What’S The Best Vape Pen For Me?

Are you looking to chill out or hang out in your best cannabis bliss but don’t want to get smoked out? You can get all the flavor and effect rush in a more convenient way with the advancement of vape pen technology. Let’s take a deeper dive into the various vape pen hardware and cannabis oil combinations to get you where you want to be – whether you are a vape newbie or a “heated oil” OG. Read on to know what to consider when choosing the best vape pen for your needs.

Vape Cartridges and CBD Oil.

Vape pens consist of two components: a cartridge and a battery. A vape cartridge is a small, pre-filled container that holds cannabis-infused oil, which can be in various forms, including CBD oil. CBD (cannabidiol) oil is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant, known for its potential therapeutic benefits. Vape cartridges make it easy to consume cannabis discreetly and conveniently. Brands generally offer them in half-gram or gram increments either as various cannabis-derived strains or other exotic favor names.

Batteries to Deliver Your Cannabis Oil.

Vape cartridges require a battery that heats up an atomizer in the cartridge which in turn heats up and activates the various compounds in the cannabis oil. Most batteries are of the threaded variety (510), but others are self-contained as in a disposable unit.

510 Thread Batteries are reusable threaded devices that screw on to standard vape cartridges, offering flexibility and sustainability. These cylinder-looking devices are the most common and universal style. Many are very basic with a pre-heat setting, so once they are charged, they are ready to activate. There are a few brands that offer batteries with a multi-setting button for those who want more control over how hot their oil vaporizes (and thus, offer a larger “hit” of the oil and its particular effects).

Disposable pens are pre-loaded with oil and are meant for single-use, making them more convenient but less environmentally friendly (but may be recyclable). With their all-in-one construction – like the Gelato Disposable 1G – they are great for newbies who just want to “hit” and go or fast-movers who want easy portability. However, consumers who want a wide variety of strains and flavors may find a limited variety to chose from, as many brands don’t offer disposables.

Some companies offer proprietary vape batteries designed to work exclusively with their cartridges (like Stiiizy). While these devices can provide a consistent experience, they may limit your options for cartridge selection and are often more expensive. These specialized devices often allow for greater control over temperature and other features, but a fairly significant downside is that these specific carts are not always available in every dispensary.

Cannabis Oils: Distillate vs. Live Resin.

Distillate is highly refined, typically containing high concentrations of THC or CBD and minimal other cannabinoids or terpenes (Americanna is a common brand). Due to this extraction process, THC concentrate can sometimes reach as high as 99%. However, due to this process, terpenes and other tasty compounds are stripped away as well, drastically impacting flavor. As a result, terpenes are often infused back in to improve taste and viscosity.

Live resin (butane hash oil – BHO), on the other hand, preserves the full spectrum of compounds found in the cannabis plant, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor profile. It is “flash frozen” to preserve the freshness of the plant, and then the terpenes and cannabinoids are extracted preserving a potent effect along with a rich flavor profile (more reminiscent of the actual plant). Jetty is a highly sought after brand.

Full spectrum extract refers to cannabis oil that contains a wide range of cannabinoids (THC, CBD and others), terpenes, and other plant compounds. This type of extract is believed to provide a more holistic and potent experience due to the entourage effect, where these compounds work together synergistically.

Various cannabinoid ratios are becoming more common as new interest in natural therapeutic alternatives are gaining momentum. Cartridges now come in various cannabinoid ratios, offering different effects and benefits. Common ratios include CBD-dominant, THC-dominant, and balanced blends. The choice depends on your desired outcome, whether it’s relaxation, pain relief, or euphoria. 

While most cartridges contain concentrates with high levels of THC, some producers have started to roll out carts with high CBD concentrations or higher CBD to THC ratios like 2:1, 20:1 and beyond for heightened wellness benefits.

SELECTING THE BEST VAPE PEN FOR PERSONAL USE.

When choosing a vape pen, consider the following characteristics:

1. Battery Type and Compatibility: 510 Thread, disposable or proprietary.

Ensure it’s compatible with your preferred cartridges: a 510 requires a screw-on cartridge (most common), while a proprietary product usually has a unique pod or similar apparatus that only works with that brands battery.

2. Temperature control: Some batteries allow you to adjust the temperature for a customized experience, while the most common is a charge-and-hit device.
3. Pick a cartridge with the desired effect or strain profile: if you want all the cannabis plant has to offer, then a full-spectrum extract may be more appropriate rather than a high-THC distillate. If you’re looking for relaxation or stress-relief, a CBD dominant or 1:1 (CBD-THH ratio) may be a better option.

Ultimately, the best vape pen for you comes down to experimenting with various device types and ratios until you find the right match for you. From here, you will be able to enjoy the discretion, portability, and ease of use of cannabis vaping.