How Vape Pens Are Transforming Medical Cannabis Treatment

There are many different methods of administering cannabis oil treatments as prescribed by your physician. Common direct ingestion techniques include edibles, topical treatments, tinctures and tonics, teas and sodas, and hash—the resin from the flowers of a female cannabis plant.

In addition, there are two possible ways to receive cannabis treatment in extract form called "dabbing" and "vaping." Dabbing is a fast, efficient and highly potent method where a small dose of cannabis concentrate is heated on a hot surface—usually a nail—and then inhaled. The downside is that the process and equipment to dab is complex, and sometimes the effects aren't what some people are looking for.

Vape pens are another advanced technique for ingesting cannabis extract. Using a personal portable vaporizer, this method functions much like an electronic cigarette except that it allows the user to insert their own dried herbs or oil or wax concentrates. A heating component gradually heats up the dried herbs or extract to between 350-400 degrees, producing clean vapor that delivers the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids directly to the lungs.

Vape pens are much easier and more beneficial than other types of cannabis ingestion techniques for a variety of reasons.

Benefits of "Vaping" Medicinal Cannabis Oil

Compared to traditional methods of receiving cannabis treatment, people who use vape pens experience the following benefits:

No smoke: Through a slow heating process, vape pens, or "vaporizers," produce clean vapor without irritating and harmful smoke. "Vaping" is much less harmful than smoking because the vapor inhaled is virtually free of toxins and carcinogenic residue—nor does it create second-hand smoke.

Potency and dosage control: Since pure cannabis extract is concentrated, a little goes a long way and users have greater control over how much they ingest.

Social: Vape pens offer a tremendous social benefit because of their portability, discreetness, and ease of use. Since they look like pens and produce only a small wisp of vapor and almost no smell, people can easily use them in privacy wherever they happen to be.

Safety and effectiveness: Numerous studies, including those published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology and in the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, have proven the safety and effectiveness of using vaporizers as delivery systems for ingesting THC and other cannabinoids for medical purposes.

Medical Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is a concentrated extract harvested from the buds or leaves of the cannabis plant. The purpose of extraction is to make cannabinoids such as THC, CBD and other beneficial compounds available in a highly concentrated form. Preclinical studies of cannabinoids have shown them to be effective in the treatment of various types of cancer, as well as other life-threatening, and chronic or incurable illnesses.

However, the quality of the cannabis concentrate is an integral factor in its effectiveness as a treatment. Many cannabis oils are made using plant byproducts, butane solvents or hemp, which negatively impacts their quality. Unfortunately, patients often aren't aware of the differences between pure cannabis extracts versus oils made with byproducts. As a result, their treatment may have a desired effect.

This is why it is important for doctors who prescribe medicinal cannabis oil for treatment, as well as patients who ingest cannabis concentrate through a vape pen, tonic or any other method, to make sure they are consuming only organic and pure cannabis extracts.