Using Cannabis

Why Vaporise?

UK medical cannabis is prescribed to be vaporised, not smoked. Vaporising heats the flower to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as a vapour — without combustion. This means:

• No smoke, tar, or carcinogens from burning plant material
• More efficient extraction of active compounds — you get more from less
• Better flavour — you taste the terpenes, not smoke
• More precise temperature control for different effects

The NHS and all UK medical cannabis clinics are clear: your prescription is for vaporisation. Smoking your prescribed medication voids the legal protections of your prescription.

Choosing a Vaporiser

Medically certified vaporisers fall into two main categories:

Portable Vaporisers

Compact, battery-powered devices like the Storz & Bickel Mighty+ and Crafty+, Arizer Solo, Pax, and Healthy Rips range. These heat up quickly, fit in a pocket, and are the most popular choice for UK patients.

Desktop Vaporisers

Plug-in devices like the Volcano Hybrid, Arizer Extreme Q, and ball vapes (FlowerPot, Taroma). These offer more power, precise temperature control, and are ideal for home use but aren't portable.

When choosing, consider: battery life (for portables), heat-up time, chamber size, temperature range, ease of cleaning, and whether dosing capsules are supported.

Temperature Guide

Different temperatures release different compounds. Here's a general guide:

Start low and go slow. Begin at 170–180°C for your first sessions and gradually find the temperature that works best for your symptoms. Many patients "step" through temperatures in a single session for a broader spectrum of effects.

Dosing and Weighing

Your prescription specifies a daily amount in grams. Accurate dosing means:

• Use a milligram scale — kitchen scales aren't precise enough. A basic jewellery scale (0.01g accuracy) costs £10–£20
• Start with small amounts — 0.05–0.1g per session is a good starting point. You can always take more; you can't take less after the fact
• Track your usage — note which strains and doses work for your symptoms. This helps at follow-up appointments
• Dosing capsules can simplify things — pre-fill them with your prescribed dose for convenience and consistency

Grinding

A medium-fine grind gives the best vapour production. Too fine and it restricts airflow; too coarse and you won't extract fully. A decent metal grinder with a kief catcher is a worthwhile investment — plastic grinders wear down and can contaminate your medication.

Clean your grinder regularly with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to prevent buildup that affects performance.

Storing Your Medication

Short-term storage

Keep your flower in its original pharmacy packaging with the prescription label attached. This is your legal proof of prescription. For daily use, an airtight glass jar with a humidity pack (58–62% Boveda or Integra Boost) keeps your flower at optimal moisture.

Long-term storage

For medication you won't use within a few weeks:

• Use airtight glass jars — not plastic bags or tubs
• Store in a cool, dark place — light and heat degrade cannabinoids and terpenes
• Humidity packs maintain the ideal 58–62% RH range
• Avoid the fridge or freezer — condensation can cause mould

Properly stored, medical cannabis flower can maintain potency for 6–12 months or longer. Check periodically for any signs of mould (white/grey fuzz, musty smell). If in doubt, dispose of it.

Cleaning Your Vaporiser

Regular cleaning maintains performance and flavour:

• Daily: Brush out the chamber after each session while still warm
• Weekly: Disassemble and soak metal/glass parts in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly
• Monthly: Deep clean — replace screens, clean all air paths, check seals and O-rings

Always check your device's manual for specific cleaning instructions. Some parts (plastic, silicone) shouldn't be soaked in IPA.