With the legalization of recreational cannabis came investment and research into new ways to safely and effectively utilize the plant, especially in the medical space. Health and wellness are on everyone’s minds; patients want to know what alternatives there are to smoking the plant, and how safe those options are. The vaporization of cannabis has become a staple of cannabis consumption in Canada over the last decade, allowing individuals to experience the fast effects of inhalation of cannabinoids without “combusting” or burning the product, and avoiding many of the harms associated with inhaling any kind of smoke.
Health Canada’s guidance and resources indicate vaporization generally produces fewer toxic by-products compared to smoking it. This is the same guidance our doctors and healthcare practitioners give at Apollo Cannabis Clinics, and with so many different options available, patients can choose from a wide range of medical-grade devices including flower and oil vaporizers.
Why Vaporize Medical Cannabis?
Safety Profile vs. Smoking
- Reduced exposure to harmful combustion byproducts
- Lower respiratory irritation compared to smoking
Immediate Relief
- Faster onset than edibles or capsules
- Ideal for breakthrough pain or acute symptoms
Discreet & Convenient
- Very minimal odour, portable options
A Small Amount Goes A Long Way
- Oftentimes, patients need only take in 1 or 2 small breaths from their vaporizer. The vapour is so light/clear, they may not even know they inhaled any medication. It’s recommended to wait 5 minutes after the initial inhale, and then take another if needed.
It is always recommended to speak with your doctor or prescribing HCP to determine if vaporizing could be an effective and safe option for you when looking to manage unwanted symptoms. Apollo offers free virtual appointments, Canada-wide with a medical cannabis specialist.
Bonus fact: Did you know that CBD-only flower and pre-filled vaporizers exist? That means you can utilize a vaporizer, even if you only take CBD and no THC!
Types of Vaporizers for Medical Cannabis
Dry Flower Vaporizers
- Pros: Full-spectrum cannabinoids, terpene preservation, wide variety of flower to choose from
- Cons: Requires setup, pre-heating, grinding, cleaning
Popular brands in Canada include:
Storz & Bickel:
- Venty: A flagship hybrid (convection + conduction) portable vaporizer offering rapid 20-second heat-up, adjustable airflow, long battery life, Bluetooth app control, and recognized as one of the best overall portable vapes.
- Crafty / Crafty+: Pocket-sized hybrid portable featuring one-button control, rapid heat-up (~90–120 s), Bluetooth customization, and medical-grade PEEK construction; acclaimed as an award‑winning, top-tier portable vaporizer.
- Mighty / Mighty+: Storz & Bickel’s powerhouse hybrid portable boasting optimal vapour extraction, long battery life (~90 min/8–12 sessions), USB‑C fast charging, pass-through capability, UL certification, and remains a leading portable vaporizer in 2025.
- Veazy: Ultra‑portable and affordable Storz & Bickel hybrid vaporizer with one-button controls enhanced via app, compact design, lightweight body (~134 g), and was ranked #1 Best New Vaporizer.
- Desktop Volcano (Volcano Classic): Iconic convection desktop with durable German engineering, balloon delivery system, analog temperature control (266–446 °F), three‑year warranty, and long-standing status as the gold standard in desktop vaporizers.
Pax 3 / Pax Plus: The Pax Plus is a dual-use vaporizer for both dry herb and concentrates, offering four preset experience modes (Stealth, Efficiency, Flavour, Boost), a half-pack oven lid, magnetic USB‑C charging with about 2+ hours of battery life, and a sleek, pocket‑friendly aluminum build backed by a 10‑year warranty.
Arizer: Known for devices like Air, Solo, and XQ2, Arizer vaporizers emphasize clean flavour via glass vapour paths, hybrid or convection heating, durable construction, and have been consistently ranked among the top flavour-first vaporizers in 2025–2026.
Utillian: Value-focused brand with models like the Utillian 421 offering digital display, glass mouthpiece, adjustable airflow, and easy one-button operation; recognized for delivering strong vapour quality at budget-friendly prices.
510-thread battery: Portable 510-thread vape batteries vary widely, but top models in 2025 offer features like draw-activation, adjustable voltage, USB-C charging, and compact design. They can switch out oil cartridges with ease.
Oil/Extract Disposable Vapes
- Common options (regulated medical suppliers)
- Pros: Easy to use, no prep, no need to buy and grind flower, don’t need to buy a more expensive flower vaporizer
- Cons: Confined to one strain
Desktop vs. Portable Vaporizers
Some of the larger vaporizers, like the Volcano, are desktop (or non-portable) vaporizers. This type of vape often utilizes a fill-bag, rather than the patient inhaling directly from the device. This allows you to fill the bag with the vapour and inhale it as needed.
As mentioned, the technology of vaporizers in the last decade has flourished, with oil/extract vapes becoming simple for anyone to use. Digital displays, variable temperature controls, USB-C charging ports, anti-clog and anti-burn technology are all very common now across these products.
As a reminder, ingestible oils are very different from the oils/extracts/concentrates used in pre-filled vaporizers. If you are using a dry-flower vaporizer that has a spot for concentrates, do not put ingestible oils into your vape.
