View source for Vaporizer (inhalation device)

{{short description|Device to vaporize substances for inhalation}}
{{pp-pc1}}
[[Image:VripTechVHWInAction.jpg|thumb|right|A vaporization heat wand and vaporization chamber bowl used to deliver vapor through a water pipe]]
A '''vaporizer''' or '''vaporiser''', colloquially known as a '''vape''', is a device used to vaporize substances for [[inhalation]]. Plant substances can be used, commonly [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]], [[tobacco]], or other herbs or blends of [[essential oil]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}} However, they can also be filled with a combination [[propylene glycol]], [[glycerin]], and drugs such as [[nicotine]] (e.g. extract from tobacco) or [[tetrahydrocannabinol]] as a liquid solution.

Vaporizers contain various forms of extraction chambers including straight bore, [[venturi effect|venturi]], or sequential venturi, and are made of materials such as metal or glass. The extracted vapor may be collected in an inflatable bag, or inhaled directly through a hose or pipe. When used properly, cooler temperatures due to lack of combustion<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=12tfG6xnIwYC&pg=PA74 | title=Veterinary Anesthesia and Pain Management Secrets | publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences | author=Stephen A. Greene | year=2002 | isbn=978-1560534426}}</ref> result in significantly more efficient extraction of the ingredients. Hence, the irritating and harmful effects of smoking are heavily reduced,<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Earleywine M, Barnwell SS |title=Decreased respiratory symptoms in cannabis users who vaporize |journal=Harm Reduction Journal |volume=4 |page=11 |year=2007 |pmid=17437626 |pmc=1853086 |doi=10.1186/1477-7517-4-11}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.aids.org/atn/a-327-02.html
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718043235/http://www.aids.org/atn/a-327-02.html
|archive-date=2010-07-18
|title=Vaporizers for Medical Marijuana
|publisher=www.aids.org
|access-date=2008-07-28
}}
</ref><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1300/J175v01n03_09 |title=Harm Reduction Associated with Inhalation and Oral Administration of Cannabis and THC |date=June 2001 |author=Grotenhermen F |journal=Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics |volume=1 |issue=3 & 4 |pages=133–152}}</ref><ref name="pmid17429350">{{cite journal |vauthors=Abrams DI, Vizoso HP, Shade SB, Jay C, Kelly ME, Benowitz NL |title=Vaporization as a smokeless cannabis delivery system: a pilot study |url=http://www.maps.org/media/vaporizer_epub.pdf |journal=Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics |volume=82 |issue=5 |pages=572–578 |date=November 2007 |pmid=17429350 |doi=10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200|s2cid=14629288 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=The Centennial Celebration – Washington, D.C. September 13–17, 1948 |journal=Science |volume=108 |issue=2800 |pages=205–206 |date=August 1948 |pmid=17821306 |doi=10.1126/science.108.2800.205|doi-access=free }}</ref> as is its [[Passive smoking|secondhand smoke]].

==Cannabis vaporizers==
{{See also|Cannabinoid#Vaporization temperatures}}

Cannabis flower is commonly consumed using a dry herb vaporizer. The cannabis may be heated in a chamber via indirect flame exposure or an electrical heating element, allowing users to inhale the resulting vapor. The temperatures reached are cooler than the combustion temperature of cannabis, which is around 230–315&nbsp;°C (445–600&nbsp;°F).<ref name="Gieringer 2004" />

Vaporizing is more efficient than [[Cannabis smoking|smoking]], because approximately 30% of [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]] in cannabis or hashish cigarettes is destroyed by [[pyrolysis]] during smoking.<ref name="huestis">{{citation | author1=Marilyn A. Huestis | author2=Michael L. Smith | editor=Mahmoud A. ElSohly | chapter=Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics and Interpretation of Cannabinoid Concentrations in Biological Fluids and Tissues | title=Marijuana and the Cannabinoids | publisher=Humana Press | year=2007 | pages=205–235}}</ref>


Cannabis is also consumed via the vaporization of [[cannabis concentrates]] or oils that have been extracted from the plant, commonly referred to as "dabbing". Users typically employ a torch to heat a small cup shaped quartz or titanium attatchment on a bong before dabbing the oil onto the heated surface and inhaling the vapors through the bong. This route of consumption is generally much more potent than smoking or vaporizing marijuana flower due to the increased concentration of cannabinoids. Users typically report that the effects of dabbing are much more intense than regular cannabis, while also being shorter lived. 


