Vape pens are a convenient way to consume cannabis and enjoy its wellness benefits. They are portable and discreet, and the oils inside the vape pen come in various strain-specific flavors. But if you are new to the world of vaping, you may not know how to use a vape pen. That’s okay; we’re here to give you a crash course on everything you need to know to operate these convenient devices.
Using a vape pen is not difficult. Many are preloaded with vape juice and can attach to just about any vape cartridge. All you have to do is press the button and inhale. Some are even draw-activated for ultimate convenience and a user-friendly experience. Things get more complex, though, considering charging needs, cartridge replacement, and other maintenance needs. Keep reading as we take you through the various vape pen functions so you understand how to use a vape pen.
What Are Vape Pens?
Vape pens (vapes) are portable, battery-powered devices used to vaporize liquids and fluids that contain cannabis extracts or other e-liquids for inhalation. These portable vaporizers have two main parts: a vape cartridge (vape cart or cart) and a battery (vape pen).
Cannabis vape pens come in two types: hemp vape pens and marijuana or “weed” vape pens. A weed pen is federally illegal since it contains marijuana. But we’re not here to teach you how to use weed pen vaporizers. If you’re wondering how to hit a weed pen, here’s a little secret: it’s the same as any other cannabis pen. Yes, learning how to vape weed is the same as other forms of cannabis. We’ll explore this further later on.
The most popular cannabis vape pens on the market are those that contain hemp-derived cannabis oil. Hemp vape pens are 100% federally legal as long as they contain a total THC content of 0.3% or less.
The Evolution of Vape Pens
Unlike smoking, vape pens do not use combustion. Instead, they utilize a heating element that vaporizes the liquid in the chamber of the vape cartridge. What results is smooth, velvety vapor with rich flavor and pleasing aromas. Since there is no harsh smoke or acrid aromas produced, vape pens are a more acceptable method for those who like to inhale cannabis.
Many credit the invention of the vape pen to Chinese pharmacist and inventor Hon Lik. He had just quit smoking after his father died of lung cancer. Lik produced a device that would vaporize pressurized liquid containing nicotine. He believed it would be a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes.
His idea was soon adapted worldwide. Manufacturers introduced several design elements that made the vape pen more convenient. New features such as a screwdriver-like design and an activated switch further expanded the product’s possibilities and laid the groundwork for current vape pens on the market. Before that, vape pens were simple cylinders, often called e-cigarettes.
Although vape pens were originally introduced as a nicotine alternative, they soon took off in the world of cannabis. Enthusiasts liked them because they were easy to carry around. The diverse flavors of the cannabis oil disguised the smell, providing a more discreet experience than smoking flower.
How To Use a Vape Pen
Vape pens can be used to consume cannabis of all types. Here are some guidelines for vaping a hemp-derived vape pen.
Vaping THC
Many enthusiasts use vape pens to vape THC. Also known as Delta 9 THC, Delta 9, D9 THC, or D9, THC is popular for its euphoric and “psychoactive” effects. However, several other THC-adjacent cannabinoids exist. These cannabinoids share a similar chemical structure to THC and have similar properties as a result.
However, some types are more potent than others. Start by researching various cannabis compounds to ensure your cannabis oil contains a mix that meets your wellness needs. Popular THC cannabinoids include Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC, THCp, and HHC.
Here is how to use a THC vape pen:
- Step 1: Charge Up. Plug the vape pen into a charger. Wait until the light indicates a full charge.
- Step 2: Load Cartridge. Attach the oil or cartridge to the pen. Make sure it’s securely connected.
- Step 3: Power On. Press the button 3-5 times to turn it on. Check for a light or vibration to confirm.
- Step 4: Inhale. Press the button while inhaling through the mouthpiece. Release the button and exhale smoothly.
- Step 5: Pace Yourself. Start slowly with small puffs to determine how the THC affects you. Increase gradually as needed.
Vaping CBD
CBD is a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive hemp plant cannabinoid that provides various wellness benefits. However, it may be combined with other compounds to provide a full-spectrum effect. Consider the compounds in your cartridges to ensure you are getting desirable results.
The process for vaping THC and vaping CBD is very similar. Follow the five simple steps in the previous section, and you’ll be good to go.
Even though CBD is nonpsychotic, you never know how it will affect you. Go slow with this product to determine its effects before moving on to bigger doses. CBD will not produce euphoria. However, you will feel at ease and have less stress and anxiousness overall. Consuming CBD daily as part of a well-rounded wellness routine will benefit you from its many advantages.