Common Patient Questions About Vaping Cannabis
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Is vaping safer than smoking?
Using a vaporizer has been deemed less harmful than smoking cannabis as there is no combustion occurring and therefore significantly less carcinogens and toxins entering the lungs. That said, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without risks.
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How do I dose accurately with a vaporizer?
Dosing with a vaporizer comes down to many factors, and can sometimes take a couple times to get comfortable with finding what is best for you. If you are new to using cannabis, we recommend following a video guide if using a non-disposable flower vaporizer. You will grind your flower in a grinder, place it in the bowl, turn on the vape, wait for it to preheat, and then inhale slowly.
Besides that, we recommend inhaling a small amount the first time and waiting 5-10 minutes to see how you feel. Oftentimes, the vapour that comes out is so light, you won’t even know you inhaled the medicine. So be sure not to keep inhaling multiple times, thinking you aren’t getting anything. If after that first 5 or 10 minutes you still haven’t felt relief, inhale a second time. Make sure your device is on if it has different buttons or settings. Many of the new disposable vaporizers have no buttons at all to keep them simplified, and just need to make sure they are charged to work.
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Can I use my prescribed cannabis in any vaporizer?
Technically, yes, as long as the vaporizer is suitable for the format you are looking to use (like flower or concentrates). There are recommended vaporizers of higher quality that provide a cleaner experience in terms of materials used, which won’t release microplastics and have accurate temperature control to ensure no burning occurs.
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What is the difference between vaporizing cannabis versus nicotine?
The amount and frequency you are inhaling is exponentially different. People who use nicotine vapes will most likely be using it often and throughout the whole day, whereas cannabis vapes can be used on occasion when needed.
The “e-liquid” or “vape juice” used in nicotine vapes often includes filler and food preservatives like propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin. Pre-filled medical cannabis vaporizers, approved by Health Canada, only contain the byproducts of the cannabis plan,t like distillates or extracts. This way, you are not ingesting any unnecessary extra chemicals or by-products.
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What about long-term health effects?
While there is no set definition of long term health effects that are caused by vaping medical cannabis, putting anything into your lungs is never considered risk-free. It’s considered to be less harmful than smoking, but long term effects remain under study. At Apollo, our HCPs ensure that you have no other pre-existing conditions that could put you at a higher risk of health issues if you are going to be allowed/recommended to utilize a vaporizer.
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What’s the healthier alternative – dry flower vaporizer or extract vape (pen/ dab rig)?
Both options eliminate combustion, making them safer than smoking, but there are important differences:
Dry Flower Vaporizers
- Heat cannabis flower at controlled temperatures, preserving terpenes and cannabinoids without burning plant material
- Generally considered the cleaner option because you’re inhaling vapour from the whole plant, not additives
Extract Vape Pens/Dab Rigs
- Use concentrated oils or extracts, which can deliver higher potency and faster relief
- Health profile depends on quality and purity of the extract—licensed medical products are safer, but unregulated concentrates may contain residual solvents or additives
- Dab rigs often involve very high temperatures, which can produce harmful byproducts if not used correctly
Best Practices for Medical Cannabis Vaping
Temperature Settings
One of the biggest advantages of using a vaporizer for medical cannabis is the ability to control temperature. Lower temperatures (around 160–180°C) preserve delicate terpenes, which contribute to flavour and therapeutic effects like relaxation or mood enhancement. Higher temperatures (190–220°C) release more cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, providing stronger symptom relief. Many modern vaporizers offer precise temperature control, allowing patients to customize their experience for optimal results. The best temperature for vaporizing medical cannabis is between 170°C and 200°C, but it is up to your preference! Be sure to try different settings and see what you like best.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential for both health and device longevity. Residue buildup can harbour bacteria and affect vapour quality, potentially irritating the lungs. A clean vaporizer ensures consistent dosing, better flavor, and prevents mechanical issues. Most devices recommend cleaning after every few sessions using isopropyl alcohol and manufacturer-approved tools. Neglecting maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your vaporizer and compromise safety.
Storage Tips
Proper storage keeps your medical cannabis flower and oil fresh, preserving potency and flavour. For dry herb, store in an airtight container away from light, heat, and humidity—ideally in a cool, dark place. For oil cartridges, keep them upright and at room temperature, avoiding extreme heat or cold. Good storage practices prevent mould growth, degradation of cannabinoids, and leaking cartridges.
Conclusion
Vaporizing medical cannabis offers patients a safer, more efficient alternative to smoking. By reducing exposure to harmful combustion byproducts, vaporizers can help protect respiratory health while delivering fast symptom relief—ideal for managing pain, nausea, and other acute conditions. With options ranging from dry flower vaporizers to disposable oil cartridges, patients have more flexibility than ever to tailor their treatment.
That said, every patient’s needs are unique. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medical cannabis routine to ensure proper dosing and device selection.
Ready to explore your options? Speak with an Apollo educator for Health Canada–approved vaporizers or to book your free virtual medical cannabis appointment.
