There are over 100 known cannabinoids in cannabis, but the stars of the show have always been 

. As medical marijuana grows in popularity around the world, 

 and dried flower are increasingly a favourite choice. 

This is mainly because Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, is the psychoactive compound in cannabis and the culprit responsible for the "high". For some people, this side effect is not revered and is even spurned by many.

The stigma around THC being responsible for unproductive 'pot-heads', short term memory loss, and other risks has hindered the plant’s path to legality in Australia. Both medically and recreationally. 

However, despite this sometimes true, but mostly exaggerated, view of THC - it has several important physical and psychological health benefits. 

In this article, we will briefly explore the potential benefits of THC and THC oil. 

 is the concentration of each compound. THC oil will have a higher concentration of THC but will still contain CBD, sometimes in almost equal quantities. 

To avoid confusion, when discussing marijuana, cannabis or THC oil, they almost always mean the same thing. These oils have high concentrations of THC and will most certainly have a psychoactive effect. This used to be the biggest selling point for hardcore cannabis enthusiasts, but the medicinal benefits are becoming more recognised. 

High-quality THC oils should come from medical-grade cannabis plants and are created from the resin of female plants. 

If you do a quick Google search, you'll be bombarded by CBD oil benefits backed up by scientific research and anecdotal claims. This is not the case with THC. For some, the psychoactive side effects are not worth the benefits. 

But for those of you that are comfortable with the psychoactive properties, there are plenty of benefits to reap from THC. 

This is high up on the list of THC benefits because in treating loss of appetite with cannabis, it is uniquely THC that is the remedy. CBD doesn't play a role in this department. 

For people with eating disorders or HIV related anorexia, and for those struggling to eat as a side effect of disease or medication, THC can be massively beneficial. 

What is affectionately referred to as 'the munchies' by some cannabis users, is an effect of the CB1 receptor interacting with THC. This, in turn, stimulates the appetite. It is mostly high-THC strains that trigger this response.

Extreme appetite loss is a common side effect of chronic illness and reduces recovery rate and quality of life. The way in which cannabis affects appetite can be a simple solution for this.

Another benefit of THC that is not commonly associated with CBD is its ability to treat insomnia. 

THC's research-backed effect on sleep has mostly been a byproduct of broader studies. However, within these limited studies, cannabinoids have been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances. 

 show a positive correlation between cannabis use and greater sleep time in middle-aged people. 

There are several causes of insomnia, ranging from anxiety to chronic pain. Recurring nightmares, often caused by PTSD, can also severely disrupt sleep. Research shows that cannabis reduces REM sleep

, which is the sleep cycle in which dreams occur. For PTSD sufferers, THC Oil may offer relief from insomnia brought on by trauma associated sleep disorder.

It is difficult for sufferers of chronic pain to find effective long-term solutions. Prescription medication is oftentimes too risky for long term use, with nasty side effects. Treating pain has for a long time been one of the most celebrated benefits of cannabis use. 

Cannabis, and especially THC, has shown positive improvements in patients with Multiple Sclerosis for a range of symptoms including pain[4]. 

While CBD oil is an extremely effective painkiller, there is research that suggests that THC may work better or in conjunction with CBD for spasticity and cramp related pain. There has been a focus on cannabis and MS as a result. 

Advocates of medical cannabis will often cite the incredible benefits of integrating cannabis into cancer care

Chemotherapy commonly induces long-lasting symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and extreme loss of appetite. 

Chemo induced nausea and vomiting is extremely severe, occurring almost immediately after treatment. Many patients do not respond to over the counter drugs but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that cannabis strains with high THC are effective in reducing emesis. 

For those of you considering experimenting with THC recreationally or medically, there are some potential side-effects to consider:

It is always recommended to start with a low dosage of THC oil and gradually increase it according to your needs and physical reactions. 

