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What Is a Vape Pen?
Intro
With vaping continuing to grow in popularity, it can be hard to keep track of all the different kinds of vaping devices that are available. While veterans may be able to easily navigate the differences, beginners can easily be overwhelmed with choices, especially if terms are used seemingly interchangeably (like "vape pen").
If you've ever been confused about what specifically a vape pen is, then this article is for you! We'll deep dive into what those devices are, what features they usually offer, and how to best take care of vape pens for long-term use.
What is a Vape Pen?
A vape pen is a small, cylindrical device that is able to produce vapor. It includes a battery that powers a heating element within an atomizer. That atomizer is in contact with your vaping substance, and when heat is applied, that substance vaporizes and is inhaled by the user.
True to their name, vape pens typically look somewhat like ball-point pens. This makes vape pens an ideal choice for discreet, public use and usually makes for easy travel. Vape pens can be used to vape a variety of substances, including nicotine-infused vape juice, dry herbs, concentrates, and cannabis oils.
What Are the Different Types of Vape Pens?
Vape pens were one of the first styles of vaporizers available on the market, which means you'll find a huge variety of devices today. Take a look below to see some of the different kinds of vape pens available today.
Disposable Vape Pens
Disposable vape pens are complete vaping systems ready to go out of the box. They are not designed to be refilled, so once the vape juice inside is used up (or the battery dies), the pen is thrown away. Disposable vape pens can come filled with e-liquids (often infused with nicotine) or cannabis oils, like THC.
Reusable Vape Pen Batteries
Reusable vape pen batteries are the most common vape pen style available. The battery is built inside a pen-like chamber, and most are designed to connect to a 510 threaded cartridge. This kind of vape pen can use disposable, prefilled cartridges or can use refillable, reusable cartridges or tanks.
This style of a vape pen usually has nicotine-infused vape juices or cannabis oils in mind for use.
Dry Herb Vape Pens
You may associate dry herb vapes with larger, box-like designs, but genuine dry herb "pens" are available. They maintain a smaller, pen-like design (though it will still be thicker than a vape pen for e-liquids), with a chamber to heat dry herbs. You typically sacrifice chamber and battery capacity for the discreet pen design, so keep that in mind when choosing a device.
Concentrate Vape Pens
Since concentrates don't need a wide surface area to heat, most concentrate vaporizers will sport a pen-like design. The heating chamber just needs to be wide enough to house a heating coil, though there are several genuine vape pens that are made specifically for concentrate vaping.
Pod Mods
Finally, pod mods are hefty vape pens that are geared towards heavier vapors. Unlike box mods, which are larger and bulky, pod mods offer a slimmer design while still offering plenty of power. Pod mods are much thicker than a standard, reusable vape pen, but their comfortable, cylindrical form factor is still far less conspicuous than a standard box mod.
Pod mods are generally used for e-liquids with nicotine, though pod mods can also handle a variety of accessories and attachments. Depending on the specific brand, you can find pod mods that can handle dry herb or concentrate attachments, too.
What Parts Make Up a Vape Pen?
Depending on the specific brand of pen, you'll find small variations in the design or offered features. However, you can count on finding the same core components across devices that allow the vape to work. There are three major designs that you'll experience; e-liquid vape pens, dry herb vape pens, and concentrate vape pens.
E-Liquid Vape Pens
E-liquid vape pens will typically have a battery at the base of the device. As you move along the device, the battery will connect to some kind of atomizer. Unless you're using a disposable vape pen, the atomizer can be disconnected from the battery, which allows for cartridge replacements or easier refills.
The atomizer connects to the vapor path, which is how vapor can flow from its container where it is heated. Finally, the vapor will flow through a mouthpiece, where users can take puffs of tasty clouds!
Dry Herb Vape Pens
Most dry herb vape pens do not have a removable heating compartment. Usually, the battery (which is still usually located at the bottom of the device) is wired directly to the heating chamber. This is because the heating chamber of a dry herb vape requires a lot more power than an atomizer does, and a built-in heating chamber allows power to more safely and easily flow.
The heating chamber is where you will load dry herbs into the device. How much dry herb you can load will depend on the brand or model choice, though it's usually much less than a standard dry herb vape.
Once loaded, the heating chamber heats the dry herb (using either convection or conduction heating), which creates vapor. From there, vapor will pass through a mesh filter (usually connected directly to the heating chamber), where it will follow a vapor path to the mouthpiece.
