer and higher temperatures extract faster. Convection/hybrid heating vaporizers are usually more efficient and thus provide longer sessions.
If you find your sessions are not lasting this long, try reducing the temperature at the start of the session and increasing as you go. Check out the other “Tips for Effective Use” above.
No, dry herb vaporizers are designed specifically for cannabis flower and are not suitable for concentrates or oils.
Submit a question and our specialist will get back to you.