Vaporising dried cannabis flower: Safety, Vape Types, and Vape Dosing

Traditionally, cannabis was consumed through smoking but concerns about the associated health risks has led to the rise of alternative consumption methods. Vaporising, also known as vaping, has emerged as a popular and effective way to deliver the therapeutic compounds found in dried herb cannabis without the harmful byproducts of combustion.

To ensure healthcare professionals have the information they need to support their patients and make informed prescribing and dispensing choices, this article will explore the basics of vaporising, the safety profile of vaping, and look at medicinal cannabis vaporiser dosing.

Introduction to medicinal cannabis vaporising

Vaporisation involves heating cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes in the form of vapour, without reaching the point of combustion (a hallmark of traditional smoking methods).

This administration method eliminates some of the harmful toxins associated with smoking, offering a more health-conscious method of consumption. vaporisers come in various forms, from portable devices to larger desktop units, catering to different preferences and settings.

Some therapeutic benefits to this application method include:

• Reduce risk profile: vaporisation significantly reduces the intake of harmful toxins associated with smoking
• Faster and efficient: By efficiently extracting cannabinoids and terpenes, vaping often results in a fast-acting and potent therapeutic experience
• Customisable: Vaping allows users to tailor their experiences through temperature control and the selection of different cannabis strains, providing a personalised approach to consumption.

Types of medicinal cannabis vaporisers (dry herb vaporisers)

• Portable vaporisers
  ‍Portable vaporisers serve as compact, battery-powered devices designed for on-the-go use and discreet consumption. Beyond their convenience, these devices allow patients to tailor their experience by offering a range of temperature settings.‍
• Desktop vaporisers:
  Contrasting with portable counterparts, desktop vaporisers are larger devices primarily designed for home use. One notable feature is their precise temperature control, ensuring an optimal release of cannabinoids during the vaporisation process. 

Both portable and desktop vaporises may utilise either conduction or convection heating methods, influencing the overall vaping experience.

Conduction involves direct contact between the heating element and the cannabis material, while convection relies on hot air passing through the material.
Each method offers unique advantages, impacting the efficiency and consistency of cannabinoid vaporisation.

For instance, conduction tends to produce quicker results, while convection distributes heat more evenly. Healthcare professionals should consider these nuances when recommending vaporisation methods based on patient preferences and therapeutic goals.

Vape temperature settings:

Different cannabinoids and terpenes vaporise at specific temperatures. This means that the temperature the patient chooses when vaporising medicinal cannabis directly influences the types of compounds inhaled and consequently, the experienced effects.

For example: Temperatures between 157°C and 227°C (315°F and 440°F) are suitable for activating a broad spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, each contributing distinct medicinal properties.

• Lower temperatures (around 157°C): Primarily activate cannabinoids like THC and CBD, known for their psychoactive (THC) and pain-relieving (CBD) properties, along with some terpenes offering flavour and potentially influencing the overall effect.
  
  
• Higher temperatures (around 227°C): Additionally activate other cannabinoids and terpenes that may offer specific therapeutic benefits. These may include:
  
  • CBN: Potential benefits for sleep and pain relief.
  • CBG: Emerging research suggests potential for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and neuroprotective properties.
  • THCV: Potential benefits for appetite suppression, anxiety relief and increased memory and focus.
  • Terpenes: Offer a wider range of potential benefits like improved mood, relaxation, and pain relief, alongside contributing to the overall flavour and aroma of the vapour.

By adjusting the vaporisation temperature within this range, patients can target specific cannabinoids and terpenes based on their desired therapeutic effects. For instance, patients seeking pain relief and relaxation, could start at a lower temperature (around 157°C).

Healthcare professionals should guide patients on selecting optimal temperature ranges based on their medicinal needs, ensuring an effective and safe vaporisation experience.

Looking for guidance on vaping temperatures?
Email us at hello@cultiva.com.au

Safe and effective dried cannabis flower vaporisation considerations

The available scientific evidence strongly indicates that vaping cannabis offers significant advantages over smoking, particularly in terms of reducing exposure to harmful toxins, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and carbon monoxide (CO).

Vaping has also been shown to help mitigate chronic respiratory symptoms associated with smoking, including bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections.

