Vaporization is a method of consuming organic compounds without burning anything. When plant extract is applied directly to a hot enough surface, the liquid in the extract will vaporize on contact. The steam or vapor that's generated allows the extract's organic compounds and flavors to be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. While vaporization requires higher temperatures than combustion, it's a superior way to consume plant products in the sense that it doesn't create any ash or tar the way traditional smoking does.