Vaping has become a staple of the cannabis community, but did you know there is a huge assortment of other herbs you can enjoy? That's right, we've got the ultimate breakdown on our top 10 favourite legal vape herbs—some of which you may already have in your kitchen, just waiting to be enjoyed.
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There are many reasons to add herbs to your vaping routine. Maybe you've found yourself requiring more and more bud to get high and need a tolerance break. Or, you've had a fantastic harvest, and now you're burned out. Maybe you just want to try something new. Whatever the reason, exploring the wonderful world of legal herbs may be just what the doctor ordered.
We are here to open your eyes to the vast range of legal cannabis alternatives out there—all of which you can enjoy using your trusty vape!
WHY VAPE LEGAL HERBS?
There are many roles legal herbs can play. If you are looking to take a tolerance break, it takes at least 72 hours without smoking to notice any difference in your tolerance for weed. In general, we recommend taking t-breaks of around 1 to 2 weeks to help get your highs back. Legal herbs can be the perfect friend to help you through a trying time.
Vaping legal herbs will also allow you to experience different flavour profiles and soothing aromatic effects. Legal herbs don't need to be an alternative to weed when on a break, they can be thoroughly enjoyed simply because you like them, or even mixed with cannabis to enhance and alter the experience.
As a side note, we know cannabis is now legal in many areas of the world. When we refer to legal herbs, we mean alternatives that can be used pretty much anywhere without worry.
HOW DO I VAPE HERBS?
Whether you're new to vaping legal herbs or a dab hand at it, the techniques for vaping cannabis and other herbs are generally the same.
A vaporizer heats herbs to a specific temperature until they release a pleasant vapour. This vapour offers a purer and gentler inhale than the smoke you’d get from burning the herb in a spliff or joint.
There are many vaporizers to choose from for this purpose, and the decision will mostly come down to temperature control and cost.
A conduction vaporizer allows the heat source to touch the herb directly. A convection heater is a more expensive option, but it separates the herb from the heat source, instead heating the air around it. In general, convection vapes are more reliable and produce a purer vapour.
In terms of preparing the various herbs, it’s often just a matter of rendering them down to a smaller size with a grinder or your hands before adding them to the chamber.
For more information on vaping and vaporizers themselves, check out this article.
TOP 10 LEGAL VAPE HERBS
Now that you know how to vape them, here's a quick and easy rundown of the top 10 legal vape herbs—along with the perfect vape temperature so you can get the most out of them.
GREEN TEA
• Ideal vape temp: 185°C / 365°F
A hallmark of Chinese culture, green tea is just as beneficial when vaped as it is when drunk. However, green tea releases more of its caffeine when vaped, producing a pleasant stimulating effect that can soothe tension and uplift the mood. It’s packed with antioxidants and delivers an earthy flavour that is at once relaxing and indulgent.
CHAMOMILE
• Ideal vape temp: 125°C / 257°F
Chamomile has been enjoyed as a herbal tea for centuries thanks to its soothing properties and its ability to support healthy digestion. When vaped, chamomile produces potent effects and a stronger flavour. Instead of your normal indica, vape chamomile before bed to get you fully relaxed and ready for a peaceful slumber.
LAVENDER
• Ideal vape temp: 125°C / 257°F
A major feature in aromatherapy and long hailed as a relaxing herb, lavender makes a lovely candidate to vape. Not only does it smell great, but it can help support deep and restful sleep while also boosting the mood. Lavender is great on its own, or as a flavourful addition to other vape blends.
THYME
• Ideal vape temp: 150°C / 302°F
Thyme is a well-known culinary herb used to infuse flavour into all kinds of dishes. The essential oil of thyme has also been used throughout history in a range of applications and is believed to effectively combat microbial pests. As a soothing and aromatic herb, vaping thyme is much gentler on the lungs than other herbs.
LEMON BALM
• Ideal vape temp: 142°C / 288°F
Lemon balm is sold around the world to support healthy gastrointestinal function. It is also the main component of a German herbal tonic called Carmelite. When heated, lemon balm releases a delicious lemon menthol vapour that is fragrant and provides an uplifting effect. Like lavender, lemon balm can be used to offset the poor or bland flavour of other beneficial herbs.
DAMIANA
• Ideal vape temp: 175°C / 347°F
A traditional ingredient in Mexican liqueur, damiana can be enjoyed as a tea or in a vaporizer. Believed to possess aphrodisiac qualities, damiana offers a stimulating yet relaxing effect that soothes the soul without putting you to sleep. Enjoy this mood-boosting herb in replacement of your favourite sativa strain.
CATNIP
• Ideal vape temp: 150°C / 302°F
While catnip, or catmint, is known to drive cats a little crazy, it can also have a pleasant effect on humans. However, this effect is characterised more by gentle relaxation and a slight elevation in mood than by the erratic behaviour you might observe in your feline. Catnip is also thought to support the immune system and offer other beneficial effects.
HOPS
• Ideal vape temp: 200°C / 392°F
Hops are a major component in beer brewing. The terpenes from this herb offer a host of flavours to your favourite brew. If a delicious beer isn't soothing enough, hops can also be enjoyed in a vaporizer. When inhaled, hops act as a mood-booster that smells and tastes delicious. As there are a wide variety of hops, it's worth experimenting to see which you like best.
EUCALYPTUS
• Ideal vape temp: 130°C / 266°F
Used as a fragrance and to repel pests, eucalyptus is relished by koalas who often get high on this antipodean herb. Humans also enjoy the herb, mainly for its cooling properties. As you might expect, when vaped, eucalyptus provides a soothing vapor that can support your system and revitalise your senses.
PEPPERMINT
• Ideal vape temp: 170°C / 338°F
Peppermint is one of history's favourite herbs—and it's one of our favourites when it comes to vaping. It tastes great and blends well with a wide range of other herbs. Not only that, but the soothing menthol can support respiratory function and ease the stomach. This is a great way to invigorate the senses when looking for a refreshing hit during the day.
ARE VAPE HERBS SAFE?
When it comes to vaping anything, especially if it's something you've never tried before, keep moderation as your watchword. These legal herbs are generally considered safe to vape, but it's important to remember that your body may react differently than someone else’s. So, start low, go slow, and ease your way into a whole new world of vaping pleasure.