Cannabis concentrate is also commonly used in e-cigarette style vaporizers known as "dab cartridges" or "THC pens". An e-cigarette is used to heat liquid cannabis oil, creating vapor that is inhaled by the user. The most frequently used Cannabis concentrate in e-cig vapes is THC distillate, although others frequently contain different forms of cannabis oil mixed with Polyethylene glycol or other additives to lower viscosity and create so called "THC e-liquid" for use in e-cigarettes. Natural and artificial terpenes are also frequently added by manufacturers to enhance flavor, often using blends that mimic popular cannabis strains or sugary foods such as candy or cereal. While vape pens deliver higher concentrations of THC to cannabis users, the psychoactive effects are reported to be shorter lasting than the effects of vaporizing or smoking traditional marijuana. 

<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
File:Volcano Vaporizer.jpg|a Volcano vaporizer
File:Aromatherapy 2.0.JPG|Vaporizer with water-cooling
File:Vaporizer 01.JPG|A conduction-style vaporizer
File:Vaporization-pipe-w-flame-filter2.png|A passive-convection "vaporization pipe" with flame filter
File:Dabbing.JPG|A man inhaling cannabis concentrate vapor from a dab rig
File:NYSDOH Announces Update on Investigation into Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Illnesses (48683410247).jpg|New York State Department of Health image showcasing a variety of THC vapes and packaging
</gallery>

Of the studies that have investigated cannabis vaporization, few have addressed the quality of the vapor extracted and delivered; instead, studies usually focus on the mode of usage of the vaporizers. However, those that have addressed vapor quality have demonstrated promising results. Such studies suggest that the absence of combustion results in an aerosol that contains significantly lower amounts of harmful substances found in smoke, such as [[Tar (tobacco residue)|tar]], [[carbon monoxide]], and carcinogenic compounds known as [[Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon|polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons]] (PAH).<ref name="Gieringer 2001" /><ref name="Gieringer 2004" /><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Abrams|first1=D. I.|last2=Vizoso|first2=H. P.|last3=Shade|first3=S. B.|last4=Jay|first4=C.|last5=Kelly|first5=M. E.|last6=Benowitz|first6=N. L.|date=2007|title=Vaporization as a Smokeless Cannabis Delivery System: A Pilot Study|url=https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200|journal=Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics|language=en|volume=82|issue=5|pages=572–578|doi=10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200|pmid=17429350|s2cid=14629288|issn=1532-6535}}</ref> One study found that cannabis smoke contains 111 compounds (including several carcinogenic PAHs) in addition to the cannabinoids, whereas only 3 additional compounds were identified in cannabis vapor, other than the cannabinoids.<ref name="Gieringer 2004" /> This suggests that the vaporization of cannabis may be a safer alternative to combusted cannabis.