Concentrate Vape Pens
Concentrate vape pens have some of the simplest designs you'll find in a device. The battery serves as the base and connects to the heating chamber. Depending on the device, you may be able to remove the battery base from the heating chamber, which is helpful when performing routine maintenance.
Inside the heating chamber are the heating coils. The concentrate is placed directly onto the heating coils, which will later heat up to super-high temperatures. Heating coils in a concentrate vape pen will eventually need to be replaced, and most devices allow for easy coil exchange for easy overall maintenance.
When the vape is turned on, the heating coils create vapor from the concentrate, which will travel through a vapor path through a mouthpiece. Concentrate vape pens can be made to be slimmer than dry herb vapes since less space is needed for concentrate than for dry herbs.
How Do Vape Pens Work?
Regardless of the style you use, vape pens work in similar ways. A battery provides power to a heating element (which can be a heating chamber, heating coils, or an atomizer) that heats a provided substance enough to produce vapor. The vapor is then inhaled through a mouthpiece by the user.
While that process can vary greatly depending on the specific features a vape pen may offer, or what the pen is designed to use, the basic process typically remains the same for most vapes with a pen design.
Benefits of Vape Pens
Vape pens offer a lot of benefits that other designs struggle to match. If you're thinking about purchasing a vape pen, consider some of the following benefits:
Discreet Public Use
The vast majority of vape pens (including many pod mods) can be concealed in a closed fist. This makes vape pens ideal for inconspicuous public use. If you need a device for vaping while out and about, a pen design may be a good fit.
Easy Portability
Most vape pens can be disassembled and easily transported. Even if you don't plan on vaping publicly, if you want to have a device that travels easily, vape pens easily fit the bill. Even if your device can't be taken apart (like most dry herb vape pens), their overall design still lends themselves to be convenient travel companions.
Ease of Use
Vape pens are really, really easy to use, which is why beginners flock to them. Connecting a cartridge or loading a heating chamber is very straightforward, and most vape pens aren't loaded with a full set of complicated features. If you want a quick, easy vaping experience, vape pens offer an enticing solution.
Tips for Choosing the Best Vape Pen
If you're interested in a vape pen, you'll be faced with a huge variety of choices. In order to help narrow those options down, ask yourself some of the following questions to help guide yourself to an ideal product:
What Do I Want to Vape?
First, decide what you want to vape! Do you want to vape e-liquids or dry herbs? Do you want to be able to vape a variety of different choices? Determine what you want your vape pen to be able to handle, and you'll narrow down your choices quickly.
How Much Do You Want to Spend?
While vape pens tend to be budget-friendly, you'll still face a pretty broad price range. Basic pens can be as little as $10-15, while pod mods can be upwards of $100 or more. Landing on a price ceiling before shopping will help to make a faster decision.
What Features Do You Want?
Are you ok with a basic vaping experience, or do you want precision heat control, an extra-large heating chamber, or compatibility across a broad range of attachments? Determining what features you want and which you can live without is a great way to narrow the field of choices.
How to Clean a Vape Pen?
Vape pens are pretty easy to keep clean, though how you do so will depend on whether you have a vape pen for e-liquids, dry herbs, or concentrates:
Cleaning an E-Liquid Vape Pen
There's not much mess to clean up with this kind of vape pen since the entire vaping process is usually completely enclosed. Should light residue buildup on the outside, just use a dry cloth to wipe it down. If you spill vape juice when refilling a cartridge, wipe down the outside thoroughly.
Cleaning a Dry Herb Vape Pen
After every vaping session, you'll need to dump out the heating chamber and clear any remaining spent herb. You should never store dry herb in a heating chamber (that can lead to stick residue buildup and clogs). Occasionally, you'll need to change the mesh filter once it becomes clogged, and most dry herbs vape pens come with spare filters.
Cleaning a Concentrate Vape Pen
Cleaning a concentrate vape pen can be a little trickier since you're dealing with extra sticky wax concentrate. When you're done vaping, allow the heating coils to completely cool and rub-down the interior with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. You want to use a very small amount of rubbing alcohol, just enough to give the coils a good scrub.
You should never store concentrate in the heating chamber of your vape pen since it can potentially clog the vapor path or slowly seep into the sensitive electronics underneath. Remember, you'll need to occasionally replace the heating coil regardless, and it is often a reason that your vape tastes burnt.
