Weed pens, also known as THC vaporizers, marijuana pens, or simply vape, are portable, pen-sized vaporizers containing cannabis distillate. In 2021, vape sales hit $2.6 billion. Brightfield reported that vape products are “extremely popular” among consumers aged 35 and below.
Due to its traction, consumers want to know more about weed pens. If you’re one of them, let this article serve as your handbook for everything “weed pen.”
🔑 Key Takeaways:
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There are several types of weed pens, but to put it simply, weed pens are handheld vaporizers that produce vapor using a cannabis distillate or flower. They are compact and cylindrical, almost pen-like, but larger.
Rather than burning as seen in traditional marijuana joints, weed pens simply heat cannabis at a controlled temperature (around 355 – 375 degrees Fahrenheit). Just enough to produce vaporized cannabis.
Many consider vaping as the healthier and more efficient alternative to traditional cannabis smoking. Vaping allows the inhalation of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids without the toxic byproducts produced from burnt weed.
CREDIT: Rise Cannabis
To understand how weed pens function, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its key components.
Check them out below:
Cartridge Chamber
The tank, also known as the weed pen cartridge chamber, is a component that stores dry cannabis herb or cannabis distillate (oil). Some tanks are disposable or pre-filled. Other weed pen brands offer refillable tanks, which is convenient when the user wants to load a different distillate or herb.
Atomizer
The atomizer is the central heating component of a vape. When the device is activated, the atomizer heats up at a precise temperature, transforming cannabis oil or herb into vapor.
Battery
As the device’s power source, batteries are often rechargeable and removable, depending on the design. Batteries dictate how long a vape remains in power and should be compatible with the device.
It is connected to the atomizer, supplying the power needed for the weed pen to function.
Mouthpiece
This is an external component that you put your lips around to inhale the cannabis vapor. Mouthpieces are designed to provide a good seal for inhalation. Some are removable, while others are built-in.
| 🎉 How Do Weed Pens Work? Weed pens are activated by drawing out air from the mouthpiece or pushing the power button. Once the coil inside the atomizer heats the tank, vapor is produced. |
Several types can be bought in weed pen stores (physical or online). Each comes with a unique set of pros and cons. Get to know the main ones, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Prefilled Disposable Weed Pen
These vapes are preloaded with, usually, THC oil stored inside the tank. Since users don’t need to refill them, they are ready to be consumed straight out of the box.
Albeit beginner-friendly, once the oil is used up, the entire device also needs to be disposed of. The lack of refillability is one of the major cons of prefilled disposables, as disposing of several devices can be expensive in the long run.
Pros:
Cons:
| 📚 Definition THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a compound extracted from cannabis. It’s mainly responsible for the “high” users’ experience upon consuming cannabis products. |
Refillable
CREDIT: SMOK
This type of weed pen is the complete opposite of prefilled disposables. Refillables are designed to be refilled with the distillate of choice multiple times.
With refillables, users can try different strains, flavors, and potencies without disposing of the entire device once the contents are all used up.
It can be expensive at first and require more maintenance, but the device’s reusability makes it worth it in the long run.
Pros:
Cons:
Variable Voltage
This weed vape allows users to adjust the voltage, dictating the temperature at which the distillate will be heated. Varying temperatures affect the flavor profiles and vapor volume differently.
Variable voltages can be complicated for beginners. However, once users learn the basics, they can offer a personalized way of experiencing weed vaping.
Pros:
Cons:
Dab Pens
CREDIT: Ooze Weed Pen
These devices, also called wax pens, are designed to use THC concentrates or dabs instead of the usual distillate or oil-based products. Dap pens produce far more potent vapor than any other weed pens.
Since dab pens produce stronger sensations and require more maintenance, they suit experienced users better.
Pros:
Cons:
Dry Herb Vaporizer
CREDIT: Cipher
This type of weed vaporizer uses a dry herb or cannabis flower rather than distillate or concentrate.
