{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-question-tags-template-js","path":"/question-tag/vaporizer/20","result":{"data":{"allQuestion":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Question_11039-markdown","title":"I love to run my vape through a water pipe to cool the vapor. Any plans to make a FF2 attachment for bubblers?","slug":"i-love-to-run-my-vape-through-a-water-pipe-to-cool-the-vapor-any-plans-to-make-a-ff2-attachment-for-bubblers","content":"\n_____________________\nI think that this is unlikely. \n\nThe FireFly2 vaporizer has a very long vaporizer path consisting of borosilicate glass leading to a metal mouthpiece. The vapor is reportedly smooth / not hot, so a water pipe would be unnecessary for most patients.  \n\nYou may be able to find after market attachments that may work. Alternatively, you could attach a silicone tube to the mouthpiece of the FireFly and attach the other end to your water pipe. You may need an inexpensive glass adapter, which may be found on eBay or other stores. \n\nI always remind patients that use water pipes to keep their water pipe clean, as they can be breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi.\n\ndredmunds","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11027-markdown","title":"Vaping Medical Cannabis","slug":"vaping-medical-cannabis","content":"\"I live in San Diego and I am wondering the cost of everything needed to vape medical cannabis? What is the cost range of the vape pen and the medical cannabis to use for vaping? Also, I would like a good recommendation for the vapor type of medical cannabis that helps with anxiety and stress and gives a LITTLE of a high/relaxed feeling immediately? \"\n_____________________\nI would suggest you start with a low cost vape pen (around $40 or so) with a resin cartridge of your choice. This would be a low cost way to experience vaping and see if its right for you. Also, there are many strains you can get for the resin contents, which means you could experiment with different combinations of CBD / THC and others to find the right fit for your headaches and anxiety.\n\nHere is a disposable model for $35\nhttps://www.speedweed.com/product/w-vape-disposable-vape-pen/\n\nW-Vapes also makes the rechargeable models which are awesome.\n\nOnce you have narrowed your choices to strains, and psychoactive combinations, if you choose you might invest in one of the higher priced vaping outfits like a Firefly, Pax or other. These are hundreds of dollars, but can provide for superior taste and other benefits. \n\nYou also might try a good tincture, or edible which could also be helpful for the anxiety and headache conditions you describe.\n\nmark","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11025-markdown","title":"question about vaping and asthma","slug":"question-about-vaping-and-asthma","content":"\"I have a Firefly that I purchased last year. I only use it with cannibis; never concentrates.  On occasion, if I've used it a lot, I experience some wheezing.  (I have asthma which is aggravated by dairy and a few airborne pollens.)  However, when I'm actually under the influence, my asthma is much, much better.  Is using my Firefly possibly causing a longer term issue for my lungs, or is this just a short term irritation, or what?\"\n_____________________\nFirefly vaporizers require a much longer draw than a quick bowl hit, so the vapor goes much deeper into your lungs. This can quite possibly irritate your asthma more, but not nearly as damaging as smoke would be. From my experience, smoke is very irritating to the throat and lungs, where vapor creates slight discomfort in the lungs, but for a shorter time.\n\nbasecomputer\n_____________________\nABV, already been vaped,  is excellent for cooking. Still has some cannabanoids that can be extracted. I mix with coconut oil, simmer on stove for one hour, strain through cheesecloth, use like any cooking oil. 20 g ABV in 125 ml (1/2 cup) oil used in any brownie mix. Delicious.  Quite potent. Body high. Great for dessert, in the evening.\n\nfrednh\n_____________________\nUse of the FF2 with Asthma is a major Plus for you. And having imbibed a Bud or Two. Cannabis done by Vaping is totally the Best there is to be had.\n\ndale\n_____________________\nI found the firefly 1 made me wheeze. I would also cough up green phlegm., (ooo not nice). I was convinced that the problem was due to me breathing in tiny particulates of plant material. In the end i sold the firefly 1 for this reason. \n\nMy prayers have been answered with the firefly 2! They have a particulate filter in the mouth piece - which is also removable. Although i have not tried the FF2 i already have an order in. Firefly have really listened to their customers on the feedback they gave on the original model. Later i am sure third parties (and maybe firefly themselves) will bring out aftermarket mouthpieces which will further cool the vapor. Also i am sure it wont be long before someone brings out a water pipe adapter. \n\nUntil that point there is another trick. Use your mouth like a carb. As well as sucking on the vaporizer have a gap at the side of your mouth. Then when you pull your be pulling in air and vapor simultaneously. This will help to cool things down and make it easier on your lungs.