Weed is most often consumed in a joint, pipe, or bong. Those methods involve smoke inhalation and have inherent health risks. Combustion of any plant material releases toxic compounds and irritants, and marijuana is no exception. In fact, smoking an unfiltered joint deposits more tar in the lungs than an equal amount of tobacco.
Vaporizers are able to circumvent these risks by gently heating marijuana to a thermal sweet spot that releases active compounds without creating smoke. This is achieved by hitting temperatures above the boiling point of cannabinoids like THC, but below the combustion point of the plant. The result is an aromatic vapor resembling steam that theoretically contains the compounds you want without the toxic by-products normally found in smoke…