Dry herb vaporizers have a heating chamber where the ground-up flower is placed. Once the device is activated, the flower is heated, releasing cannabinoids without burning.
It allows users to experience cannabis in its natural state. However, it may require further cleaning, and dosage adjustment can be challenging.
Pros:
Cons:
You know that weed vaporizers use three main products: distillates, concentrates, or dry herbs. However, most users aren’t aware of what goes into wet products like distillates and concentrates.
Know what specific products you’re inhaling in this section:
Cannabis oil, concentrates, and dry herb
Cannabis oil is a concentrated type of cannabis extract. However, concentrates like wax, shatter, or rosin are the most potent of the bunch. Dry herbs are ground cannabis flowers packed with cannabinoids and terpenes.
Common cutting agents and additives
Cutting agents refer to chemicals added to vape cartridges to dilute the cannabis oil. They increase the final volume of the distillate or cut down the formula’s potency.
Some of the most common agents and additives are Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), and Propylene Glycol (PG).
Terpenes
Aside from terpenes naturally present in cannabis oil, food-grade terpenes are sometimes added to boost the distillate’s flavor and taste. It’s thought to add to the overall experience, contributing to the entourage effect.
Coconut oil
As a medium chain triglyceride (MCT), coconut oil helps make cannabis oil thin enough to be used in standard atomizers.
| ✏️ Take note Not all of these ingredients are added to a cannabis oil formula. Some companies believe that the best weed pens use pure cannabis oil with fewer additives. Others intentionally add ingredients like coconut oil to improve the vaping formula. |
There are different ways of using a weed pen. How you use and maintain it depends on the type and design of the device. In this part, you’ll learn how to operate each type of weed pen:
Prefilled Disposable
Follow the steps to learn how to use prefilled disposables.
Step 1: Remove the device from the packaging.
Step 2: Click the button (if there is one). Otherwise, inhale through the mouthpiece to activate the vaping device.
Step 3: After inhaling the vapor, hold your breath for 3 seconds and slowly exhale.
Refillable
Here is how to operate a refillable weed vaping device.
Step 1: Charge the device until it reaches its full charging limit. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s manual in charging.
Step 2: Choose a tank or cartridge compatible with your refillable vape pen.
Step 3: Attach the cartridge to the device.
Step 4: Activate the weed pen by either pushing the power button or drawing out the vaping from the device’s mouthpiece.
Step 5: Some refillables allow you to adjust the temperature of your coil. If your device has that feature, experiment with different settings until you can achieve your desired effects.
Step 6: Inhale from the device by placing your lips around the mouthpiece. Start with short and slow draws. Take breaks between draws to avoid overconsumption.
Variable Voltage
Refillables and variable voltages operate similarly. The only difference is variable voltage has extra customization controls over refillables.
This is how to use a variable voltage.
Step 1: Charge the device until it reaches its full charging capacity.
Step 2: Attach the cartridge to the device securely but not too tight.
Step 3: Most variable devices have a power button. Click the button rapidly until the indicator lights up (the manual indicates the number of clicks to make). Repeat the same process to turn off the device.
Step 4: Adjust the voltage setting by either going high or down. High voltage means a higher temperature and more vapor volume. Low voltage means a lower temperature. The vapor might be smooth, but with lesser potency.
Step 5: Some variables need to be preheated. If yours has this feature, activate the preheating function before drawing out the vapor.
Step 6: Once your device is preheated and activated, inhale slowly from the mouthpiece.
Step 7: Turn off after use.
Dab Pens
Follow the instructions below to use dab pens properly.
Step 1: Start by placing the concentrate in the atomizer. You can do this by removing the mouthpiece. Place a small amount of concentrate on the coil.
Step 2: Turn the dab pen on by clicking the power button rapidly several times.
Step 3: If your dab pen allows temperature adjustment, read the manual on how to do so correctly.
Step 4: Place your lips around the mouthpiece and slowly inhale the vapor out of the hole.
