If you’ve been prescribed medical cannabis flower, it’s recommended you administer your medicine with a medical-grade vaporiser. Smoking medical cannabis is illegal, but it also exposes you to harmful toxins.
Vaporising heats the cannabis flower without combustion, preserving its active compounds while avoiding the harmful byproducts of smoking. Medical-grade vaporisers are approved for medical use, providing a safer and more effective way to consume prescribed cannabis flower.
This blog explains why smoking medical cannabis is discouraged, how vaporisation works, and what makes medical-grade vaporisers different from products found on the high street.
The Harms of Smoking Medical Cannabis
Smoking medical cannabis is not believed to impair lung function to the same extent as tobacco, but it still comes with health risks. Burning cannabis produces harmful toxins, including carbon monoxide and carcinogens, which can cause:
- Respiratory Irritation: Symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
- Changes to Lung Function: High doses and frequent use can alter lung capacity over time.
- Unintended Chemical Changes: Smoking alters the composition of cannabinoids and terpenes, meaning the levels of THC and CBD you inhale may differ from those intended by your prescription.
Medical Cannabis Vaporisers
Medical-grade vaporisers are designed specifically for administering prescribed cannabis flower, ensuring a controlled and efficient delivery of cannabinoids. Unlike standard high-street vaporisers, medical vaporisers provide precise temperature and help you to get the most out of your medication.
These devices heat cannabis flower to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapour, without burning the plant. Laboratory studies confirm that cannabis vapour consists almost entirely of cannabinoids, with virtually no toxic combustion byproducts[1]. Research also shows that vaporisation does not increase carbon monoxide levels, reducing potential respiratory harm compared to smoking[2].
While vaporisation is significantly safer than smoking, some risks remain, particularly when using unregulated cannabis. Studies have found that illicit cannabis, even when vaporised, can still contain harmful toxins such as mould, lead and pesticides[3]. Regulated medical cannabis products undergo strict quality control to ensure purity, consistency, and patient safety.
Vaporising vs. Smoking Medical Cannabis
Studies comparing vaporisation with smoking highlight several key benefits:
Reduced Exposure to Toxins
A clinical study found that patients using a Volcano vaporiser, one of two approved medical-grade vaporisers available in the UK, exhibited little to no increase in carbon monoxide levels, whereas those smoking cannabis cigarettes showed a substantial rise[4].
Comparable Bioavailability
Research shows that vaporising cannabis is a more efficient method of consumption versus smoking as the cannabinoids and terpenes are not lost in side smoke. This should mean less cannabis needs to be used to achieve the desired effect. A study found the bioavailability of vaporised cannabinoids using medical-grade vaporisers ranges from 29-35%[5].
Pain Relief
A study on a thermal-metered-dose inhaler reported a 45% reduction in pain intensity within 20 minutes of cannabis inhalation, with effects lasting up to 90 minutes[6]. Patients experienced consistent THC absorption with low variability, making vaporisation a reliable method for administration.
Approved Medical Cannabis Vaporisers
The UK has approved medical-grade vaporisers for medical cannabis use, all manufactured by Storz & Bickel. There are currently two vaporisers available for purchase in the UK:
- Volcano Medic: A desktop device with precise temperature control.
- Mighty+ Medic: A portable vaporiser offering effective delivery.
These vaporisers comply with UK medical standards and are available on prescription or direct via Storz & Bickel website.
If you’ve been prescribed medical cannabis flower, vaporisation is the safest and most effective way to administer your medicine. Unlike smoking, vaporisation preserves the plant’s medicinal properties while reducing exposure to harmful toxins.
To comply with UK regulations and to receive the full therapeutic benefit of your medication, we recommend the use of a medical-grade vaporiser. If you require a medical vaporiser, you can request it at your next appointment or email [email protected] with any questions.
[1] Loflin, M. and Earleywine, M. (2015). No smoke, no fire: What the initial literature suggests regarding vapourized cannabis and respiratory risk. Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy: CJRT = Revue Canadienne de la Thérapie Respiratoire : RCTR, [online] 51(1), p.7. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4456813/.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Abrams, D.I., Vizoso, H.P., Shade, S.B., Jay, C., Kelly, M.E. and Benowitz, N.L. (2007). Vaporization as a Smokeless Cannabis Delivery System: A Pilot Study. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 82(5), pp.572–578. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Eisenberg, E., Ogintz, M. and Almog, S. (2014). The Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, Safety, and Ease of Use of a Novel Portable Metered-Dose Cannabis Inhaler in Patients With Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Phase 1a Study. Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 28(3), pp.216–225. doi:https://doi.org/10.3109/15360288.2014.941130.
