How to Choose the Best Weed Vape

Vaping has surged in recent years, riding a wave of popularity that came with the expansion of legal cannabis around the world. Its popularity stems from several selling points, including a smoke-free, more discreet, and often flavorful alternative to traditional methods like smoking. 

With a rush in popularity often comes a flurry of consumer options. From simple oil pens to advanced dual-use devices, knowing where to start when finding the best weed vape can be more difficult than it may seem. Explore the basics and some advanced info below to understand how many weed vape options exist and what makes a product a top option.

Factors to Consider

Vaping isn’t as complex or overwhelming as some devices may make it seem. Still, most devices contain several components that can make or break their quality. Consumers must first consider the fundamentals when searching for the best weed vape for their needs. 

Battery Options, Threads, and Charging

The battery is the core of any vape device, like the device’s heart. The battery powers the cartridge and makes the device usable. Most cannabis cartridges use a 510-thread connection. 510 is a universal standard used across most vape devices. 

Stop and check before assuming a device utilizes a 510 connection, though. Some manufacturers sell proprietary systems that typically only work with their branded products or collaborations with other brands. In these cases, specific cartridges or other components may restrict consumer options.

Battery Features:

• Voltage Control: Power settings allow consumers to customize vapor density and cloud size and adjust to specific extract consistencies/textures. 
• Battery Life: Milliampere-hour (mAh) ratings determine how long a battery lasts between charges. Batteries with higher mAh ratings, such as 900mAh or above, may be suitable for heavier consumers seeking a prolonged battery life. Vape battery mAh ratings can range from 180mAh to 5,000mAh or even higher.
• Charging Methods: USB-C chargers are faster and more durable than older micro-USB options. However, not all products come with charging wires, which, while a minor point, can be an inconvenience for some consumers. 

Auto-Draw vs. Push-Button Batteries:

• Auto-Draw: Ideal for newcomers, with heating activated with each inhale.
• Push-button: This is ideal for a more customized experience, with additional controls and features, such as preheating and variable power settings.

Voltage Considerations

Higher voltage levels produce thicker vapor, making for that larger “cloud” accumulation many vape enthusiasts seek. While an incredible visual, the higher power setting produces a higher heat known for degrading plant compounds like terpenes. The loss of these critical compounds results in the oil losing some flavor, aroma, and effects. 

While it doesn’t produce as massive of a cloud, many vape proponents suggest a lower temperature setting to avoid terp burnoff. 

Cartridge Materials and Durability

Various vape cartridge materials can be found, with each significantly affecting a device’s likely longevity, safety, flavor retention, and overall experience. When searching for the best vape pens, carts, and/or devices for them, consumers should consider materials such as: 

Glass Cartridges

• Flavor: Glass is non-reactive, resulting in an unaltered taste.
• Visibility: Transparent glass allows users to monitor oil levels easily. Tinted UV glass may cloud visibility but can provide additional protection against oil degradation. 
• Sustainability: Glass is recyclable, making it the preferred option for eco-conscious consumers. However, some carts do contain additional materials that may make recycling difficult. 

Plastic Cartridges

• Flavor: While most plastics are durable, some will interact with the vapor and oil, affecting the taste when pulled. 
• Durability: Plastic is more resistant to breakage, ideal for travel or rough handling. However, low-quality plastics can do the opposite. 
• Affordability: Plastic is less expensive than glass carts but could lead to exposure to chemicals and contaminants.

Coil Materials

Coils heat the oil, creating the vapor consumed. Most vape pens today contain one of two coil types: 

• Ceramic Coils: Produces an even heat known for preserving the oil’s flavor and delivering smoother hits.
• Metal Coils: Metal coils are known for their quicker heating capabilities and prolonged longevity, but some devices have reported metallic aftertastes. 

Types of Cannabis Vaporizers

Vapes are a much larger range of products than some may think. Undoubtedly, oil and extracts are a central component of many devices. So, too, is cannabis flower, creating smokeless options for countless consumers.

Oil Vape Carts and Vapes

Oil vaporizers are arguably the most user-friendly option. Designed for pre-filled cannabis oil cartridges, these devices are often made with durable glass and ceramic components, delivering smooth vaporization with the vapor’s taste unaffected. 

Avoid oils containing cutting agents, such as glycerin, which can negatively affect flavor and safety.

Dry Flower Vaporizers

Dry flower vapes are ideal for anyone who enjoys smoking flower but doesn’t enjoy the impact on their lungs or throat. Dry herb vaporizers allow consumers to replicate the smoking experience with some modifications, allowing for a smokeless experience and preserving the plant’s critical compounds. 

Dual-Use Vaporizers

Also known as hybrid devices, dual-use vapes are made for both flower and concentrate consumption. These vaporizers combine the best of both worlds, offering versatility without compromising performance. 

Dab Pens

A dab pen, also known as a wax pen, is designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates, such as wax or shatter. These pens often include additives like propylene glycol or glycerin, which may produce the carcinogen formaldehyde when heated. 

Durability and Device Life

The longest-lasting vape pen will usually be made from the most durable materials available. That said, some options could compromise the experience while enhancing device longevity. When shopping for the best vape pen, cart or otherwise, consider the materials during manufacturing:

• Glass Cartridges: Often deliver superior flavor retention but can break easily depending on the device. 
• Plastic Cartridges: Durable, ideal for on-the-go consumption, but may compromise taste.
• Ceramic Coils: Preserve natural flavors with consistent heating. Less durable.
• Metal Coils: More durable but may introduce an unwanted metallic taste into the cannabis profile.

Price and Availability

Price is understandably important. Still, buyers must remember that you often get what you pay for. Budget-friendly options can save money upfront but often come at the cost of performance, durability, and consumer experience. 

In addition to price, consumers should consider how easy it is to reorder and restock essential items, like device components and carts. 

Buyer Beware: Fake Vape Pens and Carts

Not all vapes are created equal. While most options pose their benefits, none are as risky as an unlicensed product, specifically vape oil. 

Counterfeit vape carts pose significant risks, often containing harmful additives or mislabeled THC levels. So much so that a wave of deaths and injuries came from unlicensed vape carts containing Vitamin E acetate in 2019 and 2020–an incident referred to as the EVALI lung crisis.

Consumers should always prioritize their safety. The best way to do so is to buy from trusted sources and verify the product’s contents using third-party lab analysis found on the product’s packaging and/or company website. 

Cannabis Vape FAQ

What is the best weed vape to get?

The best cannabis vape always depends on buyer priorities and preferences. With a range of options to choose from, consumers should find the one that suits their expectations for the experience and the price of the product needed to deliver that result safely, effectively, and enjoyable. 

What is the best vape for smoking weed?

Flower and hybrid vaporizers allow for weed to be “smoked.” However, unlike the traditional experience, a flower vape will heat the flower to the point of vaporization without the usual combustion associated with smoking.

Can you vape with a bong? 

Yes, you can vape using a bong. A vape bong combines traditional bong elements with vape tech, replacing the bowl with an adapter. The vapor passes through the bong water, cooling the vapor for smoother hits. 

What is a wax pen?

Wax pens are designed to vaporize extracted oils like wax or shatter. 

Are disposable vape pens worth it?

The answer varies by consumer, so understanding the facts is important. Disposable vape pens are portable and user-friendly. However, their single-use creates ample waste concerns and requires consumers to buy a new pen with each full use. 

Is vaping safer than smoking?

Research is ongoing. However, studies suggest smoke of any kind can lead to exposure to harmful byproducts like tar and carcinogens.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.