How to Fill a Vape Pen?
If you're using a dry herb or consecrate pen, just open the heating chamber and place your cannabis or wax inside. If you're using an e-liquid vape tank, the process can be a little more complicated, and there are general steps you can try (which will vary depending on the specific brand of vape you have):
First, power the device off and detach the vape tank from the vape battery.
If using a top-fill tank, unscrew or move the top of the tank to reveal the tiny refill hole.
If using a bottom fill tank, flip the tank over and unscrew the covering to reveal the refill hole.
Use a syringe (or a bottle with a syringe tip) to refill your tank to the desired level.
With top-fill tanks, replace the tank cap and reconnect the tank to the battery.
With bottom-fill tanks, replace the bottom of the tank, ensuring it is completely fastened.
Then, flip the tank over. Check for any drips or leaks. If there are, flip the tank over and more securely fasten the tank cap.
If there are no leaks, reattach the tank to the vape battery.
Again, these steps will vary, though they should serve as a good general guide of what to expect when refilling an e-liquid tank.
How to Charge a Vape Pen
Regardless of type or model, the vast majority of vape pens have internal batteries (or batteries that cannot be removed). This means they'll have a charging port (usually Micro-USB) and an included USB charging cable. Many vapes do not come with a power adapter (or the part that plugs into the wall), but you can use any you have available, like those for most mobile phones.
Conclusion
Vape pens are an excellent choice for beginners, but their versatile and travel-friendly design has continued to draw veteran vapers who may be looking for a secondary travel device. Regardless of what you want to vape, there is a pen-like device for it, which means they are a great, low-cost way to try all kinds of vaping substances.
If you are interested in vaping dry herbs and are interested in moving to a high-performing device that moves beyond what a vape pen will offer, consider the Firefly 2+. It uses special convection heating to provide a world-class taste of your favorite dry herbs!
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Vape Guides
How to Vape CBD Oil
CBD oil has quickly become a go to for an increasing number of people because of its ability to naturally heal everyday aches, pains, soreness, anxiety and depression. Learning how to vape CBD oil can be a simple and quick process. CBD oil is convenient to take with you on the go and highly discreet. With the rise of handheld, quality vaporizers, it’s simple to take a puff of CBD and let the effects kick in quickly. Of course, many experts underline the unique caveats that come with vaping CBD oil. By the end of this article, you'll know what CBD oil is, why it's popular, and the best practices to ensure you get the most out of each CBD vaping session.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil describes either vape juice or tincture oil that has been infused with cannabidiol or CBD. In its natural state, CBD is a common cannabinoid found in cannabis, with particularly high concentrations in hemp. To avoid any confusion, let's talk about the difference between CBD tincture oil and CBD vape oil.
What is CBD Vape Oil?
CBD vape oil (which can be referred to as e-liquid or vape juice) is vape juice infused with CBD. The CBD is mixed with vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol, which are common ingredients in e-liquids that vaporize easily. You should not swallow or consume CBD vape oil. It will taste terrible and could potentially make you sick.
<>The Benefits of Vaping CBD
While research is still early, current peer-reviewed studies show some exciting benefits of vaping CBD. They range from treating specific kinds of pain to specific kinds of mental health disorders.
CBD as an Anti-inflammatory
Research suggests that CBD can be used as a powerful pain-reliever, and it does so on two fronts. First, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help reduce neurotransmitters from transmitting pain signals. Second, and more importantly, CBD can be used as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Not only can it be used for acute inflammation (like from an injury), but that same research suggests it can be used to treat chronic inflammation associated with auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike opioids, which are powerful pain relievers but have wicked side effects, CBD has very mild side effects that many users don't experience.
CBD to Treat Depression and Anxiety
CBD can interact with the brain's serotonin receptors, which research suggests may allow it to treat depression. In fact, a study looking at behavior in animals found that CBD can have a swift antidepressant effect. CBD lacks the side effects of traditional antidepressants, which may provide effective treatment of depression for those that struggle to tolerate traditional medicine.
Research examining how CBD can treat chronic and acute depression is also very promising. A 2016 study suggests that it might be an effective treatment for those struggling with PTSD. Another study showed that CBD was more effective at alleviating acute anxiety associated with public speaking.
CBD to Treat Addiction
CBD may offer a one-two punch in helping to treat addiction. As we mentioned, it has promise as a powerful pain reliever, reducing or eliminating the need for more harmful pain management techniques that use opioids. Research also suggests that CBD can help rewire the brain to resolve addiction to opioids like heroin and stimulants like cocaine.
