Portable, discreet, and easy to use, THC vape pens are among the most popular items sold on dispensary shelves. While using them is pretty intuitive, it pays to know exactly how vape pens work and how to keep them in tip-top shape.
Whether you’re just now diving into the world of cannabis vape pens or you have a full lineup of cartridges ready to go in your stash box, you’ll want your vapes and vape pen accessories to last for as long as possible. We’ve got your back! Learn everything there is to know about vape pens, including how they work, how to clean the mouthpiece, how to prevent clogs, and so much more.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel extra confident when you go to purchase your next vape pen—ready? Let’s get rolling!
What Are THC Vape Pens?
A vape pen is a portable cannabis consumption device that typically takes the form of a long, slender pen. It dispenses cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, as a gentle vapor. The basic idea behind all THC vape pens is that if you heat cannabis oil or some other form of cannabis concentrate to the point at which the active cannabinoids and terpenes become volatile but not to the point at which they combust, you can inhale them with far less potential for irritation than you would with smoking cannabis through a pipe, joint, or bong.
These cannabinoids, of course, are a family of natural chemicals that we sometimes like to describe as the major active ingredients in cannabis. Terpenes are another group of natural compounds found in cannabis and countless other fruits, plants, and vegetables. While it was once believed that a terpene’s only role was to provide the distinctive flavors and aromas that characterize different strains of cannabis, a new wave of research suggests they may impart important health benefits as well.
While the term “vape pens” can be used broadly to refer to a wide range of devices, most often it refers to a slim, pen-style device that consists of the rechargeable battery and a 510-threaded vape cartridge that is screwed onto the battery for consumption.
How Do Vape Pens Work?
While there are many variations on the basic form, all vape pens use an electrically powered element to heat cannabis concentrate to your desired temperature. How hot are we talking here? Different cannabinoids and terpenes volatilize at different temperatures, but most pen-style vapes will heat your extracts to an “average best” temperature to get the broadest range of effects, typically in the 374°F to 455°F range.
Vape pen batteries will heat cannabis concentrates in one of two ways:
- Convection: Works more or less like a standard oven. A heating element raises the temperature of the air surrounding it, which is then drawn through a minute quantity of concentrate.
- Conduction: Heats the chamber directly, then volatilizes the concentrate through direct contact.
While convection heating is less efficient than conduction, it does produce a greater useable amount of cannabinoids and terpenes per hit, resulting in an intense experience some would compare to a bong. Each style has its pros and cons—some feel that conduction vaporizers offer speed and ease of use, while convection vaporizers provide even heating and a cleaner taste.
How to Use a Vape Pen
When it comes to actually using a vape pen, there are two basic styles you can find in the current cannabis market. One style requires you to push a button to activate it; the other requires you to simply inhale.
Draw to Activate
These vape devices couldn’t be easier to operate: All you have to do is gently draw through the mouthpiece. Some liken the technique to sipping hot tea. However, auto-draw vapes aren’t particularly full-featured and most will not allow you to customize the temperature, giving you fewer options regarding your personal preferences.
Push to Activate
On a push-button vape, you either activate it by pressing a button while inhaling or press a button to fire it up and then inhale. Many push units power on after the user presses the button five times in rapid succession. This feature typically enables you to lock your device when you aren’t using it. Some push devices offer advanced features, including the ability to adjust heat settings or even choose between button-activated and draw-activated vaping modes.
How to Use a Disposable Vape Pen
Disposable vapes are arguably the ultimate in vaping convenience. Also referred to as “all-in-one” devices, they come with a non-refillable cartridge pre-loaded with cannabis oil or other concentrate. When they’re empty, all you have to do is dispose of them safely.
However, these units aren’t typically full-featured, so they generally aren’t considered “connoisseur-level” devices. But, if you’re looking for a fun, convenient vaping experience, or you’re just on the go, it’s hard to go wrong with a disposable option.
How to Charge a Vape Pen
All vape pens need electricity to function, so they must be recharged. Fortunately, it’s just about as easy to charge your vape as it is to use it! Just follow these easy steps:
- Find the charging port (typically mini-USB style)
- Plug the cable into an appropriate charging “brick” (iPhone / Android style)
- When the unit is fully charged, an indicator light usually turns green or blinks steadily. On certain models, the light will shut off when the battery is fully charged
- Unplug your vape and enjoy!
How to Unclog a Vape Pen
Clogs are typically caused by hardened cannabis concentrate blocking the airway, so if you’re device is currently clogged or you’re just preparing for if it ever happens, here’s what can do to get your vape working and back in tip-top shape:
- Gently heat the unit. You do this by either powering it on if it’s a push-button vape or using a hair dryer to warm the exterior of the unit. The heat may melt the concentrate buildup without you doing anything else.
- Blow gently into the mouthpiece. While the heating element is engaged, you can try blowing into the mouthpiece rather than drawing from it.
- Disassemble the THC vape pen. If the clog is pretty severe, you may have to disassemble the device and swab the airways—including the air holes at the base of the cartridge—with cotton swabs slightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
- Practice proper storage. Store your vape pen and its cartridge upright so that the cannabis oil will naturally flow down toward its base. Similarly, storing it away from temperature extremes—say in a dresser drawer—will protect it from potential heat- or cold-induced degradation, as well as that caused by exposure to sunlight.
Considering all they have to do, vape pens are fairly robust devices. But occasionally, they do clog, and you’ll have to go through the process of getting it unclogged before enjoying some full clouds of vapor.
How to Clean a Vape Pen Mouthpiece
Sometimes, a clog will occur in the mouthpiece of your vape pen. One common cause of this happening is what’s known as “chain vaping,” or repeated hits within a very short timeframe, typically a few seconds. This often occurs when you’re passing around a THC vape pen among friends—since the cannabis oil stays hot, there’s a greater chance of it flowing down the mouthpiece and then hardening. Needless to say, this is frustrating but typically fixable. Here’s how to properly clean a vape pen mouthpiece:
- Unscrew the mouthpiece and cartridge from the rest of the unit.
- Unbend a paperclip or similar long, skinny, and reasonably stiff implement.
- Insert the paperclip into the mouthpiece while gently working it around the circumference of the opening until you can clear out the glob of built-up concentrate.
- Screw the mouthpiece and cartridge back on and power on your unit.
- Allow the unit to heat to your desired temperature and draw gently.
Tip: Resist the urge to insert the paperclip more than half an inch; otherwise, you risk damaging the internal components.
Explore THC Vape Pens with Green Goods
While THC vape pens are a convenient and hassle-free consumption method, knowing exactly how they work—and how to tackle their common issues—can extend their lifespan and ensure that you get the most from your vaping experience. While there are many different styles of vape pens, they all produce a smoother cannabinoid-rich mist that can be far gentler on our airways and lungs than cannabis smoke, making them a popular choice for many of our loyal customers!
Interested in learning more real-life tips about vapes, gear, and other cannabis accessories? Continue your journey at our cannabis blog, where you’ll find in-depth articles on how to use a bong, the difference between CBD and THC vape pens, and much, much more! Or, ask one of our friendly budtenders or drop us a line. We’re here to help!
