How to Use Medical Cannabis Flower in a Vaporiser (NZ Guide)

What Is a Cannabis Flower?

New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis programme has continued to evolve since legislation changed in 2018. Since then, thousands of Kiwis have accessed medicinal cannabis through prescriptions tailored to their individual needs.

A major milestone came in December 2021, when New Zealand verified its first legal medical cannabis flower for use in tea. In June 2022, this flower was also approved for inhalation using certified medical vaporisers.

Depending on your health condition, your doctor may now prescribe medicinal cannabis in the form of oil or dried cannabis flower for brewing or vaporising.

Why Use a Vaporiser?

Vaporising is one of the two approved methods for using medicinal cannabis flower in New Zealand. The alternative is preparing it as tea. Both methods have different absorption rates and effects.

Vaporising offers a faster onset of effects compared to tea and is often used by patients needing quick symptom relief. It may also offer higher bioavailability, meaning more of the therapeutic compounds are absorbed1.

Types of Vaporisers

Medicinal cannabis vaporisers are medical-grade devices designed to safely heat cannabis flower without burning it. Smoking cannabis is illegal and not considered a medically supported method.

There are two common types of vaporisers:

• Portable units for on-the-go use
  
  
• Tabletop units, like the Volcano, for home-based sessions
  
  

At Cannabis Clinic, we recommend the following TGA-approved devices:

• Storz & Bickel Mighty Medic
  
  
• Mighty Medic+
  
  
• Volcano Medic
  
  

These devices use convection and conduction heating to maximise cannabinoid and terpene release without producing smoke or harmful by-products.

How Does a Vaporiser Work?

A vaporiser heats dried cannabis flowers to a specific temperature that activates cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) without burning the plant material.

• At lower temperatures (160-180°C), vapour contains more terpenes, useful for calming effects like managing stress and sleep2.
  
  
• At higher temperatures (180-220°C), vapour contains more cannabinoids, offering stronger therapeutic benefits like pain or nausea relief3.
  
  

Evaporation Temperatures

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): ~157°C
  
  
• CBD (Cannabidiol): ~180°C

Steps to Use

1. Grind the Flower: Use a grinder to achieve an even consistency. This ensures uniform heating.
   
   
2. Load the Chamber: Place ground cannabis into your device’s chamber.
   
   
3. Set the Temperature:
   
   
   • 160-180°C for terpene-rich effects
     
     
   • 180-220°C for stronger cannabinoid effects
     
     
4. Inhale Slowly: Once heated, inhale through the mouthpiece. Start with small puffs.
   
   
5. Clean After Use: Regularly clean your vaporiser to maintain hygiene and performance.

Tips for Safe Use

• Use only medically approved vaporisers (e.g. Mighty Medic or Volcano)
  
  
• Always start low and go slow, especially with THC
  
  
• Wait at least 8 hours before driving after using THC
  
  
• Use in private settings only – avoid public use
  
  
• Follow all usage and dosage instructions provided by your prescribing doctor

Legal Reminder (NZ Regulations)

• Smoking cannabis is illegal in New Zealand
  
  
• Vaporising is only permitted using approved devices with a valid prescription
  
  
• You must carry your medication in its original packaging with your prescription label
  
  
• When travelling domestically, up to a one-month supply is allowed with appropriate documentation4
  
  

Is Vaping Better Than Smoking?

While smoking cannabis is not legal or recommended, vaporising offers several advantages:

• Reduced respiratory harm: Vaporisers do not combust the flower, avoiding smoke inhalation5
  
  
• Increased efficiency: Vaporisers can deliver over 50% of available cannabinoids, compared to much lower levels when smoking
  
  
• Cleaner inhalation: Vapour from medical devices contains primarily therapeutic compounds, whereas smoke contains toxic by-products such as pyrene and PAHs
  
  

Studies also show that patients who switch from smoking to vaporising often report improved lung function and reduced coughing symptoms6.

Understanding Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to how much of a substance enters the bloodstream and has an active effect. When vaporising cannabis:

• Onset: Effects begin within minutes
  
  
• Efficiency: Bioavailability of cannabinoids can range from 29–35% when vaporised, compared to less than 15% when ingested orally7
  
  

This makes vaporising ideal for rapid symptom relief, especially for pain, nausea, or anxiety.

Conclusion

Medicinal cannabis flower, when used in a medically approved vaporiser, offers a safe and effective way to manage symptoms under proper medical supervision.

If you’re considering this method as part of your treatment, we encourage you to speak with one of our doctors for tailored guidance.

Book your consultation here

References

1. Lanz, C., et al. (2016). Medicinal cannabis: In Vitro Validation of Vaporizers for the Smoke-Free Inhalation of Cannabis. PLOS ONE, 11(1), e0147286.
   
   
2. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364.
   
   
3. Gieringer, D., (2004). Cannabis “vaporization”: A promising strategy for smoke harm reduction. MAPS Bulletin, 14(3), 16–19.
   
   
4. New Zealand Transport Agency. (2023). Medical aspects of fitness to drive
   
   
5. Ministry of Health NZ. (2024). Information for consumers: Medicinal cannabis. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicinal-cannabis-agency/medicinal-cannabis-agency-information-consumers
6. Earleywine, M., & Barnwell, S. S., (2007). Decreased respiratory symptoms in cannabis users who vaporize. Harm Reduction Journal, 4, 11.
   
   
7. Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770–1804.
   
   

REFERENCES

Van Dam, N. T., & Earleywine, M. (2010). Pulmonary function in cannabis users: support for a clinical trial of the vaporizer. International Journal of Drug Policy, 21(6), 511-513.

Sheehan, T. J., Hamnett, H. J., Beasley, R., & Fitzmaurice, P. S. (2018). Chemical and physical variations of cannabis smoke from a variety of cannabis samples in New Zealand. Forensic Sciences Research, 1-11.

Hazekamp, A., Ruhaak, R., Zuurman, L., van Gerven, J., & Verpoorte, R. (2006). Evaluation of a vaporizing device (Volcano®) for the pulmonary administration of tetrahydrocannabinol. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 95(6), 1308-1317.

Lanz, C., Mattsson, J., Soydaner, U., & Brenneisen, R. (2016). Medicinal cannabis: in vitro validation of vaporizers for the smoke-free inhalation of cannabis. PLoS One, 11(1), e0147286.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11366582/ 

https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4718604/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6737940/