The vaporizer as we know it – those pen-like devices called e-pens or mods – have been around longer than one might think. Before we can discuss how the vaporizer became an indispensable part of the cannabis industry, we must first look at the history of the device.

Long before the current handheld or desktop models, the concept of vaporization has been traced back to the 5^th century, B.C.E. Herodotus records in his book, “The History of Herodotus” that Scythians took hemp seed and tossed it on some heated baking stones. The seeds would then produce a vapor, which the Scythians then inhaled.

The first device recognized as a vaporizer also went by another familiar name. Ifran Sheikh, of the Mogul’s Safavid Dynasty, introduced to India the hookah, the world’s first recognized vaporization device.

Let’s zoom to the 20th century. In 1927, Joseph Robinson filed the first patent for an electronic cigarette, the Mechanical Butane Ignition Vaporizer. The United State Patent Office approved and published the design, but it wasn’t until 1960 that the first true electronic cigarette was born. Herbert A. Gilbert, a Korean War veteran, invented the electronic cigarette which modern-day vaporizers base their designs upon. Gilbert still works for Emperor E-Cigarette, who purchased his patent.

Cannabis Vaporization

When it comes to cannabis vaporization, we have the “father of cannabis vaporization” to thank. His name is Eagle Bill Amato. His invention, which he promoted as a “safe and effective” alternative to smoking, garnered him numerous Cannabis Cup wins and a spot in the Hash Museum. His invention pioneered the world of vaporizers as we know it today.

Why, exactly, have vaporizers become so indispensable? Aren’t bowls and joints more convenient and more traditional? One reason is mainly that even cannabis consumers have become more health-conscious. Vaping cannabis removes up to 95% of the damaging carcinogens produced through normal methods of smoking. It also helps to remove a good bit of that telltale smell. Another reason for the growing popularity is that vaporization more effectively converts the cannabis into the active cannabinoids – the compounds like THC and CBD.

Rise of Vaporizer Sale

Another indication is the rise of vaporizer sales. Between 2015 and 2016, consumers who utilized the cannabis delivery service Eaze, saw their orders for cannabis oil cartridges, smoked via a vaporizer, rise 400%. In 2016, one in five orders contained an order for vaporizer cartridges. Financial experts predict that overall, the cannabis industry will reach $30 billion by next year. The same experts expect that the marijuana vaporizer industry will continue to grow alongside the exponential growth of the cannabis industry.

Helping the industry along are the endorsements of such celebrities as Snoop Dogg endorsing their own line of vaporizers and Whoopi Goldberg endorsing the use of vape pens she named “Sippy” to ease the symptoms of glaucoma.

Many vaporizers have come on the market since the market began to boom. Which one is the best for cannabis might well be a matter of opinion. First, there is the Storz and Bickel Volcano Vaporizer, which has been on the scene since around 1996. Its price is a drawback to some – $599 is a lot of scratch to lay down for a vaporizer. Still, it is rated as one of the best on the market to this day. In the realm of portable vaporizers, if you’re only interested in dry herb vaping, then Grenco Science is one of the best manufacturers out there. The G-Pen Elite has a design that is futuristic and ergonomic. It comes with a grinder to get your buds into the best shape for vaping. If you require a vaporizer that does it all, dry herbs, concentrate oils, and waxes, then look for the V2Pro Series 7. The high-tech design detects what you are vaping and operates accordingly.

Vaporizers have been around to help marijuana consumers ingest for a long time and they do not look to be going away anytime soon. As Silicon Valley continues offering up newer and more exciting vaporizing technology, it is sure to be, as they say, a growth industry.

Author

Michael is a marketing and creative content specialist at GotVape.com with  a primary focus on customer satisfaction. Technology and fitness combined with healthy lifestyle obsession are his main talking points