Dry Herb Vaporizer
Step 1: Purchase a cannabis flower specifically made for a dry herb vaporizer. Otherwise, grind your cannabis herb manually. Grind finer if you’re using a conduction-type herb vaporizer.
| ✅ Pro Tip Some dry herb vaporizers can vaporize whole flowers, saving you time from grinding. Check the device’s manual to see if your device has this feature. |
Step 2: Fill the oven of your vaporizer with the herbs. Conduction vaporizers should be filled to the brim, while convection and hybrid weed pens must be filled loosely.
Step 3: Press the power button rapidly several times to activate the device.
Step 4: Adjust the temperature according to what you like the best.
Low level: 370°F/187°C and below
Mid level: 370°F/187°C to 390°F/198°C
High level: 390°F/198°C and above
Step 5: Once the device is ready, it’s time to draw out the vapor by inhaling slowly through the mouthpiece. Take breaks between puffs.
Step 6: Turn off the device the same way you turned on the device.
| 🍃 Words of Encouragement Operating a weed pen might look intimidating at first, but once you get accustomed to the basics, vaping weed will seem natural to you. |
Vape juices and dabs are so concentrated they consist of 50%-95% of the active cannabinoid ingredients. It can get relatively easy to feel the effects of THC and also overconsume.
That’s why it’s essential to know the average dosing of distillates, concentrates, and dry herbs to adjust the number of puffs you can only do per session.
See how much THC concentration an average 1-gram cartridge contains for each product type below.
Cannabis oil
Most oil-based cartridges with a 1-gram capacity can contain up to 500 mg of cannabis concentrate. This can deliver 200-400 hits, giving 1.25 mg of THC per puff conservatively.
Weed concentrate
One gram of weed concentrate can contain up to 800 mg of cannabinoids. This means 200-400 hits of 1 gram of weed concentrate could yield 2 mg of active cannabinoids per draw.
Dry herb
Cannabis flowers assembled in average-sized ovens could yield from 15% to 25% cannabinoid concentration. A puff should be able to give roughly 1.6 mg of activated cannabinoids.
Now that you know the average amount of cannabinoids per puff for each medium, it’s time to discover your personal vaping dosage.
Here are some factors to consider in dosing:
Active cannabinoids are stored in the body’s fat cells.
Those heavier in weight have ample body fat and a slow metabolism. Thus, they would most likely not feel the effects immediately, but when they do, they are prolonged.
In contrast, people categorized as “leaner” have quicker metabolic rates. Thus, they can feel the intense effects immediately but may mellow down quickly.
This refers to how experienced you are in weed vaping. Tolerance level is categorized as: beginner, mid-level, or experienced.
Experienced or frequent/heavy users have a higher tolerance to cannabis. Hence, they might need more active cannabinoids to feel the effect.
Beginners or even regular but light users (mid-level) have a low tolerance to cannabis. A small dose of cannabinoid would usually work well.
Here’s a table showing the ideal amount of THC and CBD for every user level. It’s important to note that this may still vary from one user to another.
| User level | THC Dosage (per session) | CBD Dosage (per session) |
| Beginner | 2-5 mg | 5-10 mg |
| Mid-level | 5-15 mg | 10-20 mg |
| Experienced | 15 mg or more | 20 mg or more |
It’s also essential to pinpoint your purpose for weed vaping. Are you trying to calm down? Get distracted from your chronic pain? Or, simply have a good time?
Here are some everyday purposes for vaping weed and what dose level you would need to achieve them.
| Purpose | Amount of Cannabis Concentration |
| Stress-relief | Low dose |
| Mild relaxation | Low dose |
| Daytime use | Low dose |
| Chronic pain | High dose |
| Trouble sleeping | High dose |
| Recreational use | High dose |
| Tolerance build-up | High dose |
Final Tip: Start small, increasing your dose slowly.
Experts always stress the importance of vaping the lowest possible dose (at least two puffs per session) and increasing the dose slowly (3-4 break days). This method is especially crucial for beginners.
