The popularity of vape pens has been on the rise in recent years. They’re convenient, portable, and more discreet than smoking. Whether you’re new to using a cannabis vape pen or you’re an old pro, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your experience.
Researching Your Options
Vape pens are oil or dry herb vaporizers. They’re small, battery-powered devices that transform cannabis oils or flower into an inhalable vapor. You can find a variety of disposable and refillable options, all made from different materials.
Disposable cannabis vape pens are single-use. When the cartridge is empty, you throw it away and purchase a new one. Refillable vape pens have cartridges that you refill with your chosen oil, concentrate, or dry flower when empty. They’re also rechargeable. When the battery gets low, you need to plug it in.
Take a look at your options before deciding which vape pen to buy. You can also speak with your budtender to find the option that best suits your needs.
Selecting Your Strain
There is a wide array of cannabis oils for vape pens, all made from different strains of cannabis. Like selecting a flower, you should choose a vape oil based on the experience or effects that you want to achieve. For instance, an Indica strain can help you relax and unwind while a Sativa can help boost your energy and creativity.
You should also consider the THC and CBD content of the oil or flower. Those high in THC can have psychoactive effects. If you want the benefits of the oil with fewer mind-altering effects, look for a high CBD, low THC strain.
Using Your Device
Vape pens, whether disposable or refillable, are typically in one of two styles. One style involves the use of a button, which activates the pen to heat the oil. After pushing the button, you inhale, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale the vapor. The other style is known as auto-draw. It’s a buttonless vape pen that activates when you inhale.
Getting Your Dosage Right
With a cannabis vape pen, the larger the hit you take, the more THC and CBD you inhale. If you’re new to vaping, you should start with a couple of small puffs. The effects of vaping happen fairly quickly, so you shouldn’t have to wait long to feel anything. If you feel nothing after 20 minutes, take another one or two small puffs. As you grow accustomed to using your pen and know what to expect, you can take bigger draws (or take a few more draws) until you find what works best for you.
Keeping It Clean
Disposable vape pens don’t last long. As such, you don’t really need to worry about maintenance. If you opt for a refillable pen, however, you do need to clean it periodically to ensure its longevity and that it continues to provide you with the best experience.
Dry herb vape pens should be cleaned after each use to eliminate particles in the chamber and on the screen. Tap out the lingering filling and then use a cotton swab or small brush to clean the interior. Don’t use water, as it could short the wiring. You can, however, run the mouthpiece under running water.
You should never use water to clean an oil vape pen, nor should you use alcohol in the chamber with the wick. Detach the components and use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the mouthpiece and heating chamber to eliminate residue. Take care around the coil to avoid breaking it. Let all of the parts dry before reassembling it.
Storing Your Vape Pen
When storing your vape pen, keep it upright and out of high heat and direct sunlight. Keep it away from moisture. Proper storage is essential for ensuring the longevity of the pen. Vaping is quickly becoming the preferred method of cannabis consumption over smoking. These tips can help to ensure that you have a great experience every time.