CBD has somewhat overshadowed THC in the modern medical field. In Australia, CBD isolates are dominating the medicinal market. However, we are starting to see an increase in the number of full-spectrum and whole cannabis plant products being prescribed. Many clinical studies have been conducted to solidify the theory behind the “

This term is often used to describe the improved therapeutic benefits of consuming the full spectrum of compounds within the cannabis plant. The "full spectrum" refers to the full array of compounds including cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, other minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in the cannabis plant. When consumed together, they are known to interact with one another and the receptors within our body to provide far superior effects and health benefits. 

Unfortunately, THC is not legal in Australia. THC is classified as a schedule 8 drug in most Australian jurisdictions. However, it is still possible to access THC products with a valid medical prescription. 

Although, it's no easy feat for the doctors, who need to get approval from the TGA and a permit from the state health department. 

If you'd like to find out more on the process for accessing THC oil or medicinal cannabis products, check out our article on 

Accessing medicinal cannabis in Australia

CBD is no doubt the poster-child for medical cannabis and its potential health benefits. Many people avoid THC products because of their intoxicating effects. 

Most of the time, however, the psychoactive effect of THC is described as euphoric, increasing creativity and awareness. Yet, there is still a trend of choosing non-psychoactive CBD.

This means that THC has flown under the radar when exploring its medical benefits. And the research that has been conducted suggests that there are benefits to using THC which may not be present in CBD. This is especially true in the case of appetite loss and insomnia.

Furthermore, the benefits of whole plant treatment which encompasses THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids and terpenes far outweigh that of isolate products. By opting for full spectrum products or 

 dried flower, consumers are able to harness the power of the whole cannabis plant and the so called "entourage effect".

Rhonda is a pro-cannabis writer based in Melbourne. She is focused on researching and spreading the word on how cannabis can benefit the lives of everyday Australians.

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the most well known cannabinoid in cannabis. In this article, we outline the health benefits and potential side effects of THC and THC oil.

Health Benefits of THC and THC oil

The growing popularity of cannabis for medical and recreational activities paved the way for the creation of different, more unique ways of using the plant. 

Dabbing refers to a method of consuming cannabis extracts also known as dabs. It aims to eliminate any unease usually associated with inhaling cannabis. Also, the psychoactive effects associated with dabbing is known to be far more intense.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of dabbing and exactly how a dab pen works.

Before we discuss dabbing, it’s crucial to familiarise ourselves with dabs, and how they are different from traditional dried cannabis flower.

Dabs are a very concentrated form of cannabis and contain around 70% to 99% THC. Solvents like butane or carbon dioxide are used to extract cannabinoids from the flower and sugar leaf.

Terpenes (the aromatic oils that ads smell and flavour to cannabis plants) and cannabinoids are concentrated to create a strong flavourful oil that is highly potent.

The resulting concentrates have different names, depending on their consistency, and are usually smoked by heating them on a hot surface called a nail. Users then inhale the produced vapour through a dab rig, in a similar manner to smoking from a bong.

No, dabbing isn’t a dance move that seems to be all over Instagram and TikTok.

It’s a method of vaporizing cannabis concentrates, which have a much higher potency than cannabis flowers. Dabbing takes advantage of technology for high-intensity consumption, allowing you to extract high-quality cannabis oils to maximise your cannabinoid intake while preserving the extract’s flavour.

As a result, you get faster relief from health conditions, such as insomnia, nausea, stress, chronic pain, appetite loss, and other problems.

Generally, casual cannabis users or amateur smokers find dabbing too strong for their tolerance. But there are many medical marijuana users, who have an unusually high tolerance for THC, and get significant symptom relief from dabbing.

Understanding the different types of dabs

As mentioned before, cannabis extracts can now have different forms. This mostly depends on how cannabis oil is processed after extraction. Even moisture, heat, and terpenes directly affect the resulting form.

Heads Up: Despite differences in texture and appearances, the overall effect of dabs have little variation depending on the strain you use.

That said, here are the most common forms of dabbing extracts.

Wax dabs have an opaque, sometimes sticky appearance. These are formed when the molecules are distributed and refract light, causing the concentrate to lose their translucence. Wax dabs also have a high degree of malleability, making it easy to work with.

