While smoking flower may reign supreme in the world of cannabis consumption methods, vaping is easily a close second—especially with the rise in quality vape pens. Most fans prefer vaping and vape pens for their many practical benefits—they’re the ultimate in convenience and discretion—so it’s no wonder that vape pens are fast becoming a go-to option in every cannabis lover’s aresenal.
While some consumers opt for vape cartridges that can be attached to a battery, weed vape pens—often called “disposables” or simply “weed vapes”—tend to be the most popular at our family of dispensaries in Michigan. But if you’re a beginner to vape pens or concentrate devices in general, we understand that it can be a bit intimidating. Don’t sweat it—we’ve got your back.
Take a deep dive and explore all things vape pens, including answers to some of your burning questions, like:
- What is a vape pen?
- How does a vape pen work?
- How do I choose a vape pen?
….and so much more! By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident and ready to try a premium vape pen for yourself.
What Is A Vape Pen?
A vape pen is often an all-in-one, disposable cannabis consumption device that consists of a battery, a cartridge that contains cannabis extracts like THC distillate or resin, and a mouthpiece. Vape pens can also be used to describe a battery outfitted with a vape cartridge or “cart.” Most vape carts are 510-threaded, which means they are interchangeable with any battery that has 510 threads to attach the cart to the battery housing.
A huge plus to vape pens is that they’re easy to use. Some disposable vape pens even come with the ability to deliver potent cannabis vapor with just a simple inhale—no activation buttons or charging stations are necessary.
How Does a Vape Pen Work?
A vape pen works by directly vaporizing cannabis concentrates with the push of a button. This process requires several features and parts for it to work smoothly. Here’s how a vape pen works, broken down into its fundamental components:
- Battery: The powerhouse of your vape pen. It provides the electrical energy needed to heat the atomizer. Think of it like the heart of your vape, pumping life into every puff.
- Atomizer: Often referred to as the heating element, this is where the magic happens. When you press the button—or sometimes just inhale like with a disposable vape pen—the atomizer heats up, transforming the cannabis extract into vapor.
- Mouthpiece: Where you put your lips to inhale the vapor. Simple, yet crucial. It’s designed for comfort and efficiency when you take a hit.
- Cartridge or Tank: Holds your cannabis extract or concentrate. It’s like the fuel tank of your vape pen.
- Power Button: Not just for turning the device on or off, the power button is also often used to activate the heating element. It’s like the ‘ignition’ button for your vape.
- Airflow Control: Found in more advanced models, this lets you adjust how much air mixes with the vapor. It’s akin to using a carb cap for your pipe, giving you control over the intensity of your hit.
- Sensor (in some models): Some vape pens use sensors to detect when you’re inhaling, automatically activating the heating element. If you don’t see a button and are wondering how to turn on a vape pen, simply inhale it, and it will power up on its own.
How To Use A Vape Pen: Step-By-Step Guide
Using a vape pen is pretty simple with minimal steps—they aren’t much different from using a dab pen or one that uses a reloadable cartridge. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a vape pen:
- Charge Your Device: Start by charging your vape pen if it’s not already powered up. Most vape pens come with a USB charger, so plug it in and let it charge until the indicator light shows it’s ready. If using a disposable, simply remove it from its packaging—it’s ready to use right out of the box.
- Attach Your Cannabis Vape Cart (if applicable): If you’re using a pre-filled cartridge, simply screw the cart onto your battery.
- Activate the Device: For button-activated models, press and hold the button while inhaling to activate the heating element. Typically, you’ll need to press it for the duration of your inhale. For draw-activated models, simply inhale from the mouthpiece.
- Exhale: Release the vapor and enjoy the experience, noting the flavors and effects.
- Power Off (if applicable): For button-activated pens, you may need to turn off the device to save battery life. Usually, clicking the button a few times in quick succession or holding the button down will toggle the power on or off.
Remember, each vape pen might have slight variations in operation, so always refer to the user manual or ask your budtender for specific instructions.
Vape Pen Tips and Tricks
Keeping your vape pen in tip-top condition requires minimal effort but can seriously pay off in the long run. Here’s how to keep your vape pen working properly the entire time you use it.