==E-cigarette vaporizers==
{{Main|Electronic cigarette}}
[[File:Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Various types of electronic cigarettes|alt=Various types of electronic cigarettes.]]
<!-- Definition and Construction -->
An electronic cigarette is a handheld [[battery (electricity)|battery]]-powered vaporizer that simulates [[tobacco smoking|smoking]] by providing some of the behavioral aspects of smoking, including the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, but without [[combustion|combusting]] tobacco.<ref name=Caponnetto2012>{{cite journal|last1=Caponnetto|first1=Pasquale|last2=Campagna|first2=Davide|last3=Papale|first3=Gabriella|last4=Russo|first4=Cristina|last5=Polosa|first5=Riccardo|title=The emerging phenomenon of electronic cigarettes|journal=Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine|volume=6|issue=1|year=2012|pages=63–74|issn=1747-6348|doi=10.1586/ers.11.92|pmid=22283580|s2cid=207223131}}</ref> Using an e-cigarette is known as "vaping" and the user is referred to as a "vaper."<ref name=Orellana-Barrios2015>{{cite journal|last1=Orellana-Barrios|first1=Menfil A.|last2=Payne|first2=Drew|last3=Mulkey|first3=Zachary|last4=Nugent|first4=Kenneth|title=Electronic cigarettes-a narrative review for clinicians|journal=The American Journal of Medicine|year=2015|issn=0002-9343|doi=10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.01.033|pmid=25731134|volume=128|issue=7|pages=674–81}}</ref> Instead of [[tobacco smoke|cigarette smoke]], the user inhales an [[aerosol]], commonly called [[vapor]].<ref name=Cheng2014>{{cite journal|last1=Cheng|first1=T.|title=Chemical evaluation of electronic cigarettes|journal=Tobacco Control|volume=23|issue=Supplement 2|year=2014|pages=ii11–ii17|issn=0964-4563|doi=10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2013-051482|pmc=3995255|pmid=24732157}}</ref> E-cigarettes typically have a [[heating element]] that atomizes a [[liquid solution]] called [[construction of electronic cigarettes#E-cigarette liquid|e-liquid]].<ref name=Weaver2014>{{cite journal|last1=Weaver|first1=Michael|last2=Breland|first2=Alison|last3=Spindle|first3=Tory|last4=Eissenberg|first4=Thomas|title=Electronic Cigarettes|journal=Journal of Addiction Medicine|volume=8|issue=4|year=2014|pages=234–240|issn=1932-0620|doi=10.1097/ADM.0000000000000043|pmc=4123220|pmid=25089953}}</ref> E-cigarettes may be automatically activated by taking a puff;<ref name=Rahman2014>{{cite journal|last1=Rahman|first1=Muhammad|last2=Hann|first2=Nicholas|last3=Wilson|first3=Andrew|last4=Worrall-Carter|first4=Linda|title=Electronic cigarettes: patterns of use, health effects, use in smoking cessation and regulatory issues|journal=[[Tobacco Induced Diseases]]|volume=12|issue=1|year=2014|pages=21|doi=10.1186/1617-9625-12-21|pmc=4350653|pmid=25745382}}</ref> others turn on manually by pressing a button.<ref name=Orellana-Barrios2015/> Some e-cigarettes look like [[cigarette|traditional cigarettes]],<ref name=Pepper2013>{{cite journal|last1=Pepper|first1=J. K.|last2=Brewer|first2=N. T.|title=Electronic nicotine delivery system (electronic cigarette) awareness, use, reactions and beliefs: a systematic review|journal=Tobacco Control|volume=23|issue=5|year=2013|pages=375–384|issn=0964-4563|doi=10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2013-051122|pmid=24259045|pmc=4520227}}</ref> but they come in many variations.<ref name=Orellana-Barrios2015/> Most versions are reusable, though some are disposable.<ref name=DropeCahn2017>{{cite journal|last1=Drope|first1=Jeffrey|last2=Cahn|first2=Zachary|last3=Kennedy|first3=Rosemary|last4=Liber|first4=Alex C.|last5=Stoklosa|first5=Michal|last6=Henson|first6=Rosemarie|last7=Douglas|first7=Clifford E.|last8=Drope|first8=Jacqui|title=Key issues surrounding the health impacts of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and other sources of nicotine|journal=CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians|volume=67|issue=6|pages=449–471|year=2017|issn=0007-9235|doi=10.3322/caac.21413|pmid=28961314|doi-access=free}}</ref> There are first-generation,<ref name=Bhatnagar2014>{{cite journal|last1=Bhatnagar|first1=A.|last2=Whitsel|first2=L. P.|last3=Ribisl|first3=K. M.|last4=Bullen|first4=C.|last5=Chaloupka|first5=F.|last6=Piano|first6=M. R.|last7=Robertson|first7=R. M.|last8=McAuley|first8=T.|last9=Goff|first9=D.|last10=Benowitz|first10=N.|title=Electronic Cigarettes: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association|journal=Circulation|date=24 August 2014|volume=130|issue=16|pages=1418–1436|doi=10.1161/CIR.0000000000000107|pmid=25156991|pmc=7643636|doi-access=free}}</ref> second-generation,<ref name=McRobbie2014>{{cite web | url=http://www.ncsct.co.uk/usr/pub/e-cigarette_briefing.pdf | title=Electronic cigarettes | author=Hayden McRobbie |pages=1–16 | publisher=National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training | date=2014}}</ref> third-generation,<ref name=Farsalinos2014>{{cite journal |vauthors=Farsalinos KE, Spyrou A, Tsimopoulou K, Stefopoulos C, Romagna G, Voudris V | title=Nicotine absorption from electronic cigarette use: Comparison between first and new-generation devices | journal=Scientific Reports | volume=4 | pages=4133 | year=2014 | doi=10.1038/srep04133 | pmc=3935206 | pmid=24569565| bibcode=2014NatSR...4E4133F }}</ref> and fourth-generation devices.<ref name=Farsalinos2015>{{cite web|author1=Konstantinos Farsalinos|title=Electronic cigarette evolution from the first to fourth generation and beyond|url=https://gfn.net.co/downloads/2015/Plenary%203/Konstantinos%20Farsalinos.pdf|website=gfn.net.co|publisher=Global Forum on Nicotine|access-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708172614/http://gfn.net.co/downloads/2015/Plenary%203/Konstantinos%20Farsalinos.pdf|archive-date=8 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> E-liquids usually contain [[propylene glycol]], [[glycerol|glycerin]], [[nicotine]], [[Flavoring#Flavorants or flavorings|flavorings]], additives, and differing amounts of contaminants.<ref name=England2015>{{cite journal|last1=England|first1=Lucinda J.|last2=Bunnell|first2=Rebecca E.|last3=Pechacek|first3=Terry F.|last4=Tong|first4=Van T.|last5=McAfee|first5=Tim A.|title=Nicotine and the Developing Human|journal=American Journal of Preventive Medicine|year=2015|volume=49|issue=2|pages=286–93|issn=0749-3797|doi=10.1016/j.amepre.2015.01.015|pmc=4594223|pmid=25794473}}</ref>  E-liquids are also sold without propylene glycol,<ref name=Kacker2014>{{cite journal|last1=Oh|first1=Anne Y.|last2=Kacker|first2=Ashutosh|title=Do electronic cigarettes impart a lower potential disease burden than conventional tobacco cigarettes?: Review on e-cigarette vapor versus tobacco smoke|journal=The Laryngoscope|date=December 2014|volume=124|issue=12|pages=2702–2706|doi=10.1002/lary.24750|pmid=25302452|s2cid=10560264}}</ref> nicotine,<ref name=LeducQuoix2016>{{cite journal|last1=Leduc|first1=Charlotte|last2=Quoix|first2=Elisabeth|title=Is there a role for e-cigarettes in smoking cessation?|journal=Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease|volume=10|issue=2|year=2016|pages=130–135|issn=1753-4658|doi=10.1177/1753465815621233|pmid=26668136|pmc=5933562}}</ref> or flavors. {{sfn|Wilder|2016|p=82}} 





