Switching from Smoking to Dry Herb Vaping in Malta: What to Expect (Complete Guide)
If you live in Malta and you’re thinking about switching from smoking to dry herb vaping, you’re not alone. More people are looking for cleaner, more discreet ways to enjoy their legal dry herbs and botanicals without the smoke, ash, and strong smell that come with traditional smoking.
This guide will walk you through what to expect when you switch, how dry herb vaporizers actually work, and how to choose your first device – including popular options like the G Pen Dash and XMAX vaporizers.
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and focuses on legal, compliant use of dry herb vaporizers in Malta. No medical claims are made.
What Is a Dry Herb Vaporizer?
A dry herb vaporizer is a device that heats your herbs to a specific temperature so that they release vapour, without burning. Instead of combustion (fire), vaporizers use controlled heating to extract aromas and active compounds from your botanicals.
There are two main heating styles:
- Conduction – the herb touches a hot surface (faster heat‑up, often found in compact devices like the G Pen Dash, or Xmax Starry V4).
- Convection – hot air passes through the herb (often more even extraction, common in larger or premium devices). Such as the V3 Pro or Fenix Mini.
Because there’s no open flame and no burning, many users find the experience smoother, more flavourful, and less harsh compared to smoking.
Smoking vs Dry Herb Vaping: Key Differences
If you’ve been smoking for years, switching to a vaporizer will feel different. Here are the main differences you’ll notice.
1. Taste and Aroma
- Smoking: Strong, burnt taste; smoke lingers on clothes, fingers, and in rooms.
- Vaping: Cleaner, more natural flavour of the herb; vapour smell is usually lighter and doesn’t hang around as long.
Many people in Malta are surprised by how much flavour they get from their herbs once they start vaping instead of burning them.
2. Harshness and Smoothness
- Smoking: Hot smoke can feel harsh on the throat and lungs.
- Vaping: Vapour is typically cooler and smoother, especially at lower temperatures.
If you’re used to the “kick” of smoke, vapour may feel milder at first, but this is normal, you’re not burning the material.
3. Efficiency and Herb Usage
Because vaporizers heat more precisely, many users find they use their herbs more efficiently. Instead of burning everything in one go, you can take multiple sessions from the same chamber, depending on temperature and device.
4. Smell and Discretion
- Smoking: Strong, obvious smell; difficult to hide.
- Vaping: Lighter, more herbal aroma; dissipates faster and is generally more discreet.
For people in Malta living in apartments or shared spaces, this can be a big advantage.
What to Expect When You First Switch
The first week or two of switching from smoking to dry herb vaping is an adjustment period. Here’s what you can expect.
Your First Sessions Will Feel Different
Don’t be surprised if your first few sessions feel:
- Less intense than a strong smoke
- More flavourful but “lighter” on the chest
- Slower – vaporizers often work best with calm, steady draws
Give yourself time to learn the device and your preferred temperature range.
You’ll Need to Adjust Your Technique
With smoking, you can pull hard and fast. With vaporizers, technique matters more:
- Grind your herbs to a medium‑fine consistency.
- Pack the chamber lightly to medium, not too tight – airflow is crucial.
- Take slow, steady draws of 5–10 seconds rather than quick puffs.
Once you dial this in, your sessions will become more consistent and satisfying.
You Might Miss the “Ritual” at First
Rolling, lighting, and ashtrays are part of the smoking ritual. With a vaporizer, the ritual changes:
- Charging the device
- Filling the chamber
- Choosing a temperature
- Emptying and brushing out the chamber
Give yourself time to build a new ritual. Many people end up preferring the cleaner, less messy routine.
How to Use a Dry Herb Vaporizer (Step‑by‑Step)
Whether you choose a G Pen Dash, an XMAX device, or another portable vaporizer, the basic process is similar.
-
Charge the device fully
- Before your first use, let it charge completely. This helps battery health and ensures a full session.
-
Grind your herbs
- Use a decent grinder. Aim for medium‑fine – too chunky and it won’t heat evenly; too powdery and it can restrict airflow.
-
Load the chamber
- Gently fill the oven/chamber.
- Lightly tamp it down so it’s even, but don’t overpack.
-
Select your temperature
- Start on a lower setting for more flavour and a smoother experience.
- Gradually move up if you want denser vapour.
-
Inhale slowly and steadily
- Take calm, controlled draws.
