[object Object]

Photo by cendeced / Adobe Stock Photo

Health | 01.23.2023

Concentrate Vs. Dry Herb Vaporizers: What’s Better?

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 becoming increasingly popular in the cannabis market thanks to their discreet, portable and convenient nature. Along with these benefits, vaporizers also reduce carcinogen intake, lung damage, signs of aging and are safe to use indoors. Whether you’re vaping concentrates or dry herbs, vaporizing is a healthier way to get the high you’re looking for.

With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know exactly what vaporizer will suit you best. A good place to start is by figuring out whether you’re more into dry herb or concentrate vaporizers.

What Is The Difference Between Dry Herb & Concentrate Vaporizers?

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 which 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.

What Is A Concentrate?

[object Object]

Photo by Georgia Love for Herb

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.

[object Object]
View Product

Are Concentrates Stronger Than Dry Herbs?

[object Object]

Photo by Roxxyphotos / Adobe Stock Photo

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.

Smoking concentrate also requires the correct equipment. It’s good to find yourself a reliable supplier and all-in-one headshop for dabbing tools like Honeybee Herb. Their quartz bangers are top-notch, their ceramic nails are the best you could find, and their selection of dabbers will astonish you.

Their more specialized equipment, like their reclaim catcher or their dab stations, will show you an easier way to do this dabbing thing. Honeybee Herb is guaranteed to enhance and never hinder.

[object Object]
View Product

Concentrate Vaporizers Are Fast & Effective

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.

How Does A Dab Hit From Concentrate Vaporizers Work?

Dabbing is the process of applying a concentrate to the vaporizer coil and inhaling as the cannabinoids and terpenes change from wax to vapor. This is an easy and quick way to get a potent dose of cannabinoids.

Concentrate vaporizers are incredibly valuable tools for regular dabbers because they provide a convenient and discreet way to dab while on the way work, at the beach, or on any adventures.

Best Dry Herb Vaporizers

G Pen Hyer Vaporizer

[object Object]
View Product

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.

Linx Gaia Vaporizer

[object Object]
View Product

The Linx Gaia is a best-in-class, portable vaporizer that is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves to vape. This sleek and stylish vaporizer is easy to use and comes with various features that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a new vaporizer. The Linx Gaia comes with a built-in OLED display that makes it easy to see your current settings and Battery life. It also has a detachable mouthpiece that makes it easy to clean and replace.

Why settle when you can have it all?

The Mighty+: The Ultimate Vaporizer For Dry Herb and Concentrates

[object Object]
View Product

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.

Best Concentrate Vaporizers

AirVape OM

[object Object]
View Product

The AirVape OM is a vaporizer for oil and concentrates so good-looking and pleasant to use that it might become your next favorite gadget to use cannabis.

The design consists of a 4.5 inches long metallic tube that pairs perfectly with the leather finish, which gives it a ton of style and makes it easy to grab and handle. This is a portable vape that fits in any pocket like but is so beautiful that you will want to show it everywhere you go. That is why it comes with a keychain that you will use for sure.

But, despite being so compact, the AirVape OM has a long-lasting rechargeable battery of 350 mAh and has 3 voltage settings to change the heat.

Plus, you don’t want your precious oil to fall from the vape, so it comes with a magnetic cartridge that fits any 510 thread. And you also get a protective cap for the mouthpiece. It is the connection of the weed pleasure with your body, so you want it intact and clean.

Best Dual-Use Vaporizers

PAX 3

[object Object]
View Product

If Apple ever made a vape, this is what it would look like. It’s as gorgeous as it’s functional. With the PAX 3, you can vape both your dry herbs and concentrates with precise temperature and superior heating times.

Hamilton Devices - KR1 Small but Mighty

[object Object]
View Product

Does size really matter? Hamilton Devices and its KR1 don’t think so. Don’t let the size of the KR1 fool you; as it may look small, the punch it packs is robust and clean.

The first-ever of its kind offers its consumers a dual-purpose vaporizer allowing versatility by interchanging between your favorite CCELL or most 510 vape carts and wax coil for the concentrate bubbler. This neat accessory will have more than a few heads taking a second glance!

Never judge a bubbler at first glance! The KR1 will surprise you in more than one way.

Hydrology9 NX Flower & Concentrate Vaporizer

[object Object]
View Product

The Hydrology9 NX is a flower and concentrate vaporizer featuring a water filtration system that allows you to enjoy a cooling hit without getting your water filthy in one sesh.

When using the Hydrology9 NX, you have a concentrate atomizer with titanium plate heating. Or you can switch to a flower ceramic heating chamber with a convection and conduction hybrid system. It is fantastic how it provides similar results to using a torch without the solvent flavor.

Adjusting the temperature is simple. There are six heating settings you can explore by using a single dial. You have the time. The battery lasts for a long time and recharges quickly. Besides, the battery is replaceable if it comes to fail someday.

The Hydrology9 NX has a removable Air Path that provides exceptional airflow and is helpful when cleaning the vaporizer.

The Arizer Air MAX

[object Object]
View Product

The Arizer Air MAX is a dry herbs vaporizer that counts for four. That is because this vaporizer has a multi-purpose diffuser tech. This tech produces different vaping experiences depending on the diffuser you are using.

Before reaching your mouth, the vapor goes through an isolated air path that prevents your device from warming when using it. And the rapid heating system produces vapor in less than a minute using a ceramic heating element that won’t burn terpenes or cannabinoids.

The Arizer Air Max gives you full control of the temperature with a 1-degree precision setting ranging from 50° to 220° C, or 122° to 482° F. Low temperatures maximize flavors while high temperatures favor potency.

It is fantastic to explore the effects of different temperatures and diffusers when using the Arizer Air Max.

Why Is Temperature So Important In Dry Herb & Concentrate Vaporizers?

[object Object]

Photo by oneinchpunch / Adobe Stock Photo

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.

What Are Live Resin Edibles?

[object Object]

Rachel Abela


Can Cannabis Brands Advertise?

[object Object]

Rachel Abela

[object Object]

enter your email below to get insider updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Latest