Look forward to elevated mood, physical discomfort relief, joint and mobility support, and deeper, more restful sleep.
Hemp and Weed Pen Types in the Market Today
Thanks to the evolution of vape pens, there are various types on the cannabis market today. Here are a few you can choose from.
Disposable Vape Pen
As the name suggests, a disposable vape pen is meant to be thrown away after the cartridge is depleted. You cannot replace its battery or cartridge. Once these elements are depleted, you must throw the vape pen out. These vape pens may seem wasteful, but many consumers would rather not deal with rechargeable vape pens and cartridge replacement. Disposable vape pens can be push-button or draw-activated.
Push-Button Vape Pen
A push-button vape pen has a button that must be pushed to vaporize the cannabis oil. Consumers should press the button as they inhale. Some prefer the convenience of a draw-activated vape pen, but a push button prevents accidental activation and preserves battery life. These vapes also allow you to easily swap out cartridges. This adds variety to your vaping experience and allows you to enjoy multiple flavors without being tied down to one.
Draw-Activated Vape Pen
Draw-activated vape pens eliminate the need to press a button before inhaling, which some consumers find more convenient. They also tend to be less expensive than push-button vape pens.
Dry Herb Vape Pen
A dry herb vape pen heats cannabis flower. It differs from other types of vape pens that heat cannabis oil. A dry herb vape or flower vape may be harder to use than a vape pen, but some people prefer it because it helps them avoid toxic ingredients often found in certain vape oils. Dry herb vapes also allow you to enjoy the purity of flower without smoking, which can produce harsh, acrid smoke.
Wax Vape Pen
Wax vape pens (wax vapes or wax pen) offer a convenient way to consume cannabis concentrates such as budder, dab, and crumble. These dab pens heat the concentrate in the chamber until it vaporizes. Concentrates tend to be potent, so go slowly when consuming these products.
Rechargeable Vape Pen
A rechargeable vape pen features a rechargeable battery. Most vape batteries can charge via their USB port. However, some must be removed and charged with an external battery charger. If you use a rechargeable vape pen, ensure you have good battery life.
How To Select the Perfect Vape Pen
Here are some things to consider when choosing a vape pen suited to your needs.
- Vape Pen Type. Consider the type of vape pen you prefer. Will your vape pen be rechargeable or disposable? Will it feature a push button, or will it be draw-activated? Consider the pros and cons involved with each vape variety.
- Purposes. Next, consider what you will use the vape for. Most use vape pens to consume cannabis oil. However, if you choose to vape dry herb or wax, you will need a different type of vape pen.
- Battery Capacity. A good battery is important regardless of whether the vape is disposable or rechargeable. A high-quality rechargeable battery will need less charging. It will also make disposable vape pens last longer. Generally, batteries with a high mAh are long-lasting.
- Wattage. The wattage is the medium that controls your vape pen’s power. Most vape pens have a wattage range that does not adjust unless a new coil resistance is detected. MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapes, which mimic the sensation of smoking by drawing vapor into the mouth and then into the lungs, are the most common type of vapes. They have a wattage range of 1W to 15W, which is sufficient to heat high-resistance coils. A DTL (direct-to-lung) vape, which involves inhaling vapor directly into the lungs for a richer, soother, and large vape cloud experience, may have a wattage range of up to 200W. But these are only necessary for specialized coils.
- Other Features. Some vape pens have specialized features like airflow control, which affects cannabis vape pens’ flavor and vapor production. They also have intricate display screens that show your battery level, wattage, and coil resistance. These features are fun, but they are not necessary.
Benefits of Using Vape Pens
Vape pens offer numerous benefits over other forms of cannabis consumption. Here are the main benefits of consuming vape pens.
- Convenient. Cannabis can be difficult to deal with. You must break up the flower, roll it in a joint, or place it in a bowl or bong. With vape pens, all you have to do is charge and go; let the heating chamber do the work by warming the cannabis oil in the cartridge.
- Pleasant Smell. Cannabis has a tell-tale smell that’s covered by the flavors of vape cartridges. Vaping provides a more discreet experience thanks to the pleasing vapors and smokeless experience.
- Preserves Terpenes. Compared to smoking, vape pens turn cannabis flower to vapor at a lower temperature. The result: the terpenes are better preserved, enhancing the flavor and effects of the cannabis strain you are vaping.
- More Potent. A recent study revealed that vaping converts 46% of the THC in cannabis into vapor, whereas smoking converts only 25% of THC. This means that you will enjoy more potent effects from vaping.