<!-- Health effects, Safety, and Addiction and dependence -->
The benefits and the [[safety of electronic cigarettes|health risks of e-cigarettes]] are uncertain.<ref name=EbbertAgunwamba2015>{{cite journal|last1=Ebbert|first1=Jon O.|last2=Agunwamba|first2=Amenah A.|last3=Rutten|first3=Lila J.|title=Counseling Patients on the Use of Electronic Cigarettes|journal=Mayo Clinic Proceedings|volume=90|issue=1|year=2015|pages=128–134|issn=0025-6196|doi=10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.11.004|pmid=25572196|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name=Siu2015>{{cite journal|last1=Siu|first1=AL|title=Behavioral and Pharmacotherapy Interventions for Tobacco Smoking Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Women: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.|journal=Annals of Internal Medicine|date=22 September 2015|pmid=26389730|doi=10.7326/M15-2023|volume=163|issue=8|pages=622–34|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name=Harrell2014>{{cite journal |last1=Harrell |first1=PT|last2=Simmons|first2=VN|last3=Correa|first3=JB|last4=Padhya|first4=TA|last5=Brandon|first5=TH|title=Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems ("E-cigarettes"): Review of Safety and Smoking Cessation Efficacy.|journal=Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery|date= 4 June 2014|pmid=24898072|doi=10.1177/0194599814536847|volume=151|issue=3|pages=381–393|pmc=4376316}}</ref> There is tentative evidence they may help people quit smoking,<ref name=McRobbieBullen2014>{{cite journal|last1=McRobbie|first1=Hayden|last2=Bullen|first2=Chris|last3=Hartmann-Boyce|first3=Jamie|last4=Hajek|first4=Peter|last5=McRobbie|first5=Hayden|title=Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation and reduction|journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|year=2014|volume=12|issue=12|pages=CD010216|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD010216.pub2|pmid=25515689}}</ref> although they have not been proven to be more effective than [[smoking cessation]] medicine.<ref name=McDonough2015>{{cite journal|last1=McDonough|first1=Mike|title=Update on medicines for smoking cessation|journal=Australian Prescriber|volume=38|issue=4|year=2015|pages=106–111|issn=0312-8008|doi=10.18773/austprescr.2015.038|pmc=4653977|pmid=26648633}}</ref> There is concern with the possibility that non-smokers and children may start nicotine use with e-cigarettes at a rate higher than anticipated than if they were never created.{{sfn|WHO|2014|p=6}} Following the possibility of [[nicotine addiction]] from e-cigarette use, there is concern children may start smoking cigarettes.{{sfn|WHO|2014|p=6}} Youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes.<ref name=SGUSFactSheet2016>{{cite web|url=https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/2016_SGR_Fact_Sheet_508.pdf|title=E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults A Report of the Surgeon General: Fact Sheet|publisher=Surgeon General of the United States|year=2016}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>{{sfn|Stratton|2018|p=Summary, 16}} Their part in [[tobacco harm reduction]] is unclear,<ref name=Drummond2014>{{cite journal|last1=Drummond|first1=MB|last2=Upson|first2=D|title=Electronic cigarettes. Potential harms and benefits.|journal=Annals of the American Thoracic Society|date=February 2014|volume=11|issue=2|pages=236–42|pmid=24575993|doi=10.1513/annalsats.201311-391fr|pmc=5469426}}</ref> while another review found they appear to have the potential to lower tobacco-related death and disease.<ref name=Cahn2011>{{cite journal |last1= M. |first1=Z. |last2=Siegel |title=Electronic cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for tobacco control: a step forward or a repeat of past mistakes? |journal=Journal of Public Health Policy |date=February 2011 |volume=32 |issue=1 |pages=16–31 |pmid=21150942 |doi= 10.1057/jphp.2010.41 |first2= M|doi-access=free }}</ref> Regulated US [[Food and Drug Administration]] [[nicotine replacement products]] may be safer than e-cigarettes,<ref name=Drummond2014/> but e-cigarettes are generally seen as safer than combusted [[tobacco products]].<ref name=KnorstBenedetto2014>{{cite journal|last1=Knorst|first1=Marli Maria|last2=Benedetto|first2=Igor Gorski|last3=Hoffmeister|first3=Mariana Costa|last4=Gazzana|first4=Marcelo Basso|title=The electronic cigarette: the new cigarette of the 21st century?