Shatter dabs are brittle, glass-like but stable concentrates. Here, cannabis oil doesn't have distributed molecules, which gives it limited malleability when compared to the other types. But it also helps shatter last longer than other consistencies.

Crumble dabs, or honeycomb dabs have a similar colour to that of wax – the former is just drier and less oily, giving it a more solid texture.

Additionally, crumble can be of two types: sugar and wax. Sugar crumble is stickier, as it is more crystallised. Wax crumble, on the other hand, is creamier with a smoother surface.

When concentrates are made with CO2 instead of butane, they end up producing a slightly runny oil that comes in a syringe or a container.

There is a very distinct difference in terms of taste when you compare CO2-extracted concentrates to butane-extracted concentrates. You can consume it as it is, or process it into other various forms.

Sap (also known as Resin) is formed when cannabis extracts have high terpene content. These aromatic oils are viscous and thick, which gives it a similar resemblance to that of tree sap. 

THC and CBD are common cannabinoids that are chemically removed and purified from cannabis oil. This ends up creating up to 99% pure concentrates that take the form of crystals or CBD powders.

Most dabs are extracted from dry herbs, but this dab variety isn't. Instead, live resin is made from fresh plants that aren’t subjected to the usual drying process. The plant is flash-frozen before the extraction process, retaining much of its original terpene flavour and aroma profiles. Cannabis enthusiasts tend to enjoy dabbing live resin as it provides a more aromatic and flavourful experience.

Rosin is a solvent-less liquid extract, which is produced after using heat and pressure to squeeze the golden cannabis oil from the plant’s bud.

People consume cannabis, more specifically THC and CBD, for different reasons. But despite their intentions, people are increasingly resorting to dab smoking because of the benefits it offers.

You see, dabbing has a faster, more intense effect on the user, which is a direct result of its concentrated extracts and its method. At the same time, the resulting impact is dependent on your choice of dosage and concentration.

When you consume cannabis for medicinal reasons, dabbing can be especially beneficial. Not only does the patient get the benefit of cannabis, but the relief is also immediate, aiding to one’s body illness.

Is it possible for you to overdose on dabs?

If you are new to the world of dabbing, you should consider the potency of the THC extracts. It is common for cannabis extracts to test between 60-90% THC. In other words, it won’t take much for you to become profoundly high.

Exceeding your personal limit might make you uncomfortable and overwhelmingly intense, but you don’t have to worry about a fatal overdose from a potential cannabis overdose since it is practically impossible. Nevertheless, it is better to start with a small dab of cannabis concentrate to ensure a more comfortable and positive experience.

We have to point out that the long-term effects of dabbing wax and other concentrates are still vague. Until we get access to more thorough research with regards to long-term risks of dabbed extracts, it isn’t possible to characterize any associated dangers with prolonged use.

A dab pen is a compact and portable vaporizer that is commonly used to vape cannabis concentrates. In this case, the cannabis concentrate is heated to a specific temperature, after which the active ingredients are released in the form of vapour.

If you plan on buying a dab pen, you should consider a few factors, such as battery life, portability, materials, charging options, warranty, and of course, the offered vapour quality.

A dab pen sits between a vape pen and a dab rig. Its structure includes a chamber (also known as an atomizer) to hold the concentrates, a mouthpiece to inhale the vapour, and a rechargeable battery.

The process involves placing the concentrates on the dab pen’s coils. This allows the heat to melt the concentrate down on a wick, which later absorbs the product. The wick then ends up heating the concentrate to create a vapour.

The temperature has a very crucial role to play in how a dab pen works. Plus, you will find different materials in the market – each requiring a different heating level. If the temperature is too high, it might end up burning the material instead of vaporising it. So, you need to be careful when choosing a setting.

If you are using an oily concentrate, try to stick to a temperature of around 230°C to 288°C. In the case of others, 180°C to 250°C is adequate. It is the power button of a dab pen that activates the battery, which then starts heating the concentrate inside the chamber, sending the vapour to the mouthpiece for you to inhale.