\n\noddjobold","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11021-markdown","title":"What is a doctors recommendation to remedy these conditions. ","slug":"what-is-a-doctors-recommendation-to-remedy-these-conditions","content":"\"first a background: Has been diagnosed for showing symptoms of psychosis/ neurosis. Has recently been showing change, but was also thought by roommates to be showing signs of post dramatic stress disorder. Has always had anxiety but no serious issues. And also has trouble falling asleep. \nBasically wants to find an all around good strain for daytime use and nighttime use? What is the best way of administering the flowers? My son he just bought a vaporizer that is coming in the mail. \n\nthanks\"\n_____________________\nFirst, I would caution that High THC could present a problem by increasing the risk of psychosis but CBD cannabis is antipsychotic. How old is your son? Has he been using high dose THC? Whether THC causes psychosis remains controversial. CBD is more likely safer than THC in this situation but the medicine, like Cannatonic, AC/DC, or other cannabis that is approximately 30 to 1, CBD to THC ratio are likely to be the best varieties for most people wanting an antipsychotic treatment but at night a larger dose of CBD may be indicated or a 1:1 THC:CBD tincture may be very effective for sleep. There is no reason to smoke or vape CBD since it does not get a person high and it works well by MCT tincture.\n\ndrolson","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11017-markdown","title":"Why would I want to use the Firefly over vape cartridges?","slug":"why-would-i-want-to-use-the-firefly-over-vape-cartridges","content":"\"The cartridges seem like a more streamlined method and with no mess afterwards.\"\n_____________________\nIt's a different delivery method and a matter of personal preference. The Firefly is a convection vaporizer that works with shredded flower or concentrates. Vaporizer pens can be used with user-fillable tanks that accommodate concentrates or pre-filled oil concentrate cartridges. \n\nSome patients prefer using unadulterated loose leaf and it's associated smell, flavor, and more predictable (strain-associated) effects. Others prefer vaporizer pen discreteness, lack of smell, and higher number of draws before medicine changes are necessary. If you do decide to go with a pen that vaporizes oil concentrates, be sure to go with CO2-extracted oil. Some manufacturers are still using butane extraction, which may be toxic to tissue.\n\ndredmunds\n_____________________\nThe flavor is the real difference. Although cartridges are very convenient in that you don't need to fill them, grind them pack then etc. When you try the Firefly with some quality bud, it really does provide a taste and experience which is quite different from a vape pen or cartridge. \n\nI personally use both of these. When I want a discrete device to carry with me, or I don't have time to pack and grind I will use the vape pen, and when I want the full flavor, or have time to prepare I will use the Firefly.\n\nIf you are someone that likes to vape often, and is willing to invest in quality, fresh bud, you will want a device that provides the full flavor and effect of the bud - and there is no better option that the Firefly in my opinion.\n\nmark\n_____________________\nBecause there is a much greater variety of flowers available than there are cartridge \"flavors,\" so you can personalize your vape experience and more reliably get the effects you want.  Also, you don't get the chemicals that some vape cartridges have, so it's a much cleaner experience.\n\ncaleighlynn\n_____________________\nUsing a dry-herb vaporizer like the Firefly is a great way to get more mileage out of your bud in the form of \"AVB,\" or \"Already Vaped Bud!\" When I finish a session on my vape, I can choose to do all sorts of things with the herb left over. You can smoke it, cook with it, or even use it to make tinctures. This basically doubles the value of your cannabis.\n\nryanrosenblum\n_____________________\nThis is a great question and one that is definitely worth asking based on the wide availability/popularity and relative cost efficiency of using vape cartridges. The cartridges are mess-free like you mentioned and super discreet, but there are a few downsides to consider, the largest of which is the potential impact to your health. These devices really aren't technically even vaporizers. They are more like smolder-izers. Lets look at all sides of the equation. \n\nFirst is the build quality of the cartridge and battery. These can vary based on the brand, but most 510 thread batteries that are industry standard are typically mass produced in China and are potentially/ probably made with cheap, sub-par metals and plastics. These batteries get broken easily and need to be replaced often. I dabbled in the cartridges for a while and had to get new ones occasionally because they would stop charging, got crushed, or just scuffed up and started to not look good anymore. The cartridges themselves are mostly made of plastic, although some are metal and glass, however, the manufacturing quality is generally questionable. The companies that make these want to maximize their profit and will most likely opt for the cheapest materials to package their product since these are disposable. If you try to find info about whether consumer safe materials are used in the vapor path, it doesn't exist. If you use cartridges, I would take a serious look at what they are made out of. If you see lots of plastic, it isn't outside of the realm of possibility that they are off-gassing plastic as they heat up, which isn't what you want to be toking on my brothers and sisters.  \n\nAnother issue with these cartridge \"vaporizers\" is that they aren't temperature controlled. When vaping you generally want to try to stay under 200C, which is where the least amount of byproducts are formed in relation to cannabinoids. We should be worried mainly about benzene, a known carcinogen among others. I've searched all over, and still have yet to find any exact specs of how hot these wick/ coil systems heat the material. I know when I've used them, I’m definitely blowing out clouds that hang in the air and are more similar to smoke than the vapor I normally get from a vaporizer, which is whispy and dissipates within seconds. With smoking you get temperatures between 1000 and 1500 degrees f, whereas a good vape will heat your material at much lower temps. According to project CBD:\n\n“Vape pen manufacturers don’t like to admit it, but when the heating element gets red hot in a vape pen, the solution inside the prefilled cartridges undergoes a process called “smoldering,” a technical term for what is tantamount to “burning.” While much of the vape oil liquid is vaporized and atomized, a portion of the vape oil blend undergoes pyrolysis or combustion. In that sense, most of the vape pens that have flooded the commercial market may not be true vaporizers.” (https://www.projectcbd.org/article/how-safe-your-vape-pen)\n\n\nAdulterants are also common in cartridges, the most abundant of which is propylene glycol, who's health effects are not completely know, but what is known isn’t very good. Considered safe in your food. Lungs….not so much… This is a hot topic nowadays since this is a key ingredient in e-cigs as well.\n\nThe other thing to consider is that it has been found that CO2 oil, the main ingredient in cartridges can be very high in pesticide content if the starting material is not good quality. Check this article out if interested: (http://marijuanapolitics.com/some-oregon-marijuana-co2-extracts-contain-high-levels-of-possible-carcinogen/) Independent testing was done on multiple CO2 extracts in Oregon and found pesticide levels to be incredibly high. Very concerning for all, and particularly for those with compromised systems. They mention:\n\t\n“Also, because CO2 has high selectivity for many contaminants and low selectivity for cannabinoids & terpenes, and because butane is the opposite, it’s more likely for it to be residual in CO2 extracts, while BHO extracts of the same contaminated material may contain little or none.”\n\nTo top it all off, these vape cartridges vary widely in THC content, and are often not what they say in terms of potency. Check this article out: http://www.beyondthc.com/all-vape-pens-are-not-created-equal/ \nSome of these guys had ~ 10%-20% THC. Thats some crappy extract ya’ll! \nPlus, there is wide variability in taste. I’ve had some that taste clean, and some that taste like moldy trim.\n\nAll these factors add up to: BUYER BEWARE WHEN IT COMES TO VAPE PENS! A lot is unknown about their health effects, there is wide variability in the market in terms of quality, and you might not just be getting pure extract. Nasty.\n\n\nOn a brighter note…Firefly and good quality vaporizers in general allow you to select whatever material you want, be it herbs or concentrate. You can choose home grown organic or clean green certified from the dispensary. Hand pick your concentrate and get the full terpene experience from the highest lab tested material you can find.\n\nFrom what I understand, Firefly also uses only the highest quality consumer safe materials you can get, which are know to be stable at the temperatures utilized by the vaporizer. Temperature control is also carefully calibrated in the firefly, allowing the user to customize their vaporizer experience and know they are getting true vapor rather than a combusted or smoldered product. There are no plastics in this device to off-gas into your delicate lungs, and the path is all glass from end to end. In addition, this is a convection style vape, with hot air heating your material, so you are assured no combustion takes place from your product sitting on a hot surface.\n\nWith the FF2 you also still get on demand heating, which is great for a short session on the go, and the taste from what I hear is superb. Good quality vapor tastes 1000 times better than from any cartridge I’ve ever tried, terpenes added or not. With the heating profile of the FF2, you also get the full spectrum of the plant and thus get an accurate representation of the strain of herb you are ingesting. The FF2 is still discreet enough to be taken on the go and put in your pocket, and for a vape it just looks f’in awesome. \n\nMoral of the story, if you are hoping to vaporize to save your lungs, might as well use a real vaporizer like the FF2. Period.\n\npt2be\n_____________________\nI love using the Firefly because I have control over the quality of what I'm consuming. While vape cartridges are convenient and less hassle (good for traveling), I'm concerned about how pure the oil is and if there are any harmful solvents I'm not aware of.\n\nI personally love trying different organically sun grown flowers from Flow Kana and vaping with the Firefly is a perfect match. It's easy to use, healthier for my lungs instead of smoking, and doesn't compromise my values of supporting small farmers/businesses and organic practices.\n\nbuddhaness","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11010-markdown","title":"Does vaping, such as with a FireFly vaporizer, create that unmistakable smell associated with a burning joint?","slug":"does-vaping-such-as-with-a-firefly-vaporizer-create-that-unmistakable-smell-associated-with-a-burning-joint","content":"\"More specifically ... is there ANY smell when using Firefly and, if so, how strong or pervasive is the smell and how long does it last?   Thanks!\"\n_____________________\nVaporizing does produce a smell, but it only lasts for as long as the actual vapor lingers in the air. The smell produced by vaporizing is weaker than from smoking, and is more akin to toasted plant matter. I've heard it described as smelling a little like overdone popcorn, but with a more floral and, yes, weed-y characteristic. Smoking results in a much more pungent burnt and skunky smell that will stick to surfaces and hover in the room for a lot longer. If you're just taking a few small puffs from your vape, the smell dissipates almost immediately. As long as you aren't vaping a whole bunch, the smell won't leave the room and it will disappear after thirty minutes or less, making it ideal for situations where you don't want to bother others in your household.