For most vaping beginners, the first device they will use will be a vape pen. These devices are usually budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and easy to maintain devices, but that doesn't mean there aren’t some basic things you should learn about vaping before jumping in.
This article will talk about what a vape pen is, the essential components of what makes a vape pen work, and the best way to maintain the device for long-term use. We'll also discuss various substances you can enjoy with a vape pen and how to choose the best substance and device for your lifestyle.
What is a Vape Pen?
A vape pen is a small, cylindrical device that often looks very similar to a traditional ball-point pen. Most vape pens have an internal battery and are designed to attach to various oil cartridges. The result is a device that quickly and easily produces vapor (not smoke) from your choice of vape juice, CBD, or THC oil.
Parts of a Vape Pen
While the parts of a vape pen can vary depending on the specific model you have, most have core components that are the same across devices.
Vape Battery
The vape battery is what makes the entire vaping process possible. It's the heaviest part of the vape pen and usually has a 510 threaded connection to attach to different e-juice or oil cartridges. Some batteries will have a button that allows the user to turn the device on and off or adjust heat settings, while others have no additional features.
Vape Cartridge
The vape cartridge is what connects to the vape battery. Inside of the cartridge, you'll find your chosen vaping substance, as well as an atomizer that will heat the oil to create vapor. Most vape cartridges will have a connected mouthpiece where you can take hits of vapor.
How to Use a Vape Pen
Vape pens work in a very straightforward way.
- First, you will power on the device, usually by clicking the power button five times. Most vape pens will light up, letting you know that they have successfully powered on.
- Then, you will press and hold the power button. This will send a stream of power to the atomizer, which will create vapor. It makes vapor instantly, so as soon as you press and hold the power button, you'll be able to take a hit right away. Depending on the viscosity of what you vape, it may take a few moments to get thick, strong hits of vapor.
- Once you have vaped your fill, you will press the power button five times to turn the device off. If you have a draw-fire vape, you will skip any steps that involve a button. Instead, you'll take a draw, and the device will create vapor. When you're done, stop taking puffs! The device will turn off on its own.
Keep It Charged and Stored Properly
The last thing you want to do is be ready for a relaxing vape session and have the battery be dead. Make sure your vape pen has a full charge, especially after an extended vaping session. It would help if you also stored the vape pen at average room temperature to protect the battery. That means you should NOT leave it in your car for any reason!
Try Disposable Vape Pens When Traveling
Suppose you want to avoid the hassle of keeping track of a vape pen and cartridges while on the go, consider a disposable vape pen. Disposables are ready to vape right out of the box. They will have an ultimately charged battery and a full tank of vape juice or oil. The Firefly Mini is a fantastic choice for a high-end, oil disposable pen while you travel.
What Is THC?
THC is the compound responsible for creating the feeling of being "high" commonly associated with consuming marijuana products. THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the active cannabinoid in marijuana. Too much THC can cause paranoia and other symptoms of psychosis, but it is impossible to overdose on THC.
Aside from being responsible for the classic psychoactive properties of marijuana, THC is also used to treat various pain. Research suggests it can be used to treat nerve pain effectively, primarily when used together with CBD. THC is also commonly used to treat nausea and other adverse side effects from treatments like chemotherapy.
How to Use a Vape Pen for THC
The process of vaping THC oil won't vary from vaping any other oil, but you need to pay attention to how much you vape. Many vapers are used to creating large vape clouds from nicotine-infused e-liquids, but you shouldn't have similar expectations from vaping THC oils.
Instead, it would be best if you vaped THC by taking one or two hits at a time and waiting about 15 minutes in between each hit. If the high you feel is strong enough, put the pen aside and relax! If you need more, take one or two more puffs and wait again.
Vaping too much THC won't cause any severe health problems, but it can trigger bouts of paranoia and general discomfort. Continuously vape THC slowly and patiently, so you don't end up uncomfortably high.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is another cannabinoid commonly found in cannabis. CBD is the prominent cannabinoid in hemp, though there are strains of marijuana with significant levels of CBD. In recent years, CBD has exploded in popularity, both because of its availability and promising medicinal effects.
Unlike THC, CBD does not create any psychoactive effects, meaning it won't get you high. However, research suggests that it can be used as an effective pain-management tool, especially when controlling and eliminating inflammation. It may also be effective in helping to manage anxiety and depression.
How to Use a Vape Pen for CBD Cartridges
Much like when vaping THC, you want to take it slow when you vape CBD cartridges. Vaping too much isn't going to cause health problems (just like THC), but it can cause discomfort or gastric distress. We recommend taking one or two hits and waiting 15 minutes to see how you feel.
If you are using CBD to manage anxiety or depression, you'll need to keep track of how much you vape and how often you vape. This will make it easy to see if you need to increase or decrease your dosage or if you need to take puffs more frequently throughout the day.
How to Choose a Vape Pen
As soon as you learn how to use a vape pen, it’s time to go shopping for one! So, how can you choose the right vape pen for you and your unique preferences and routines? Here are a few traits to consider:
Size
Most cannabis vape pens are handheld in size, making it convenient for users to carry them in their pockets or purses. They are easy to handle because they are portable and can be used on the go.
In general, the handheld size works for most consumers. In fact, there are now mini models that increase discretion and portability for tight spaces or concealment. Other vape pens might be larger in size for higher battery capability, or because they’re older models. If discretion is important for you, or if you travel a lot, going for a mini model is a good idea.
Vape Material
After learning how to use a vape pen, an essential thing to consider before buying one is the type of material you’ll be consuming. Some vaporizers are equipped to handle vaporizing oil, concentrates and flower, while some can only handle one of them.
Depending on your unique preferences, you’ll want to ensure you get a vape pen that is known to be good at handling the type of material you plan on consuming the most.
Vape Coil
Last but not the least, as a first-time buyer you need to keep in mind that the type of vape coil your vape pen should be equipped with will determine the longevity, durability, taste, and smoothness. The three most common types of coil are wicks, quartz, and ceramic.
If you’re a flavor connoisseur, we would recommend you try ceramic due to its ability to enhance taste. If you’re the type of consumer who requires quick hits over elevated flavor, then you should definitely go for quartz coils because they heat up faster.
It helps if your vape pen offers a wide range of temperature controls so you can choose the heating level that’s best for the material you most often consume.
How to Store a Vape Pen
It is important for those just introduced to vaping to learn how to properly store a vape pen. Vape pens should be stored in an upright position in a room-temperature environment. The upright position will prevent accidental oil leaks from the cartridge, which will create a giant, sticky mess. It will also stop oil from traveling into the vapor path, which could obstruct the vapor flow when you're ready to vape next.
Excessively high or low temperatures can damage your vape battery. As we said earlier, storing your vape pen in a car is a huge mistake. The extreme heat can damage your battery, and in some instances, can cause your battery to leak and catch fire. As with any electronic device, your vape pen should have a permanent home in a climate-controlled environment.
Find the Right Vape Pen for You
Vape pens are a standard product, and you can find them in a variety of retailers. This includes brick-and-mortar vape shops, dispensaries, and online retailers.
Disposable vaping is a smart way to learn what you do and don't like about vaping oils. If you are new to vaping, take a look at the Firefly Mini. It is a high-end, easy-to-use disposable vape that serves as a fantastic introduction into the world of vaping.
If you're interested in branching out from vape oils and vaping dry herbs, check out our flagship device, the Firefly 2+. It provides an outstanding vaping experience, and many of our customers have converted from vaping oils to dry herbs specifically for this device.
Reach out to us if you have any questions about vaping or how our specific products could meet your vaping needs!