Dab pens are legal in Australia since they are classified as vaporisers. Hence, you will not face any problem in purchasing or importing these devices.

We should note however - the recreational use of cannabis is still illegal in most Australian states and territories. Even though medical marijuana is legal, getting your hands on prescribed cannabis concentrate products may prove to be difficult. So unless you live in the ACT and are able to make your own concentrates, dabbing might be out of the question for now.

Rana started writing about cannabis when her curiosity was piqued by the medicinal properties the plant is known to offer. Through many hours of research, she has discovered the remarkable value and versatility of cannabis. She now stands as a firm proponent of the world-wide marijuana revolution being witnessed today.

Discover the different types of dabs, and how a dab rig or dab pen is used for dabbing cannabis concentrates.

What is dabbing and how does a dab pen work?

What is dabbing and how does a dab pen work

Cannabis edibles - you’ve tried them, you liked them, and now you want to make your own. Or maybe you haven’t tried them, but you’ve heard about them and want to make your own.

Whatever your needs, you’ve found the right place. We’ll run through the basics of edibles and 3 easy cannabis-infused recipes that will help you on your journey to becoming an edibles MasterChef.

Before you venture into the world of cannabis edibles, there are some things you need to know.

There’s a joke among cannabis enthusiasts that for an edible to work, you first have to say, “This edible is nothing.” Apparently, this magic phrase activates the effects of the edible.

And while it does make for a cool story (who doesn’t like hearing about cannabis and magic), the science happening behind the scenes is even cooler.

 gets into your bloodstream rapidly, and that’s why you get high quickly. But when you eat edibles, your body has to process THC differently, which takes some time.

When you consume an edible, it has to pass through the digestive system before you can feel an effect. In the digestive tract, your liver metabolises delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC

So if it’s your first time taking edibles, don’t worry, you don’t need a magic phrase to activate them. Just give them some time, and you’ll feel the effects soon enough.

Did you know that raw cannabis, even the high THC strains, has very little THC? The amount is so low that if you were to chew on the leaves, it wouldn’t get you high. Instead of THC, raw cannabis contains 

, an acidic compound that’s the precursor to THC.

To get THC from THCA, you need to expose the cannabis plant to low heat over an extended period. This can easily be achieved placing it in the oven at 115°C for around 35 minutes. The heat removes a carboxyl group from THCA, transforming it into THC, a process called decarboxylation.

It’s as simple as that. So before you make your edible, make sure to decarboxylate your raw cannabis flowers.

Something else you need to keep in mind when making edibles is that the 

 you use will determine the potency. This is pretty self-explanatory, so we won’t go too much into it.

Of all the cannabis edibles, cannabutter is probably the easiest to make, and if you are a beginner, the one you should start with. It’s the building block for a lot of edible recipes, and we believe that every aspiring cannachef should know 

We did a deep dive into cannabutter, including an easy 

Once you’ve got some cannabutter handy, you can get cracking onto making some actual edibles!

If butter isn’t your cup of tea, there are alternatives you can use. Canola oil or coconut oil are the two most popular alternatives, especially for making edibles like 

We’ve found cannabutter to be the most versatile for general edible recipes. Feel free to experiment by substituting cannabutter with your preferred alternatives in the recipes below.

If cannabutter is the easiest edible to make, then pot brownies are the most iconic. Most people (myself included) will tell you that brownies were the first edibles they’ve ever tried. The genesis of our love story with cannabis.

If you’ve never tried cannabis brownies, we have a recipe we’re sure you’ll love. For those of you who have had brownies before, try our recipe and let us know how it compares.

If brownies aren’t for you, and you are looking for something meatier, then you should try cannabacon. Making cannabis-infused bacon is easy, all you need is bacon and cannabis.

Our favourite thing about this recipe is that you’ll have leftover fat that’s infused with cannabinoids. And you can use it in so many creative ways, such as a substitute for oil when you are frying eggs.

On hot summer days, ice cream is your best friend. If you want to take it to the next level, then you should try cannabis-infused ice cream. Making homemade cannabis-infused ice cream is easy. 