- Wait a few seconds between draws to let the heater recover.
-
Stir or tap between sessions (if needed)
- Some devices benefit from a quick stir halfway through to ensure even extraction.
-
Empty and clean after use
- Once the session is done and the device has cooled slightly, empty the chamber and use a small brush to remove any residue.
- Regular cleaning keeps flavour fresh and airflow smooth.
Choosing Your First Dry Herb Vaporizer in Malta
When you’re switching from smoking, the right device makes a big difference. Here are key factors to consider.
1. Portability vs Home Use
- Portable vaporizers – small, pocket‑friendly, battery‑powered. Ideal for most people in Malta who want something discreet and easy to carry.
- Desktop vaporizers – larger, plug‑in devices for home sessions. Great for longer sessions but less discreet.
Most beginners start with a portable dry herb vaporizer.
2. Ease of Use
If you’re new to vaping, look for:
- Simple controls (one button or a few buttons)
- Clear temperature settings
- Easy loading and cleaning
Devices like the G Pen Dash and many XMAX models are designed to be beginner‑friendly while still delivering solid performance.
3. Battery Life and Charging
Ask yourself:
- Will you mostly use it at home, or on the go?
- Do you need USB‑C charging and fast top‑ups?
- Do you prefer replaceable batteries (common in some XMAX devices) or built‑in batteries?
If you’re often out and about, battery life becomes more important.
4. Budget and Build Quality
Dry herb vaporizers come in a wide price range. When switching from smoking, it’s usually better to choose a reliable mid‑range device rather than the cheapest option, so you get:
- Better flavour
- More consistent performance
- Longer lifespan
Why Many Beginners in Malta Choose G Pen Dash and XMAX Vaporizers
Two popular options for people switching from smoking to vaping are G Pen Dash and XMAX devices. They strike a good balance between price, performance, and ease of use.
G Pen Dash: Compact and Straightforward
The G Pen Dash is a small, pocket‑friendly dry herb vaporizer that’s ideal for beginners who want:
- A simple, one‑button interface
- Fast heat‑up times
- A compact design that’s easy to carry and store
It’s a good option if you want to try vaping without committing to a large, complex device.
XMAX Vaporizers: Great Value and Features
XMAX vaporizers are known for offering strong performance at a reasonable price. Depending on the model, you can get:
- Precise temperature control
- Good vapour production
- Replaceable batteries (on some models)
- Solid build quality
They’re a great choice if you want a reliable daily driver that can keep up with regular use.
Common Mistakes When Switching (and How to Avoid Them)
To make your transition smoother, watch out for these common beginner mistakes.
Mistake 1: Expecting the Same Feeling as Smoking
Vapour is different from smoke. It’s usually:
- Lighter on the throat
- Less “punchy”
- More flavour‑focused
Tip: Give yourself at least 1–2 weeks of regular use before deciding whether vaping is for you.
Mistake 2: Overpacking the Chamber
Packing too tightly restricts airflow and leads to:
- Weak vapour
- Uneven heating
- Frustrating sessions
Tip: Fill the chamber, then gently tap it down. You should still be able to draw air through easily.
Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Grind
Too chunky and the herb won’t heat evenly; too powdery and it can clog the device.
Tip: Aim for a medium‑fine grind and invest in a decent grinder if you don’t have one.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Cleaning
A dirty vaporizer will:
- Taste worse
- Produce less vapour
- Be harder to use over time
Tip: Empty and brush out the chamber after each session, and do a deeper clean regularly following the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dry Herb Vaporizer
Once you’ve made the switch, these tips will help you get consistent, enjoyable sessions.
- Experiment with temperatures – lower for flavour, higher for denser vapour.
- Take your time – slow, steady draws work best.
- Use fresh, properly stored herbs – quality in, quality out.
- Stick with it – the more you use your vaporizer, the more natural it will feel compared to smoking.
Where to Buy Dry Herb Vaporizers in Malta
If you’re ready to switch from smoking to dry herb vaping in Malta, it’s important to buy from a trusted, compliant local shop that:
- Specialises in dry herb vaporizers and accessories
- Offers support and guidance for beginners
- Stocks reliable brands like G Pen and XMAX
Cannabis Clinics Malta focuses on legal, compliant products and offers a wide range of dry herb vaporizers, accessories, and botanicals suitable for adults in Malta who want a cleaner, more modern way to enjoy their herbs.
