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One of the biggest learning curves for those new to THC is finding the right "dosage." The right amount of THC will vary from person to person for a lot of different reasons (like weight, experience with THC, and even your genetic disposition). Even how you take THC, either through an edible or vaping, can change how much you end up using. It's important to know how to find the best dosage for you without taking too much (since it can be difficult to sober up from weed). In this article, we'll talk about some general dosing guides to help you get started, what you can do if you think you're too high, and some possible benefits from regularly taking THC. How Strong Is Your Cannabis-Infused Edible? Edibles are a fantastic way to enjoy some of the benefits of THC while avoiding some of the harms of smoking it. However, edibles are notorious for providing beginners with an unexpectedly strong high (which we'll talk about more in-depth a bit later). For now, you need to make sure you understand the strength of your edible.  Edibles, THC oils, and THC tinctures that are sold in legal dispensaries will have the THC concentration clearly labeled in milligrams (mg). You'll need to do some basic math to determine how much THC is in each edible gummy or cookie or how much is in a single tincture of THC oil. Fans of CBD (another common cannabinoid) will be used to this labeling. Take a look at this picture of a bottle of CBD gummies. Note that the bottle provides the total THC available while also telling how much is in each gummy: Beginners will want to be sure that they know how much is in each gummy to prevent taking too strong of a dose.  Edibles THC Dosing Chart  What's the Recommended Standard Dosage of THC? When we talk about "standard dosages" of THC, it's important to keep in mind that each person has a different experience when taking THC. Some need much stronger doses, others need much less, and some may not be able to get high from edibles at all. Keep that in mind as you begin to find your ideal dose of THC.  Having said that, there are professional recommendations of standard dosages. One study suggested starting patients with 2.5mg of THC, increasing the dose by 2.5mg as needed to a maximum of 40mg a day. Keep in mind that this was part of a formal treatment plan that included other cannabinoids, like CBD.  In general, a single dose that has 5mg to 10mg of THC is usually seen as a "standard" dose. Beginners can usually start at around 5mg without running a risk of getting uncomfortably high, but there's enough THC in 5mg that most new users will feel some kind of high. If you're concerned about getting too stoned, you can always start with 2.5mg of THC! Recommended Dosage For Tinctures You'll follow the same advice for tinctures as you do for edibles, with one important difference. Tinctures or oil are more bioavailable, which means they deliver more THC per dose than edibles. When you use a tincture or oil, you'll hold it under your tongue for several seconds, which allows some of the THC to pass directly into your bloodstream.  With edibles, you'll have to wait for the THC to make its way through your digestive system and liver. While edibles and tinctures are both very potent, tinctures are even more potent, so start with small doses first, like 2.5mg, especially if you're a beginner. Recommended Dosage For Vaping Vaping cartridges can be challenging to dose accurately. How potent a pull from a vape will depend on how big of a puff you took. Even if all of your puffs are the same, you still can't get a precision mg dosage like you can from edibles.  However, there are a few tips you can follow to find a comfortable dose. THC from vaping hits quickly, usually within 15 minutes. If you're new to vaping, take one small hit and wait until you feel how it impacts you. You'll likely want to take another hit, but vaping slowly but surely will help you land on approximately how many puffs you need for an appropriate dose.  Aside from vaping slowly, try to pull from the vape the same amount of time when you take a puff. You can even count in your head to time it. While you may not get the precision measurement for the dose, you can still calculate how many puffs you need for a comfortable high.  Recommended Dosage For Concentrates Concentrates will be dosed similarly to how you dose with vaping. You could potentially weigh how much wax you want to vape and base your dose off of that, but it's not recommended if you are vaping concentrates for the first time. Concentrates are extremely potent, and we suggest you start out slow and steady to find how many puffs you need.  Once you become more comfortable with concentrates, you can start weighing wax before you vape and base your dose off how much wax you can safely vape at once. Recommended Dosage For Flower Flower also presents challenges to dosing, but it's actually much easier to dose flower than vaping or concentrates. When you vape flower, all of the buds in the heating chamber are usually exhausted (unlike concentrates). You can weigh your flower to get a more accurate dose, but don't feel pressured to clear a heating chamber if you're just starting to use flower.  Vaping flower will hit quickly like vaping cartridges, so we recommend taking a small hit and seeing how it impacts you. As you get more comfortable with the high, you can start thinking about measuring flower to get a more precise dose.  You will need a sensitive scale that will measure to the tenths or hundredths of a gram, but if you don't want to invest in equipment, you can always measure by the pinch. It won't be as precise, but it will still be a better overall gauge than measuring puffs from vaping cartridges or concentrates.  What's a Safe Amount of THC to Consume? While you can have an uncomfortable experience taking too much THC, there's not a danger of overdoses like with opioids or stimulants. Instead, users will want to avoid taking so much THC that they experience negative side-effects, which includes: Paranoia/anxiety Nausea/vomiting Confusion Rapid changes in mood Unfortunately, the amount of THC to experience the more negative side-effects varies widely from person to person. Like we mentioned earlier, your genetic predisposition can impact how THC affects you, but it also depends on the specific edible product, even if THC concentration is the same.  Different strains of marijuana impact people in different ways and many edible products include a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, not just pure THC. The way these compounds interact can affect your high, which can make specific dosing recommendations difficult.  For beginners, starting off with a low amount of THC (2.5mg - 5mg) is the best way to find a comfortable dosage without getting too high.  How Long Does It Take to Feel Cannabis Edibles? The time it takes to feel edibles will also vary from person to person. However, most users can expect to feel some kind of high between 30 minutes to an hour after an edible has been eaten (though it can be longer for some). This is in stark contrast to vaping weed, which usually kicks in around 10 minutes (and in some cases, within the first couple of puffs).  The reason why it takes such an extended period of time to feel edibles is because of how our body metabolizes THC. Our livers turn THC into 11-Hydroxy metabolite, which gets you high like THC but is far more potent. This is one of the reasons seasoned weed vapers with high THC tolerances will look to edibles to get a stronger, more satisfying high.  The delay is also a reason that edibles are notorious for making beginners too high. Again, starting with those low 2.5mg - 5mg doses is an ideal way to experiment with edibles without having an adverse experience.  How Long Does It Take to Feel Tinctures? You're looking at a similar time frame to feel tinctures or oils when compared to edible, which is 30 minutes to an hour. While some of the THC will be absorbed through your mouth when you hold the oils or tinctures under your tongue, you still have to wait for the THC to make its way to the liver to become 11-Hydroxy metabolite.  How Long Does It Take to Feel Vaping Cartridges? Vaping will hit you pretty quickly, usually within 15 minutes. The THC goes into your bloodstream directly from your lungs, so you'll feel the high quickly. This makes it easy to get used to vaping, since you can vape slowly and quickly see whether or not you want to vape more.  How Long Does It Take to Feel Concentrates? Since concentrates are vaped, you'll feel them quickly, usually within 15 minutes. Unlike vaping flower or vape cartridges, concentrates are extremely potent. They not only hit fast but also hit hard. Make sure to vape slowly when you vape concentrates for the first time.  How Long Does It Take to Feel Flower? As with cartridges and concentrates, flower will also hit within 15 minutes. How high you get will depend on the concentration of THC in the flower. Vaping flower has the benefits of enjoying other natural cannabinoids in cannabis (like CBD), so the high you'll feel might be different when compared to vaping cartridges or concentrates.  What Is a Good MG Dose for Edibles? While a good dose for each person is different, looking at "standard" dosing advice can be a useful benchmark for future edible sessions. While new uses should start a low dose regardless of the kind of experience they want, the following will be helpful in guiding new users when they experiment with more potent edibles: 1-5mg Edible Dosing As we've mentioned, this is a great starting place for beginners. If you start at 2.5mg or less, you may not even feel a ‘high’ (but you may experience some benefits, like increased appetite or decreased anxiety). Most users feel something at 5mg, but this dosage can be too light even for those that are brand new to edibles.  Regardless, we recommend starting no higher than 5mg for your first edible experience (remember, you can always work your way up to more potent doses!) 5mg-10mg Edible Dosing This is where almost all beginners will feel a decent high, especially at the 10mg level. Feelings of euphoria and increased appetite are common, as well as general relaxation. The 10mg level is a common dose to help with falling and staying asleep.  If you're new to edibles or THC tinctures and 5mg didn't do much for you, then 10mg is a great dose to try next. It will be significantly stronger without running the risk of being too potent. 10mg - 20mg Edible Dosing This range is very potent for beginners (and far too potent for many). This is especially true with the 15mg - 20mg range, which is a rare place for beginners to start. If you are an experienced cannabis user, 15mg is a great place to start, but you'll likely end up in some of the higher MG ranges.  Effects at this level can help some users with acute pain, significant sleep problems, or other users with chronic pain problems.  20mg-30mg Edible Dosing This range will be debilitating for nearly any beginner. However, for experienced THC users, this may be the ideal range for providing a strong, satisfying high (especially if THC tolerance has taken the edge off of vaping cannabis). Even intermediate cannabis users might find this level too high, and those that take it can expect the high to last several hours. 30mg-50mg Edible Dosing Experienced users with a strong THC tolerance will often look to this range for potent, long-lasting effects. This is especially true for users with acute, chronic pain or for those that need help sleeping through the entire night. For the majority of users, 50mg will cause sleepiness and strong pain relief (though you can expect a strong case of the munchies, too).  50mg-100mg+ This range is usually reserved for users that have severe, chronic conditions (like cancer or Crohn’s disease). It is incredibly potent, and if you don't already have a significant tolerance to THC, it's almost certain you'll experience the negative effects of taking too much THC we mentioned earlier.  Some users may end up working their way to this dosage level, but no one should start at this level. The majority of users that take edibles or THC tinctures will never regularly take doses at this level.  