|journal=Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia|volume=40|issue=5|year=2014|pages=564–572|issn=1806-3713|doi=10.1590/S1806-37132014000500013|pmc=4263338|pmid=25410845}}</ref><ref name=Burstyn2014>{{cite journal|last1=Burstyn|first1=Igor|title=Peering through the mist: systematic review of what the chemistry of contaminants in electronic cigarettes tells us about health risks|journal=BMC Public Health|volume=14|issue=1|date=9 January 2014|pages=18|issn=1471-2458|doi=10.1186/1471-2458-14-18|pmc=3937158|pmid=24406205}}</ref> It is estimated their safety risk to users is similar to that of [[smokeless tobacco]].<ref name=Caponnetto2013>{{cite journal|title=Electronic cigarette: a possible substitute for cigarette dependence.|journal=Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease|date=Mar 2013|author1=Caponnetto P|author2=Russo C|author3=Bruno CM|author4=Alamo A|author5=Amaradio MD|author6=Polosa R.|volume=79|issue=1|pages=12–19|pmid=23741941|doi=10.4081/monaldi.2013.104|doi-access=free}}</ref> The long-term effects of e-cigarette use are unknown.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Hartmann-Boyce|first1=Jamie|last2=McRobbie|first2=Hayden|last3=Lindson|first3=Nicola|last4=Bullen|first4=Chris|last5=Begh|first5=Rachna|last6=Theodoulou|first6=Annika|last7=Notley|first7=Caitlin|last8=Rigotti|first8=Nancy A.|last9=Turner|first9=Tari|last10=Butler|first10=Ailsa R.|last11=Fanshawe|first11=Thomas R.|date=2021-04-29|title=Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation|journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|volume=4|issue=8 |pages=CD010216|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD010216.pub5|issn=1469-493X|pmc=8092424|pmid=33913154}}</ref><ref name=BradyDeLaRosa2019>{{cite journal|last1=Brady|first1=Benjamin R.|last2=De La Rosa|first2=Jennifer S.|last3=Nair|first3=Uma S.|last4=Leischow|first4=Scott J.|title=Electronic Cigarette Policy Recommendations: A Scoping Review|journal=American Journal of Health Behavior|volume=43|issue=1|year=2019|pages=88–104|issn=1087-3244|doi=10.5993/AJHB.43.1.8|pmid=30522569|s2cid=54566712 }}</ref><ref name=BalsBoyd2019>{{cite journal|last1=Bals|first1=Robert|last2=Boyd|first2=Jeanette|last3=Esposito|first3=Susanna|last4=Foronjy|first4=Robert|last5=Hiemstra|first5=Pieter S.|last6=Jiménez-Ruiz|first6=Carlos A.|last7=Katsaounou|first7=Paraskevi|last8=Lindberg|first8=Anne|last9=Metz|first9=Carlos|last10=Schober|first10=Wolfgang|last11=Spira|first11=Avrum|last12=Blasi|first12=Francesco|title=Electronic cigarettes: a task force report from the European Respiratory Society|journal=European Respiratory Journal|volume=53|issue=2|year=2019|pages=1801151|issn=0903-1936|doi=10.1183/13993003.01151-2018|pmid=30464018|doi-access=free}}</ref> The risk from [[serious adverse event]]s was reported in 2016 to be low.<ref name=PaleyEchalier2016>{{cite journal|last1=Paley|first1=Grace L.|last2=Echalier|first2=Elizabeth|last3=Eck|first3=Thomas W.|last4=Hong|first4=Augustine R.|last5=Farooq|first5=Asim V.|last6=Gregory|first6=Darren G.|last7=Lubniewski|first7=Anthony J.|title=Corneoscleral Laceration and Ocular Burns Caused by Electronic Cigarette Explosions|journal=Cornea|volume=35|issue=7|year=2016|pages=1015–1018|issn=0277-3740|doi=10.1097/ICO.0000000000000881|pmc=4900417|pmid=27191672}}</ref> Less serious [[adverse effect]]s include abdominal pain, headache, blurry vision,<ref name=BrelandSpindle2014>{{cite journal|last1=Breland|first1=Alison B.|last2=Spindle|first2=Tory|last3=Weaver|first3=Michael|last4=Eissenberg|first4=Thomas|title=Science and Electronic Cigarettes|journal=Journal of Addiction Medicine|volume=8|issue=4|year=2014|pages=223–233|issn=1932-0620|doi=10.1097/ADM.0000000000000049|pmc=4122311|pmid=25089952}}</ref> throat and mouth irritation, vomiting, nausea, and coughing.<ref name=Grana2014>{{cite journal|last=Grana|first=R|author2=Benowitz, N |author3=Glantz, SA |title=E-cigarettes: a scientific review.|journal=Circulation|date=13 May 2014|volume=129|issue=19|pages=1972–86|pmid=24821826|doi=10.1161/circulationaha.114.007667|pmc=4018182}}</ref> Nicotine itself is associated with some health harms.<ref name=Edgar2013>{{cite web|url=https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20131112/e-cigarettes-cdc#1|title=E-Cigarettes: Expert Q&A With the CDC|last=Edgar|first=Julie|publisher=[[WebMD]]|date=12 November 2013}}</ref>
In 2019 and 2020, an [[2019–20 vaping lung illness outbreak|outbreak of severe lung illness throughout the US has been linked to the use of contaminated black market THC vape cartridges]].<ref name=CDC2020>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html|title=Outbreak of Lung Illness Associated with Using E-cigarette Products|publisher=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|date=28 January 2020}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