Keep It Charged
Ensure your vape pen is fully charged, or carry a portable charger. Most vape pens use standard USB ports, so having a charger handy can prevent any inconvenient downtime.
Unclog Your Pen
If you encounter a blockage, gently blow into the mouthpiece or use a thin, non-metal tool to clear the airway. This simple trick can often resolve issues with vapor production.
Proper Storage
Store your vape pen upright in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent leaks and maintains the integrity of your cannabis concentrate.
Regular Cleaning
Regular maintenance with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs keeps your vape pen functioning at its best. Clean the mouthpiece and any visible parts of the atomizer to avoid buildup.
Why Choose A Vape Pen?
Cannabis vape pens have revolutionized the way enthusiasts consume cannabis, offering a blend of convenience, discretion, and enhanced flavor that traditional methods can’t match. Here’s why vape pens have become the go-to for many:
- Convenience: Vape pens are the epitome of convenience and portability—you have a device ready to use at a moment’s notice, with no rolling papers, lighters, or grinding involved.
- Discretion: If you’re looking to keep your cannabis consumption under wraps, vape pens are your best friend. They produce minimal odor compared to smoking, and the vapor dissipates quickly. Plus, with models that look like everyday pens or e-cigarettes, you can enjoy cannabis almost anywhere without drawing unwanted attention.
- Flavor: Vaporizing cannabis at lower temperatures preserves its flavorful terpenes, which are responsible for a strain’s unique taste and aroma. This means that you’re not just consuming cannabis; you’re savoring it.
- Health Considerations: Vape pens heat cannabis at lower temperatures than combustion, reducing the intake of harmful byproducts like tar and carbon monoxide. They’re also more efficient in terms of cannabis use and may deliver stronger effects.
- Customization and Variety: Modern vape pens often come with adjustable settings, allowing users to control the temperature and, thus, the intensity of their experience. The market for vape pens is vast, and this variety means you can choose what suits your preferences.
In addition to the positive features listed above, for those new to cannabis concentrates and vaporizers, using a vape pen can offer a straightforward entry point. They’re user-friendly, with many models only requiring a simple press of a button to activate, making them accessible even for beginners.
The Top Cannabis Vape Pen Brands To Try In Michigan
Now that you know how to use one, here are some of Michigan’s best vape pens and cartridges.
Kushy Punch Vape Carts and Pens
After impressing the West Coast, Kushy Punch set its sights on the Midwest, offering a fantastic selection of cannabis vape products at unbeatable prices. Loaded with locally sourced full-spectrum oil, Kushy Punch vape cartridges and Kushy Punch disposable vape pens are available in a variety of terpy flavors like blue raspberry, orange creamsicle, peach mango, and sour apple.
Flav Disposables and Vape Carts
Flav produces a fantastic lineup of affordable, convenient, high-quality vape products. Each Flav vape cartridge or disposable pen is filled with high-potency strain-specific cannabis oil. They feature an outstanding lineup of strains, including Banana Kush, a few Runtz varieties, Blue Dream, and other iconic strains.
Church Cannabis Vapes
Church Cannabis specializes in the production of exceptional vape cartridges and disposables. Its in-state extraction facilities utilize advanced proprietary extraction techniques to turn high-quality flower into high-quality oil. Its products are all lab-tested for purity and safety, with transparent results displayed right on its packaging. Best of all, it features a fully loaded strain lineup, including some of Michigan’s best strain picks, like Watermelon Zkittlez, Strawberry Cough, Purple Punch, and Alaskan Thunderfunk.
Shop All Things Vape at Exclusive Michigan
Has learning about vape pens piqued your interest? You’re in the right place! At Exclusive, we source only the best Michigan-grown cannabis products around, including quality vape pens and concentrates. Head to the Exclusive dispensary closest to you, or browse our online menus for a huge selection of premium products, including potent vapes, tasty edibles, locally-grown flower, and so much more!
Want to take a deeper dive into vape pens and other unique cannabis devices? Check out our informative blog for more information, sign up for our Exclusive VIP Program, and download our mobile app.
