Whether you prefer flower or concentrates, you’ll need a way to consume. That’s where these devices come in. Explore our guide to the available device types, how they work, and how they can be used with your medical marijuana products.
Medical marijuana devices
Depending on the type of medical marijuana product and method of consumption that’s best for you,
there are a wide range of devices that can be used to consume it. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the
most widely used medical marijuana devices, explain how they work, and offer some maintenance tips
to ensure your devices stay in working order.
Vape pens
• What are vape pens? Vape pens are used to consume medical marijuana oil. The most common type of vape pen is a cartridge attached to a rechargeable
battery that features a 510mm thread; these are aptly named 510 batteries. You may also find disposable vape pens, single-use devices which contain both the battery and the medical marijuana. These are designed to be thrown away once the contents are consumed or the battery is drained, but you’ll find some rechargeable options as well.
• How to use a vape pen: When a vape pen is activated, the battery supplies electricity to a heating element in the cartridge. As that element heats up, it converts the medical marijuana from its liquid form into a vapor. This is usually done by pressing and holding a button on a 510 battery, while most disposable vapes are simply activated by inhaling on the mouthpiece.
• Maintenance: Vape pens are low maintenance and do not require intense cleaning like other devices. You may occasionally need to use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts of the battery and cartridge, but otherwise maintenance requirements are limited. Store the vape pen battery and its charger in a safe place when not in use.
Portable vaporizers
• What are portable vaporizers? Portable vaporizers are electronic devices that offer more comprehensive features than vape pens, such as precise temperature control and mobile app connectivity. Some even support the use of both medical marijuana flower and concentrates. There are a wide range of portable vaporizer models on the market today, including devices like the Yocan Evolve and PAX 3.
• How portable vaporizers work: There are two primary types of portable vaporizers: conduction and convection vapes. Conduction vaporizers work by heating the medical marijuana material directly in a chamber, where the heating element touches the material. Convection vapes work by pushing hot air over the material, rather than having a heating element make direct contact with it. Precisely how each portable vape works depends on the model, so consult your device owner’s manual for details on yours.
• Maintenance: Portable vapes are feature-rich devices that offer a great experience, but they also require a fair amount of maintenance. Portable vaporizers generally need cleaning of the chamber where the material is packed, as well as the mouthpiece and vapor pathways. Some may even contain components that need to be removed and soaked during cleaning. The method of cleaning and maintenance required varies from device to device, so always read your device owner’s manual.
Desktop vaporizers
• What are desktop vaporizers? Desktop vaporizers are powerful, stationary units designed to efficiently vaporize a significant amount of medical marijuana. These were among the first vaporizers released on the market, with models like the Storz & Bickel Volcano leading the way. Desktop vaporizers are ideal for at-home consumption.
• How desktop vaporizers work: Desktop vaporizers utilize convection heating to blow hot air over the medical marijuana material and vaporize it. Most desktop vaporizers offer precise temperature control and can efficiently vaporize a significant amount of medical marijuana at a time. Some models, like the Volcano by Storz and Bickel, employ a detachable plastic bag featuring a mouthpiece, which is filled with vapor and can be removed from the device once it’s full. Others can be affixed with a hose attachment that connects directly to the device. Consult your device owner’s manual for specifics on your desktop
vaporizer.
• Maintenance: Desktop vaporizers require considerable maintenance and cleaning after repeated use, which typically involves disassembling the device and cleaning individual component parts. Generally, glass pieces can be cleaned using isopropyl alcohol, while bowls and screens require the use of a wire brush (or a toothbrush). Every desktop vaporizer is a little bit different, so be sure to read your owner’s manual carefully before cleaning it for the first time.
How to choose medical marijuana devices
Your device selection will be shaped by your preferred products and your comfort level with medical marijuana. If flower is your speed, a portable vaporizer might be the right choice. If concentrates are more your style, you might prefer a portable or desktop vaporizer compatible with concentrates. A dual-use vaporizer would be a great fit if you like to change between flower and concentrates.
Discretion and portability are two important considerations to make as well. If you want to bring your medical marijuana somewhere or consume on the go, a large device like a desktop vaporizer isn’t ideal. The same goes for smells; vaporizing medical marijuana may leave a lingering aroma. If that bothers you, consider a vaping device that significantly reduces the scent.
Your comfort and experience with medical marijuana should play a role in your device decision, too. Some devices like basic vape pens are simple and straightforward. More advanced vaporizers require a learning curve. Other device types are simpler to care for than others — for example, vape pens require way less maintenance than a portable vaporizer. Finally, personalize your medical marijuana experience by choosing devices that match your
aesthetic. There’s a whole world of options for whichever device type you choose. These devices come in an assortment of patterns and shades that can complement your own personal style.
A medical marijuana device for every preference
Whether you want the fine-tuning of a high-tech vaporizer or a simple vaporization device, the right device to support your medical marijuana experience is out there. If you’re not sure which product or device is best for your needs, talk to an Ethos associate at one of our dispensaries. As your partner in your medical marijuana journey, we’re happy to walk you through our complete inventory of products and devices to ensure you find the best combination to bring you relief.