== Other drugs ==
Vaporizers can be used to inhale other recreational drugs as well. A wide variety can be consumed this way, either dissolved in e-liquid or vaporized directly.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Varlet V |title=Drug Vaping: From the Dangers of Misuse to New Therapeutic Devices |journal=Toxics |volume=4 |issue=4 |pages= 29|date=December 2016 |pmid=29051432 |pmc=5606648 |doi=10.3390/toxics4040029 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The use of e-cigarettes to inhale the [[psychedelic drug]] [[N,N-Dimethyltryptamine|DMT]] has been reported.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Power|first=Mike | name-list-style = vanc |date=2020-06-05|title=I Sell DMT Vape Pens So People Can 'Break Through' at Their Own Speed|url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/akzgbz/i-sell-dmt-vape-pens-so-people-can-break-through-at-their-own-speed|access-date=2020-07-12|website=www.vice.com|language=en}}</ref>

==Medical vaporizers==
Studies have shown that vaporizing cannabis exposes the user to lower levels of harmful substances than smoking cannabis.<ref name="Gieringer 2004">{{cite journal |first1=Dale |last1= Gieringer |first2=Joseph |last2=St. Laurent |first3= Scott |last3=Goodrich |url=http://www.maps.org/mmj/Gieringer-vaporizer.pdf |title=Cannabis Vaporizer Combines Efficient Delivery of THC with Effective Suppression of Pyrolytic Compounds |journal=Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics |access-date=June 20, 2010 |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=7–27 |date=9 February 2004 |doi=10.1300/J175v04n01_02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070515151145.htm |title=Marijuana Vaporizer Provides Same Level Of THC, Fewer Toxins, Study Shows", Official Journal of the American Academy of Neurology (summarized by Science Daily) (2007-05-16) |publisher=Sciencedaily.com |date=2007-05-16 |access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canorml.org/healthfacts/vaporizerstudy2.html |title=Cal NORML/MAPS Study Shows Vaporizer Can Drastically Reduce Toxins in Marijuana Smoke |publisher=Canorml.org |access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref><ref name="Hazekamp 2006">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hazekamp A, Ruhaak R, Zuurman L, van Gerven J, Verpoorte R |title=Evaluation of a vaporizing device (Volcano) for the pulmonary administration of tetrahydrocannabinol |journal=Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences |volume=95 |issue=6 |pages=1308–17 |date=June 2006 |pmid=16637053 |doi=10.1002/jps.20574}}</ref> These findings are important for it is estimated that 10–20% of patients with [[chronic pain]], [[multiple sclerosis]], [[epilepsy]], and [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]] have admitted to smoking cannabis for therapeutic purposes.  For patients, a study found that smoking cannabis sativa reduced daily pain by 34%, a statistically significant amount.<ref>{{cite book | title=Peripheral Neuropathies, An Issue of Neurologic Clinics | publisher=Elsevier | author=Barohn, Richard | year=2013 | isbn=978-1455771226}}</ref>