What Is a Good MG Dose For Tinctures? You can use the above guide pretty closely for oils or tinctures. You can measure tinctures in mg doses, just like edibles, though you'll have to pay close attention to the included dropper. If you're using tinctures for the first time, try taking a dose that is 5-10% weaker than your normal edible dose, since tinctures get more THC into your bloodstream than edibles do. What Is a Good MG Dose For Cartridges, Concentrates, and Flower? Unfortunately, you won't be able to measure out precise mg doses with cartridges, concentrates, or flower. You can consider weighing your wax or bud before loading it into the heating chamber, but we recommend you vape slowly and find how many puffs work best for your needs. Can You Overdose on THC? What Happens if You Take Too Much? We mentioned earlier that it's basically impossible to overdose from THC. In this book, Weed: The User's Guide, David Schmader discusses the data he gathered from experts about how much THC someone would need to consume for a lethal dose. The result?  "...A fatal dose of marijuana would require ingestion of fifteen hundred pounds in fifteen minutes."  Users can rest assured that you aren't going to have a lethal overdose of marijuana. That doesn't mean you can't have an unpleasant experience from taking too much too quickly, though. As we said earlier, getting too high can make you feel anxious, paranoid, nauseous, and can even cause irrational thoughts or hallucinations.  If you start off with low doses and work your way up to a comfortable THC level, then your chances of ever getting too high are pretty slim.  What Are the Benefits of Taking Small Amounts of THC Regularly? We've spent a lot of time talking about what can happen if you get too high, but there's also a lot of great, potential benefits for those that take small amounts of THC regularly. Here are some benefits that users may experience: Chronic pain relief (helping people to transition off of opioid painkillers) Nausea relief (especially among cancer patients going through chemotherapy) Muscle spasm control Appetite stimulant    Again, these are possible outcomes. Research into how THC affects the body is still new, so it's hard to make concrete health claims. For many users, they may find relief from a variety of health conditions through moderate use of THC edibles.   Tips For Relieving Overconsumption of Edibles Even if you're careful, you may have an experience where you have eaten too potent of edibles too quickly. If you ever feel as though you're too high, there are several steps you can take to help sober up from weed. Here are a few to keep in mind when taking edibles: Move to a comfortable environment, stay calm, and remind yourself that you are not in any physical danger. You can't overdose on weed.  Take a strong dose of CBD (double the dose you had of THC). Some research suggests that CBD might take the edge off of a THC high.  Chew on some lemon rinds. Lemons have limonene, which may help calm you down if you are feeling panicky during your high.  Aside from those tips, make sure to drink plenty of water, grab some snacks, and allow the THC to work its way out of your body.  Tips For Relieving Overuse of Tinctures, Vape Cartridges, Concentrates, and Flower Fortunately, the tips for helping calm down a high that is too strong are the same regardless of what form of cannabis you consumed. If you're too high from vape cartridges, concentrates, or flower, you can rest assured knowing that their high is short-lived compared to tinctures and edibles.  Try to get comfortable, take some CBD, if available, and you'll start to come down from your high before you know it! SHOP NOW

Types of vape Beginners to vaping often feel overwhelmed and confused by the types of vapes available on the market today. Even veterans can get confused when discussing the variety of vape pens, box mods, and devices designed to cater to particular substances or vaping styles. You are not alone in your confusion. Below, the vaping experts explain the variety of devices you can find when shopping for a vape. These explanations are fantastic for helping you narrow down your choices when shopping for your first vape (or even a second or third device). By the time you're done reading, you'll be a bit of an expert yourself. How to Vape Of course, before you start looking into different kinds of vapes, it's helpful to understand what you need to vape. There are three primary components you have to vape: Vaporizer battery Heating chamber/atomizer Vaping substance (for example, e-liquid or cannabis) It's easy for beginners to buy a device that looks complete but is missing a vital component to function. It is especially true with e-liquid vapes (like box mods), which are regularly sold without an included atomizer (this is the component that vaporizes the e-liquid).  It is why we recommend that beginners start with a vape kit. These kits will have everything you need to begin vaping (aside from your preferred substance), so you won't have any undue delays because you forgot a battery or atomizer.  Dry Herb Vapes and Wax Vapes Dry herb and wax vapes (often designed for use with marijuana flower or extract) are rarely sold without heating chambers, so the likelihood of you buying a device for either one of these substances and that device lacking a necessary component) is very low. However, you should read the product description carefully or reach out to the manufacturer if you are unsure what else might be needed.  Different Kinds of Vapes Not only are there different kinds of vapes for specific vaping substances, but there are also different styles of vapes that cater to the same substance. Take a look below to see if there's a specific style or design that catches your eye! Some vaporizers can vape your choice of oil, dry herbs, or wax (with a few attachments and accessories). Oil Vapes Oil vapes (often referred to as e-liquid vapes) are the oldest style of vaporizer available. The majority of oils vapes are designed to use e-liquids that have been infused with nicotine, though there are e-liquids available that are nicotine-free. Oils vapes can also use CBD and THC oils, which we will discuss later in this article.  Direct-to-Lung (DTL) and Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vapes Within oil vapes, you'll see choices that are often labeled as DTL or MTL designs. This means the device is designed with one or two options in mind. DTL means the device is designed to breathe vapor directly from the device into their lungs with no interruption (so it goes straight to your mouth). Second, MTL vapes are designed for the user to draw vapor into their mouth, hold it, and then inhale it. DTL designs are prevalent with large-capacity atomizers designed for e-liquid vaping since it's much easier to create vast plumes of vapor. MTL designs are usually found with devices designed for more viscous oils, like CBD or THC oils. Dry Herb Vapes Dry herb vapes will come in two standard designs: convection or conduction. Conduction vapes use a heating element to make direct contact with your dry herb to vaporize it. Unfortunately, this leads to uneven heating, so unless you want to get a mouthful of ash, you'll need to stir your dry herb occasionally as you vape.  Convection vapes use super-hot air for baking your dry herb, which creates the vapor you can inhale. Convection vapes work just like convection ovens, so heat is distributed evenly throughout the heating chamber. This is an excellent choice if you try to target specific cannabinoids or terpenes or simply want a higher-end vaping experience.    Wax Vapes Wax vapes will have a variety of different features, but their core function will be the same. They will have a heating chamber where wax is loaded directly onto heating coils. Those heating coils vaporize the resin, which is then inhaled.  Cannabis and CBD Vapes With cannabis increasingly becoming more popular and legal throughout the world, cannabis and CBD vapes are rising. There are all kinds of different methods to enjoy your preferred cannabis products, ranging from simple and budget-friendly to powerful, high-end devices with complete suites of features.  THC and CBD Oil Vape Pens The simplest devices you'll find for cannabis are THC and CBD oil vape pens. These vaporizers will either be preloaded and disposable (like the Firefly Mini) or a permanent battery that attaches to disposable, pre-filled cartridges.  This style of vaporizer is small and discrete, which makes them ideal choices for vaping on the go without drawing attention to yourself. Most CBD or THC vape pens will have some kind of variable heat options, so you can tinker with different oils to see which temperature creates your preferred vapor.  Portable Dry Herb Vaporizers Portable dry herb vaporizers will usually be bulkier than THC or CBD vape pens. This is because dry herb vapes have a large heating chamber to hold the dry herb, which necessitates a larger size. While you can find dry herb vapes that are extra petite, you'll be trading performance and vapor quality for a more discrete size.  While these devices are typically designed for only dry herbs, some models have attachments available to accommodate e-liquids. These attachments are called dry herb vape tanks, which can be filled with your choice of e-liquid and then inserted into the device's heating chamber.  THC and CBD Wax Vapes Earlier, we discussed wax vapes, which are growing in popularity among cannabis fans. Wax offers a more concentrated hit in a shorter amount of time, making wax an ideal choice for long-term cannabis fans or those with acute pain. While the availability of THC wax will vary depending on your state or country, CBD waxes are widely available. What Is a Vape Pen? A vape pen is a small, portable device that combines a battery with some heating element to produce vapor. While vape pens started with nicotine-infused e-liquids, they are widely used to enjoy THC and CBD oils.  Vape pens offer a unique design advantage over larger, more powerful devices. Since vape pens are so slim and petite, they are easy to travel with and easy to use in public. For vapers that either want or need to use their device throughout the day, vape pens have proven to be a popular choice.  Different Types of Vape Pens As we've mentioned, there are all kinds of different vape pens you can choose from. Each has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose will be based on which fits your expectations the best.  Fixed Voltage   Fixed voltage vape pens do not allow for variable voltages or temperature changes. Usually, entry-level and budget-friendly vape pens will fall into the fixed voltage category. This is especially true of disposable vapes and draw-fire vapes that may have their features stripped down.  Fixed voltage devices are great for beginners or as temporary travel devices. However, the majority of vapers will quickly outgrow a fixed voltage style.  Sub-Ohm Tanks   More experienced users that enjoy e-liquid vaping will regularly end up with devices that have sub-ohm tanks. These tanks have electrical resistances of less than 1 ohm, which means electricity can flow extremely easily. When you can get a bunch of power delivered to the atomizer at once, you'll get enormous vapor production, which cloud chasers love.    In the past, sub-ohm tanks were difficult for beginners. The lack of safety features made it easy to fry tanks that weren't designed to take on so much electricity so quickly. However, modern sub-ohm tanks are usually paired with a box mod, which includes a chipset that has automatic safety features to help prevent this kind of damage.  There are some vape pens that can use sub-ohm tanks, but usually, box mods are a better pairing.  Variable Voltage   Most mid-level vape pens have the option of some kind of variable voltage. You can usually find the option to adjust the voltage at the bottom of the pen via a turn-style switch, or you can adjust the voltage by rapidly pressing the power button once the device is turned on. The higher the voltage, the hotter your vapor will be! Variable Temperature Variable temperature vape pens and variable voltage vape pens are essentially the same, with one minor difference. A variable temperature vape will actually show you temperature options (by degrees), while a variable voltage vape will show you the specific voltage you have chosen.    