Moreover, research suggests that vaporisation is a superior method for delivering therapeutic doses of cannabis compared to oral ingestion or combustion-based methods like smoking.

In scientific studies, vaporisation has been shown to produce a purer and more bioavailable stream of cannabinoids and terpenes, with minimal degradation and combustion by-products. This method typically results in the inhalation of less than 1/1000th of the hazardous substances found in smoke generated by traditional combustion methods.  

Furthermore, vaporisation allows for precise control over temperature settings, optimising the release of beneficial compounds while minimising the formation of harmful by-products.

Adverse health effects associated with vaping may include lung injuries, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and lipoid pneumonia, as well as headaches, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory symptoms.

However, it’s important to note that these risks are significantly amplified with illegally manufactured or modified vape products and those containing e-liquids and harmful chemicals.

Scientific literature also underscores the importance of distinguishing between regulated, pharmaceutical-grade vaporisation systems and unapproved, potentially hazardous alternatives and/or e-cigarettes with nicotine.

Illegally manufactured vape products and those containing harmful additives, such as vitamin E acetate, pose significant risks to respiratory health, including the potential for severe lung injury.

Remember: Nicotine vapes and medicinal cannabis dry herb vapes are not interchangeable.

While the basic components of the devices may be similar, each type of vape is specifically designed for its respective substance. As of 1 January 2024, Australia has banned the import of disposable nicotine vapes, with very limited exceptions. As of March 1, 2024, the import and sale of all non-therapeutic vapes was also prohibited.

You can assure your patients that this ban is designed to curb nicotine addiction in Australia, especially among younger adults, and will not affect the importation of therapeutic vapes for medicinal cannabis.

Pharmacokinetics of vaporised dried cannabis flower

Understanding the pharmacokinetics of vaporised cannabis is important for healthcare professionals prescribing or dispensing dried cannabis flower, as this method of administration offers distinct advantages compared to other consumption methods.

• Rapid onset of effects: One of the potential benefits of vaporising dried cannabis flower is the relatively rapid onset of therapeutic effects — similar to smoking with less associated risks Compared to edibles, which require digestion, vaporised cannabinoids enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs, leading to faster relief for some patients.
  
• Duration of effects: The duration of effects from vaporisation can vary significantly depending on individual factors such as metabolism, dosage, and the cannabis strain.
  
  Unlike medications that are ingested (e.g. edibles or capsules), which offer longer-lasting effects but with a delayed onset, (effects after ~2 hours, with effects lasting up to 12 hours after ingestion). Conversely, with vaporisation, first effects occur within 90 seconds, peak after 15 to 30 minutes, before wearing off after two to four hours.
  
  This characteristic allows for more flexibility in dosing schedules but emphasises the need for individualised treatment plans.
  
• Increased bioavailability: Vaporisation generally boasts higher relative bioavailability compared to smoking. This is because inhalational or oromucosal administration of cannabinoids avoids or reduces the first‐pass metabolism observed following oral cannabinoid administration.
  
• Greater absorption of cannabinoids: Vaporisation can be a more efficient method for delivering therapeutic compounds, potentially allowing for  a greater absorption of cannabinoids, and therefore more precise dosing and potentially reducing the amount of cannabis required for effective treatment.
  
  This is likely due to the avoidance of combustion and the more efficient transfer of active compounds. One study using ELISA testing showed a higher detection rate of cannabinoid blood after vaporisation (93%) compared to smoking (84%).
  

Vaping dosage considerations for healthcare professionals

Exercise caution when advising patients on vaping dosage. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals with standardised dosages, cannabis products vary widely in potency and composition, making it important for healthcare providers to educate themselves and their patients on dosage considerations. 

Factors such as the strain of cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) concentrations, minor cannabinoids, terpenes and individual tolerance levels all influence the appropriate vaping dosage.

Healthcare professionals should emphasise the importance of starting with low doses and gradually titrating up to achieve the desired therapeutic effects while minimising potential adverse reactions, such as anxiety or dizziness.

Moreover, healthcare professionals should recognise the importance of personalised dosing regimens tailored to each patient's specific condition, medical history, and response to treatment. 

