Dry Herb Vaping vs Smoking in Malta: Complete Guide

Dry Herb Vaping vs Smoking in Malta: Real Experiences & What to Expect

If you live in Malta and you’re thinking about switching from smoking to dry herb vaping, you’re not alone.

More people here are looking for a smoother, more discreet way to enjoy their herb without filling the room (or the neighbours’ balcony) with smoke. Dry herb vaporizers promise better flavour, less smell, and a cleaner experience. But there’s a catch:

Most first‑time users are disappointed the first week.

They expect huge clouds, an instant “hit” like a joint, and a familiar throat burn. Instead, they get lighter vapour, a different type of effect, and a device with buttons, temperatures and cleaning routines.

This guide is written specifically for people in Malta and the EU. By the end, you’ll know:

• How dry herb vaping actually feels compared to smoking
• The most common mistakes new vapers make (and how to fix them)
• What to realistically expect in your first 1–2 weeks
• Which devices work best for beginners here in Malta
• How to stay safe, compliant and get the most from your herb

If you already own a device and you’re not sure it’s “working”, you can always reach out to us at Cannabis Clinics Malta for free setup advice.

Why People in Malta Are Switching from Smoking to Dry Herb Vaporizers

Common Reasons for Switching

From our customers, the same reasons come up again and again:

• Less smoke and smell
  Apartments, shared homes and tight balconies make traditional smoking awkward. Vapour still has an aroma, but it’s lighter and disappears faster.

• A more health‑conscious option
  Vaping dry herb avoids burning plant material and paper. It doesn’t make it risk‑free, but many people feel more comfortable avoiding combustion.

• Better flavour
  You taste the actual plant and its terpenes, not just hot smoke. The first few draws on a clean device can be surprisingly tasty.

• Efficiency
  Once they dial in their technique, many people find they use less herb per session compared to joints.

What a Dry Herb Vape Can and Can’t Do

A good vaporizer can:

• Gently heat your herb to release active compounds without burning
• Give you more control over temperature and intensity
• Offer a more discreet, less smoky experience

It cannot:

• Turn low‑quality, old or poorly stored herb into something amazing
• Instantly feel like a joint or bong hit on day one
• Replace medical advice from a doctor or specialist

Setting the right expectations is half the battle. The other half is technique.

Dry Herb Vaping vs Smoking – How the Experience Actually Feels

Flavour, Smell and “High”

Flavour:
With a clean device and fresh herb, the first draws are often described as sweet, herbal or spicy. You notice flavours that are completely lost when you burn a joint.

Smell:
There is still a smell, but it’s:

• Less intense
• Shorter‑lived
• Less likely to cling to clothes, curtains and hair

Effects:
This is where many people get confused. The effect from vaping can feel:

• Clearer and more functional
• Less “heavy” or sedating at first
• Sometimes weaker if the temperature or technique is off

If you take two quick puffs and expect the same punch as a full joint, you’ll probably think your vape is broken. In reality, you may simply need more draws, a higher temperature, or a better pack.

Onset and Duration

• Smoking: Fast, sharp onset. You feel it within a minute or two, and it can taper off more quickly.
• Vaping: Slower build. It can take several minutes and a full session to reach the same level, but the effects often feel smoother and can last longer.

Think of it like sipping a glass of wine over 20 minutes instead of downing a shot in one go.

Throat Hit & Comfort

• Smoking: Harsh but familiar. The burn in the throat and chest is part of the ritual for many smokers.
• Vaping: Can be extremely smooth at lower temperatures, but can also feel hot and irritating if:
  • The temperature is too high
  • The herb is very dry
  • The device is dirty

Most new vapers pull too hard, like they’re hitting a joint. With vaporizers, slower, steadier “sips” of vapour work best.

The 5 Most Common Mistakes New Dry Herb Vapers Make

After helping a lot of people in Malta switch from smoking to vaping, these are the issues we see most often.

1. Grinding Too Coarse or Too Fine

Your grind matters more than you think.

• Too coarse: Hot air slips around the herb instead of through it → weak vapour.
• Too fine: Powder can clog the screen and restrict airflow → harsh, hot hits.

Aim for a fluffy, even grind. A proper herb grinder makes a big difference compared to scissors or fingers.

Tip: If your device is conduction‑based (like many compact vapes), a slightly finer grind can help. For convection‑heavy devices, a fluffier grind is usually better.

2. Packing the Oven Incorrectly

Packing is a balancing act:

• Too tight: Air can’t move through the herb → you have to pull hard, vapour is thin or non‑existent.
• Too loose: Air rushes through with little contact → again, weak vapour.

A simple rule:

1. Fill the oven to the top.
2. Gently tamp it down so it holds its shape.
3. You should still be able to draw air through the device without straining.

If you’re coughing a lot or getting no vapour, your pack is one of the first things to adjust.

3. Using the Wrong Temperature

Temperature is where dry herb vapes really differ from smoking.

• Too low (e.g. 160–175°C): Amazing flavour, very light effects. Many beginners stop here and assume the device doesn’t work.
• Too high (e.g. 210–230°C): Stronger effects, but can feel hot and harsh, especially in small devices.