It's common for e-liquid vape pens to have variable voltage and for dry herb vapes to have a variable temperature, even though the end result is the same. Higher-end vapes will usually have variable temperature options (often with degree-by-degree choices), especially in box mod style vapes. E-Cigarettes E-cigarettes are the earliest form of vape pens since vapes were initially designed to stop smoking traditional tobacco. They are made to look and feel like cigarettes, giving them the smallest vaping design currently available.  Since they are so small, e-cigarettes are usually stripped of features. They will almost always feature a draw-fire design (which we will discuss in the next section) and are almost always disposable.  Draw-Fire Vape Pens Draw-fire vape pens don't have any physical buttons and usually lack any kind of variable temperature features. Instead, the device powers when the use begins to draw in air, creating vapor in real-time. When the device is no longer in use, it will automatically shut off. You can find draw-fire vape pens in both traditional and disposable designs. Pod Vapes While many vapes use a 510 threaded connection to use oil cartridges, pod vapes offer a different solution. Most pod vapes will use proprietary "pods" pre-filled with e-liquid, which are then placed into a specific kind of vaping device. These devices are very user-friendly, making them popular among beginner vapers.  A pod vape's design offers unique drawbacks and benefits. Since the design is proprietary, only certain pods will work within a specific pod device (usually, both the pods and the vaporizer are made by the same company or brand). This will significantly limit your ability to choose an e-liquid that might be right for you, as you will be limited to what the manufacturer has selected to produce.  However, a unique benefit of pod vapes is that they often come in unique designs not typically seen in the vaping world. If you want to vape and don't want people to recognize your device as a vaporizer, a pod device may be precisely what you're looking for.  Traditional Vape Pen Most vaping beginners are familiar with the traditional vape pen design. It features a cylindrical battery that uses 510 threading to connect to oil cartridges. These cartridges are typically disposable, though refillable 510-skinny cartridges are available for those that don't mind the refilling process.  Box Mods Finally, one of the most popular vaping devices is box mods. Box mods have a large-capacity battery and all kinds of different features, including precision heating options. They are compatible with a wide range of attachments and vape tanks, making them a popular choice for experienced vapers.  What are the Common Characteristics of a Vape Pen?   Keep in mind that vape pens will vary depending on what brand you get, but most vape pens share common qualities. Knowing the common factors will help you to notice devices that don't quite fit the mold, which may make them a better (or worse) fit for your vaping needs.  Battery All vape pens have a battery. Usually, that battery is separate from the other components (though not always). The battery provides power to other components to produce vapor, and most vape pens have batteries that can be recharged. There are exceptions, like disposable vapes, that are generally designed to be thrown away instead of recharged.    Disposable vapes, draw-fire vapes, and pod vapes often have a battery that can't be separated from the other components. This makes it easier to use these vapes, but it will limit what attachments or cartridges can be used with them.  Cartridge or Tank The tank (with the atomizer inside) is what holds and vaporizes your e-liquid or oils. Often called cartridges, they usually attach to the vape pen via a 510 threaded connection, though some devices don't allow for external attachments (especially disposable vapes or pod vapes).    Cartridges can be prefilled or refillable, but if you're using your vape pen to enjoy CBD or THC oil, they'll almost always be prefilled. If you enjoy vaping e-liquids, you'll usually have a choice of prefilled or refillable attachments. Mouthpiece Finally, the mouthpiece will attach directly to the cartridge, which is where you will draw vapor that is created inside the atomizer. Many mouthpieces come pre-attached to cartridges (especially if you are using prefilled options), but many will allow you to replace and customize mouthpiece options. Are Vape Pens a Good Fit For You? Vape pens can be convenient, easy-to-use options for vapers, but that doesn't mean they're a good fit for everyone. Consider the following general pros and cons of vape pens to try and determine whether or not they'll be a good fit for your vaping needs: Pros Budget-friendly Easy-to-use Beginner-friendly Easy to travel with Cons Often lack advanced features (like precision heating control) Vape juice capacity is often small compared to options like box mods Very few quality choices for dry herb vaping (most vape pens are for e-liquids, oils, or concentrates) Lack a removable battery Usually do not have replacement parts available (so if a component fails, you'll have to replace the entire device) What is a Cig-a-Like Cig-a-likes are the most basic kinds of vape pens you'll find. They are usually the size of a cigarette (and often designed to look like a cigarette as much as possible). If you're new to the vaping scene, you may not have seen a cig-a-like before, but veterans will be familiar. The first commercially successful vapes were cig-a-likes, though they've dipped in popularity.  Cig-a-like devices essentially have one goal: look like a cigarette. This makes them the most discreet form of vaping available since these devices are often indistinguishable from real cigarettes at a distance.  What are the Different Types of Cig-a-Likes Since cig-a-likes are basic devices, you'll only find two real variations of these vapes: disposable and refillable. Disposable cig-a-likes have been around since the beginning of modern vaping and are still easy to find today in gas stations and grocery stores.    Refillable cig-a-likes are newer and allow users who want the convenience of a tiny vaping device without the extra expense of buying disposable devices. Most vapers who are interested in refillable devices will eventually move towards vapes with more robust features that still allow for public use without drawing unwanted attention. What are the Typical Characteristics of a Cig-a-Like? Whether you're using a disposable or refillable cig-a-like, the basic anatomy will be pretty similar across brands. It will also be similar to a standard vape pen, with a few minor designs and feature differences.    LED Light Starting at the far tip, cig-a-likes usually have an LED light that shines when a hit is being taken. This serves two purposes. The first is that it allows the vaper to know that the device is on and heating vape juice. The second is that it helps complete the illusion that the device has been lit (since the LED looks like the lit end of a traditional cigarette).  Battery The battery on a cig-a-like is very small (similar to watch batteries). You won't be able to open a cig-a-like to replace it (even on a refillable model). However, since the power needs are so low, you'll still get decent life out of a reusable cig-a-like model.  Cartomizer/Tank The cartomizer (which is the component that does the vaporizing) is next and contains the microprocessor and heating elements that allow the cig-a-like to create vapor. Disposable cig-a-likes often have the cartomizer and tank as a single unit to save on space, while refillable options will still connect to a cartridge like a traditional vape pen.  Mouthpiece Finally, the mouthpiece is on the opposite side of the LED light. When you're ready for a hit, just take a draw from the mouthpiece, and a cig-a-like will use its draw-fire function to immediately begin to create vapor. It makes it easy to start and stop vaping, though the vapor production will pale in comparison to larger vape pens or box mods.  Is a Cig-A-Like a Good Fit for Me? A cig-a-like offers a unique vaping experience when compared to other devices. While this unique experience is a draw for some, there are many who will not enjoy using this kind of device. If you're trying to decide if a cig-a-like is a good fit for your vaping needs, take a look at the pros and cons below: Pros Extremely easy to use (most are draw-fire activated with no adjustable features) Discreet (designed to look like a cigarette, ideal for not drawing attention to yourself) Budget-friendly Safe to use  Cons Limited vapor production Lack of features to customize the vaping experience Very small e-liquid capacity (will produce less vapor and run out more quickly) What Are the Different Kinds of Box Mods? Even within box mods, you'll find a vast variety of device choices. Some of the differences are subtle, while others create a unique vaping experience entirely.  Squonk Mods Squonk mods offer a unique vaping design not found in any other kind of device. The vape tank is located in the body of the boxy mod and is made with soft, squishy silicone. When the device is powered on, the user squeezes the tank, which forces a rush of e-liquid onto the heating coils.  It makes an enormous amount of vapor at once, which can easily overwhelm beginner vapers. However, squonk mods are a popular choice among cloud-chasers since so much vapor is produced so quickly.  Mods with Rebuildable Atomizers (RBA) Some box mods use vape tanks that are not designed to be opened and customized. Others use RBAs, which are designed to be opened and have internal components replaced or exchanged. They are far more work-intensive than standard vape tanks because you have to make your coils, install them, and insert a wick of your choosing.  What Are the Best Types of Vape? There isn't an objective "best type of vape" since whether or not someone sees a particular device as good will be dependent on whether the features and functions included match specific vaping needs. In general, dry herb vapes that use convection heating and fully loaded box mods offer the complete vaping experience, but they may not fit the needs of all vapers.  It is especially true for those who need devices that are travel-friendly, budget-friendly, or discrete.  Choosing a Vape That Works Best for You The best way to choose the vape that's best for you is to take time to consider what kind of vape would best meet your needs. If you're unsure where to start, considering asking yourself the following questions: What's my budget? What features are must-haves for me? What substance do I want to vape? Do I plan on vaping while on the go?  Take time to ask yourself these questions. It will narrow down your choices to specific styles (and maybe even specific brands) of vapes, making the process of choosing a device much more effortless.  Taking Care of Your Vape Once you've chosen a vape and have it in hand, you need to be sure to take care of it. Make sure you: Store it at room temperature (NEVER leave it in your car) Do not store dry herbs or wax in the heating chamber. Leave vapes upright to avoid leaks or spills. Replace aging components before they fail. These simple steps are a great way to get the most out of a vaping device! Which types of vape is suitable for you? There's a lot to consider when choosing a type of vape, so it's essential to take your time deciding. After all, don't you want to have an ideal device on the first buy? If you're considering a dry herb vaporizer, then take a look at the Firefly 2+. It's easy to use, offers a ton of features (including precision heating), and uses convection heating to create excellent vapor! Thinking about a disposable THC vape pen? You'll be hard-pressed to find a better choice than the Firefly Mini. It comes preloaded with various strains and offers an incredible aesthetic design, uncommon among disposable vapes.    SHOP NOW

