Cannabis vapes are some of our most popular products, and for good reason. Vapes offer an easy and convenient way to enjoy your favorite cultivars in the form of delicious, portable concentrates. Vapes are also much more discreet than other types of cannabis products, and they make it easy to try new cultivars.
Because cannabis vapes are so popular, there are a lot of options out there when it comes to dab cartridges, disposables, and specialty pod vape systems. It can be hard to know which one will work for you! In this guide, we’ll go over these 3 types of cannabis vapes, explain what they are, and weigh the pros and cons of each.
Cartridge and Battery Cannabis Vapes (Dab Pens)
Also known as dab pens, cartridge and battery vapes are a two-part system. The cartridge piece of the puzzle is a cartridge that is pre-filled with a cannabis concentrate, oil, or distillate. The cartridge is attached to a rechargeable battery that heats the cannabis concentrate into an inhalable vapor.
Dab pens are ideal for people who like a lot of flexibility and variety from their vaping experience and don’t mind upkeep.
Pros of Dab Pens
- Variety: Dab pens have been around longer than other cannabis vape products, and that means there are a lot of options when it comes to cultivars, batteries, etc. You can easily switch between different flavors and cultivars, and most carts will fit into most batteries.
- Cost-effective (sort-of): After your initial investment into a battery, you only need to continue to buy new carts. Some cartridges also tend to be cheaper in the long run compared to other types of vapes.
- Consistency: Most cartridges from reputable brands offer consistent dosing and experience among their products.
Cons of Dab Pens
- Lifespan: Batteries are not created equal! With any rechargeable product, batteries deteriorate over time. Some batteries will do so faster than others, requiring replacement.
- Maintenance: Believe it or not, you do need to clean your dab pen from time to time.
Disposable Cannabis Vapes
Also called disposables, these are disposable all-in-one units that come pre-filled with cannabis concentrate and also contain a battery. Once the disposable runs out of concentrate, the entire vape is thrown away. Most disposables are rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about running out of battery before the concentrate inside has been used up.
Disposables are great for cannabis vape newcomers who want a hassle-free experience, those who use cannabis vapes occasionally, and those who prefer convenience over customization.
Pros of Cannabis Disposables
- Convenience: You don’t need to worry about maintaining a device or purchasing a new battery if one breaks. Disposables last as long as the concentrate inside of them and are entirely replaced once empty.
- Mobile: Disposables are uniquely portable in that they tend to be smaller than other devices. They also do not have separate pieces that you have to worry about separating in a pocket or bag.
- Beginner-friendly: Using disposables is as simple as unbox, inhale, enjoy. There are no fancy mechanisms or settings for you to mess with, making them good for beginners.
Cons of Cannabis Disposables
- Less Eco-Friendly: Disposables are single-use, so they may not be a favorite for those who are environmentally conscious.
- Cost: Depending on how often you use your disposable, one may last you a few days to a few weeks. If you tend to go through them quickly, that cost can add up over time.
- Limited Selection: Instead of being able to switch out cartridges or vape pods, you’re limited to the concentrate in the disposable. You can’t switch to another cultivar without purchasing a new one.
Specialty Cannabis Vape Pod Systems
Specialty vape pod systems are similar to cartridge and battery systems, but with a specific design and brand that uses a unique pod system. These specialty pod systems often offer unique designs and features, as well as a consistent experience. They consist of a brand-specific battery device that only works with brand-specific, pre-filled pods.
Specialty pod systems are good for people who like a consistent, streamlined experience and aren’t worried about limited variety.
Pros of Specialty Pod Systems
- Unique Design: Many specialty pod systems have unique designs and features that improve the experience. Some of these features may include things like temperature control or draw activation.
- Consistent Experience: Pod systems are often more consistent and reliable than other vape devices. These proprietary systems ensure that every pod is optimized for its specific device and works as well as possible.
- Quality Concentrates: Pod systems are usually associated with a specific brand, which often means that the pods are made with better-quality concentrate.
Cons of Specialty Pod Systems
- Price: Some pod systems are more expensive upfront than a traditional cartridge and battery system.
- Flexibility: With a specialty pod system, you are limited to the pods that a specific brand offers.
- Availability: Some specialty pod systems are harder to find than carts or disposables.
How to Choose the Best Cannabis Vape System for You
With these 3 basic options, there are still a lot of brands and options to choose from. It can be tricky to know which one you may enjoy the most. Here’s how we recommend you find the best one for you:
- Start with a beginner-friendly option: If you’re totally new to cannabis vapes, we recommend starting with disposables. While they aren’t much different from carts or pod systems, they do offer the easiest way to try cannabis vapes for the first time. This will help you find out if you want to commit to a vape system with more variety, or if you just prefer a disposable device.
- Consider what you want from a cannabis vape: Do you care about having a lot of options? Are you concerned about having a consistent experience? If you want to be able to try a ton of concentrates and cultivars without any limits, you may prefer the flexibility of cartridges. If you’re looking for something easy to use and consistent, pad systems offer a uniquely stable experience from one brand.
- Try a pod or cartridge system: From here, you can experiment with a pod or cartridge system that allows for more options when it comes to cultivars, concentrate types, and flavors.
Cannabis Vapes: Conclusion
When it comes to cannabis vapes or any cannabis product, always start with a low dose and take your time to see how it makes you feel! Vapes contain concentrate, which is much more potent than traditional flower. Always take it slow and take time to evaluate the effects before increasing your dose.
We hope this post helped you learn more about cannabis vapes! By understanding how each type of vape works, their pros and cons, and what you want from a cannabis vape system, you can find the perfect vape for you. If you have any questions about cannabis vapes, be sure to reach out to us on our contact page. Check out the rest of our products, and view our locations to shop our cannabis vape selection at a Dreamz near you.
