To Vape or Not to Vape?

Determining Which Method of Extract Consumption is Right for You

 

By: Jamie Solis

For anyone with an established tolerance to flower or a medical need for high potency cannabis compounds, look no further than concentrates. These cannabis extracts are popular for containing extremely high doses of the plant’s valuable cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Oil, shatter, budder, hash, wax—no matter what you call it, these products bear similar qualities, making “concentrate” an all-encompassing term.

Whether someone is curious about the most effective way to consume extracts while battling epilepsy or cancer, or they are just looking to ingest concentrates recreationally, there’s something for everyone. We will weigh the benefits of both vaporizing and orally ingesting cannabis extracts, and we will share which types of concentrates are best for each need.

Vape It

There are countless benefits of vaporizing. First, inhaling the healing vapors of cannabinoids provides fast relief for various ailments. Vaporizers are also chosen by patients, because it is less harsh on the lungs than smoking flower, especially when you choose a clean wax that is free from plant matter and other undesirable materials. Out of the many types of vaporizers currently available, the most prominent on the market are vape pens and dab rigs.

Discretion and Convenience

A vape pen is a small handheld device that vaporizes cannabis for the operator at the push of a button. These pens have become one of the trendiest and most convienent ways to consume concentrates. Not only are they easy to use on the go, but pens are also discreet, allowing you to medicate almost anywhere. Vape pens are such a growing phenomenon that ordinances have passed to ban their use in many cities. However, partake somewhere well-ventilated (typically outside), and you should be able to enjoy your medication without being hassled.

The growing trend of the vape pen is responsible for the virtually unlimited selection of pens available. This means there is a device compatible with almost every type of concentrate, from CO2 oils in its raw form to waxes, shatters and more. There are even some pens available for purchase at local collectives that are pre-filled with rich cannabinoid extracts. What’s more convenient than that?

Dab On

There are several dabbing techniques, but taking a dab usually resembles using a metal wand to drop a portion of concentrate onto a heated nail, where it is then sucked through a glass chamber filled with water and exits into the lungs of the operator. While it does sound like an exciting endeavor, dabs are serious medicine, and aren’t recommended for anyone intimidated by their prompt and intense effects. Dabbers are not afraid to travel far outside of their bodies to reach an effect never previously attained. Instead, that is often the goal with dabbing. The swift and strong onset of a dab is especially useful for patients hoping to alleviate chronic pain or nausea, among many other ailments.

Those with the confidence that it takes to give dabbing a shot will benefit from starting with a concentrate that is easy to manipulate on the wand. For this purpose, waxes, budders and shatters are easiest to maneuver and much more manageable to work with when compared to oils. Also, trendy dabbing techniques like dunking (where you drop a ball of concentrate onto the hot nail—slam dunk!) are near impossible to execute with oil because of its sticky consistency. So, if you plan on showing off, a clean wax will serve you right.

Oral Ingestion for Ailments

Adults and children with a multitude of diseases tend to favor the benefits of consuming cannabis orally. Typically, extracts are swallowed after they are encapsulated into pill forms, or the proper dosage is squeezed out of a syringe or dropper. Consuming hash this way has gained in popularity, especially to patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Bedtime is a popular time to orally ingest concentrates, because it allows a patient to take heavy and accurately consistent dosages, all the while the patient is fast asleep before the effects set in.

This technique is also less harsh on patients’ lungs than the alternatives that involve inhaling vapor. Unlike with edibles, swallowing a concentrate is free from extra calories and high amounts of sugar. This is ideal for patients with diabetes who require the long lasting effects of edibles but can’t handle the other aspects of medible treats. Typically, the encapsulated concentrates highlighted in the news are oils like Rick Simpson Oil, Charlotte’s Web Hemp Oil and others. However, different types of concentrates like waxes and shatters are also taken orally by patients everywhere.

There is a plethora of options when it comes to consuming concentrates. The choice a patient makes really comes down to their personal preference. Needs and wants will differ from person to person, so be sure to make the decision that will improve your overall quality of life.

 

Originally published by Culture Magazine on July 3, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3978-to-vape-or-not-to-vape.html

A New League of Dab Gear

A New League of Dab Gear

Taking the Glass Art World by Storm

By: Jamie Solis

Photo Credit Jordan Cinnamon


Glass pieces intended for cannabis consumption have not always been accepted by the sophisticated art scene. This avenue of glassblowing wasn’t recognized for its level of skill and precision until recently, as remarkable pieces of art that also serve as intricately stylized dab rigs sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

An ever-expanding love for concentrates is inflating the caliber of glass rigs and bettering dab nails. If you’re anxious to drop some serious cash on your collection, July 10 is the perfect excuse to secure everything from designer pieces to electric nails. Let’s highlight some great artists and accessories to look for this holiday.

