Package Includes:
Ascent Vaporizer
Wall Charger
Velvet Carry Bag
Da Vinci Stickers
2 Rubber Dust Caps
Screens
Spare Metal Pick
2 Glass Oil/Concentrate Chambers
Spare Glass Straw Set
The Da Vinci Ascent is the only vaporizer, that I know of, with a glass lined ceramic heating chamber as well as an all glass vapor pathway. It has a long life battery pack that boasts 300 minutes of continuous use between charges. The Ascent is also available in a large variety of colors and patterns to allow the user to personalize their vaporizer. But, as far as I am concerned, the most interesting feature is that the Ascent is completely programmable.
The Ascent can be programmed to vaporize at three different customized temperatures, each with it own programmable duration. Having done research recently looking for the perfect vaping temperature; I realized pretty quickly that there is not just one appropriate temperature. There are plenty of sites online that break down which components of the herb are released at what temperatures and after reviewing the data and opinions from several sources I set my Ascent to the following session schedule.
315º F for 4 minutes
350º F for 4 minutes
420º F for 4 minutes
(I suggest, letting the Ascent cool after the session, wait 20 minutes or a half hour, stir the contents with the included metal pick and run the session again.)
The scheduled session seems to work best for me. I feel confident that I am not only utilizing each component of the herb but I am also getting the maximum benefit while not laying anything to waste.
No matter how you choose to use the Ascent, the all glass pathway seems to enhance the experience. The glass pathway provides the opportunity to taste and enjoy the whole flavor pallet of the herb at the lower temperatures and seems to soften the normally harsh high temperature hits.
The Ascent can be used to vaporize oils and concentrates in the glass oil/concentrate chambers that come with the unit. I didn’t even try oils or concentrates in my Ascent. I never got around to it because I was too busy enjoying the herbal vaporizing to bother with anything else.
Overall, I give the Da Vinci Ascent five stars, two thumbs up and top marks. The charge lasts longer then needed, the glass pathway proves it’s value and the programability makes for a nice relaxed experience free from having to fiddle with buttons and settings while in use. The fact that you can customize the exterior to your taste is icing on the cake. All these features add up to make the Da Vinci Ascent certainly one of the best around.
Of the many active ingredients in marijuana, cannabinoids
— the miracle molecules that deliver most of the plant’s medical
efficacy — are not the whole picture. Some cannabis consumers may be
aware of terpenes, the cannabinoid-like chemicals that give herb such a pungent aroma.
What most do not know is that terpenes also deliver therapeutic relief, just like their cousins the cannabinoids.
Terpenes are produced in special secretory cells within the trichomes
of the plant, the nearly microscopic resinous stalks that cover the
flowers and sometimes leaves. This is also where all cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are created. About 20,000 terpenes exist in nature; more than 200 have been identified in cannabis (compared to 111 cannabinoids).
Like amino acids, terpenes are powerful building blocks within the
plant’s physiology that aid in the production of vitamins, hormones,
pigments, resins, and — yes, that most cherished part of the herb —
cannabinoids. Cannabis plants release more terpenes when temperatures
are higher.
Beyond odor, terpenes play several roles, including protecting the
cannabis plant against predators like insects and animals. These special
molecules constitute roughly 10 to 20 percent of the total pre-smoked
resin in the trichome. It is estimated that 10 to 30 percent of smoke
resin produced by marijuana comes from terpenes.
There are actually two types of pinene, alpha and beta. The alpha
variety carries a scent of pine needles or rosemary; the beta type
smells like dill, parsley, rosemary, basil, or hops. Like its terpene
cousins myrcene and limonene, pinene is found in many non-cannabis plants. In fact, it is the most common terpene found in the plant world.
Pinene’s medical efficacy includes increased mental focus and energy.
It also acts as a bronchodilator, making it helpful for people with
asthma and other respiratory ailments. In addition, it can be used as a
topical antiseptic. Probably the most promising application of this
terpene, however, is its power to reduce the size of cancerous tumors.
Pinene’s magical power is derived from its ability to cross the
blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, it affects existing
neurotransmitters in such a manner that it results in better memory.
Pinene has also shown to inhibit the influence of THC, an example of the
entourage effect that
may result in a decrease in paranoia or adverse psychological reactions
from this cannabinoid when consumed in large quantities.
The power of pinene is nothing new. For literally thousands of years,
many cultures around the world have used plants containing large
quantities of pinene, like rosemary and sage, for the preservation and
enhancement of memory. It’s only today that researchers have a minor
understanding of how pinene accomplishes this in the brain.
Probably the most significant result of the limited research conducted
to date is that pinene — and all terpenes — act in a synergistic manner
with other terpenes, as well as cannabinoids like THC, to provide
medicinal efficacy for those suffering from a wide range of diseases,
especially cancer. Of course, more studies are necessary before doctors
and budtenders can begin recommending cannabis strains high in pinene
for such ailments.
Much more at: Whaxy
Yield: Two dozen quite-potent truffles
Ingredients:
8 oz dark chocolate (at least 70 percent cacao), chopped
1/4 cup THC-infused coconut oil (or a blend of THC-infused and plain coconut oil)
Pinch of sea salt
Either 3 tbsps water and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
or 2 tbsps water and 1 tbsp rum
For rolling:
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, lightly toasted
Directions:
- Melt chocolate with oil and the water in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract or rum and sea salt.
- Transfer to an 8-inch square baking dish and refrigerate for about two hours. It should be firm, yet still workable.
- With a 1-inch ice-cream scoop, melon-baller or a teaspoon, make 24 balls. Transfer each to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Coat hands in cocoa powder and roll
balls to make smooth. Refrigerate on sheet at least 10 minutes. Roll
truffles in toasted coconut before serving.
Storage:
Truffles can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 weeks. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before coating.
How to Make Infused Oils and More at: Marijuana Times