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Vapes fall into two main categories: dry herb and concentrate. Here's everything you should know about each one so you can find the best device for you.
Vaporizers are having their moment—and for good reason. They’re discreet, portable, and way more convenient than rolling up. Plus, they come with some solid perks like reducing carcinogen intake, being easier on your lungs, and, let’s face it, letting you vape indoors without the whole room smelling like a Snoop Dogg concert.
But when it comes to vaping, the big question is: dry herb or concentrates? Both have their own vibe, and choosing between the two is hugely based on personal preference.
Let’s break it down and help you figure out which vaporizer style is your perfect match.
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Dry herb vaporizers are used for vaporizing busted up cannabis flowers while concentrate vaporizers are for vaporizing, you guessed it, cannabis concentrates.
Also called wax pens or dab pens, concentrate vaporizers feature tanks or chambers that are filled with extracts and then heated and inhaled. Concentrate vaporizers are a good fit for experienced herb lovers who want to ditch the blow torch and dab on the go.
Many vapes are dual-use meaning you can easily switch between vaping dry herbs and concentrates. These vapes are perfect for herbivores who want variety packed into small and discreet devices.
The first step to deciding whether you should be looking at dry herb or concentrate vaporizers is deciding what kind of high you want.
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Cannabis concentrates are exactly what they sound like: a super concentrated version of the cannabis flower. Concentrates technically count as any cannabis material left over at the end of the extraction process.
The process involves using solvents, such as butane and carbon dioxide, to isolate the compounds you want, like THC and CBD, from the cannabis plant. Basically, pressure and carbon dioxide are used in unison to separate plant material. Words like wax, shatter, sap and oil often refer to the texture of the concentrate.
Kief, or hash, technically counts as an unprocessed cannabis concentrate. One of the oldest cannabis concentrates out there, hash hasn’t undergone an extraction process that turns it into a super concentrated final product. Instead, it is comprised of many trichomes, which are tiny little hairs that grow off cannabis, that can be vaporized.
BHO, butane hash oil, is a popular concentrate. Cannabinoids are drawn out of the dry flower using butane extraction. The process leaves behind a wax, called butane hash oil, that is either sticky or hard. BHO is commonly used to relieve chronic pain since it often has as much as 80% THC.
This Delta 8 THC wax from Binoid is a great way to experience cannabis concentrates.
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Yes, absolutely. The extreme difference in potency between dry herbs and concentrates is a very important distinction to understand. Because a concentrate has been isolated, a dab hit from a concentrate vaporizer is usually a lot more potent than vaporizing dry herb. To be clear concentrates tend to be about 60-80% THC, while the average dry herb is only 10-25% THC.
This means two things. Firstly, that concentrate vaporizers are a lot more cost-effective since less material needs to be vaped to reach the high you want. Secondly, that inexperienced dabbers really need to take it slow when vaporizing concentrates.
When it comes to using concentrate vaporizers, it’s better to start slow and work your way up. It’s important to point out that vaporizing any cannabis material is far healthier than smoking it, so if concentrate vaporizers don’t work for you, there are plenty of dry herb vaporizers that will.
Terpenes are the compounds found in cannabis that produce the distinct flavor and smell of the flower. It is the combination of terpenes and THC that create the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
For example, Limonene, a terpene found in most citrus fruits as well as OG Kush and Sour Diesel, can promote weight loss and improve mood when vaped. Some concentrates will lose some of their aromas and flavors when they are extracted, so if you are someone who prefers a super strong flavor and aroma, it might be best to stick to dry herb vaporizers.
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As we know, inhaling cannabis concentrates is a lot more potent and powerful than inhaling dry herb. Medical cannabis users often use concentrate vaporizers because they provide fast relief thanks to the strong dose of cannabinoids.
Of course, some concentrates are rich in non-intoxicating compounds like CBD. A CBD concentrate is great for pain relief because it makes you feel better without the psychoactive effects that get you high.
A concentrate vaporizer heats your wax, shatter, or oil at just the right temperature to turn it into vapor—no burning involved. The concentrate sits in a chamber, usually made of ceramic or quartz, and the device heats it up evenly.
You can adjust the temperature to control the experience: lower temps bring out the flavors and terpenes, while higher temps create thicker clouds and stronger effects. It’s a simple, clean, and smooth way to enjoy concentrates without the hassle of using a torch.
Here’s a solid example of a concentrate device.
