Move over, smoking and edibles. The cannabis oil vape pen is the new hot paraphernalia. Vaping is already the third most popular way to get cannabinoids into your system, following closely behind smoking and edibles, and sales are only going up.
- In California in 2017, vaping concentrates outsold flower for the first time in industry history.
- In 2018, nationwide sales of cannabis vape pens and other vaping products increased by 105.5 percent.
- Experts predict that the concentrates market will hit $8.5 billion by 2022—triple what it was in 2018.
Vape pens are convenient and easy to use, allowing users to get the quick-hit benefits of inhaling cannabis without the health risks of smoking. There can be a learning curve for beginners, though that curve is easy to get over with enough accurate information.
What Is a Cannabis Oil Vape Pen?
A vape pen is a device that turns heated cannabis oil into vapor so that you can inhale it. It looks a lot like a large fountain or ballpoint pen, hence the name. A typical cannabis oil vape pen has three parts:
- A battery, which provides the energy needed to heat the cannabis oil
- An atomizer or heating coil, which does the actual heating
- A tank or cartridge filled with liquid or oil, the cannabis substance that you end up inhaling in vapor form
Every cannabis oil vape pen on the market, from the most basic to the most advanced, has these components. The only differences are how they’re used.
Choosing a Cannabis Oil Vape Pen
Some vape pens activate when you press the power button. Others turn on when you inhale through the mouthpiece—these are called draw-activated pens. Some have adjustable outputs, while others produce the same amount of power every time. Beginners may prefer a non-adjustable pen for simplicity, but there’s no hard and fast rule.
Disposable or Reusable?
Some cannabis oil vape pens are single-use, meaning that you throw out the battery and cartridge together when you’re done. These tend to be less expensive per pen, so they’re good for beginners who aren’t yet sure if vaping is for them.
The downside to disposable pens is that they end up costing you more in the long run if you stick with vaping. You’ll have to buy a completely new pen every time you run out of liquid or oil. Also, the hit you get from a disposable pen tends to be weaker.
If you want a stronger hit, consider starting with a rechargeable pen. Each time you run out of oil or liquid, you’ll switch out the cartridge but keep the battery. You’ll have to remember to recharge it, but you’ll save money long-term.
Non-Pen Options
A vape pen is the most convenient choice for most new vapers, but there are other options for vaping cannabis available.
For example, if you prefer to use flower versus oil, consider a portable flower vape device. These are battery-powered and highly portable, just like pens, but you know you’re getting the pure flower.
Another option is the dab pen, which gives you a bit more flexibility in your dosing compared to the traditional cannabis oil vape pen. Dab pens let you vape very small amounts of extra-concentrated cannabis extract, or “dabs.” Some people find that there’s a steep learning curve for dab pens, so they tend to be better for more adventurous beginners.
There’s a lot to think about, so take your time and do your research. Ask a trusted cannabis expert for advice, and remember that you can always change your mind if you find something you like better.
Enjoy, and happy vaping!