\n\nmuchfuzz\n_____________________\nTbh yes vaporizING produces a smell but very faint like if you vaped inside a closed room and 2 minutes later someone walked in they won't even realise it honestly. It isn't smoke so it doesn't stink up your clothing or furniture and linger around it dissipates and smell is literally gone. If it's a convection vaporizer like the Firefly 2 then that smell is dramatically reduced because FF2 isn't conduction is 100% convection so it isn't baking your herbs while u aren't inhaling like conduction vapes do so convection would be the top choice for less smell\n\nwavyvaporizers\n_____________________\nIf you are concerned about the smell, exhale into a kitchen exhaust fan running on high.  It only takes a few seconds of running to vent the odor up the chimney and outside the house.\n\nflotsam\n_____________________\nThere is no odour and the vapour dissipates very quickly.....no worries! \n\nI have people around me with very good odour detectors and they don't smell the vaping.\n\njackpine\n_____________________\nVaping with the firefly 2 has very low odor that dissipates quite quickly I have had the pax and the odor was quite strong and noticeable! If you open your firefly2  you will smell something however as soon as the cover goes back on the smell is gone! That's the beauty of the firefly2 the smell is low odor and dissipates quite quickly. If I use it in my bathroom and walk out the smell disappears within seconds! You will see!Also the pax2 has a lingering smell that never really disappears.mostpirtable Vapes do/firefly 2 does not, especially if cleaned after every 10 uses!\n\njojo65\n_____________________\nYou are never combusting the marijuana so you never create any burning smell. The firefly (Unlike conduction vaporizers which burn the herbs) never cooks the bud so no smell is emitted when vaporizing. Hot air passes over the bud releasing the thc but no combustion occurs.\n\nvape4fun\n_____________________\nThe Firefly is meticulously designed to produce very minimal odor or smell. It is *nothing* like the smell of a lighting a joint-- since there is no combustion and the material is not burning. I personally have never liked the smell of cannabis burning, and that is one reason I love the Firefly so much-- it doesn't produce that lingering smell at all.  \n\nI have honestly heard stories of people in nursing homes choosing the Firefly over other vaporizers because the odor is so minimal, and the device can be used very discreetly without anyone else smelling it.\n\nsuzyl\n_____________________\nHiya! In  a lot of the studies conducted about cannabis vaporization and user experiences, one of the advantages mentioned by the participants is the lack of odor while using one of these devices. For example, take this excerpt of the results written by JM Malouff in his 2014 study - 'Experiences of marijuana-vaporizer users':\n\n\"Users identified 4 advantages to using a vaporizer over smoking marijuana: perceived health benefits, better taste, no smoke smell, and more effect from the same amount of marijuana. Users identified 2 disadvantages: inconvenience of setup and cleaning and the time it takes to get the device operating for each use. [...]\"\n\nLink to the scientific paper by NCBI: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24821347\n\nHOWEVER, in my personal experience I would have to argue that anybody that tells you that there is not odor while vaporizing is probably lying. I have never used a Firefly 2 (hopefully I will if I happen to win this giveaway ayyoo), so I can't speak on the smell associated with its usage, but all the other vaporizers do produce a smell while you're using them. Having said that, the smell is not  as strong as it is when combusting herb, nor does it linger for the same amount of time. Another thing to note is that conduction vaporizers tend the hold on to that particular scent for a longer period of time in comparison to convection vapes (such as the Firefly), especially if you don't clean them very well.\n\nSo to sum up, vaporizing will not create that very particular joint smell but it won't be odor free either. If you're in a current situation in which the smell of using any particular herb as medication will put you in a risky or uncomfortable situation, always weigh out your options and think about the consequences before you take an action. If you're just picky about smells, vaping will make your room less dank.\n\nBe well!\n\n~M\n\nmikeyh","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_11008-markdown","title":"What's the experience like vaping with concentrates? ","slug":"whats-the-experience-like-vaping-with-concentrates","content":"\"I am used to vaping bud. What concentrates can you use in the Firefly and what's the experience like vs bud?\"\n_____________________\nThe experience with vaporizing with concentrates(oil) is the best one you can ever have. Not only do you experience a smooth hit each time, but you control your usage way better than you would with the flowers. A lot of health benefits come from vaping concentrates.\n\nrugr2000\n_____________________\nConcentrates are definitely alot stronger than flowers but inside of the Firefly 2 concentrates are amazing. First of all you are vaping at 500 degrees f which for concentrates is perfect because you can actually taste your product plus it extends the usage of your material for example I pressed out a  .2 of rosin and got over 30 hits in my Firefly 2 and a dab rig can never do that for you. Firefly 2 is great with flowers but even better with concentrates. You can vape just about any concentrates whether it be wax shatter budder crumble even e liquid can be vaped as long as you use the concentrate pads they came with so the list is endless.