TGA-approved medical vaporisers for safe cannabis administration

Help ensure safe and consistent medical cannabis usage by recommending TGA-approved vaporisation devices. Medically endorsed, these devices play an important role in maintaining dosage control, providing consistent quality, and eliminating harmful byproducts associated with smoking.

Storz & Bickel produce the only TGA-approved medical vaporisers for cannabinoid medicines in Australia. Listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG Identifier 319028), they have several devices available.

MIGHTY MEDIC & MIGHTY+ MEDIC

These portable vaporisers are the only currently available options registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use with medicinal cannabis flower. Their compact size and battery operation make them suitable for on-the-go use.

Key features of these devices include:

• Precise temperature control: This allows for tailored vaporisation based on the patient's needs.
• Convection heating: This method avoids combustion, potentially reducing the inhalation of harmful byproducts.
• Dosing capsules: These capsules improve hygiene and ease of use, promoting safe and controlled administration.

The newer MIGHTY+ MEDIC offers upgrades like faster charging, a potentially better heating chamber, and a pre-set "Superboost'' temperature. However, it lacks the grinder and filling aid included with the original MIGHTY MEDIC. Ultimately, the choice depends on the patient’s budget and desired features.

VOLCANO MEDIC:

While the VOLCANO MEDIC is a desktop vaporiser with potential applications, it is not officially currently approved by the TGA for use with medicinal cannabis.

This larger, desktop vaporiser is suitable for dried cannabis flower or cannabis concentrates. Versatile in application, it is appropriate for home use, hospital settings, and medical practices. It may appeal to patients who want: 

• A stationary option for vaporisation, potentially assisting patients who prefer a non-portable setup.
• More temperature control options and potentially larger capacity compared to portable vapes. 

The Wrap-Up: Medicinal Cannabis Vaporising 101

Vaporising medicinal cannabis presents a promising avenue for managing various health conditions, especially for patients seeking immediate relief. Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in educating patients about the benefits, considerations, and safe usage of vaporisers for medicinal cannabis. 

Remember: 

• Vaporisation reduces exposure to harmful toxins associated with smoking, potentially mitigating risks to respiratory health. While also increasing bioavailability of active cannabinoids and terpenes by avoiding combustion.
• Healthcare professionals should emphasise the importance of using regulated, pharmaceutical-grade vaporisers to ensure safety and efficacy.
• Education on proper vaporiser use, maintenance, and hygiene practices is essential for minimising risks and maximising benefits.
• Ongoing monitoring and communication with patients allow for adjustments to vaping treatment plans based on individual responses and evolving needs.

By staying informed and guiding patients through personalised treatment plans, healthcare professionals can help optimise therapeutic outcomes and enhance patient well-being in the realm of medicinal cannabis usage.

FAQs:

Is it possible to vape oil? What about vape liquid?‍

Vaping oil and vape liquids should be approached cautiously. Typically, oils and liquids formulated for oral consumption, often using MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil as a carrier, are not suitable for inhalation. In Australia, most oral cannabis formulations utilise MCT oil , sunflower oil or olive oil, which, when heated and inhaled, can potentially harm the lungs. It's crucial to advise patients to use products specifically designed for vaporisers to avoid potential health risks associated with inhaling oils meant for oral ingestion.

When is it time to change the prepared cannabis flower out of my vaporiser?

For patients using vaporisers, it's important to recognise signs indicating the need to change the dried cannabis flower. These include a decrease in vapour production, reduced effectiveness in achieving desired effects, a burnt taste in the vapour, and a change in the colour of the flower from green to dark brown. Additionally, if the flower becomes overly dry and crumbles easily, it should be replaced promptly to ensure patients experience a consistent and safe vaping experience, minimising potential risks associated with degraded flower quality.

How to clean a vaporiser?‍

Proper maintenance of vapourisers is essential for patient safety and device longevity. For devices like the Mighty Medic, recommend patients follow specific cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. This typically involves disassembling the device, cleaning the components with isopropyl alcohol or designated cleaning solutions, and ensuring thorough drying before reassembly. Encourage patients to refer to the manufacturer's manual or reputable online resources for detailed steps to maintain optimal hygiene and functionality of their vaporiser.