Using a dry herb vaporizer to enjoy your favorite strain of weed has a lot of benefits. You get to avoid smoke, pick the cannabinoids and terpenes you want, and efficiently enjoy cannabis to get the best bang for your buck. But we often get questions about the possible side-effects of vaping weed. One question that sometimes comes up is, "Does vaping cause acne?" This article looks at whether vaping causes acne, and offers some vital tips to help treat acne if you have a breakout! Does Vaping Cause Acne? The answer is, ‘No.’  So far, there is no scientific research to suggest that vaping marijuana or eating THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) edibles causes acne. However, if you're someone who already has acne, it's possible that cannabis use could inflame or improve your existing condition.  For example, if your face is inflamed from acne, certain strains of cannabis that are high in CBD (cannabidiol) might actually help reduce the inflammation.  If you’re a beginner and want to know how to vape, there's no special techniques you need to follow to avoid acne. Vaping weed doesn't cause it. In fact, vaping other substances may be more problematic or even cause various health concerns. Take water, for example. Many people want to know, ‘Can you vape water?’ The answer is, ‘Yes.’ But you may be surprised to learn about some of the health implications of vaping water.  What Vapers With Acne Say Anecdotes from vapers who have acne vary widely. If you ask them - does vaping cause acne? - some vapers will say their acne improved when they started vaping marijuana, but actually that improvement may have happened because they stopped smoking.  Other vapers say that when they started vaping, they had flare-ups. But that could be linked to outbreaks resulting from behavioral changes, sometimes informally called "quit zits". Smoking quitters sometimes complain of zits or acne. The science behind it is not yet known; research is underway.  Some vapers claim that vaping weed can dry their skin out, which can cause outbreaks. However, this is often wrongly confused with  the side-effects of weed itself. There's no evidence that the act of vaping the weed dries your skin out or causes dehydration, but it might be easy to think of that because vaping weed does cause dry mouth.  Vaping weed can also cause dry, red eyes, but that's not a sign that you've lost moisture. It's just an indication of some chemical changes in your body caused by the cannabinoids in the weed. None of these changes reduce the amount of moisture in your body, including your skin.  What people need to know is that some cannabis products can help improve the health of your skin, like lotions infused with cannabinoids such as CBD. There isn't anything that we know of in the vapor produced by dry herb vapes that would cause your skin to dry out, and there's nothing in cannabis that would cause it from the inside. Many vapers report no change to their acne when they begin vaping or change their vaping behavior. It should serve as a reminder that anecdotes from various vaping enthusiasts shouldn't be seen as scientific proof. You should note how vaping weed affects you personally, and then you can make a decision on whether you need to make changes to your habit. Can Vaping Age Your Skin? There is currently no evidence that vaping marijuana ages the skin. While there is plenty of evidence that smoking can age your skin, there isn't anything to suggest that vaping weed has the same impact. Based on the information we have, you can vape with confidence and without the fear that it will prematurely age your skin.  Common Causes of Acne There's a lot of factors that can cause acne. Here are five most common causes: Hormonal changes in the body. Dirty or clogged pores on the skin. Stressful lifestyle. Touching the face too often. Dirty pillowcases. It isn't an all-inclusive list, but it's a great place to start if you've had a sudden acne flare-up and aren't sure why it happened, especially if your vaping habits haven't changed. Keeping pillowcases clean and properly following hygiene are good habits to have whether you struggle with acne or not.  Ways to Prevent Acne There are some easy steps you can take to try to prevent acne. These measures aren't guaranteed to work, but they are good to start with: Reduce stress or at least handle it well. Avoid popping pimples. Just let them be.  Regularly wash your face with a soap meant to treat acne. Eat a clean, healthy diet. If you wear makeup, make sure you remove it before going to bed.  Preventing acne can be challenging for some people, especially if it's caused by stress. Vaping marijuana can help bring down anxiety and stress levels, which may help prevent or treat acne outbreaks.  How Do You Treat Acne? If you have an acne outbreak, here’s how you can try to treat it: Use benzoyl peroxide. It’s an active ingredient in many anti-acne products. Take retinoid-class medication. It will help reduce acne scarring. Check out glycolic acid. It’s a commonly used facial cleanser that can help prevent pores on the skin from getting clogged. It will eventually prevent acne outbreaks. While many of these products are available over the counter, others will require a prescription. If you've struggled with preventing and treating acne, you should speak with your doctor about the possible causes and the best solutions specific to your skin.  Final Words: Relation Between Vaping and Acne So, to go back to the question, ‘Does vaping cause acne?’ - there's no research to suggest that vaping marijuana or using THC edibles causes it. In fact, it could be the other way round, as some vapers will tell you. If you already have acne, you may find that marijuana is improving or worsening your condition, depending on what's causing it. So, if you are struggling with acne, talk to your doctor about what might be causing it.  SHOP NOW

Intro There are all kinds of vape mods to choose from in today's market, which can make shopping a bit overwhelming. These differences are more than just brand or stylistic choices. You'll find unique features and uses as you explore the types of vape mods you may want. We've found that many beginners struggle to discern and choose between the different vape mods available.  Inside this article, the Firefly team discusses the different types of vape mods you can expect to find, what those mods are designed for, and how to pick the best vape mod for your vaping needs! What Is a Vape Mod? Originally, vape mods were "modified vaporizers." They were homemade devices (or heavily modified retail devices) designed to quickly create large plumes of vapor. These devices were used at a risk, as sparks, fires, and ruined vaping components were common.  The popularity of vape mods continued to grow, regardless of the difficulties, and eventually, mainstream vaping companies caught on. Nowadays, vape mods are high-end vaping devices with powerful batteries, plenty of precision heating features and are compatible with a wide range of vaping accessories (like vape tanks).  You should note that "vape mods" do not include all types of vapes. As you're reading, if a vape mod doesn't seem like a good fit, there are all kinds of vaping options that may be a better choice for you.  Different Types of Vape Mods While there are a lot of sub-categories of vape mods (which we will get into later in the article), there are two major categories of vape mods you'll find on the market: regulated and unregulated mods. If you're familiar with how to use a vape pen, then some of the features of a regulated mod may look and feel familiar.  Regulated Mods These are the mods you're most likely to see available. They're called "regulated" because there are circuit boards that act as fail-safes to prevent dangerous surges of energy coursing through your device. This can prevent damage to your battery, internal components and can prevent sparks and fires when using a powerful device.  Regulated mods have grown to dominate the market since they meet the needs of the vast majority of vaping enthusiasts, even veterans who want exceptionally large plumes of vapor created quickly and easily.  Unregulated Mods True to their name, these are mods that do not have a circuit board inside. This means power flows directly from your battery to your vape tank (or related attachment). These devices are not for beginners. You should have extensive knowledge of vaping devices, general electrical systems, and a solid grasp of Ohm's Law before using these vapes.  When in the hands of an experienced vaper, unregulated mods can provide unmatched vapor production. However, the risk of short-circuits, discharges, and even fires is very, very real.  Two Kinds of Regulated Mods: Tube Mod and Box Mod When you start shopping for a vape mod, box mods and tube mods will be the most common devices you run across. These are easy to find in your local vape store, dispensaries, and online e-retailers. These devices are similar but have some key differences.  Tube Mods Tube mods look a lot like vape pens, and they essentially are! They maintain the cylindrical design that vape pens are famous for, though they usually are thicker to accommodate a larger battery. Tube mods can also accommodate sub-ohm tanks in addition to clearomizers, which makes them a great choice for experienced vapers that want a more travel-friendly device. Tube mods can sometimes be limited with features (especially with variable heating options). However, they are often budget-friendly, and the support for sub-ohm tanks makes them a viable choice for cloud-chasing vapers.  Box Mods Box mods, as you might expect, are usually boxy in design. They have batteries with high mAh capacity (usually 1500mAh and up) and power a variety of useful features for experienced vapers. These devices are fantastic for vapers wanting to quickly and easily create enormous vape clouds or for vapers looking to use concentrate or dry herb vaping attachments.  Box mods will have plenty of features, compared to tube mods which may only support a single heat setting or a set resistance. Most box mods will have features like: Precision voltage control (being able to adjust the voltage by small increments) Precision temperature control (being able to adjust the temperature by a few degrees) Large, replaceable batteries Support for sub-ohm tanks Informative LED screens that show the above information in an easy-to-read manner You'll find a lot of variations within box mods, but you can expect to find the above features in most types of vape brands.  Unregulated Mod - Mechanical Mod When you see a mechanical mod, you may be surprised by the design. Even though they are meant for experienced vapers, these devices look very, very simple. The body of the mod will be a simple battery (usually in a cylindrical shape) that directly attaches to an atomizer. The only feature you'll find on a mechanical mod is the power button, which is used to fire hits.  Mechanical mods are used by vapers who build their own atomizers (which are called rebuildable atomizers, or RBAs) and coils. The idea is to create a highly customized vaping experience that is catered exactly to what the user wants. These unregulated setups create an unmatched amount of vapor, though they require immense expertise to properly build and use. Are Vape Mods a Good Choice for You? It completely depends on what you want out of a vaping device. For users who are more experienced, have a better idea of the specific features they're looking for, and are ready to pay a premium for a high-end device, vape mods can be an excellent choice. If you aren't sure what you want out of a device, we don't recommend investing in an expensive device.  However, if the common features of a vape mod (especially box mods) seem appealing, there are many entry-level options that won't break the bank. Take your time shopping and see if there's a box mod that's a fit for what you want! Pros and Cons If you're trying to decide if a vape mod is a good fit, consider the following pros and cons. While these specific pros and cons may vary between models or types of vape brands, it should serve as a good, general guide to helping you decide what device to buy. Pros Higher vapor production Better tasting vapor More powerful batteries for longer sessions between charges Precision heating settings to find the perfect option for your unique vaping needs Availability of a variety of attachments, tanks, and coils Cons Generally more expensive Require more maintenance and more expertise to properly operate Longer charge time Batteries may be sold separately  What Is a Pod Mod? Even though "mod" is in the name, pod mods are very different devices from vape mods. Pod mods are extremely simple, stripped-down vaping devices that are usually set apart by unique, modern-looking designs. Pod mods typically do not allow for precision heating, and most are draw-fire operated (meaning they don't have a power button).  