Vaporiser
A vaporiser is a device that allows patients to heat (but not burn) their prescribed medical cannabis product to create a vapour that can be inhaled. In the UK, it is illegal to smoke any form of prescribed medical cannabis. Vaporising offers the same rapid onset of effects as smoking, with a much lower risk of respiratory irritation and exposure to harmful toxins.
What are the benefits of using a vaporiser?
There are a few key benefits for patients who choose to use a vaporiser for their medical cannabis consumption. These include:
A safer method of ingestion: Vaporising eliminates the production of many of the cancer-causing chemicals and tar associated with smoking. This makes it a much safer option for patients.
Dosage control: Vaporisers allow patients to have more control over the amount of medical cannabis they are taking at one time.
More discreet: Vaporising produces much less odour and zero smoke. The vapour produced dissipates quickly, making it a more discreet option for those needing to medicate in public or around others.
Temperature control: Different cannabinoids and terpenes have different boiling points, so by controlling the vaporiser's temperature, patients can target specific compounds for a more customised and effective therapeutic experience.
How does a vaporiser work?
Vaporisers work by heating the medical cannabis product to a temperature that is high enough to release its active compounds but below the point of combustion.
There are two main forms of vaporisers used with medical cannabis products:
Dry herb vaporisers: These devices heat the prescribed medical cannabis flower to a specific temperature that releases the cannabinoids and terpenes as a vapour.
Concentrate vaporisers: These devices are specifically designed for use with cannabis concentrates, such as oils or waxes. They work by heating a small amount of concentrate on a heated surface, creating a vapour that can be inhaled.
Are vaporisers legal for medical cannabis in the UK?
Yes, but the cannabis must be prescribed by a specialist clinician listed on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register. Any form of cannabis that has not been legally prescribed remains a controlled substance, and its use is illegal.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.