Vaporising vs Smoking Cannabis: What Every NZ Patient Should Know
For New Zealanders using cannabis medicinally, the short answer is yes - vaporising is better than smoking, and it's the method your prescriber points you toward. Here's what every patient should understand about the difference, and why New Zealand's Medicinal Cannabis Scheme treats prescribed flower as something to vaporise, not smoke.
Vaporising vs smoking at a glance
| Factor | Vaporising | Smoking |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | About 160-220C, below combustion | Over 400C, combustion |
| What you inhale | Vapour | Smoke, tar and by-products |
| Efficiency | More of your flower is used | Much of it is burnt away |
| Control | Adjustable temperature | None |
| NZ prescribed flower | The sanctioned method | Not the sanctioned route |
Combustion vs vaporisation
When you smoke, you burn plant material at over 400C. Combustion destroys some of the active compounds and produces smoke, tar and other by-products. A dry herb vaporizer instead heats flower to a controlled temperature (typically 160-220C) - hot enough to release cannabinoids and terpenes as vapour, but below the point of burning.
Why it matters for patients
No smoke. You inhale vapour rather than combustion by-products. More of your medicine, less waste. Vaporising uses dried flower far more efficiently than burning it, so your prescription goes further. Control. Temperature settings let you fine-tune the strength and character of each session - see our temperature guide.
The legal picture in NZ
Under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, prescribed dried flower is intended to be vaporised, not smoked. Vaporiser devices themselves are legal to own and use for this purpose - for the detail, read are dry herb vaporizers legal in NZ? Using cannabis without a prescription remains illegal in New Zealand.
Making the switch
Moving from smoking to vaporising? Expect a slightly different experience - vapour is cooler and smoother, and the taste of your flower comes through more clearly. Start at a lower temperature, use a grinder for an even load, and measure your dose with a precision scale. For step-by-step help, see our guide to vaporising your prescription and the best vaporizers for medicinal cannabis. Browse the full vaporizer range to get started.
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. You must not drive while impaired.