Pod mods have grown in popularity due to their ease of use. All you do is connect a disposable or reusable pod to your device, and you can quickly begin vaping. Without the distraction of a full suite of features, pod mods are particularly popular among beginner vapers who are just getting started.      Anatomy of a Pod Mod Pod mods have a simple anatomy, and while the specifics will vary between brands, this is what you can usually expect to find: Mouthpiece Disposable or refillable pod (sometimes called a cartridge) An LED light indicating battery strength (this is often absent on lower-end pod mods) A port for charging (usually micro-USB). What Are the Characteristics of a Pod Mod? Since pod mods are meant to be simple, beginner-friendly devices, most will share common traits. If the majority of these characteristics are appealing to you, then a pod mod might be the device for you! Low Voltage You won't get super spicy hits with pod mods. The voltage provided will be low (around 15W or below). Low voltage keeps hits cooler, though it will restrict overall vapor production.  Intended for Nicotine Users The vast majority of pod mods are designed to use nicotine-infused vape juice (and more specifically, salt nicotine). Salt nicotine provides very potent doses (usually 20mg and higher of nicotine per cartridge). This makes them ideal for heavy smokers transitioning away from tobacco.  Portable Pod mods are usually small and discreet, which makes them a perfect choice for vaping on the go. Many pod mods have nontraditional designs that are not easily identified. This may be an ideal choice if you're trying to vape in public without drawing a lot of attention to yourself.  Mouth to Lung (not Direct to Lung) Most pod mods are mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices. Users first draw vapor into their mouths, then inhale the vapor into their lungs (instead of breathing vapor directly into their lungs). This is a trait that will mostly appeal to former smokers since you smoke tobacco cigarettes with a similar technique.  Are Pod Mods a Good Fit for You? Pros and Cons Trying to decide if a pod mod might be a better choice than a vape mod? Pod mods have distinct pros and cons that will make it easy to determine if the device will be a good fit! Pros Portable and light Discreet Beginner-friendly Ideal for former smokers Cons Low vapor production No variable heating options Disposable pods can get expensive Typically designed for salt nicotine, which is very potent What You Need to Know Before Using Pod Mods You've read a lot of information about pod mods, so take a moment to consider some of these highlighted facts. We've talked about most of these, but it's important to keep them in mind when trying to decide if pod mods would be a good choice for your vaping needs: Pod Mods Are For Beginners Pod mods aren't just beginner-friendly. They are for beginners. If you're an experienced vaper and enjoy using box or tube mods, you are going to be disappointed with how limiting pod mods are.  You Pay a Premium for Convenience and a Modern Design Pod mods have gained a loyal following being they are easy, convenient, and discreet. Unless you're using refillable pods, the cost of using pod mods is quite high. Even when compared to traditional disposable vape cartridges for vape pens, you'll see a premium price. If you're trying to vape on a budget, pod mods likely aren't for you (but there are many other great choices!) Pod Mods Have Nicotine Users in Mind If you don't like to vape nicotine, or are more interested in vaping THC or CBD, then a pod mod is not going to be an ideal choice. Most pod mods (disposable or otherwise) are designed to vaporize salt nicotine-infused vape liquid, so unless that's your goal, your needs will be better served looking at vape mods or even dry herb or concentrate vapes.  What Device Works Best For You? There's no clear-cut way to quickly determine which device is right for you. You'll need to take the time to consider your specific needs and see which kind of device might be best. If you're overwhelmed with choices, ask yourself some of the following questions. It will help narrow down your choices and make it more likely you get a device you love on the first try! What do I want to vape? (Vape juice, dry herbs, concentrates, or a combination) What's my budget? (certain devices, like box mods, are more expensive) Do I plan on frequently traveling with this device? (if so, consider a vape with a travel-friendly design) What features do I want on my vape? (Do you want to be able to change the temperature, or do you want simplicity and easy use?) Do I want a cost-effective device that needs maintenance, or am I willing to pay a premium for disposable choices? After asking yourself these questions, you may even discover that a vape mod isn't the right kind of device for you at all. For example, if you're interested in how to vape dry herbs, then the Firefly 2+ (which is not a vape mod) may be the best fit for your needs! Regardless, take your time to identify your needs and wants, and be patient while shopping for devices. It's the best way to find a fantastic device without a lot of trial and error! SHOP NOW

Serious dry herb vapers know that a high-quality dry herb vaporizer is pivotal. High-end components are required to quickly create vapor while keeping the flavor crisp, clean, and authentic to your dry herb.  Some of the popular dry herb vapes include Firefly 2+, Pax 3, Crafty, etc., which are ultra portable and offer top-most quality performance. Out of these, people often draw a comparison between Firefly and Crafty or “Firefly vs. Crafty”, as both are the most trusted names in the industry. However, Firefly 2+ and Pax 3 are also highly rated and often, it can be difficult to fully understand what makes these vaporizers stand out from one another. In this article, we'll discuss everything from how these devices look, feel and perform. By the end, you'll have the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your vaping needs. Design and Features One of the most obvious differences between the Pax 3 vs. the Firefly 2+ is the design. The Pax 3 is made to not look like a vaporizer at all. It's an excellent choice for those that plan on vaping in public and prefer to have a more discreet choice.  The Firefly 2+, on the other hand, is noticeably a dry herb vaporizer. While it lacks the ability to be discreet, the design allows for advantages like larger dry herb capacity and a more robust heating system.  Features In terms of physical features, both the Firefly 2+ and Pax 3 are simple and straightforward. The Firefly 2+ uses magnetic sealing to keep the heating chamber from accidentally opening. It also has a double-sided sensor instead of a physical button to fire the device, which significantly reduces the likelihood of the device accidentally firing while in a pocket or purse.  The Pax 3 also uses a magnetic sealing system and makes use of a traditional firing design, including a physical button. While this will be more familiar for vapers, it also increases the likelihood of accidental firing while in tight storage.  Vapor Quality and Taste Both devices offer superior vapor quality and taste compared to other lower-end devices, though there are a few subtle differences. The Pax 3 creates fantastic vapor from dry herbs, but many users report disappointment when using the device to vape concentrates due to limited temperature options.  The Firefly 2+ shines in this category. It is consistently rated as one of the best dry herb vaporizers for taste, largely due to the advanced convection heating technology used in the device (the Pax 3 uses standard conduction heating). The Firefly 2+ also has a wider temperature range than the Pax 3, making it more ideal for concentrate vaping.  Ease of Use Both the Firefly 2+ and the Pax 3 are extremely straightforward and easy to use. As we mentioned earlier, the Firefly 2+ uses a double sensor hold to fire the device to create vapor. The Pax 3 uses a traditional button that serves to power the device on and fires the device. Despite the design differences, both are very easy to use.  Ease of Loading Dry Herb Both devices offer easy ways to pack your preferred dry herb. The Pax 3 just requires dry herb to be ground and tightly packed. Since this device uses conduction instead of convection, it is extremely important that the dry herb be packed as tightly as possible.  When packing the Firefly 2+, you'll want to loosely pack dry herb (instead of a super tight pack). This is because the device uses convection heating, which means air needs to be able to pass through the dry herbs. If you have packed your bowl and are struggling to pull a hit, you may have packed the bowl too tightly.  Use a Grinder Regardless of which device you use, you must use a grinder for your dry herb. This allows heat to be evenly distributed and avoids a scenario where you have completely spent burnt ash mixed in with dry herb that hasn't vaporized yet. It will also reduce the likelihood of clogs in the vapor path, which can be tricky to fix once dry herb gets stuck in that area.  Kit and Accessories You'll find a bit of a difference between what the Pax 3 and the Firefly 2+ offer in terms of accessories. Take a look below to see what each offer. Pax 3 Accessories While you need to pay a bit more to get this entire kit (usually around $50), it's worth the price to have a full suite of useful tools. You can expect to have: Standard multi-tool to help pack and clean out the heating chamber Concentrate insert to vaporize wax and specialty oils Half-oven lid, which allows for partial packing of the bowl 3 replacement screens, which you'll need to keep dry herb particles from clogging the device Firefly 2+ Accessories The Firefly 2+ offers less in terms of accessories, but it also needs less because of its design. While other accessories are available for separate purchase, the standard kit will come with the following: Charging dock Cleaning kit to keep your heating chamber clean and clear of debris Concentrate pads to vaporize wax and specialty oils USB 3.0 Cable Heating Performance When you look at how these devices heat, you'll spot a major difference between the Pax 3 and the Firefly 2+. While both devices have received performance upgrades from their previous version, how the device's heat is also a primary difference when looking at the Pax 3 vs. Firefly 2.  Pax 3 and Conduction Heating The Pax 3 uses conduction heating to create vapor. This means the dry herb needs to be in contact with the walls of the heating chamber so heat can be directly transferred, which creates vapor. It takes around 15 seconds to reach your desired temperature with the Pax 3.  Firefly 2+ and Convection Heating The Firefly 2+ uses convection heating, which means no contact is needed between the heating chamber and the dry herb. Instead, the air is quickly heated (about 5 seconds), which is evenly distributed across your loaded dry herb. This creates a smooth, consistent vaping experience, which is why dry herb vapers overwhelmingly prefer vaporizers with convection heating. The Pax 3's heating chamber is an enormous improvement over the Pax 2, and while it creates a solid vaping experience, it still doesn't match the quality of the Firefly 2+. Battery The battery life and charging time is another difference you'll see between these devices. The Firefly 2+ has a 750mAh battery, while the Pax 3 has a 3500mAh battery. The Pax 3 will allow you to vape through more bowls before you need to charge (between eight to ten, depending on your temperature settings), and the Firefly 2+ will get you through about four to six. While the Pax 3 has a longer battery life, it also takes much longer to charge. It can take up to two hours for the Pax 3 to reach a full battery charge, while the Firefly 2+ only takes an hour. What kind of battery performance is best will depend on your preferred style of vaping. While the Firefly 2+ has a shorter overall battery life, the design allows for the battery to be replaced (with spare batteries readily available). If you plan on vaping while traveling, having a spare battery will be a great choice to keep your vaping sessions uninterrupted.  