There you have it, three simple recipes for making tasty cannabis edibles. We hope this has inspired you to put on the apron and make yourself some yummy cannabis-infused dishes. Make sure to share this article with your friends so that they can learn just how simple it is to whip up some delicious cannabis edibles.

Find out how to make easy, potent and yummy cannabis edibles by following our 3 simple cannabis-infused recipes

How to make edibles: 3 simple cannabis-infused recipes

How to make edibles: 3 easy cannabis-infused recipes

One great thing about cannabis is that it can be consumed in different ways. Instead of smoking or 

 the dried flowers, edibles can be a tasty alternative and offer a longer-lasting effect. Many self-proclaimed chefs have been getting their hands dirty and cooking up their own cannabis inspired creations at home. Be it a special brownie, choc-chip cookies, cannabis infused pasta, or popcorn, there is one special ingredient that ties it all together - cannabutter.

Akin to its name, cannabutter or cannabis butter, is simply butter infused with cannabis. Like regular butter, cannabutter can be used as a part of numerous recipes for cannabis edibles. Whether you fancy some toast and butter spread with a bit of punch, hand crafted 

 cocktail, or an extra special butter chicken and rice to kick off the night, cannabutter can be that extra-ordinary ingredient for the job.

The best part is - you don’t need to be a MasterChef contestant to whip up a batch of this cannabutter goodness.

Is cannabis or cannabutter legal in Australia?

Cannabis has been decriminalised in the Australian Capital Territory, allowing personal cultivation and use within certain limits. Recreational cannabis use is illegal in most other Australian states and territories, except for medicinal purposes with a valid prescription.

Making cannabutter requires a good amount of dried cannabis flower, so ideally you’d need access to some cheap cannabis or be able to grow your own.

We do not encourage anyone living outside of the ACT without a valid medicinal cannabis prescription to undergo illegal activities. So use this guide as you will, but please be informed regarding the laws within your state or territory.

The most import step to make cannabis butter is the “decarboxylation” process. If you’ve ever wondered why cannabis needs to be combusted or vaporized, it's because raw cannabis is actually non-psychoactive. Only when cannabis is heated or otherwise known as “decarboxylation” does it induce the "high" when consumed.

You are probably already aware of the cannabinoid know as 

, the compound in cannabis plants responsible for the psychoactive properties. Cannabis in its raw form does not contain any THC, only its precursor - 

. Only through heat or decarboxylation, does it become THC.

Once your cannabis has been through the “decarb” process, the rest of the steps are as simple as melt, combine, simmer and strain. Read on to follow our recipe step by step.

You can keep the cannabutter in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the fridge for a few weeks. Be sure to make a note of the expiry dates on the butter packaging before throwing them away.

For longer storage, separate the cannabutter into smaller portions and keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. Just make sure they are in an airtight container and with a clearly labelled date of expiry.

P.S. Try and avoid using the microwave to thaw frozen cannabutter as it can ruin the cannabinoids in the butter. 

There are other options for cooking with cannabis if butter isn't your thing or you are simply looking to avoid the saturated fat. 

One possible alternative is to use CBD or THC tinctures as additives to your recipes. Using tinctures can be a lot healthier as the as no fat or oils are used in the product, and usually has a longer shelf life than cannabutter.

Coconut oil or canola oil are also two other options for replacing cannabutter, especially for making edibles like 

In our opinion, cannabutter is the most versatile in terms of edible recipes, but we encourage our readers to experiment and share your own cannabis-infused creations.

Truth be told, figuring out the popper dose of cannabis edibles is no easy feat. Without going too deep into scientific explanations, there are multitudes of factors that can affect the final THC content of your cannabutter. The 

, the intensity and length of exposure to heat during decarboxylation, and butter to water ratio can all have an impact on the potency of the final product.

Another good thing to keep in mind is edibles can take longer for the effects to kick in compared to smoking or 

. So if you don’t feel anything right away after ingesting cannabis edibles, it’s completely normal. It can you take anywhere from 30-90 minutes to start feeling noticeable effects. 