Weed pens have several benefits, including:
Convenience and portability
Weed pens are small and lightweight by design. So, they’re easy to carry around and can comfortably fit in any small space, like the back pocket of your jeans.
Discreet
Weed pens produce less visible vapor and an almost unnoticeable smell compared to countertop vaporizers and joints. You can vape outside without attracting any unwanted attention.
| 💁 Helpful Article In case you’re having a hard time banishing the weed smell indoors, in your car, or on your clothes, you need to learn three techniques: masking, sanitizing, and purifying. |
Controlled dosing
Weed pens often come with adjustable temperature settings. This allows you to control how much potency you inhale for each puff.
Efficiency
Vaping cannabis is one of the most efficient methods of consuming cannabis. Since unburnt vapor directly hits the lungs (an organ with direct access to the bloodstream), the effect is felt faster and more robust.
You would only need a small amount to achieve your desired effect, cutting much of the unnecessary volume that enters your body.
Generally, a 1-gram tank should serve up to 320 puffs if you’re sticking with under three seconds per draw. Based on this, a tank can last you a week or two, even with frequent use.
Weed tanks can last a few months for infrequent users who hit only once daily.
| ✅ Pro Tip Infrequent users should stick with smaller or half-gram tanks to lessen the chance of leaking or potency loss. |
It’s important to understand that vapor itself does not stay in your bodily system. Instead, the metabolite (THC-COOH) borne out of the compounds coming from the vapor are the ones that remain in your system.
These metabolites can be found in your urine, saliva, skin, hair, and blood, which drug screenings use as the basis for detecting marijuana in your system.
Cannabis is regulated in most states. The detection of a “THC” metabolite in your system through drug tests could make you “marijuana positive. This can cost you your job or a child custody battle.
Therefore, it’s crucial to have an idea of how long a THC metabolite from vaping remains in your system.
| ✏️ Take Note The amount of vapor and potency of weed dictates how likely and how long the metabolites are retained in your system. |
The detection period of THC depends on the type of sample taken from your body. For example, cannabis can last up to a month in urine, while it could stay for 3 months in your hair.
With that said, THC is detected for each type of body sample within these timeframes:
| Body sample | Timeframe of THC detection after the last usage |
| Urine | 21 days to 1 month |
| Saliva | Minutes to 72 days |
| Hair | 3 months |
| Blood | 2 hours to seven days |
There are several factors to consider when picking the right vape pen. Here are what you should be contemplating before committing to a purchase:
Where will you be smoking?
It’s important to consider the location in which you will be vaping because there are vaping devices that come in handy outdoors or indoors. For example, if you are outdoorsy, small, compact-sized pens may benefit you more than desktop vapes.
| 🧑⚖️ Essential Fact Some states have banned vaping in certain public areas regardless of its content. Check with your local laws before vaping outside. |
What is your purpose for cannabis vaping?
Are you vaping for recreation or medical reasons? Pinpoint your purpose, as some vape pen designs cater to a specific purpose.
What is your budget range?
Is your budget around the hundreds or under $60? Sticking with a price in mind prevents you from over-budgeting and ending up with a product you don’t even like.
Prefilled disposables are often cheaper than refillable and rechargeable weed pens, but they last quicker than the latter.
Go with an economical (not cheap) but reliable model. Buying unbelievably cheap weed pens sacrifices quality, costing you more expense in the long run.
What type of active ingredient are you most interested in vaping?
Think about the type of content you’re most interested in vaping. Are you more of a traditional consumer who likes cannabis oil, or would you like to try something interesting, like concentrates or dry herbs?
Here is a table of pros and cons of each content type for a quick view:
| Product | Pros | Cons |
| Cannabis oil/distillates |
|
|
| Concentrates |
|
|
| Dry Herb |
|
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What functionality feature are you most concerned?
Another aspect to consider is the functionality features or ease of use. For example, some want to avoid refilling, recharging, or maintaining devices when they can simply vape prefilled disposables.
