Basic description of and instruction on Marijuana vaporization
Vaporization of herbal cannabis may address the need for a rapid and safe delivery system for cannabinoids. Rapid delivery by inhalation and pulmonary absorption in the lungs while avoiding respiratory disadvantages of smoking indicates that vaporization of herbal cannabis is a safe and effective mode of delivery of THC (Abrams, 2007).
Vaporizing using an approved medical device allows a patient to control the temperature to which the herbal cannabis (or other cannabinoid) is heated. Controlling the temperature to avoid combustion generates a smaller quantity of toxic by-products while efficiently extracting cannabinoids (Pomahacova, 2009).
In Canada, one vaporizer is approved for use as a medical device – the Volcano Medic Vaporizer. The Volcano Medic Vaporizer consists of a heater, a ventilator, a filling chamber a valve and a balloon, and it has been scientifically tested to some extent (Hazekamp, 2006).
The process of vapourizing herbal cannabis
- Filling a small chamber with finely milled herbal cannabis and placing it on a hot air generator.
- Pre-heating the hot air generator and switching on the pump at the desired temperature.
- Air is pumped through the chamber containing the herbal cannabis into a balloon.
- Once the balloon is filled, the pump is switched off.
- The balloon is now filled with a mixture of air and vapors of the herbal cannabis.
- The balloon can be detached by the valve, which is self-sealing.
- Applying pressure to the valve (by gently pressing it to the lips) causes it to open, so the vapors can be inhaled.
Adapted from the Volcano Medic Vaporizer webpage, for a full description of the process please visit http://www.vapormed.com