We’ve found the best way to figure out the potency of your cannabutter (apart from actually getting it lab tested) is to do a small dose test.

Consume ¼ teaspoon of your cannabutter over some bread or a snack and wait 60-90 minutes. Depending on how you feel, increase or decrease the amount as required for your next dose test. Once you find the prefect amount, you can then use it as dose guide when making delicious 

Cannabutter is one of the core ingredients for many edibles. Follow our simple recipe on how to make your own cannabutter at home.

How to make cannabutter (cannabis butter) at home 

How to make cannabutter or cannabis butter at home 

There is no doubt the most popular method of consuming dried flower is still by smoking. The cannabis is ground up and rolled into a “joint”, combusted and inhaled. But in recent years, a new method has been revolutionising the way users consume cannabis - vaping.

Cannabis flower products are starting to be prescribed for Australian medical patients for an array of conditions. This has been welcomed by the community as the benefits of the whole plant medicine far outweigh cannabis isolate products. Many doctors and scientific studies are also advising patients to use vaporizers as the primary delivery method as opposed to smoking, deeming the latter more harmful to the lungs in general

. Furthermore, some particular brands of cannabinoid vaporizers have also been approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to use with dried flower products.

The act of vaporizing cannabis is to heat it at a temperature high enough to boil and release its active ingredients, without burning it (combustion). This process releases the cannabis compounds such as major and 

 and flavonoids into a vapour which is then inhaled by the user. 

Consumers are opting to use a vaporizer over smoking for many reasons. First is the fast onset, or how quick the effects can be felt after inhaling. Similar to smoking, users can generally begin to feel the effects within a few minutes - and lasting up to a few hours.

Another reason vaporizers are gaining popularity is due to the ability to control the vaping temperature. 

Cannabis plants are loaded with medicinal molecules, all boiling at different temperatures. For example, cannabinoids such as 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD)

 both evaporate at different points. THC vaporizes around 157°C, whereas CBD is somewhere between the 160-180°C range

The boiling range for different cannabis terpenes has a far greater variance. Terpenes such as Ocimene vaporizes at a lower temperature of 78°C, compared to Linalool which evaporates at a much higher point of around 198°C.

Having the ability to control the temperature of the vaping device allows the user to target specific concentrates of cannabis molecules being consumed. Simply put, by vaping cannabis at a particular temperature, higher concentrates of particular terpenes and cannabinoids may be vaporized. Meaning the user may experience slightly different flavours and effects when the same 

Cannabis vaporizers can come in different varieties and sizes, but all achieve the same outcome - to vaporize cannabis for consumption. The process generally involves cannabis being heated in an electronic device known as a vaporizer. The device uses a conduction or convection heating method to bring the cannabis molecules to a boiling point, creating vapour. 

Portable vaporizers can come in smaller and more portable packages. They are typically more discrete and can fit in your back pocket. Other larger desktop vaporisers can offer better features and precision of control but lack the portability of smaller devices.

In conductive vaporizers, dried herbs or extracts are heated by direct contact with a metal or ceramic surface. As conduction heating relies on direct contact, it provides an effective and immediate way of vaporization. 

The downside of the conduction mechanism is the risk of combustion. The direct heating element is more likely to burn the product and introduce smoke into the vapour. This carries the risk of creating a hotter and harsher vapour to inhale, defeating the purpose of vaporizing. Temperature controls on most devices can mitigate this issue, however, it’s commonly harder to achieve consistent results with conductive vaporizers. 

Due to the reasons outlined above, users are often required to stir or shake the vaporizer chamber to ensure even heat distribution are applied on the dried herbs and extracts. 

Compared to convention vaporizers, conduction devices usually come in smaller packages and are much lighter in weight as there are far less moving parts required for conductive heating.

Convection heating works by passing hot air through the dried herb or extracts, without direct contact with the heating elements. Once the air is heated to a specific temperature, it is moved by a fan/pump or inhalation to the chamber containing the flower or concentrates. 

