i'm not sure on this subject, but mybe if u light the weed from the metal and the flame doesnt touch the weed, it could be similiar to a lightbulb vape, if you see them at headshops....ask the headmaster about them
Looks like it basically does the same thing as a vape. IDK if I would enjoy smoking out of a crack pipe, but the little smell it produces is pretty nice if you're at home.