The LOOKAH Seahorse Queen Nectar Collector isn’t your typical dab rig or portable vaporizer. It’s a nectar collector—a consumption device that looks similar to a drinking straw.
With it, you get variable voltage settings for maximum session control, a large bubbler for all-around cooling, and an anti-slip grip to ensure it stays in good shape.
This device features an 800mAh battery with an LED battery indicator (25% increments), not to mention LED voltage indicators.
The simple one-button interface and versatile coil options make this a standout device for any dabber who prefers a streamlined, torch-free session.
Get it now from LOOKAH and never look back.
There is no rival for the G Pen Hyer Vaporizer when it comes to innovation in dual-use vaporizers. This vaporizer is the latest work from Grenco Science. The G Pen Hyer Vaporizer uses next-gen tech to maximize functionality and pairs with any glass-on-glass water piece.
This vaporizer has a full quartz heating chamber with stainless steel elements to accelerate the convection heating. This device features a single output temperature to keep consistency. This heat setting has proven to be the best balance between flavor and vapor production.
And the quick start-up function allows you to start your sesh in seconds.
The G Pen Hyer Vaporizer is simple to use. It has only three buttons to turn it on and off and switch between dry herbs and concentrates.
Your sessions last forever with the 6,000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. But also, the anodized aluminum housing will make your vaporizer extremely durable.
Read the full review to learn more about the G Pen Hyer Vaporizer.
If you’re set on snagging a concentrate-only vaporizer, we’ll do you one better.
The Yocan Black Max 2 is a highly functional electronic dab rig that’s packed with neat features for consistently satisfying sessions.
Featuring a 2100mAh battery, USB Type-C charging, and a Cloud2 Chamber with 360-degree ceramic heating, this concentrate vape delivers the smoothest, most delicious hits in an ergonomic pistol shape.
With Precision Temperature Settings, easy water filtration, and a cleaning brush for your convenience, this Yocan device is a no-brainer for dedicated dabbers.
Order today and get it shipped to your door.
The vaporizer market has grown exponentially in recent years, with a wide range of options available for consumers. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a vaporizer is whether to go for a concentrate or dry herb vaporizer. Both have their own set of pros and cons, and the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
The Storz-Bickel Mighty+ is a versatile device that can accommodate both dry herb and concentrates. It is packed with features that make it the best vaporizer on the market. The USB-C socket allows for lightning-fast charging, so you can spend less time waiting for your device to charge and more time enjoying your vape. With the Supercharge function, you can get an 80% charge in just 40 minutes, which is perfect for those on the go.
Dry herb vaporizers are great for those who want to enjoy the full spectrum of the plant, as they allow you to vaporize the entire flower, preserving all the beneficial compounds. The Mighty+ ceramic-coated filling chamber ensures that your vapor is smooth and flavorful, while the optimized design provides better stability for a more enjoyable vaping experience.
On the other hand, concentrate vaporizers are perfect for those who want a more potent and immediate effect. The Mighty+ pre-set Superbooster temperature allows you to customize your vaping experience to your exact preferences, ensuring that you get the most out of your concentrate.
For those torn between dry herb and concentrate vaporizers, Arizer’s ArGo presents a compelling case for the former. It’s a standout in the realm of dry herb vaporizers, offering portability without sacrificing the quality of vapor.
Compact and Efficient: The ArGo is designed for easy handling and discreet usage, making it perfect for on-the-go vaping
Precise Temperature Control: Customize your vaping session to suit your taste and the specific properties of the herb
Pure Flavor Delivery: Ensures that each draw is packed with the full, unadulterated flavor of the dry herb
Arizer’s ArGo is not just a device; it’s a premium choice for enthusiasts who value the nuanced flavors and aromas of dry herbs. It represents a blend of innovation and quality that Arizer is known for.
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Don’t forget, vaporizers heat cannabis concentrates and dry herbs to an optimal temperature causing cannabinoids to change from solid or liquid to vapor without combustion. Heating without combustion means the user doesn’t inhale tar, carcinogens and other harmful toxins that can irritate the lungs after a while.
Most vaporizers have a range of specific temperature settings. There are often about three or four temperatures to choose from. When activated, usually by pressing a button or inhaling, the device battery heats up the atomizer coils and chamber which in turn heats the material.
The temperature is hot enough to turn the material to vapor but not hot enough to irritate the lungs. The lower the temperature, the smoother the vapor.
Whether it’s concentrate or dry herbs, vaporizers are guaranteed to provide smooth vapor and big clouds without burning your material.
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