\n\nwavyvaporizers\n_____________________\nIn my opinion, you get a much smoother pull from vaping concentrates over flower. You sacrifice some of the major flavor profiles using oil, but what you gain is consistancy, less burn, and less smell (it's much more inconspicuous). In my experience, you really can't overcook concentrates, where vaping flower can result in combustion. The biggest benefit is consistancy and uniformity when it comes to concentrates. I know exactly what one pull from a concentrate will do. With flower, you could have a section of bud that's highly concentrated and there's no real way of telling before smoking it. As mentioned by a previous poster, concentrates are also significantly more potent, resulting in fewer tokes.\n\nEdit: Forgot to add that even though the jury may still be out on this one, I personally believe that vaping in general has less health risks over combustion. As mentioned above, there's no way to combust oil, so you're probably in a safer place with concentrates than flower. \n\nCheers Mate! \n\nonlyyourdime\n_____________________\nVaping now if very common with all the new concentrates these days and smoking bud compared to concentrates is very different hi I feel. Where smoking bud is very nice and gets you too that point your looking for where to concentrates are more intense hi and relaxing and I feel the firefly would be a great tool to use for the everyday user or someone who wants something more discreet and almost look more professional to smoke with and enjoy thanks guys for producing something finally that looks smooth and safe to indulge in.\n\nzach76\n_____________________\nVaping is a great way to enjoy your concentrates! The main thing to keep in mind when using a vaporizer for concentrates is that you need to be sure your device can handle the proper temperatures necessary. The Firefly 2 can handle temperatures up to 400F, making it perfect for concentrates as well as herb. However, as opposed to just vaporizing normal cannabis, concentrates may require more cleanup afterwards.\n\nryanrosenblum","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10996-markdown","title":"I have never used a vaporizer before. What can you tell me about it?","slug":"i-have-never-used-a-vaporizer-before-what-can-you-tell-me-about-it","content":"\"Is it similar to smoking a cigarette?\"\n_____________________\nNot really. Smoking a cigarette would be more akin to smoking a joint (except that the research does NOT bear out any connection to smoking cannabis and cancer, whereas with smoking cigarettes, there are many studies that do make that connection!). \n\nVaporizing requires a vaporizer device and heats the cannabis flowers, or cannabis oil, to a temperature where it releases medicated vapor, which is inhaled and exhaled. It does not require combustion (a lighter or match), which can burn some of the material. Vaporizing cannabis is less harsh on the throat and lungs than combustion. Also, terpenes (what gives everything in nature its smell and taste) of cannabis is preserved under lower heat settings, which allows the user to experience more of the taste...\n\njaene\n_____________________\nExcellent question, the short answer is no. There is a key difference to keep in mind when considering either.\n\n•Cigarettes are smoked by lighting the end with a lighter. This results in you inhaling burning plant matter, because this method creates smoke through combustion. While it may be an easy method to smoke a cigarette, the negative effects to your health can be devastating. Second hand smoke negatively effects those around the smoker as well.\n\n•Vaporizers simply heat up enough to \"boil\" the THC and/or CBD from your choice of herb. This does not result in burning plant matter, however the amount of vapor can be limited depending on the quality of the marijuana strain in use. You don't have to \"ash\" a vaporizer, as the coil or ceramic/glass bowl inside does not heat up enough to burn the plant matter. Rather when you open the device, you'll find browned plant matter, which can easily be cleared.\n\njdcoronel\n_____________________\nDefinitely not the same because smoking a joint or cigarette or blunt is combustion meaning whatever you are using you are setting fire to it causing other chemicals to form so you are inhaling other bad chemicals into your lungs and system not just the medicine. Vaping is like very cool air that isn't smoke it doesn't burn your throat or cause irritation to your throat or lungs. Whatever you are vaping you will be getting the most oUT of it because you aren't setting fire to the material you are only baking it threw hot air that's conduction wise vaporizers. Convection vaporizers like the Firefly 2 isn't cooking your material as it heats up it doesn't start to vape your material untill you start inhaling so your inhalation of air is what's passing threw the material and going into your body so you will be receiving all the benefits out of anything you vaporize.\n\nwavyvaporizers","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10990-markdown","title":"Cleaning a vape always seems hard. How do you clean the Firefly? ","slug":"cleaning-a-vape-always-seems-hard-how-do-you-clean-the-firefly","content":"\n_____________________\nI recommend you purchase a box of alcohol wipes. They are the easiest, safest way to remove cannabis resin from vapes and instruments. You can find them at any local pharmacy.\n\ndrgerhart\n_____________________\nFirefly is one of the easiest vapes to clean!  