Why Is CBD Vaping Popular?
CBD vaping has grown in popularity for a variety of reasons. Let's take an in-depth look at some of those reasons below:
CBD Health Benefits
Many vapers love vaping CBD because of the health benefits we mentioned. They're already used to enjoying vaporizers, so including a new vaping substance like CBD is an easy transition.
Vaping Convenience
Vaping is often chosen as the specific method of ingesting CBD because of how convenient it is. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, it's easy to get your vape pen out and take a quick puff or two while quickly getting back to your business.
Fast-Acting Relief
Vaping CBD allows you to feel the effects very quickly, especially compared to CBD oil tinctures and CBD edibles. It's the same comparison when looking at vaping THC or eating a weed edible. Vaping allows the effects to be felt more quickly, and for those treating acute pain or anxiety, the fast-acting relief is unbeatable.
How to Vape CBD
There are a couple of ways to be able to enjoy vaping CBD. Let's take a look at some of the most popular methods:
Disposable CBD Vape Pen
This is an all-in-one device that includes a pre-charged vape battery and a pre-filled CBD oil cartridge. It's ready to vape out of the box, so you'll either take a draw immediately (if it is draw-fire), or you'll power the device on with quick clicks of the power button.
Disposable CBD Cartridge or CBD Pod
You can also find CBD in disposable cartridges or pods if you already have a vaping device that you love. If you have a vape pen or box mod, you just need to make sure that the CBD cartridge will connect to your vape battery. Most cartridges (and most vape pens and box mods) will be compatible with 510 threading, so double-check that your cartridge will attach!
If you have a pod vape, you'll need to make sure to find a CBD pod that fits into your vape pod device. If your device supports refillable pods, you may be able to use bottles of CBD vape juice to fill the pods. Just make sure that your vape pod doesn't need a specific mixture of vape juice before making a purchase!
Bottles of CBD Vape Juice
Finally, if you have a vape tank setup that you love, consider getting bottles of CBD vape juice, similar to how you may already buy bottles of nicotine-infused e-liquids. You'll be able to enjoy your existing vape setup while also enjoying the benefits of vaping CBD!
How to Vape CBD Effectively
Unlike vaping nicotine-infused CBD, there's more nuance when you decide to vape a CBD product. Before tearing into a bottle of CBD vape juice (or whatever method you decide to use), consider the following for the best vaping experience:
What's Your CBD Dosage?
CBD impacts individuals in different ways, with some being extremely sensitive to it while others enjoy larger doses. You should not start vaping CBD by taking enormous rips of vapor like you would with nicotine-infused vape juice. CBD can cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure.
Vaping Oil Not Effective? Try Hemp or Wax
If you are using CBD to treat chronic pain or inflammation, have a naturally high tolerance to CBD, or have developed a tolerance due to long-term use, you may find that vaping CBD isn't potent enough for your needs. If this describes you, you may want to consider vaping hemp or wax for a more potent effect.
Vaping raw hemp is the same process as vaping your favorite dry herbs. Be sure to grind your hemp before putting it in the heating chamber and start with a small amount and work your way up to an amount that fits your needs.
Choose a Vaping Device Right for You
Finally, make sure you get a vaping device that you can comfortably and efficiently use. Don't feel pressured to use a refillable tank just because it's more cost-effective, and don't feel bad about using a disposable vape because you throw away the entire device. Experiment with different options and pick the one that you can most comfortably use.
An Introduction to Vaping CBD: Know Your Equipment
If you're new to vaping altogether, you need to be sure to fully understand your equipment before diving into using CBD. Most vaping setups will have the following components:
A battery
A heating element (like a heating coil)
A mouthpiece
A tank or chamber for your vaping substance
From there, your specific setup will vary. If you're new to vaping, you should take time to consider the differences between your equipment options:
Vape Tanks for CBD
Vape tanks are commonly attached to box mods, which are powerful vaping batteries geared towards more experienced vapers. They typically have a full suite of features, including precision heating options, that allow for specific customization of the vapor being produced.
If you want to use a tank for CBD, you'll use vape juice that is infused with CBD. Remember, you cannot use tincture oil in a vape. However, if you're looking to enjoy the benefits of CBD while making impressive vapor clouds, then a tank may be the exact option you want!
