Of all the methods of inhaling cannabis, vaporization is the safest for long-term use and most widely accepted by doctors whose main concern regarding inhaled cannabis therapy is exposing the patient to smoke of any sort. Vaporization heats the plant matter to a temperature that?s high enough to vaporize the active ingredients into a vapor that can then be inhaled (between 180?C [356?F] and 200?C [392?F]), but low enough not to cause combustion (burning) of the plant material (approximately 500?C to 700?C [932?F to 1292?F]. Vaporizers heat the plant material (or concentrate) either through conduction (heating it directly against the heat source) or convection (heating the air around the plant material, which in turn, heats the medicine). Which method is best for you really depends on personal preference.
Widely regarded as the "Cadillac of Vaporizers," the German-made Volcano uses convection to make vapor, which is then collected in food-grade bags, much like balloons being filled with air. Depressing a specialized mouthpiece allows you to inhale the vapor, while keeping the unused portion within the bag.
The most hygienic approach is to wipe down the mouthpiece with an alcohol swab before use and to not place your mouth directly on the mouthpiece, instead, depressing it with your finger while inhaling. There are several versions of this type of very efficient vaporizer on the market today, including those with distinctive and stylish stainless steel finishes and digital temperature displays, but they tend to be pricey (around $500-700) and the forced air system does make noise similar to a blowing fan.
For those who prefer a quieter, passive system (rather than air being blown through the plant material, one inhales, drawing the air past a heating element, through surgical tubing, into the lungs), there are even more models available and they tend to be more reasonable in price ($150-400). A personal favorite is the Silver Surfer, which uses a high-grade ceramic heating element. One can benefit from essential oil aromatherapy heated on top of the vaporizer, while at the same time, benefit from vaporized cannabis medicine. For those who prefer the clean flavor of vaping with glass-on-glass technology and want a system that looks more stylish than your average medical equipment, the Silver Surfer might be the answer.