Convection vaporizers tend to produce more consistent and better quality vapours due to uniform heating. There is less chance of the cannabis material charring due to the contactless heating mechanism and can also be more efficient.

With conductive heating, the surface is continuously heated whilst the device is on, increasing the chance of wasting the product. Convection devices usually only draw hot air into the chamber when inhaled, heating only when required.

The minor drawbacks of convection vaporizers are sometimes a bit slower to heat up compared to conduction devices. They are also often larger in size due to extra parts and space required to generate heated air.

 There are two main cannabis products types which can be used with vaporizers - dried cannabis and concentrates. Certain devices are designed to vaporize ground up cannabis, while others may take concentrates like oil or wax. More sophisticated devices can be used to vape both flower and concentrates. 

The refill mechanism may also be different in different vaporizer devices. Some devices operate with a chamber for users to manually fill with dry herb or oil/concentrates. Other devices will have easily replaceable refill cartridges that come preloaded with cannabis concentrates. 

With the huge range of vaporizers available in Australia, you might find yourself asking - which one is best?

Well, it depends. If you are budget conscious and want something portable, you may opt for something a bit smaller like a vape pen. On the other hand, if you are a medical patient requiring precise controls of the temperature settings and tend to only medicate in the privacy of your home - a desktop might be a better option. 

Let’s quickly run through the three vaporizer categories below.

Desktop vaporizers are larger devices which are ideal for home use, typically needs to be plugged into a power source. Due to their size and power requirements, portability could be an issue. If mobility isn’t a concern, desktop vaporizers generally offer more advanced controls and features compared to smaller devices. 

As spacing is not an issue, many desktop devices utilise convection heating to provide more flavourful and better quality vapour. They can also include a more adjustable and wider range of temperature setting to choose from. Apart from the benefits mentioned above, some larger devices also come with a selection of accessories not available on portable devices. 

For example, some particular models of desktop vaporizers come equipped with multiple tube-like mouthpieces, perfect for group vaping sessions. Others vaporizers may offer detachable “balloon” bags which hold the vapour up to a few minutes - allowing users to remove and enjoy at will.

Portable vaporizers are smaller than its desktop counterpart and are usually battery powered. For obvious reasons, portable vapes are preferred by consumers who are on the go but still require some precision and control.

The quality of the vapour generally comes down to the specific model, with some offering more granular temperature controls and others set to specific temperatures. Portable vaporizers can also come in convection and conduction forms, once again depending on the model and price point.

Vape pens offer the most portability, named after their similarity in size to that of a pen. They are discrete and usually a much cheaper alternative to desktop and other portable vaporizers. The drawback is most vape pens mostly operate using conductive heating due to their size limitations. It may also lack features and precise control found on larger and dearer vaporizers. 

Some vape pens can be refilled with disposable cartridges which come preloaded with THC/

 or concentrates, ready to be consumed. The small sealed cylindrical cartridges are attached directly onto the vaporizer for use and can be discarded afterwards. There are also refillable oil cartridges options for some vape pen models.

Vaping is generally considered to be preferable over traditional methods of smoking cannabis, and for a few reasons. Combustion usually occurs at a higher temperature, burning off some of the cannabis molecules responsible for the aromas, flavours, and psychoactive effects. But most importantly, combustion induces smoke - which is known to contain toxins that are harmful to the body.

Even though cannabis smoke is deemed to contain less toxic substances than cigarettes, inhaling smoke of any kind still carries long term risks. According to the Australian Department of Health - chronic heavy cannabis smoking may be linked to chronic bronchitis and cause smokers to develop irreversible obstructive lung diseases

When vaping, the dried cannabis buds are not combusted or burnt, so no actual smoke is released in the vaporization process. In addition, most of the cannabis molecules like cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved and released as a part of the vapour. By consuming all the cannabinoids and terpenes of the cannabis plant, it is known to interact and enhance the overall effects - also known as the entourage effect.