Vape Pens for CBD
Vape pens are the more traditional vaping device, getting their name from their very pen-like appearance. Vape pens may have some adjustable heating options, though many make use of a draw-fire design.
Vape pens can use some vape tanks, but many pens lack the power required to make full use of a high-capacity tank. Generally, for those looking to use a vape pen for CBD, the most convenient option is buying pre-filled disposable cartridges or disposable vape pens.
Vape Tanks vs. Vape Pens for CBD
Tanks have a much higher capacity for vape juice, which can make extended vaping sessions easier. If you're using a box mod with your vape tank (which is our recommendation), you also have access to tinker with the heating options to get your vapor exactly how you want it.
Vape pens, while lacking the robust features of tanks, are more petite, discrete, and less expensive. Whether you opt to use disposable cartridges or disposable vapes, pens are a fantastic solution to those who are new to CBD or new to vaping entirely.
It's not uncommon for vapers to start with a disposable option to try different products and then move to a higher-end, more permanent style product. Regardless of what you choose, go with the solution that seems to fit your needs the best.
How Safe Is It to Vape CBD Oil?
Vaping CBD oil is extremely safe. Like THC (the cannabinoid that causes marijuana's trademarked high), you can't "overdose" on CBD to the point that it would cause a dangerous health issue. It may be safer to vape CBD than traditional e-liquids since you avoid the nicotine that is often infused.
That being said, if you vape too much CBD too quickly, you can experience uncomfortable side effects. Common side-effects of vaping too much CBD include:
Fatigue or drowsiness
Anxiety spikes or general irritability
Nausea or general loss of appetite
Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal distress
If you want to avoid these symptoms, you need to start your CBD journey nice and slow. When vaping, take one or two hits to start and listen to your body. Starting slow and working your way up to your ideal dosage is the best way to avoid these side effects.
Common CBD Vaping Mistakes
It's easy for beginners to have a difficult first experience when vaping CBD. There is no standard "dosing" for CBD, regardless of how you consume it. If you choose to vape, it can be difficult to figure out "how much" you've actually ingested. To help address this difficulty, be sure to avoid these common newbie mistakes when you first start!
Vaping Too Much Too Quickly
This will be a particular issue if you have a box mod and vape tank set up and are used to puffing enormous clouds of traditional e-liquids. It is important that you moderate your CBD intake and do your best to keep track of how many puffs you take. Being experienced with vaping doesn't mean you can just dive into vaping CBD, so be patient and vape slowly.
Not Keeping Track of Dosage
If you are treating a chronic ailment, like anxiety or inflammation, you need to keep track of your typical dosage. This will help you standardize your treatment plan and will make it possible to accurately adjust your dosage if you need a stronger dose or need a weaker dose to avoid side effects.
There's not a super accurate way to keep track of CBD dosage when you vape. You can count your puffs and make sure you're pulling for similar times for each, which will give you a solid rough idea of what your "dosage" might be for a specific vape product.
Alternatives to Vaping CBD
Not everyone wants or is able to vape CBD. If you want to avoid vaping e-liquids, there are several other ways you can enjoy CBD.
Dry Herbs or Wax
Earlier, we mentioned that you could vape hemp or CBD wax if you don't enjoy vape juice. Remember, these methods are far more potent, so be sure to take it slow when you first start.
CBD Oil Tinctures and Edibles
If you want to avoid inhaling vapor altogether, you can buy consumable CBD products. Tincture oils offer a very potent, long-lasting solution, and edibles are convenient and much tastier. If you eat or swallow a CBD product, it will take longer to feel the effects (just like taking a traditional weed edible takes longer to hit than smoking or vaping).
CBD Topicals
If you are interested in using CBD to treat muscle inflammation, consider topicals. These products are traditional pain-relieving products (like Icy Hot) but have CBD infused into them. This allows for direct application to specific muscle groups, which works great for treating acute muscle pain.
Final Notes on Vaping CBD
Now that you know how to vape CBD oil and the best practices for vaping CBD, what are you waiting for? With this information, you can better understand the dosage that will work for you and get the most out of your CBD vaping routines.
All you’ll need is a high quality vape pen or vaporizer to do so.
If you're interested in vaping hemp for concentrated, full-spectrum CBD effects, consider using Firefly 2+. As versatile as CBD itself, Firefly allows you to vape CBD oil and CBD-rich flower, too. Shop Firefly and its accessories now!
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