Vaporizing Medical Cannabis with a Vaporizer. A Guide.

• Upfront cost: Depending on the quality and features, vaporizers can be expensive at first.
• Learning curve: It can take some practice to use a vaporizer properly and to get to know all functions. This also depends on the type of vaporizer.
• Dependence on a power source: Electric vaporizers rely on a power source, which can limit mobility.
• Technical issues: Like other electronic devices, vaporizers can have technical faults or show wear over time.

Using medical cannabis in a vaporizer:

What is the typical process when using a vaporizer with medical cannabis? What do you need to pay attention to? We explain it here.

• Choose a device: Select the right vaporizer based on budget, portability, quality, and functionality.
• Prepare the material: Depending on the device and instructions, the cannabis material should be prepared, for example broken up or ground.
• Set the temperature: The optimal vaporization temperature for medical cannabis can vary depending on the desired effect and individual needs. (Guideline values: 160°C to 220°C.)
• Fill the vaporizer: Put the prepared cannabis into the vaporizer chamber, but do not overfill it so that good airflow is possible.
• Vaporize: Turn on the device, set the temperature, wait until it has heated up, and inhale gently.
• Inhalation: To absorb the active compounds, inhale slowly and in a controlled way. Vapor density and inhalation technique can affect the experience.
• Cleaning: Regular cleaning and maintenance of the vaporizer is important to ensure optimal function and a long service life.

How should medical cannabis be dosed?

The dosing of medical cannabis can vary depending on the individual situation, the condition being treated, the method of administration, and the THC and CBD content of the products used. It should always be determined in consultation with a qualified physician or a specialist in cannabinoid medicine.

Self-medication and the purchase of non-approved products without medical advice are not recommended. A doctor can assess the individual situation and recommend an appropriate dose and method of administration to achieve the best possible effect with minimal risks. Incorrect dosing can lead to unwanted effects or insufficient effectiveness.

Here are some points to consider when dosing medical cannabis:

• Individual tolerance: Everyone reacts differently to medical cannabis. Therefore, it is crucial to adjust the dosage individually to achieve the best results.
• Start low: When medical cannabis is newly prescribed, or when trying a new strain or method of administration, it is advisable to start with a low dose and monitor the effects carefully.
• Increase slowly: If needed, the dose can be increased step by step until the desired effect is achieved. This should always be done in consultation with the treating physician.
• Consider THC and CBD content: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two main active compounds in medical cannabis and have different effects. Strain selection and dosing should be based on the THC to CBD ratio and match the patient’s individual needs.
• Pay attention to the method of administration: Medical cannabis can be administered in different forms, for example flower, extracts, oils, or capsules. Dosage can differ depending on the form.
• Watch for side effects: It is important to look out for possible side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or dry mouth. If unwanted reactions occur, contact your doctor.
• Interactions with other medications: If you take other medications, you should inform your treating physician, as medical cannabis can interact with other medicines.

What can be vaporized?

When vaporizing, different types of substances and materials can be vaporized, depending on the type of vaporizer and its intended use. Not every vaporizer is suitable for every type of substance. Some vaporizers are specifically designed for vaporizing medical cannabis or certain concentrates, and we will talk about devices in more detail later. Here are some of the most common substances and materials that can be vaporized:

• Medical cannabis: Vaporizing medical cannabis is one of the best-known uses of vaporizers. The cannabinoids and terpenes of cannabis are released during vaporization and can be inhaled by the user.
• Herbs: Vaporizers are also used to vaporize other herbs and dried plant materials. This can include a variety of herbs and medicinal plants that are traditionally used for medical or relaxing purposes. You can find an overview of phyto inhalation here.
• Oils and concentrates: Some vaporizers are specifically designed for vaporizing oils or concentrates. These products contain a highly concentrated form of active compounds, which can produce a more intense effect when vaporized.
• Aromatherapy oils: Certain vaporizers are used to vaporize essential oils or aromatherapy oils to spread pleasant scents and create a relaxing atmosphere.
• Tobacco substitutes: Some people use vaporizers as a tobacco substitute by vaporizing special herbal blends or specially treated tobacco material.
• Resins and extracts: Some vaporizers can also vaporize resins and extracts obtained from various plants or substances.

Oral use of medical cannabis as an alternative to vaporizing. What should you keep in mind?

Oral use is a common alternative to vaporizing medical cannabis. With oral use, cannabis products are taken in the form of oils, capsules, tinctures, edibles, or sublingual sprays, instead of being vaporized or smoked. This method has some pros and cons, and there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Benefits of oral use:

• Longer-lasting effects: Compared to vaporizing or smoking, the effects start more slowly with oral use but last longer. This can be beneficial if long-lasting relief is desired.
• No inhalation of smoke or vapor: Oral use avoids stressing the lungs with smoke or vapor, which can be beneficial for people with respiratory issues or sensitive lungs.
• Discreet consumption: Oral products such as capsules or edibles are often more discreet and do not have the typical cannabis smell that can occur when vaporizing or smoking.
• More consistent dosing: With well-formulated products, dosing is often more consistent and precise compared to vaporizing, where the amount of active compounds can depend strongly on inhalation technique.
• Variety of products: There is a wide range of oral cannabis products that can be selected based on individual preferences and medical needs.

