Medicinal Cannabis in NZ: A Patient's Guide to Vaporising Dried Flower (2026)
If you've been prescribed dried cannabis flower in New Zealand, the method your prescriber points you toward is vaporising - heating the flower to release its active compounds as vapour without burning it. Smoking prescribed flower is not the sanctioned way to use your medicine. This guide covers how to vaporise your prescription properly: choosing a device, temperature, accurate dosing, grinding and storage.
Why vaporise instead of smoke?
A dry herb vaporizer heats flower to a precise temperature, releasing cannabinoids like THC and CBD as vapour but below the point of combustion. That means no smoke or burnt-plant by-products, far more efficient use of your prescription, and temperature control to suit the effect you want. See the benefits of using a vaporizer.
Choosing the right vaporizer
Desktop vaporizers suit at-home use - the Storz & Bickel Volcano (the platform behind the certified Volcano Medic) is the gold standard for gentle, consistent vapour. Portable vaporizers suit taking your medicine on the go - the Mighty (platform behind the Mighty Medic) is a popular premium option, with value choices from DaVinci, Xvape and Flowermate. See our best vaporizers for medicinal cannabis guide. Note: certified Medic medical-device versions exist; the consumer models Greenhut stocks share the same heating platform but are general consumer products - check with your prescriber if a certified device is required.
Temperature guide
Different compounds release at different temperatures, so temperature changes both the strength and character of your vapour. As a general guide:
| Temperature | Vapour character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 160-180C | Light, terpene-rich, more flavour | A good place to start |
| 180-200C | Balanced flavour and density | Where many people settle |
| 200-220C | Denser, warmer, stronger | Uses more material per draw |
THC begins to vaporise around 157C and CBD a little higher, around 180C. Start low, see how you respond, and adjust - always within the guidance your prescriber has given you.
Dose accurately with a good scale
Your prescription specifies how much flower to use, and eyeballing it isn't good enough. A digital scale accurate to 0.01g lets you measure a consistent dose every time. Shop precision digital scales.
Grind evenly
Vaporizers work best with an even, medium grind - it maximises surface area so the heat reaches all of your flower. A quality herb grinder improves vapour quality and efficiency.
Store your flower properly
Keep your medicine in its original, labelled container where possible, in a cool, dark, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Airtight storage containers help preserve freshness between doses.
Legal and safety essentials
Keep your prescription and original packaging with your medicine; do not drive while impaired; and for device and importing specifics, see are dry herb vaporizers legal in NZ?
The bottom line
Vaporising is the method NZ prescribers recommend for dried flower - cleaner, more efficient and controllable. Get a device that suits your lifestyle, a scale for accurate dosing, and a grinder for even sessions. Start with our full vaporizer range.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Greenhut does not sell, supply or prescribe medicinal cannabis. Medicinal cannabis in New Zealand is available on prescription only - always follow the guidance of your prescriber and Medsafe / the Ministry of Health. Devices sold by Greenhut are general consumer products; where a medically-certified version exists, it may differ from the consumer model. You must not drive while impaired.