Simply remove the magnetic lid and swipe down the glass surfaces and glass bowl with an alcohol wipe.  If you are vaping loose-leaf material in your Fly,  you can also remove the mouthpiece and clear out any loose material with the toothpick tool from our cleaning kit.\n\nRachelDugas\n_____________________\nI clean mine after I use it (while it is still warm) with a dry paper towel. No need to use alcohol if you do it after you use it. If it is cold I use the alcohol with the paper towel. Either way this is the easiest vape to clean imo.\n\ndarksm0ke","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10983-markdown","title":"Vaping vs smoking, which is better? ","slug":"vaping-vs-smoking-which-is-better","content":"\"Health wise or otherwise, which is better? I am looking for a solution for pain management after surgery, and don't want to be a pothead.\"\n_____________________\nI cannot answer your first questions as \"pothead\" is difficult to define but if edibles and topicals are working for you, then I would say that you are not missing anything by not vaping or smoking.  The #1 question for me is \"Does what you are doing help you?\"  If it does, then continue that treatment, if it doesn't, then look for alternatives.  I like vaping a lot because it gives you the rapid relief of smoking but with very little negatives associated with smoking.  Many times, edibles take a long time to activate and if you are in need of immediate relief, it would be good to vape first then eat the edible.\n\nseiboshen\n_____________________\nEven though cannabis has been shown to be a bronchodilator (help with small airways that are closed such as what happens with asthma), I would avoid any delivery method that is smoked or vaped after  your surgery. SInce I do not know why you had surgery I cannot comment on what you remaining lung function is. Either other those methods would most likely irritate your lungs.\n\n If you are looking for something that would help with your pain I would suggest a tincture in perhaps a 1:1 ration. A patch might also be appropriate in the area of the incision if there is one as well. At night you might do best with an edible that would last longer then the other methods. Titrate all of the medication to effect since everyone reacts differently to cannabis.\n\nPerry Solomon, MD\n_____________________\nVaporizing is still pretty new so there is still a lot of research that needs to be done. Especially liquid pen vaporizing needs to be studied much more since the ingredients used in the liquid and the material used for the heating coil can have a big impact on health and have not been studied for inhalation. That said, there is pretty clear evidence that vaping herbal material is much less harmful for you than smoking. \n\nThere are two primary aspects to lung damage from smoking. The first is that the burning particulate from the combustion of the plant material clogs and damages the lungs. As we know from house fires the biggest risk of injury or death comes from smoke inhalation and not from the fire directly. So the large particulate from the burning wood and plant matter are very damaging to your lungs.\n\nVaporizing avoids this issue completely because it never gets hot enough to combust the plant matter. When you vaporize you heat the material until the active ingredients boil off, but the herbal material stays there and doesn't go into your lungs.\n\nThe second aspect of lung damage from smoking is from hot dry air. The lungs and air pathways are sensitive and moist and can be scorched by a sudden inhale of hot dry air. When drawing on a cigarette or joint the temperature of the air is around 1300 degrees at the tip. With a good vaporizer you will be staying in the 400 degree range for the heating and with the Firefly we have designed it with a cooling path so your lungs receive air that is only a bit hotter than body temp.\n\nSo there is great evidence that vaporizing plant material avoids the two main aspects of lung damage from smoking.\n\nThis issue can get a lot more complicated when\n\nsasha\n_____________________\nThere is a great study by Dr. Mitch Earleywine who conducted a trial on this very question.  The study found less respiratory symptoms in users that vaporize versus smoke.  You can read the study here:  https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1477-7517-4-11\n\nThe conclusion is that \"the safety of cannabis can increase with the use of a vaporizer.\"\n\n\"These results suggest that the respiratory effects of cannabis can decrease with the use of a vaporizer. The data reveal that respiratory symptoms like cough, phlegm, and tightness in the chest increase with cigarette use and cannabis use, but are less severe among users of a vaporizer.\"\n\nRachelDugas\n_____________________\nVaping is cooler and smoother (as well as better tasting) for your throat and respiratory system. Any smoke is bad to inhale (from a grill, firepit, wildfire, ect). The smoke is inflammatory and causes you to cough and have trouble breathing. Also, if your throat or lungs (respiratory system) is already irritated) smoke will irritate it further. The smoke irritates your respiratory system because of its temperature (verses cool vapor), and chemicals, bronchial irritants, and carcinogens. Many of these of these carcinogens are left behind in the ash of vapor (duff, abv, ect). Any smoke can also irritate your eyes. Vapor from essential oils, water, and other solutions are often used for soothing purposes of the respiratory system and is meant to sit in a room (where it doesn't irritate the eyes or respiratory system. Thus being around and inhaling vapor is healthier then being around or inhaling smoke because of the lessening of carcinogens, and the soothing vs irritating sensation in your throat and respiratory system, as well as a cooler temperature. It also smells more pure and less harsh, since the cannabis is being cooked, instead of scorched.