In a study published in the ''[[Journal of Psychopharmacology]]'' in May 2008, it was stated that vaporizers were a "suitable method for the administration of THC".<ref name="Journal of Psychopharmacology">{{cite journal |author=Zuurman L |title=Effect of intrapulmonary tetrahydrocannabinol administration in humans |journal=[[Journal of Psychopharmacology]] |volume=22 |issue=7 |pages=707–16 |date=September 2008 |pmid=18515447 |doi=10.1177/0269881108089581|author2= Roy C |author3= Schoemaker RC  |s2cid=6094814 |display-authors=etal  }}</ref> A 2007 study by the [[University of California, San Francisco]], published in the ''Journal of the American Academy of Neurology'', found that "there was virtually no exposure to harmful combustion products using the vaporizing device".<ref name="pmid17429350" /> A 2006 study performed by researchers at [[Leiden University]] found that vaporizers were "safe and effective [[cannabinoid]] delivery system(s)". The study stated that the amount of THC delivered by vaporizers were equivalent to the amount delivered by smoking.<ref name="Hazekamp 2006"/> Because of those studies and other studies, vaporizers are considered medically sound devices for delivering THC.<ref name="Gieringer 2001">{{cite journal |doi=10.1300/J175v01n03_10 |title=Cannabis 'Vaporization' |date=June 2001 |author=Gieringer DH |journal=Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics |volume=1 |issue=3 & 4 |pages=153–170}}</ref>

