THC Vapes: What Are Your Options?

Vape Pen

Also: THC Vape

A vape pen is a handheld, portable vaporizer commonly used to heat cannabis oil to turn it into inhalable vapor.

A THC vape, also called a vape cartridge or vape pen, is a sleek, portable device that vaporizes cannabis products like THC distillate or concentrates. These devices typically feature a small chamber or cartridge filled with cannabis oil, a battery heater, and a mouthpiece for inhaling the vapor. Vape pens are discreet and easy to use, making them a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts.¹

There are dozens of vape pen types to choose from, but they all typically contain the same anatomy: 

Battery: The battery is what powers your vape pen so that it can heat up to the appropriate temperature. Most vape pen batteries are rechargeable, and some come with a temperature dial to customize how hot you want the heating element in your atomizer. The battery is attached to the cartridge, usually by screwing it on.

Atomizer: The atomizer is like your oven—it contains a heating element that’s housed in metal or ceramic. When you activate your vape pen, the coil in the atomizer heats up and your vape oil turns to vapor. 

Cartridge or Cart: Most cannabis enthusiasts refer to the container that holds the cannabis oil as the vape cart. You can find a massive variety of cartridges at your local dispensary, filled with distillate mixtures, concentrates, or even single cannabinoids.

Unlike smoking a joint, blunt, or bong, which burns cannabis,² vaping uses lower temperatures to transform cannabinoids and terpenes into a smooth, inhalable vapor. This preserves flavor and potency while reducing harsh byproducts. 

Here’s a breakdown of how vape pens work:³ 

Vaporizers heat cannabis oil using one of two methods: conduction (involving direct exposure to a heating element) or convection (involving exposure to a flow of hot air).⁴ Some models combine both methods for more balanced heating and better flavor.

Vaporizers let you control the heat, activating cannabinoids and terpenes at specific temperatures. This precision enhances flavor, potency, and the overall experience by preserving the cannabis compounds.

As the cannabis heats up, cannabinoids and terpenes turn into a smooth, inhalable vapor. This process eliminates combustion, giving you a cleaner, more flavorful experience.

If you want to use the most universal vape pen battery on the market, opt for a 510-thread vape battery. Just remember that not all 510s are created the same. Here are three things to consider when purchasing your 510 battery:

Temperature Control: A good battery typically has some form of temperature control, allowing you to customize your experience when you vape. This can be a great way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your cannabis oil without ruining it by overheating it.⁵ 

Activation Type: There are two ways a battery can be activated—push button or auto-draw (which means simply inhaling). If you want to be able to enjoy your vaping without holding down a button, opt for an auto-draw pen or a push-button pen where you turn it on and then you don’t have to do anything else. If you don’t want to have to deal with power buttons at all, opt for an auto-draw. 

Battery Size: The size of the battery matters with vape pens. The bigger the battery, the longer it will last but the longer it will take to charge, too. Consider how frequently you consume marijuana throughout the day. For a casual consumer, you probably don’t need a big battery. If you’re an everyday vaper, you’ll want to have a battery that can keep up with you.

In addition to temperature control, activation type, and battery size, there are a few other considerations you should keep top of mind when choosing your marijuana vape pen. 

• Look for a battery with an automatic shut-off. While this might seem like an unnecessary feature, it can keep your product from getting wasted and your battery from losing its charge. It can also keep you safe from any sort of overheating or combustion.
  
  
• Consider your vape battery’s voltage. Most 510 batteries run between 3.3 volts and 4.8 volts. The voltage is a reflection of how hot your vapor will get and how much vapor will be created when you’re vaping. Typically, you want to start with a lower voltage and work your way up to decide what’s right for you and your product.
  
  
• Keep the charging time of your battery in mind. The bigger the battery, the longer the charge time. So while you might be able to go longer without needing to charge the battery, when it is time to charge, it might take a full day to do so. This is a real bummer if you’re a regular consumer. That said, don’t use your vape pen and then put it back on the charger. While this might seem like a good idea, it can actually damage your battery if it’s on a charger while it’s at full charge. 

Before you head out to purchase your new vape pen and battery, keep these answers in mind:

Can I mix and match my battery and cartridges?

Yes, as long as you are using the right battery with the right cartridges. A 510 vape battery that has a threaded receiver can only work with a 510 cartridge. In that, you can absolutely mix and match within the 510 family. If you purchase a brand-specific battery, you may only be able to use that brand’s cartridges, so while you wouldn’t be able to mix and match the brand battery with a 510 cartridge, you can mix and match within that brand’s family of products.

Do vape pens fit all cartridges?

No, vape pens don’t fit all cartridges. For instance, if you have a 510 battery—a battery that requires a threaded cartridge to be screwed onto it—you may find a much bigger selection available to you. If you buy a brand-specific vape pen that only works with their vape cartridges, your selection will be much more limited.  The good news is that there’s no rule that says you can only have one battery.
 

What's the difference between conduction and convection?

Conduction heats cannabis through direct contact with a heated surface, while convection uses hot air to vaporize it. Convection heats more evenly and preserves flavor, while conduction heats faster.⁶

What’s the difference between a vape and THC pen?

There is no difference between a vape pen and a THC pen. They are pens designed to be used to consume cannabis oil that has THC in it.

How much do vape pens cost?

Cannabis vape pens vary in cost. A vape pen that is designed to be disposed of once you’ve consumed the cannabis oil is typically going to cost less than a rechargeable battery and cartridge. You can expect to spend anywhere from $15 to $150 or more on a vape pen, with pens designed for dabs or flower coming in on the high end of that range.

Choosing the Right Vape Pen for You

Once you have all the information you need about the kinds of vape pens you’re going to encounter, it comes down to personal preference. What are you looking for? What would be the most convenient for you? What fits within your budget? Next time you visit a dispensary, ask your budtender which vape pens they recommend. It can be a great place to start.