Others wouldn’t mind the extra effort of maintaining a device as long as it’s in tip-top shape.
Some users like controlling the temperature of the device so they can manipulate the flavor and potency of weed.
Despite being known for their longevity, vape pens last as long as you care for them. Maintaining weed pens is relatively easy, given you’re armed with the proper knowledge.
Here’s how to store and clean your vape pen properly.
How to store your vape pen?
Tip #1: Always make sure it’s standing upright when not in use.
Tip #2: Keep away from dust. Store your device in a box or enclosed location where dust can’t settle inside the device.
Tip #3: Store in a dry place at room temperature. Never store it in a cabinet that is hit directly by sunlight.
How to clean your vape pen?
Step 1: If your device can be disassembled (check your manual), do so gently.
Step 2: Clean each component using a cotton swab and alcohol. This unclogs any thick substances inside, troubleshooting any non-hitting pens.
Step 3: Make sure to dry each part before reassembling.
Step 4: Reassemble the vape pen. Avoid overly tightening.
To get a visual aid on how vape pens are disassembled and cleaned, check out this YouTube video:
Are Weed Pens Legal?
First, consumers have to understand that THC is still illegal, federally speaking. However, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 made some exceptions to cannabis products with only under 0.3% of THC.
Hence, states where medical and/or recreational use of cannabis is permitted allow the private use of weed pens. That’s why it’s important to check your locality’s specific laws on cannabis vaping before indulging in the device.
Also, regardless of whether your vape cartridge contains cannabis or nicotine, you have to know your state’s stance on vaping in public. If you’re unsure about this, always assume that vaping in public isn’t allowed.
Here’s a map of the states allowing or prohibiting public marijuana vaping.
CREDIT: no-smoke.org
As weed pens continue to boom, consumers must understand the nuances of these devices to get the ultimate cannabis vaping experience safely and responsibly.
It’s impossible to know everything about weed pens at once, but with this guide, you have more than enough to get started. As always, the best way to learn is to begin.
What is the history of weed pens?
Through Joseph Robinson, the first cannabis vaporizer, which was a mechanical butane ignition vaporizer, was seen in the 20th century. Later, in 1960, Herbert Gilbert invented a device called “Smokeless,” which is a battery-powered vaporizer.
How do I find a weed pen near me?
Check local dispensaries and shops near you that sell cannabis products. You can also type keywords like “weed pen near me” to search engines like Google.
How much is a weed pen?
The average weed pen price is $30. Prices may vary depending on the active ingredient’s potency and the device’s quality.
What are the potential side effects of weed pens?
Side effects, often caused by overconsumption, include dry mouth, red eyes, impaired motor skills, temporary reduction of short-term memory, etc.
Can you buy weed vape pens in bulk?
Yes, there are online stores that cater to wholesale cannabis pen purchases.
Which THC vape pen is best for managing pain?
Pick vape pens with cartridges containing cannabis strains high in THC and CBD. It also helps if the cannabis concentration is higher than usual.
What’s the difference between dabbing and vaping?
Dabbing traditionally involves the use of a dab rig to draw vapor out of cannabis concentrates like wax or shatter. Vaping refers to the use of vaping devices like cannabis pens to heat cannabis concentrates to produce vapor.
Do marijuana vapes smell?
Yes, but faintly compared to other traditional methods (smoking). The smell doesn’t last long, either.
How strong is the THC in a vaping pen?
Low-level weed pens contain an average of 80-100 mg per gram of cannabis concentrates, while high-THC concentrates can reach up to 1000 mg per gram.
What is the safest vape pen type?
It’s difficult to pinpoint the safest weed vape type. Folks should, instead, look at the quality of the device and whether the e-juice or herb has undergone thorough testing.
Can I bring a weed pen inside an airport or airplane?
As per the 2018 Farm Bill, weed pens with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC can be brought inside the plane through carry-ons. However, airports have different protocols when it comes to THC vapes. Research the airport’s website to search for laws or call their customer service before the flight.
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