\n\nbeastlycoma\n_____________________\nIt depends more on what type of cannabis you are ingesting, more so then on the delivery method you're using. Cannabis sativa-dominant strains are generally considered to be uplifting and energizing, while indica-dominant strains are considered sedative and relaxing. With the amount of hybridization that has occurred within the Cannabis plant over the last few decades, it can be difficult to determine which strain is which. If you are using manufactured products (which it appears you are) you may instead want to pay more attention to the ratios, i.e. CBD:THC. \n\nHere is a great in-depth answer on the topic from Sava's Andrea Brooks: https://www.hellomd.com/answers/57ce228bdd1d330007adf3df/how-do-i-know-how-to-dose-cannabis-correctly\n\nEnjoy!\n\nashleigh","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10982-markdown","title":"How is vaping from a Firefly different to a vape pen?","slug":"how-is-vaping-from-a-firefly-different-to-a-vape-pen","content":"\"I have heard the flavor is different. Can you elaborate?\"\n_____________________\nGood question! The short answer is that it's all about temperature control.\n\nThe biggest difference is that most vape pens don't have much heating control and run much hotter than the Firefly. The  coils in the vape pens generally run red hot which is around 1500F. The overall temp of the coil is lowered when the coil is submerged in a liquid, but all that extra heat goes into the liquid (even the part you're not consuming right now) and actually starts to break it down and release the more volatile components like terpenes (the molecules that make up flavor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene). These more volatile components can be quite fragile and when exposed to too much heat actually break down and decompose. \n\nThe Firefly in concentrates mode runs at 500F. This is temp is high enough that all of the active ingredients will vaporize and produce great vapor and not so high that it will decompose the terpenes. So the Firefly is better and more efficient at releasing the active ingredients without degrading the more delicate molecules like the terpenes.\n\nsasha\n_____________________\nSasha made a great explanation about the extra volatile heat, but I think one of the most phenomenal things about vaping with a FireFly 2 is taste.  \n\nOne of the most amazing things we have today is our high profile cannabis, with these ridiculous strains of our current day ganja there are overwhelming beautiful terpenes packed with flavor! \n       \nThese terpenes hold a lot of the THC and smell as well as the taste of the plant. Whilst using the FireFly 2 you can enjoy the full flavor profile of the cannabis you are inhaling. Getting the subtle flavor notes of a plant you've never tasted before has never been so satisfying, the lower temps of 150-210 taste like bliss.\n\n As your temperature rises higher you will be able to taste every flavor that's hidden inside that gem of a plant. As well as all of the medicinal benefits of the cannabinoids at those lower levels of heat.\n\ndawson","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10970-markdown","title":"What are the differences between the Firefly and the Pax vaporizer? ","slug":"what-are-the-differences-between-the-firefly-and-the-pax-vaporizer","content":"\"What should I know if I am trying to decide between them?\"\n_____________________\nBoth of these devices are among the best-rated in the portable vaporizer market. \n\nThe main difference between the two devices is the method by which they heat. The Pax vaporizer uses conduction, while the FireFly uses convection.\n\nConduction is the heating of a substance that is in direct contact with the heat source. Convection is heating of a substance by the transfer of heat from air particles. The Pax vaporizer uses conduction, while the FireFly uses convection.\n\nBoth methods of heating have advantages and disadvantages for the purpose of vaporizers. For the purposes of this discussion, we will assume you are vaporizing shredded flowers. \n\nIt is typically faster to heat by conduction (although, while the Pax takes approximately 45s to heat up, the Firefly only takes 3s) and conduction vaporizers are easier to construct; therefore, conduction devices are usually cheaper. The medicine will have to be stirred between draws, because only the herb touching the conductive surface is vaporized. Conductive vaporizers have a greater likelihood of combusting the herbs, which is what we are trying to avoid (unhealthy bi-products of combustion).\n\nConvective heating typically takes longer (again, not in the case of the FireFly). Convection vaporizers are more sophisticated and are usually more expensive. Convective vaporizers work better with shredded flower that is not packed into the bowl, so that the heated air can come into more contact (greater surface area) with the flower. The herbs do not need to be stirred to vaporize all of them. Convective vaporizers are less likely to cause combustion than conductive vaporizers and have more accurate temperature control.