Things to consider with oral use:

• Delayed onset: The effects of oral use start more slowly than with vaporizing or smoking. It can take up to 1 to 2 hours to feel the full effects. So be patient and do not take an additional dose immediately if you do not feel effects right away.
• Dosing: Dosing with oral use should be handled carefully, because it is harder to control the amount of active compounds precisely. Start with a low dose and observe the effects over several uses to find the optimal dose.
• Interactions and tolerance: Oral use of medical cannabis can interact with other medications. It is important to inform your treating physician about the use of cannabis products to avoid possible interactions or unwanted side effects.
• Long duration: With some products, the effects may last longer than expected. Therefore, pay attention to the time between doses to avoid overdosing.
• Storage: Cannabis products should be stored safely out of reach of children and pets, as they can be dangerous for them.

Cost coverage of a vaporizer by health insurance:

Whether health insurance covers medical cannabis depends on the legislation and guidelines of the respective country or region. In some countries where medical cannabis is legal, patients may be entitled to coverage by their health insurance if certain requirements are met.

Requirements for coverage may include:

• Medical indication: The patient must have an approved medical indication for which medical cannabis is considered a suitable therapy option. This usually includes serious or chronic conditions where conventional treatments are not sufficiently effective.
• Doctor’s prescription: Medical cannabis can usually only be prescribed with a prescription from a licensed physician. The prescription must include the diagnosis and the recommended dosage.
• Previous treatment attempts: In some cases, health insurers require that the patient has previously tried conventional treatment methods and that these were not sufficiently effective before considering coverage for medical cannabis.
• Application: The patient must apply for coverage with their health insurance and submit all required documents and proof.

The decision on coverage for medical cannabis can vary from insurer to insurer. Some health insurers may generally refuse medical cannabis, while others conduct an individual case review. In addition, certain products or forms of medical cannabis may be preferred over others or restricted.

If you are a patient and would like health insurance to cover medical cannabis, we recommend contacting your health insurer directly to get information about their specific policies, requirements, and the application process. You should also familiarize yourself with the legal framework for medical cannabis.

If you have questions about this, feel free to contact us at: patienten@verdampftnochmal.de . Our specialists can help you with all questions around cannabis as medicine, because they have gone through this process themselves and therefore know what matters.

Which documents does the health insurance require for cost coverage of a vaporizer?

The exact documents required by a health insurer for cost coverage of a vaporizer can vary depending on the country, insurer, and specific policies. However, health insurers typically require similar documents and information for the application.

• Doctor’s report: A detailed report from a qualified physician or specialist that explains the medical necessity for using a vaporizer and outlines the diagnosis as well as previous treatment attempts and outcomes.
• Prescription: A prescription issued by the doctor that states the need for the vaporizer and may also include specific details about the device.
• Application form: An application form provided by the health insurer that must be completed and signed.
• Cost estimate: A cost estimate for the desired vaporizer or proof of purchase by the patient if the vaporizer has already been purchased.
• Medical assessments or studies: Additional medical assessments or scientific studies may be required to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of vaporizers for the patient’s specific medical indication.
• Patient information: Information about the patient, including personal details, address, insurance number, and possibly the justification for why other treatment methods were not sufficiently effective.
• Consent form: A consent form from the patient may be required to obtain information from other medical professionals involved in the treatment.

Not all health insurers cover the cost of a vaporizer. Some insurers have specific policies and restrictions on which medical devices they reimburse. It is therefore advisable to contact the health insurer directly to get information about their requirements and the application process. In addition, it is recommended to clarify coverage for the vaporizer in advance before making a purchase, to ensure that the chosen health insurer will cover the costs.

Which vaporizers with medical approval (PZN number) are available?

The availability of vaporizers with medical approval can vary depending on the country or region, because the laws and regulations for medical cannabis differ. At the time of the article (August 2023), there are a few vaporizer manufacturers that have developed dedicated medical devices or whose vaporizers are approved for medical purposes (PZN number).

Some manufacturers of medically approved vaporizers include:

• Storz & Bickel: This company is known for medically approved vaporizers such as the Volcano Medic 2 (PZN: 15885501 PPN: 111588550156) and the Mighty+ Medic (PZN: 16616803 PPN: 111661680357).
• Aromed: Aromed offers the AroMed 4 (PZN: 15863474 PPN: 111586347423), a desktop vaporizer that uses a halogen bulb as its heating element. This delivers very pure taste and a smooth vapor experience.
• DynaVap: DynaVap makes vaporizers from medical-grade stainless steel such as the “VapCap M” that can be suitable for medical use. Note: DynaVap products do not have a PZN and are therefore not covered by health insurance.
• Arizer: Arizer also offers several vaporizers for medical use such as the “Arizer Solo 3” and the “Arizer Air MAX”. Note: Arizer products also do not have a PZN and are therefore not covered by health insurance.

If you are looking for a vaporizer for medical cannabis, it is advisable to consult qualified medical professionals or authorized retailers such as Verdampftnochmal, who can inform you about the best available options. It can also be helpful to research the current legal requirements and approval criteria for medical vaporizers in your country.

If you still need help making a purchase decision, feel free to also take a look at our guide with buying advice.