Collectible Rigs

To get your hands on a perfect sculpture by one of the best glassblowers, it’s becoming customary to either attend a gallery showing or find a reputable collector. Let’s explore some of the elite whose creativity and knowledge are advancing the image of this zealous craft.

Tubes of glass have a way of transforming into something unfathomable when two distinct artists share a single vision. Chow Glass (@chow_glass) has called both Oregon and Southern California home, and he is quickly gaining a following, especially for his collaborations. He’s known for making ridiculous pieces with the well-known designer hailing from JapanAquarius (@Aquariust). The first collab of this duo is the red tube topped with a grinning devil who seems eager to welcome even the heaviest of dabs. A second work by the pair exudes the same dark ambiance as the first, with a skull topping this handheld rig. A common theme for Aquarius is his bold figures, whether they are skeletons, eyeballs or anything creepy. This multipurpose work is also a wearable pendant—jewelry, dab rig and décor.

Originally from Massachusetts, this fine artist makes skillful pieces that don’t look dabbable at first glance. Joe Peters’ (@joepetersglass) work is recognizable because he has a distinct color palate, and his subjects are usually nature-inspired. You’ll know one of his signaturesan appropriate and appetizing obsession with honey. On torontohemp.com, a sick collaboration piece between Joe Peters and Germ (@germlion) called Honeycomb& Bees Rig is extremely pricey but it is still on the inexpensive side of this fine art. The degree of realism he brings to glassblowing is unfathomable, so it’s going to cost you. It was rumored on instagram that his collab piece with Elbo Glass (@elboglass) was sold for up to $25,000.

Leading glassblower JRed (@jredglass) currently resides in the state of Washington. The functionality of his gorgeous glass sets high standards. Using bold and bright colors, his technical pieces are eye catching, and common themes include owls with hypnotizing eyes, funky ducks, psychedelic octopuses and more. You could say JRed is where cartoon meets creature. Insanely complex circular patterns are also in character to his work, whether they are part of glass animals or one is protruding off a more standard style rig. His use of clean lines and geometric patterns pushes the envelope, making his rigs not only collectible, but valuable as well.

Recyclers

We are fanatic about good looking glass, but there are more important qualities to a great dab rig as companion to its beauty marks. Nobody wants to cough their brains out when taking a dab, because it’s painful and embarrassing. Thankfully, a recycler makes dabs more enjoyable, because they can be strong yet mellow. An ingenious improvement on the single filtering system, a recycler does exactly as its name implies, looping your hit through the water more than once. By increasing the contact between the water and vapor, the hit is cooled significantly. Also, no matter how hard you inhale through this piece, water will not end up in your mouth. Top of the line recyclers can cost you a pretty penny in today’s glass industry. Ski Mask and Hitman created a fantastic double barrel recycler that is only $1,200 at www.highpriorityglass.com.

Dab Accessories are Heating Up For 710

Seize the Blasting Stream of Fire

Igniting a blowtorch indoors has the ability to turn off even the most seasoned of stoners. There is now a safer option for dabbers—electricity! Electric nails have many benefits, but most importantly you get to set the nail at the desired temperature, and it is kept at a consistent level. This means you don’t have to wait between dabs, making it perfect for social settings. Electric nail devices range in price from around $250 and up, and they are well worth the investment. Often compatible with the rigs you already own, you’ll find yourself dabbing more discreetly, conveniently and safely in no time.

 

 

Go Domeless

If you haven’t heard about domeless nails by now, then you may be wasting your time with last seasons’tools. A domeless nail allows you the convenience of downsizing to one simple and effective rig, because it eliminates the glass dome that typically encloses vapor around the nail. The new generation of nails allows the operator to inhale vapor through singular or multiple holes in their differing setups. The evolution of nails over the last couple years has led to some that are compatible with various sized rigs. This makes it the absolute companion to all your pieces.

This 710, take our advice and impress your friends by securing an expensive piece of art that will serve as your newest dab rig, and don’t forget all the necessary accessories. It will be a relative expense for a lifetime of beauty and bliss.

 

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on July 3, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3981-a-new-league-of-dab-gear.html