\n\nOne of the major considerations with vaporizers are the vapor \"quality,\" or flavor. This is determined by the heating method (convection is less likely to carry a burnt flavor) as well as the vapor path. The Pax has a plastic path, while the FireFly uses borosilicate glass. Most reviews indicate that the vapor quality of the FireFly is superior to that of the Pax. \n\nOther factors to consider are price (The FireFly2 is $329 while the Pax2 is $279); portability/discreetness, determined by size and weight (Firefly is bigger, 140g and 5\" compared to 90g and 4\" - The Pax is one of the most portable vaporizers on the market); and cleaning/maintenance (Most reviews suggest the FireFly is easier to clean and requires less frequent cleanings.); bowl size (The Pax bowl is more than twice as big as the FireFly); battery life (similar for both devices); and battery charge time (Pax may take up to twice as long as the FireFly, and the FireFly comes with a spare battery).\n\ndredmunds\n_____________________\nThank you @DrEdmunds for your very thorough answer!  I have a few more points to add:\n\nFirefly can vaporize both loose-leaf herb and concentrates whereas Pax only works with loose-leaf material.  The Firefly2 model comes with concentrate pads that you place directly in the bowl before adding your concentrate of choice.\n\nThe dynamic convection technology in the Firefly is completely unique and provides a special experience.  With Firefly, your breath pulls the superheated air through the bowl, so your material only heats while you inhale, capturing more terpenes and active cannabinoids.  This means you inhale every active ingredient as it is vaporized, creating a rich flavor and very clear experience of your chosen strain.  Another added bonus is less waste - the bowl may be smaller than Pax's but you will get more out of it.\n\nRachelDugas\n_____________________\nHello there! I think one of the main points to be considered with both of these vaporizers is the way they transfer heat. The Pax is a combustion vaporizer, while the Firefly is a true convection vaporizer. As Doctor Edmunds very thoroughly explained, conduction is the transfer of thermal energy (heat) to a substance of choice through its directs contact to a solid heat source, while convection is that same transfer of heat through the contact with a liquid or gas which is moving in order to reach the substance that wants to be eventually heated.\n\nYou can think of it like this. Let’s say that Adam is dribbling his basketball around the court and he wants to pass it to his friend Bob, but he couldn’t do it directly himself. He has two options. The first option would be lining up five of his teammates so that they could pass each other the ball one by one until it reached Bob. The other option would be to pass the ball to one particular friend, Carlos, who would then dribble it through the court and then pass it to Bob.\n\nThere are pros and cons to both options. The first option has more middlemen, who in turn could do something unexpected to the ball; for example set it on fire. I don’t know about you, but nobody I know wants a fiery ball. This is also the case with combustion, since when you heat up a solid the distribution does not tend to be particularly even, so there is a higher probability of your burning part of your medication. Since in convection one raises the temperature of the gas evenly to a certain degree before it comes in contact with the substance, the probability of burning your herb is practically null. \n\nHowever, getting those ‘five friends’ to do a low effort task will probably be easier and faster than it would be to convince Carlos to run all the way to Bob and pass the ball. Conduction tends to take a lot less time to happen than convection does (although this is not the case with the firefly) since there is no travel time and the amount of energy that it takes to heat up the solid (usually metal) is also less than the amount needed to heat of the gas.\n\nAs I hinted at before, Carlos might not be so easy to convince to take the ball all the way to Bob’s side of the court, so you might need to give him some of your extra cash in order for him to actually do it. This also tends to be the case with equipment that uses convection, since more complicated energy transfers lead to higher prices.\n\nAt the end of the day a lot of it comes down to personal preference, but in terms of evenness of heating and accurate temperature of vaporization, convection (and therefore the Firefly 2) usually takes the cake (or ball, if we’re still following that analogy). If you're looking for a cheaper option which will still have a reasonably fast heat up time, but might potentially burn some of your herbal products, then the Pax will also do the trick. Both of them are very well reviewed vaporizers in the current market.\n\nThe real takeaways from this unnecessarily long answer are that science can be sort of cool, and you should never set your friend’s ball on fire. That’s just a dick move.\n\nBe well!\n\n~Mike\n\nmikeyh\n_____________________\nWell, I don't think anyone addressed the biggest issue. I am a frequent user, and when it comes to sitting down, cleaning my Pax, packing a Pax bowl, turning the unit on, waiting 1 minute, then vaping for 2-3 minutes then turn the unit off, continue to draw on the residual heat so i don't get gunk build up for about 30 seconds.\n\n  5-10 minutes of usage time\n\nThat's the basic time frame for any daily user with a PAX 2, Dont get my started on the PAX 1\n\nThe Fire Fly 2 on the other hand, is a smaller chamber, as well as heat on demand, want to sneak outside and take a hit in under 20 seconds, Be my guest, want to grab a quick couple hits while your in your lobby of a game your about to play, go blaze for a minute or so.\n\n10-45 seconds usage time  \n\nThis is not possible with the PAX 2. Although it is a very nice unit with a great warranty, I now own both units, And FireFly 2 is my go to because I waste ALOT LESS product with the FireFly 2.\n\ndawson","image":null}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":228,"numPages":21,"currentPage":20,"id":5890,"name":"Vaporizer","slug":"vaporizer","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}