For most people in Malta starting out, a good range is:

• Start at 180–190°C for flavour and a gentle effect
• Step up to 200–205°C mid‑session if you want more intensity

Devices like the Mighty+, PAX 3, FeNix Neo and G Pen Dash have presets that make this easier. Learn what each preset roughly corresponds to and experiment.

4. Not Preheating or Rushing the Session

If you hit your vape before it’s fully up to temperature, you’ll mostly get warm air and disappointment.

• Wait until the device shows it has reached the set temperature.
• Take slow, steady draws—think 8–12 seconds rather than quick puffs.
• Give it 8–12 draws before deciding it’s not working for you.

Dry herb vaping is more of a session than a single hit.

5. Never Cleaning the Device

A dirty vaporizer:

• Tastes bad
• Produces weaker vapour
• Feels harsher on the throat

Residue builds up surprisingly quickly, especially with sticky herb.

Basic routine:

• After each session: Empty the oven and give it a quick brush.
• Once a week (or more if you use it heavily):
  • Soak removable mouthpieces and screens in isopropyl alcohol (check your device manual).
  • Wipe the oven and vapour path with alcohol‑dampened cotton buds.

A clean device doesn’t just taste better it also makes troubleshooting much easier.

Realistic Expectations for Your First 1–2 Weeks of Dry Herb Vaping

Days 1–3: Getting Used to the New Sensation

The first few days often feel strange:

• The vapour is lighter and cooler than smoke.
• You might feel like you’re inhaling “nothing” at first.
• The effect can be milder than you expect.

Use this time to:

• Practice slower, longer draws
• Try 1–2 different temperature settings
• Pay attention to how the flavour and effects change over a full session

Week 1: Tweaking Your Setup

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, start experimenting:

• Slightly different grind levels
• Packing a bit looser or tighter
• Starting low and stepping the temperature up mid‑session

It can help to keep a simple note on your phone:

• Device used
• Temperature(s)
• How many draws
• How you felt afterwards

Within a few sessions, you’ll start to see what works for you.

Week 2: Finding Your Routine

By the second week, most people:

• Have a favourite temperature range
• Know how tightly they like to pack the oven
• Notice less lingering smell at home
• Often use less herb per day than when they were smoking

The experience becomes more predictable and you start to appreciate the flavour and control that vaping offers.

If you’re still struggling after a couple of weeks, send us a message with your device model and what’s happening we’re happy to help troubleshoot.

Which Dry Herb Vaporizers Are Best for Beginners in Malta?

Choosing the right device can make or break your first experience. Here are some popular options we see working well for different types of users.

(Note: adjust this section to match your current stock and pricing.)

Easy, Pocket‑Friendly Options

G Pen Dash

• Best for: Curious beginners on a budget
• Pros: Simple one‑button operation, compact, quick sessions
• Con: Smaller oven and battery, not ideal for heavy daily use

FeNix Neo

• Best for: Everyday users who want good performance without a huge price tag
• Pros: Solid vapour quality, adjustable temperature, decent battery life
• Con: Slightly bulkier in the pocket

Premium, All‑Day Devices

PAX 3

• Best for: People who value discretion and design
• Pros: Sleek, pocketable, great flavour, strong EU brand support
• Con: Works best with a bit of technique and regular cleaning

Storz & Bickel Mighty+

• Best for: Heavy users, medical users, and those who want the easiest “wow” experience
• Pros: Big battery, excellent vapour quality, very forgiving for beginners
• Con: Larger size, more of a “home” device than a stealth pocket vape

When choosing a device, consider:

• Battery life (how many sessions you need per charge)
• Ease of cleaning (simple design = you’ll actually maintain it)
• Warranty and local support (buying from an EU‑based shop like ours means easier service if something goes wrong)

If you’re unsure which device fits your budget and lifestyle, contact us and we’ll help you choose.

Safety, Legality & Responsible Use in Malta

Combustion vs Vapour

Dry herb vaporizers heat your herb to a controlled temperature instead of burning it. This avoids smoke and many of the by‑products of combustion.

That doesn’t make vaping risk‑free, and we don’t offer medical advice. If you have any health conditions or concerns, always speak to a healthcare professional before changing how you consume cannabis or other herbs.

Staying Within Maltese and EU Law

Laws around cannabis, CBD and related products can be complex and are evolving.

At Cannabis Clinics Malta and M&C Supplies:

• We focus on legal, compliant products suitable for Malta and the EU.
• We require certificates showing that products are free from synthetic cannabinoids and within legal THC limits before stocking them.

Always:

• Use products responsibly
• Respect possession limits and local regulations
• Keep your devices and products away from children and pets

If you’re unsure about the legal status of a particular product, ask before you buy.

Still Unsure? Here’s How We Can Help

Switching from smoking to dry herb vaping is a learning curve but it’s one that many people in Malta are happy they took.

If you’re:

• Wondering whether a vaporizer is right for you
• Struggling to get good results from a device you already own
• Unsure which model fits your needs and budget

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

• Message us with your device model and what’s going wrong we’ll help you troubleshoot.
• Ask for a personalised recommendation based on how often you use herb, where you live, and how discreet you need to be.
• Explore our range of dry herb vaporizers, grinders and cleaning kits designed for customers in Malta and across the EU.

When you understand how dry herb vaping really compares to smoking, and what to expect in your first couple of weeks you can make an informed choice and actually enjoy the benefits your device was designed to deliver.