Mouthpiece The Pax 3 focuses on a discreet design with its mouthpiece, while the Firefly 2+ focuses on maintaining as high of a taste quality as possible. The Pax 3 offers two different mouthpiece types. The first lies flush with the body of the vape, which is ideal for discreet public vaping. The second is a silicone mouthpiece that sticks out from the body.  Which mouthpiece you choose will depend on your vaping preference. The flush mouthpiece requires your mouth to touch the body of the vape. For some, this may be uncomfortable as the body of the vape heats up during use. The silicone mouthpiece is more comfortable, though it makes it much more apparent that you are vaping.  The Firefly 2+ offers a food grade, BPA free plastic mouthpiece that extends slightly from the body of the vape. The mouthpiece connects to the glass vapor path, which means you get very crisp vapor that retains the authentic taste of your dry herb. For "flavor chasers" (vapers who value taste above all else), the glass pathway is a huge selling point for the Firefly 2+. Cleaning and Charging Both devices are easy to clean and charge. After each vaping session, both devices should have their heating chambers dumped out and any remaining debris removed with a cleaning tool. This will prevent resin and oil from building up inside, potentially affecting vapor quality or creating clogs within the vapor path (which are difficult to clear once present).  The Pax 3 uses a charging dock to recharge, and the Firefly 2+ uses a traditional USB plug-in. Remember, the Firefly 2+'s design allows for batteries to be swapped out, so keep that in mind if you plan to travel.  Smartphone App Both devices make use of a smartphone app to access control of their respective heating features. The Pax 3 allows you to more easily see the five different heating options it provides. However, if you don't have access to the app, you can still select these options directly from the device.  The app for the Firefly 2+ offers an enormous range of options. Instead of cycling through a few preset heating options, the app allows users to select a heating range between 200-400F. Without the app, you're limited to cycling between 320-420F (160-215C).  If you find a setting you like, you can use the Firefly 2+ app to configure your preferred heating option as an on-device selection. That way, you can access your preferred temperatures without needing to be connected to an app at all!  Note: The app (for either device) is only accessible through Android devices or PC's. Apple banned vape-related apps in 2019 and have not yet reversed this decision.  Firefly vs Pax: A Comparison Between Firefly 2+ and Pax 3 Product  Firefly 2+ Pax 3 Type of heating element Convection Conduction  Heating element material Borosilicate glass bowl Stainless steel Capacity About 0.15 g About 0.3 g Removable battery Yes No App & bluetooth capability Yes Yes Draw duration About 10+ seconds About 5-10 seconds Charging duration About 45 minutes 2-3 hours  Heat up time 3 seconds 30 seconds Smoothness of vapor Very good Good Conclusion Both the Firefly 2+ and Pax 3 offer high-end solutions to vaping dry herb. If you're having trouble deciding between the two, here's a quick summary of what each device does well: Pax 3 Discreet design High-capacity battery Generous bowl capacity Firefly 2+ Superior vapor flavor (with both flower and concentrate) Wide range of heat preset Super fast 3-second heat up time Still, have questions? Let us know! We want to be sure you get the perfect device for your needs on the very first purchase. We look forward to hearing from you! SHOP NOW

The world of vaping is full of all kinds of devices, and all the different terminology can make shopping confusing. From vape, vaporizer, to vape pen or box mod, different names for similar products can be overwhelming. One of the most notorious sources of the confusion comes from the terms vaporizer vs vape pen and people not understanding the nuanced differences.  In this article, we'll talk about the differences between a vape pen and a vaporizer, the similarities, and why you might want one over the other. By the end, you'll have a great idea of the kind of vape that might work best for you! Vaporizer vs. Vape Pen The term vaporizer is a broad term, referring to any device that creates vapor, while a vape pen refers to vaporizers that are small, cylindrical devices that are meant for vaping on the go. Or, to put it another way, all vape pens are vaporizers, but not all vaporizers are vape pens. Vaporizers include vape pens, box mods, dry herb vapes, desktop vapes, and any other vaping device.   In terms of how to vape, both vaporizers and vape pens operate similarly. However, you'll see clear differences between vape pens and vaporizers that have multiple features available.  Portable Vaporizers & Vape Pen: An Overview When you start comparing portable vaporizers to vape pens, it gets a little harder to distinguish the two. Often, there may not be a practical difference between a portable vaporizer or a vape pen, with the only real difference being that the vape pen looks like a pen. It's become common to refer to any small, portable vaping device as a vape pen, since their function is similar. Even though portable vapes and vape pens are similar, there often are significant differences. This is especially true when you begin to examine full featured vapes like the Firefly 2+ portable vaporizer.  Functional and Structural Differences Let's take a closer look at some of the functional and structural differences between vape pens and common portable vaporizers.  Vaporizer Design As we've said, vape pens look like pens. This design makes them great for easy travel and discreet vaping but can limit battery life or available features. Portable vapes, like the Firefly 2+, are larger, but this also allows for a larger capacity for dry herbs, better battery life, and access to more features to cater to your vaping experience.  Temperature Settings Vape pens usually have very limited temperature settings. Most don't allow for precision heating options, instead offering 3-5 preset heating modes. General portable vaporizers usually offer precision heating and a larger heating range. Certain devices allow for precision heating to be changed on the physical device, while others, including the Firefly 2+, use a companion app to keep the device from being cluttered. Maintenance Maintenance of vape pens is usually pretty simple. The heating chambers are often small, so it's easy to dump out the residue. Clogs are more of an issue since the vapor path is so small, though a toothpick or other small tool can resolve most issues.  Maintenance of vaporizers is far easier. Heating chambers are larger, making it easier to wipe out residue and dump spent dry herb. The vapor path is larger, so clogs are less likely and easier to clear out. Overall, maintenance is generally easier simply because standard portable vaporizers are larger and easier to navigate.  The majority of dry herb vapes don't use heating coils, so you won't need to worry about how to clean a vape coil.  Price Comparison Vape pens are usually very budget friendly. They are smaller and have less features which reduces their overall price. Vape pens are a great option if you want to try vaping but aren't sure if it's right for you, though you'll need to keep in mind a budget device also gives a budget experience.  Standard portable vaporizers tend to be more expensive and have a higher price ceiling than vape pens. However, these devices also have larger batteries, larger heating chambers, and more options to customize your vaping experience.  Durability Since vape pens are small and usually budget-friendly, they aren't really known for their durability. It's easy to break or damage a vape pen by poor packing, carrying it in your pocket, or dropping it. You'll want to be careful when transporting vape pens if you don't have a vape case for them.  Portable vaporizers are usually more durable because they're thicker and made with more durable materials. For example, the Firefly 2+ is made from stainless steel with no glass components. It doesn't mean portable vapes are indestructible (you should still get a vape case for your Firefly), but portable vapes are not nearly as fragile as vape pens.  Accessories and Parts Most vape pens are made with 510 threaded connections, which means most prefilled cartridges and vape tanks connect to create a fully assembled vape. However, just because an accessory can attach doesn't mean that your vape pen can use it. Most accessories have power requirements, and since vape pens often have modest power outputs, they may not be a good fit for hefty vape tanks or other power-hungry accessories.  Portable vaporizers usually have more accessories, depending on what kind they are. Dry herb vaporizers don't have a wide variety of accessories because they don't use a 510 threaded connection. Box mods, powerful vape batteries, are designed to use all kinds of accessories, making them an ideal choice if you want to vape e-liquids, dry herbs, and wax concentrates.  Portable vapes usually have access to more parts since they're intended to have a longer lifespan. Which parts are available depends on the kind of portable vaporizer you have. For example, vape tanks and wax vapes usually have a wide variety of replacement parts.  Benefits of Portable Vaporizers Over Vape Pens Portable vaporizers offer a number of benefits over vape pens. We've mentioned some already, but below you'll see the most important differences highlighted. Battery Life Portable vapes have larger batteries, making for longer battery life. It's also more common to see removable batteries with portable vapes, making your battery life even longer.  Features If you want a full suite of features or higher temperature ranges, then a portable vape is right for you. It's more common to see precision heating options and higher temperature ranges with portable vapes, and vape pens often lack precision heating and high heating ranges.  Heating Chamber Size For dry herbs, portable vapes almost always have larger heating chambers. This makes it easier to have long, relaxing vape sessions without having to stop and reload. Vape pens don't have the power or the structure to support larger heating chambers, so expect shorter vape sessions and more frequent refills.  Overall Vaping Quality When you combine more features, a bigger device, and better heating options, you end up with richer, better tasting vapor. Portable vaporizers simply provide a superior vaping experience with dry herbs. If you know for sure you want to dry herb vape, and vapor quality is your priority, then we strongly recommend getting a portable vaporizer.  What to Consider When Buying a Vaporizer? There isn't a vaporizer in the market that is objectively the best. You'll need to consider what qualities in vaping are a priority for you, and then think about the types of vapes that might be a good match. If you're not sure how to narrow down your options, the following qualities are good to consider: What Do You Want to Vape? This article largely focused on dry herb vapes, but bud isn't your only option! Think about if you want to vape flower, wax concentrate, or oils. If you want to vape more than one specific substance, you'll need to make sure to get a device designed to handle more than one.  Portability We talked a lot about portability in this article, but it's a common factor to consider when buying any vape. Do you want a device that's easy to travel with, or would prefer a larger, more powerful device that you'll use while at home? If you're trying to find a portable vape because you're asking yourself, "Can you bring a vape on a plane," you'll want to make sure that your vape follows all of the current airport and airline regulations. Available Features Not all vaporizers offer the same kinds of features. Do you want a device with precision heating options, or are you ok with a device that only offers preset, basic ranges? Do you want to be able to pair your vape to a smartphone, or do you prefer physical, manual controls on the device? Making sure you have the right features is important, so take time to think about features that are must-haves. Heating Speed How fast do you want your device to start producing vapor? Are you ok with a vape that takes upwards of a minute or more before you can start puffing, or do you want a device with near-instant, on-demand vaping, like the Firefly 2+? For home vaping, a longer warm-up time may not be an issue, but that changes if you're vaping on-the-go. You may not have time to wait for your device to heat up if you only have a few moments to take a quick puff, so heating time becomes far more important.  Final Thoughts on Vape Pens vs. Vaporizers Both portable vaporizers and vape pens are extremely popular devices in terms of vaping and each provide unique benefits based on what you as a consumer are looking for. If you feel that a portable vaporizer is the right choice for you, we encourage you to shop our selection of Firefly 2+ portable vaporizer devices. SHOP NOW