Things to consider when choosing a vaporizer

Purchasing your first cannabis vaporizer may be quite daunting, with so many brands and varieties to choose from. If you've made it this far in the article, you should be already adequately informed about the different types of vaporizers and what's best suited for your needs.  In summary, these are the main points to consider when selecting a vaporizer:

Vaporizers are perfectly legal to use in Australia. Certain devices can be used to vape nicotine substitutes or common household herbs like lavender. 

Consuming cannabis, however, is illegal in most Australian states and territories, therefore vaping cannabis would generally not be allowed in a public setting. If you hold a valid medical prescription or live in the ACT, vaping in the comfort of your home would be allowed in most cases. In fact, there are already certain models registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), approved for medical cannabinoid use

 for further information on the use of cannabis in your state or territory. 

This guide to cannabis vaporizers will explain the basics of vaping, conduction vs convection, plus the difference between desktop and portable vaporizers.

What is vaping and how to choose a cannabis vaporizer

As interest in medicinal cannabis continue to climb and the number of active patients grow, more questions regarding cannabis products are beginning to surface. 

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to chat with Dr Stephen Chalk based in Western Australia - who has had extensive experience with medicinal cannabis. He kindly agreed to answer some questions we gathered from a community of potential and active cannabis patients.

Please be mindful the answers below are published for educational purposes only. Cannabis can affect individuals in different ways,  please consult with your doctor before using medicinal cannabis products.

Tell us about your journey as a health professional with an interest in medicinal cannabis

Like most of the medical staff in Perth’s northern suburbs, I’m originally from the UK. I studied in Oxford and London, and worked as a junior doctor in the south of England for a few years before heading to WA for a working holiday. Needless to say I settled into the sunny lifestyle and never left. I spent a few years in Emergency Medicine training, which included a brief anaesthetics stint. I then switched to GP training to better suit my family. As a GP I split my time between a busy suburb and a semi-rural town, so I get a great mix of patients. I’m able to indulge my interests in addiction, skin cancer, minor surgeries and pain management. 

A few years ago my interest in medicinal cannabis was piqued after a chat to one of the drug reps. I started reading into the subject, which sucked me down the wormhole, so to speak. I think this is a common experience with most cannabis professionals and interested laypeople. There is such a vast amount of fascinating science around the chemistry, botany, pharmacology and genetics; the plant really draws you in. Not to mention the history, politics and economics related to cannabis. It really is very different from standard therapeutics.

Most of what I have learned has come from working in one of the pioneering specialist clinics. I was lucky to have some involvement in research, and some exposure to really complex cases in conjunction with some amazing experts. I’ve returned back to full time GP work for now. I hope to continue learning in this field. Often we learn the most from our patients.

What conditions can medicinal cannabis be prescribed for?

What are the most common conditions you prescribe medicinal cannabis for?

Without a doubt the most common indication for cannabinoid therapy is chronic pain. This is because chronic pain is unfortunately extremely common, affecting an estimated 3 million Australians. As we all now know, there are very few effective and palatable long term options for sufferers of chronic pain. Doctors and patients are all beginning to turn away from chronic opioid use. We have come to the realisation that they don’t really help, and come with a host of side effects, dangers and dependency issues. Increasingly, doctors and patients are becoming more aware of cannabis based medications as a potential alternative analgesic and are seeking legal access.

Pain is part of the common progression of chronic illnesses of all kinds, including cancer. Other symptoms that invariably come along with chronic disease include insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite and nausea. Cannabis may have a role in addressing all these symptoms. We hope to enable patients to wind down and de-stress, and achieve a deep, restful, uninterrupted sleep. There is high quality evidence to demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of wasting (cachexia) in AIDS and nausea during chemotherapy (CINV). This may extrapolate to treatment of nausea and appetite in all chronic diseases. 

Dr Stephen Chalk studied medicine in Oxford and Kings College London. He trained in Emergency Medicine at Joondalup, and General Practice in Albany. Steve has been involved in cannabis research and previously worked in one of the pioneering specialist cannabis clinics. He is currently practising as a GP in Perth and enjoys treating minor injuries, lumps and bumps, chronic disease, and men’s health issues.

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