- More Controlled Doses. When you smoke from a bong or pipe, you often take bigger hits than you anticipated. Vape pens enable you to take smaller puffs and have better control over the cannabis concentrate you consume.
Disposable vs. Rechargeable Vape Pens
Which one should you choose when it comes to disposable vs rechargeable vape pens? Both are great options. However, depending on your needs, one may be better at meeting them. Here are some factors to consider.
- Convenience. Disposable vape pens are more convenient. You don’t have to worry about recharging or refilling them. As soon as they are done, you can buy a new one. Plus, they’re draw-activated and do not require you to press any buttons when inhaling.
- Cost Savings. Rechargeable vape pens are more expensive, but you can keep them longer and save money in the long run. Vape carts are cheaper, but you have to have a working battery to use them with.
- Usage Duration. Disposables are single-use and pre-filled, lasting until the e-liquid or battery runs out, while rechargeables can be refilled and recharged multiple times.
- Customization. Disposables offer limited flavor and strength options, while rechargeables allow more customization. They allow you to easily swap out cartridges for flavor variety.
Why Choose BudPop for Perfect Vape Pens?
During the vape pen selection process, you must consider the brand you purchase from. Choose a reliable brand that has excellent customer reviews. The brand you select should use lab testing that ensures their products’ purity and potency.
BudPop checks off all the boxes. We use lab testing to ensure the quality of our Farm Bill-compliant cannabis concentrate. Our products are backed by top customer reviews and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
We carry various vape products that feature different cannabis compounds to provide a customized effect. Our vape oil does not contain any additives or toxic ingredients. One hit of our vapes will help you understand why our high-quality vapes will withstand the test of time.
FAQs on How to Use a Vape Pen
How Do You Hit a Vape Pen for Beginners?
Vape pens are simple to use. Ensure your pen is charged. After activation, press and hold the power button while you inhale from the mouthpiece using small puffs. Determine the effects before graduating to bigger hits. Some vapes have a button you must push before you inhale. Others are draw-activated.
How Do I Start Using a Vape?
If you are starting your vape journey, you should consider factors like the type of pen you want to use, such as push button, draw-activated, rechargeable, disposable, dab pen, dry herb pen, or traditional, and the cannabis compounds you prefer. Once you determine those factors, you can purchase your device and begin vaping.
How Often Should I Vape?
How often you vape depends on your needs. Your vaping routine depends on the type of e-liquid you use. If you vape a non-psychoactive cannabis oil cartridge like CBD, you may be able to make vaping a part of your regular wellness routine. But if you use a more potent cannabis concentrate, you may want to avoid using it in certain situations.
How Do I Turn on My Vape Pen?
To turn on a vape pen, press the power button five times. You must charge them to ensure they will activate. When inhaling, press and hold the power button to ensure you produce vapor. However, with other vape pens, you can simply inhale and enjoy the benefits. Draw-activated vape pens do not require you to turn them on.
Why Is My Vape Pen Not Working?
Vape pens may stop working for various reasons. Start by ensuring your battery is charged, and your cartridge is full. If you still have issues, try cleaning the charging ports to ensure your battery is making contact. Check that your cartridge isn’t screwed on too tight. You may also try applying a hair dryer on the lowest setting to get your e-liquid moving.
Are Vape Pens Good For Beginners?
Yes, vape pens are good for beginners because they are easy to use. You don’t need to learn how to break up or roll cannabis flower like you would with smoking. And unlike dabbing, you don’t need clunky dab rigs or accessories like a dab tool to operate.
How Do You Vape Weed as a Beginner?
If you are starting vaping weed, go slow and take your time. Take a small puff to see how it affects you. Wait a while, then take more on an as-needed basis.
Final Thoughts – How To Use a Vape Pen?
Curious about how to use a vape pen? It’s pretty easy! Vape pens are not difficult to use. Simply charge them, press a push button (if necessary) approximately five times to activate the pen, and inhale from the mouthpiece while holding down the power button. Before moving on to a larger dosage, take a small amount to see how it affects you.
You must also make several purchase considerations. Consider the type of pen you prefer, the compounds that produce the desired effects, and the provider you purchase from. Buy your vape products from a brand that uses lab testing and has a good reputation in the industry, like Budpop! Now you know how to use a weed pen, hemp pen, and cannabis pen in general! Here’s hoping you enjoy a convenient and enjoyable vaping experience.