As the design of vaporizers continues to improve and refine, we've noticed that it's more for beginners to have questions as they get started. Common questions revolve around advanced features that high-end vapes offer, and this is especially true for wattage settings.  In this article, we'll talk about how wattage impacts how your vape works, and answer how to determine what wattage one should vape at.  How Does Wattage Affect Your Device? Wattage is the unit to describe how fast electricity is generated or used by a particular device. In vaporizers, it describes how much power your device is using. For your vaping experience, higher wattages typically mean higher temperatures, since more power is needed for hotter vaping.   Your device may have voltage instead of watts, or it may directly read out a temperature setting. Regardless of how power is categorized on your device, you can assume that higher wattage or voltage will typically translate into hotter vaping temperatures.  How Is Wattage Measured? Wattage is measured by multiplying voltage by amperage. So, for example, if a device is using 5 amps of power at 100 volts, the wattage would be measured at 500. For vaping, knowing how the wattage is measured won't really help you adjust your vaping session (unless you're using a specific vape called a mechanical mod, which is geared towards advanced e-liquid vapers).  What Is the Ideal Wattage? There's not an overall ideal wattage or temperature for you to vape at. Instead, it will come down to what you want out of your vaping experience. Higher wattages usually produce hotter and thicker vapor, while lower wattages produce cooler, thinner vapor that allows more dry herb flavor to shine through.  It may also come down to when you can charge your battery next. Higher watt vaping will drain the battery faster, while lower watt vaping will be gentler on your battery life.  How to Choose the Perfect Wattage? It won't take very long to find the ideal wattage or temperature when you use a vaporizer for the first time. We recommend starting at lower wattages and working your way up to higher wattages and hotter vapor. Starting low and working your way up will prevent accidentally burning your dry herb or getting unexpectedly hot vapor that might trigger a coughing fit. Take your time experimenting, and you'll find the best temp to vape weed according to your specific preferences.  What Does Higher Wattage Do When Vaping? When you vape at higher wattages, your device is drawing more power and usually vaping at hotter temperatures. If you want thicker vapor or you prefer hotter hits, then a higher wattage or temperature setting is a great choice.  Vaping at higher wattages won't hurt your device, but it will put more strain on your battery. If your device already has a short battery life, and you plan on vaping a lot while you're out and about, then you may want to vape at lower temperatures to conserve battery life.  What Are the Benefits of High Wattage Vaping? There are a handful of benefits when you vape at high wattages, including: Better Throat Hit Hotter hits tend to provide a better throat hit, which describes how the vapor feels when you take a hit. If you like feeling the vapor of your dry herbs when you take a draw, then consider vaping at a higher wattage.  Thicker, More Potent Vapor Vaping at high wattages usually means higher temperatures, which means your device will produce more vapor more quickly. Thicker vapor is more potent vapor, so if you want your weed to hit more quickly, then you may want to vape at higher wattages.  Hotter Vapor Finally, if you just prefer hotter hits, then you should definitely be vaping at higher wattages. You may need to experiment where the ideal high wattage setting is, since what wattage produces what temperatures will vary from device to device.  If your device allows for direct temperature control, you won't have to worry as much about experimenting with varying wattage levels.  What Vape Wattage Has the Best Flavor? Ultimately, the vape wattage that has the best flavor will be based on your preferences. However, lower wattage vaping tends to provide fuller, deeper flavors when vaping dry herbs, since the cool vapor carries more of the subtle flavors in the weed.  The flavor of your vapor is also going to be dependent on the kind of device you use, regardless of the wattage or temperature that your device is set to. For example, convection vaporizers are known for producing quality vapor flavor at a broad range of temperature settings.  Is It Bad to Vape At Low Wattage? Not at all! It does not harm your battery or device if you decide to vape at low wattages or temperatures. You should keep in mind that you may just not like vaping at lower wattages, but there isn't any problem should you decide to do so.  Remember, low wattage vaping will produce deeper flavor and thinner vapor. If you prefer big, cloudy pulls when you take a hit, or you would prefer to have a less "weedy" flavor, then you may want to consider vaping at higher wattages or temperatures.  Conclusion As a general rule, most vapers can consider the "wattage" of their device to be the temperature setting. The higher the wattage, the hotter the vapor, and the lower the wattage, and the cooler the vapor. Most dry herb vaporizers don't allow "wattage" adjustment, instead, you just directly adjust the temperature to your preference.  Remember, just because your vaporizer doesn't show the wattage doesn't mean it's low-end. Even the best portable vaporizer may not show wattage, because it's just not necessary on the majority of dry herb vapes.  SHOP NOW

Long gone are the days when flower was the only type of cannabis product you could find in order to consume. In today’s world of weed, licensed retail storefronts have a plethora of cannabis products to choose from. Consumers are literally spoilt for choice, often caught in the concentrate vs flower dilemma.  Whether you’re a new or veteran consumer, this ultimate guide will help you decide on which one of the two is best for you. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about vaping concentrate vs flower, and cover all the benefits and differences to know.  Concentrate vs Flower: The Basic Differences With any product, the original version is bound to be improved on or innovated. The same goes for the cannabis flower and the outcome of industry advancements for extraction. Now, users have the choice of consuming either concentrates or flower in cannabis vaporizers and other devices. As essential as knowing how to vape concentrates or flower is to understand the difference between the two. Let’s look at how they differ.  Cannabis flowerCannabis flower, also called buds, or nugs, is the most old-fashioned form of consuming cannabis. The buds are harvested off the plants, dried and cured for consumption, and allow consumers to enjoy the benefits in their original form. Each varying strain has its own unique terpene profile for varying aromas and taste, and even bud size and color, which appeal differently to a wide audience of connoisseurs and beginners. The flower is broken up or ground up using a grinder, then placed in vaporizers, bongs, bowls, joints, or blunts. Cannabis concentratesConcentrates, on the other hand, are the extracted oils from the plant that provide the cannabis flower’s effects in a concentrated form. The process involves high-tech equipment and uses solvent-based or solventless methods to isolate and extract the oil from the plant’s flower. Cannabis concentrates are much more potent because it’s the ‘concentrated’ version of flower.  Often referred to as ‘extracts’ or ‘dabs’, concentrates come in various forms, such as shatter, wax, live resin, and distillate or oil, and can be dabbed with a dab rig, or vaporized in a dab pen or cannabis vaporizer.  Now that you know the key difference in the concentrate vs flower toss-up, let’s dive deep into the benefits of each form.  Benefits of Cannabis Flower People have been smoking cannabis flower for centuries. It even dates back to ancient civilizations. It’s one of the most readily available cannabis product types and is often liked for the fun, ritualistic elements that come with it, such as rolling a joint, sparking a bowl, enjoying the aromas, or getting high with friends.  The flower in its natural form contains a variety of cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN that produce unique effects, and also terpenes such as Limonene, Myrcene, and Linalool that produce unique scents.  Altogether, these compounds are capable of producing an ‘entourage effect,’ which is a proven phenomenon that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to amplify one another’s effects.  Beyond its accessibility, and ease of use, one of the main benefits of cannabis flower is that it’s cost-effective and much cheaper than concentrates.  Benefits of Cannabis Concentrates Even though cannabis concentrates are more expensive than flower, they are much more potent, too. While flower may contain 15-30% THC, concentrates often contain anywhere from 70-99% THC, which allows users to consume less for a more potent cannabis experience.  One of the key benefits of concentrates outside of their potency is that they’re odorless and highly discreet for use. You can achieve an ‘entourage effect’ if you try out strain-specific or full-spectrum concentrates, such as live rosin, which contains the whole plant profile of cannabinoids and terpenes.  Today, concentrates are highly favored by medicinal users since you can dose less quantity due to their high potency and experience a longer duration of effects.  So, what are some other differences you should be aware of when considering the concentrate vs flower toss-up?  Vaping Concentrate vs Flower: What You Need to Know To vape flower or concentrate, you’ll need a flower vaporizer or concentrate vaporizer. Concentrates are often manufactured into vape carts that are attached to a battery for heating, vaporizing, and inhaling. You can also vape flower and concentrates with refillable vaporizers.  The devices come equipped with a power source, heating apparatus, and a chamber that holds your flower or concentrate. In fact, some advanced vaporizer models can facilitate vaporizing both flower and concentrate with a specialized extract pad addition.  Vaporizing provides a smoother, more flavorful experience and produces a much less intense smoke, which is good for discretion. It’s also less messy and more convenient than traditional methods of smoking flower as there’s no ash to discard, or lighters to carry.  How do the effects of vaping concentrate vs flower differ? Let’s find out.  Concentrate vs Flower: Effects Compared The most important difference to understand between the high and effects of concentrate vs flower is potency. Since concentrates can be two to three times more potent than flower, its buzz is much more intense.  Of course, the exact effects you experience when vaping flower or concentrate will be determined by the cannabis strain type. For instance, indica strains tend to produce sleepier or sedating effects, while sativa strains tend to be more energizing and uplifting.  You can expect both flower and concentrate effects to kick in almost immediately after the first inhale. However, the effects of concentrates tend to be comparatively more intenses. flower. Also, the effects of concentrates often last longer as compared to flower, depending on the amount you consume, the dosage, and potency.               Concentrate vs Flower: FAQs It’s natural to have questions on the subject of vaping concentrate vs flower, and deciding which is right for you. Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions to help you make a decision.  Will concentrate get me higher than flower?  Yes, concentrates will get you higher or produce more intense effects as compared to flower due to their higher THC percentages.  How much will a gram of concentrate cost me?  Concentrate costs vary from state to state, market to market, but on average, a gram of concentrate costs anywhere from $30-$60.  Which is better to smoke, concentrate or flower?  If you’re a beginner, it might be best to start with flower and get used to its effects before moving on to concentrates. If you’re a seasoned cannabis consumer looking for more intense effects, then you should try out concentrates. It’ll also depend on your lifestyle, and which type suits you better in terms of odor, discretion, and cost.  Which One is Better in Terms of Value for Money?  For most cannabis consumers, it may come down to budget to decide if concentrates or flowers are right for them. So, which one is better in terms of value for money? As we’ve discussed, it’ll depend on the market in the state you live in, and the price of cannabis near you.  In general, a gram of flower costs $10-$20, while a gram of concentrate costs anywhere from $30-$60 depending on the quality. However, you’ll consume more or less the same quantity with both types. So it’ll ultimately come down to your personal preference.  Concentrate vs Flower: Time to Make a Decision Now that you know about the concentrate vs flower properties, differences, and effects, you can make the decision of which will be best for you. Luckily, with the growing popularity and speedy expansion of legal cannabis markets, both product types are easy to buy.  If you plan to consume both regularly, buying a cannabis vaporizer that supports vaping both concentrates and flower will be ideal. That way, you don’t have to purchase two separate devices. Check out the Firefly 2+ weed vaporizer, which is equally compatible with flowers and extracts, ready in three seconds, and easy to load and clean. SHOP NOW

Intro  Since vaping became so popular seemingly suddenly, many are surprised to learn that vaping has been around for decades. While modern vaping has taken the industry to new heights, the humble beginnings of the industry can shed light on why vaping came to be in the first place.  Below, you'll learn about the history of vaping, as well as what triggered the population boom that the practice currently enjoys today.  A Brief History of Vaping  While vaping as we know it has been around for decades, the predecessors of the modern practice have been around for centuries. Ancient Egyptians would take a variety of herbs and oils and heat them on stone plates, which created vapor and fumes they enjoyed inhaling. While not "true" vaping, it certainly set the stage for contemporary smoking methods.  Hookahs, a smoking method using a water pipe, also have ancient origins. They originated in the Middle East and still continue a high level of popularity. Tobacco smoking has driven a lot of the development of modern smoking, but it was also one of the driving forces of the first modern vape being developed.  Who Invented Vaping?  Herbert Gilbert, an American scientist, filed a patent in 1963 for a "smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette." He was the first in the world to do so, and his vaping device, while unrefined, had many of the modern components found in modern vaporizers. It used a battery to heat vape liquid, which would create vapor that the user could enjoy.  Gilbert's vape juice, like modern vape juice, was infused with nicotine. He had intended to use his vaporizer as a smoking cessation device (similar to how vaping can be used today). He also made his vape liquid with a variety of flavors, marketing the product as a weight-loss tool since users could "vape" their favorite sweet dishes.  Before His Time  Unfortunately, Gilbert couldn't get any manufacturers to invest in the large-scale manufacturing of his device. Smoking was still widely accepted, highly profitable, and the famous Surgeon General's report warning of the dangers of tobacco use wouldn't be released until 1964. Despite his passion, Gilbert never saw success from his patent.  Eventually, his patent would expire, and vaping would be largely ignored for several more decades.  A Winning Design  It wouldn't be until 2003 when modern vaping would begin to take hold. Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, became interested in novel tools to help people stop smoking when his father (who was a heavy smoker) died of lung cancer. He was inspired by Gilbert's original patent but modernized the design to make it more user-friendly and convenient.  The design he made would become the first modern e-cigarette. It was small, discreet, and looked very similar to a cigarette, but it produced vapor-infused nicotine instead of smoke. Unlike Gilbert's design, Lik's exploded in popularity. It spread across Asia, Europe, and eventually the United States.  While vaping has changed significantly since 2003, we can all thank Hon Lik for bringing it to the world stage. How Long Has Vaping Been Around?  Depends on who you ask! Most will say that Herbert Gilbert officially brought the modern idea of vaping to the world, making the first battery-powered device that vaporized specialty liquid. Others may say that it was Hon Lik who made the first successful vaporizer design and brought the practice to the world stage.  Others may say that "vaping" has roots that are centuries old, looking to ancient practices like baking herbs and inhaling the fumes (like the Egyptians did). Regardless, the heart of the practice has been around for centuries! How Vaping's Popularity Grew  Lik's design helped vaping become a more widespread practice, but his e-cigarette (which was limited in its functionality) isn't what caused vaping to really explode. While vaping steadily grew for the next several years, a brand-new design hit the market in 2010. It was a new product called a box mod.  Unlike the e-cigarettes and vape pens before it, box mods offered a full suite of features, a super-hefty battery, and enormous vape juice capacity. These features allowed vapers to easily create enormous vape clouds (which were similar to the smoke production from a hookah). Vapers loved the product and vaping exploded in popularity.  The Arrival of Pod Mods  While box mods really helped vaping explode, there were still barriers of entry that were difficult for some customers to overcome. Box mods were expensive, required a certain level of expertise to use, and needed regular maintenance to upkeep. For more casual vapers, box mods didn't scratch the convenience itch that so many had.  In 2015, yet another product entered the market. This time, it was Pax Labs and their now-famous JUUL products. They introduced a disposable, pre-filled vape that even brand-new vapers could quickly pick up and use. This shook the market up again, with a new wave of disposable vapes (and refillable vapes with similar designs) entering the market. Unfortunately, pod mods like JUUL were a little too accessible to teens, especially minors who are not old enough to vape). Due to the skyrocketing popularity of nicotine-infused, fruity-flavored vape juices, the USA banned certain flavored vapes in 2020. Modern History of Vaping  The modern history of vaping really begins with Hon Lik and his e-cigarette. His design kicked off the vaping craze, and while true e-cigarettes are often seen as dated nowadays, they were what kickstarted the modern vaping industry.  Since then, modern vaping has enjoyed several milestones, like box mods and pod mods. Vaping other substances, like dry herbs and concentrates, have also enjoyed increased popularity due to the acceptance of vaping increasing.  Modern Vaporizers: Components and How They Work  While the heart of a vaporizer hasn't changed much, a lot of new pieces of hardware have been developed and added since the humble days of the e-cigarette. Take a look at some of the common components found in today's vaporizers: Batteries  Just like in Gilbert's design, all modern vapes have a battery. While they vary in size or charge, they all serve the same purpose: to provide power to a heating element to produce vapor. Many vapes have built-in batteries that can't be removed, while others (like box mods) have replaceable batteries.  Atomizers  The atomizer is what the battery is providing power to. The atomizer can have a variety of heating elements (like cotton wicks, mesh coil, or other options) that will heat to vaporize the juice you have chosen. How the entire process works is simple! First, the battery provides power to the atomizer, which will heat high enough to vaporize e-liquids. Then, the tank will drip liquid onto the heated atomizer, which will vaporize. The vapor travels through a designated vapor pathway, through a mouthpiece, into your lungs! Atomizers are the most basic kind of heating element for e-liquids. While they do an excellent job of providing the authentic flavor of what you are vaping, they aren't very efficient with the juice. This will lead to frequent refillings, which may not be a dealbreaker for hardcore flavor-chasers, but casual vapers may not enjoy the regular maintenance.  Fortunately, there are two modern versions of atomizers that provide a more efficient vaping experience: cartomizers and clearomizers.  Cartomizer  A cartomizer operates similarly to an atomizer, except it has a special component called a polyfill. A polyfill acts kind of like a wick, where it will soak up e-liquids and control how much juice is vaped at a time. This gives much longer vaping sessions since this is a much more efficient use of vape juice. You'll usually trade convenience for a slightly duller flavor. Clearomizer  As the name implies, a clearomizer is "clear," so you can see your chosen e-liquid inside. More importantly, clearomizers generally use a wick-feeding system (as opposed to the polyfill system in a cartomizer or a drip system in an atomizer). The wick allows vape juice to be used efficiently (so there are less refillings) and provides an excellent flavor.  Clearomizers are newer to the market, so they offer a lot of advantages. However, they are not without their drawbacks. Namely, if you want to try a new juice flavor, you'll need to replace the wick (which is often too technical for beginner vapers). Clearomizers are also significantly more expensive than cartomizers or atomizers, but you certainly get the quality you pay for.  Tanks  Juice tanks (sometimes called cartridges) refer to the entire piece that holds your vape juice. They will include your atomizer (or whatever modern variation you'll be using), as well as the vapor path that connects to your mouthpiece. Tanks can come in a variety of configurations, including RBA tanks, which are meant to be opened and tinkered with by experienced vapers. Mouthpiece  Finally, all modern vapes have some kind of mouthpiece. Glass, plastic, and silicone are common materials for this component, which all have their own pros and cons for use. Vapes that tend to run hot (like box mods) will usually have longer mouthpieces to distance your lips from the heated components.  The Future of Vaping  Vaping isn't going anywhere for a long time, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't expect changes. We really don't know much about vaping since modern vaping hasn't been studied that closely. There was a huge scare in 2020 when people were mysteriously getting a vaping illness (which turned out to be black market THC cartridges with harmful additives).  There's still a lot we don't know about how vaping affects the human body, and the more we learn, the more that our view of vaping may change. For now, vaping is often used to help stop smoking tobacco or simply as a hobby. Many vapers enjoy CBD oils to help treat a variety of physical ailments, like chronic pain or anxiety. Others avoid vaping juices altogether and instead opt to vape concentrates or dry herbs with specialty devices like the Firefly 2+ Vaping dry herbs directly avoids a lot of the fears associated with using atomizers to vaporize e-liquids.  The more we learn about vaping, the more we'll talk about it! Be sure to check back to this knowledge base regularly to learn the latest on vaping.   SHOP NOW