vaporizer

     

A vaporizer (or vaporiser) is a evice used to release the active ingredients of plant material, commonly cannabis, or tobacco, or to release therapeutic compounds from herbs (phyto-inhalation; see also: aromatherapy). Vaporizing is an alternative to smoking. Rather than burning the herb, which produces numerous harmful by-products, a vaporizer heats the material, ideally to 180°C (356°F), so that the active compounds contained in the plant melt, causing a phase change of the matter, which is now an aromatic vapor. This new gas is not smoke from combustion, but an evaporated vapor that has the appearance of smoke. This vapor ideally contains virtually zero particulate matter (tar) and reduced noxious gases such as carbon monoxide. Vapors may be filtered and cooled further using a water pipe or an inline water/ice attachment. The vapors are then inhaled directly; through a hose or pipe, or are then stored for subsequent inhalations in a container such as a "dome" or "balloon". With little to no smoke produced, cooler temperatures, and less material required to achieve the same effect, the irritating/harmful effects of smoking are greatly reduced or eliminated along with second hand smoke by using a vaporizer. This makes vaporizers useful in places where there are public bans on smoking.