===Efficiency===
The proposed factors affecting output include:<ref name="Gieringer 2004"/><ref name="Hazekamp 2006"/>

* Temperature
* Specimen [[density]]
* Weight, content of water and [[essential oil]]s
* Consistency of material in the filling chamber
* Storage time of the vapor
* Inhalation method (breathing technique)

Not all those have been scientifically tested. Research using vaporizers found the delivery efficiency highest at around {{Convert|226|C|F}}, falling to about half efficiency at {{Convert|150|to|180|C|F}} depending on material.<ref name="Hazekamp 2006"/> The purest preparations produced the highest efficiencies, about 56% for pure THC versus 29% for plant material (female flower tops) with 12% [[Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid|THCA]] content. Besides THC, several other cannabinoids as well as a range of other plant components including terpenoids were detected in the plant material. Using pure THC in the vaporizer, no degradation products (delta-8-THC (D8-THC), cannabinol (CBN), or unknown compounds) were detected by [[High-performance liquid chromatography|HPLC]] analysis.<ref name="Hazekamp 2006" /> The longer vapor is stored, the more THC is lost as it condenses on the surface of the vaporizer or the balloon. This loss may be negligible over a few minutes but may exceed 50% after 90 minutes.<ref name="Hazekamp 2006"/> The Leiden University study found that as much as 30–40% of inhaled THC was not absorbed by the lungs but simply exhaled. However, they did not find large individual differences in the amounts exhaled.<ref name="Hazekamp 2006"/>

==Culinary application==
Vaporizers are sometimes used by chefs as a method of applying controlled heat to herbs and spices to release flavors that are otherwise difficult to titrate or apply, or that might be spoiled by overheating during cooking.<ref name="caterer">{{cite web|author=Bob Gledhill |url=http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/22/08/2007/315575/new-science-cooking-equipment.htm |title=Alinea restaurant uses Volcano as flavorizer |date=22 August 2007 |publisher=Caterersearch.com |access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.chow.com/food-news/53810/youre-supposed-to-burn-it/ |title=Tools for creating aromatic flavors |publisher=Chow.com |date=2007-01-18 |access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://www.rimag.com/article/CA6556364.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124225055/http://www.rimag.com/article/CA6556364.html|archive-date=2009-01-24 |title=Volcano used to release nutmeg aroma |publisher=Rimag.com |access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref> Grant Achatz, chef-proprietor of [[Alinea (restaurant)|Alinea]] in Chicago, "uses the aroma-filled bags as place-mats, punctured when plates are placed in front of the customer".<ref name="caterer"/>

==See also==
{{Commons category}}
{{wiktionary|vaporizer}}
* [[Anesthetic vaporizer]]
* [[Aromatherapy]]
* [[Chasing the dragon]]
* [[Eagle Bill]]
* [[Nebulizer]]

==Bibliography==
*{{cite web|last1=Wilder|first1=Natalie|last2=Daley|first2=Claire|last3=Sugarman|first3=Jane|last4=Partridge|first4=James|title=Nicotine without smoke: Tobacco harm reduction|url=https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/nicotine-without-smoke-tobacco-harm-reduction-0|location=UK|publisher=Royal College of Physicians|pages=1–191|date=April 2016|ref={{harvid|Wilder|2016}}}}
*{{cite web|url=http://apps.who.int/gb/fctc/PDF/cop6/FCTC_COP6_10-en.pdf|title=Electronic nicotine delivery systems|publisher=World Health Organization|pages=1–13|date=21 July 2014|ref={{harvid|WHO|2014}}}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Dosage forms|state=expanded}}
{{Cannabis resources}}

[[Category:Cannabis smoking]]
[[Category:Dosage forms]]
[[Category:Drug delivery devices]]
[[Category:Drug paraphernalia]]
[[Category:Nicotine products with harm-reduction claims]]