Vape pens have become the “in” thing among cannabis consumers in both Denver recreational dispensaries and medical dispensaries, and even in states where cannabis isn’t so legal. It’s no surprise, given these devices are highly portable, mostly odor-free, and as an added bonus: really easy to learn how to use a vape pen.

Even if you are completely new to vaping cannabis, it’s not rocket science (thankfully). Read on for our guide to knowing how to use a vape pen.

#1 Tip for How to Use a Vape Pen:

UNDERSTAND HOW THE VAPE PEN WORKS

Most vape pens have the same parts, though some will differ slightly.

• Battery: This is what powers the device and usually the longest part of the pen.
• Heating chamber / atomizer: This is where your concentrated cannabis oil, wax, or dry herbs are placed to be heated until they produce a vapor. Attaches to the battery.
• Mouthpiece: This is the part that you draw the vapor from and attaches to the heating chamber.
• Charger: Separate from the pen itself, this is usually a micro USB and is used to charge your vape battery.

Basically, a vape pen works by providing power to the heating chamber, which then heats the cannabis herbs, oil, or wax, until a vapor is produced. That vapor is then inhaled through the mouthpiece.

Yes, it’s really that simple.

#2 Tip for How to Use a Vape Pen:

ACCESSORIZE!

Like with any tool, there are certain accessories that are a must. While your vape pen is easily portable, it is also very fragile, particularly if you are using pre-filled oil cartridges. If you are using wax or smoking dabs, you’ll need a small airtight container to store them in. You’ll also need a dabber, which is a small metal tool used to scoop the wax up and place it into the heating chamber. Having some silicone wax mats so you don’t end up with tiny balls of concentrated cannabis all over the place is a must as well.

#3 Tip for How to Use a Vape Pen:

KNOW YOUR CARTRIDGES AND CONCENTRATES

Cannabis concentrates come in a few forms. One form is pre-filled, disposable oil cartridges. Other concentrates are referred to as budder, wax, and sugar, so named for their appearance and consistency also work best in vape pens. These are generally also easier to work with and load on the go. You can also get refillable oil cartridges. Be sure that your vape is meant to be used with the kind of concentrates you prefer.

#4 Tip for How to Use a Vape Pen:

LOAD YOUR VAPE PEN CHAMBER CORRECTLY

Loading your chamber by picking up your wax with your fingers is a big no-no. It can actually degrade the oil. Instead, collect a small amount from the container with the dab tool or dabber and place it into the chamber.

If you’d rather not be bothered to load and reload the chamber yourself, you can opt for pre-filled oil cartridges that are easy to replace. Simply unscrew the empty and screw on the new one.

#5 Tip for How to Use a Vape Pen:

LEARN TO USE THE BUTTON

Your loaded vape is now ready for use! Simply press the button and inhale while keeping the button depressed. Some vape pens, especially those for use with cannabis oils, may not have the button, so all you need to do is inhale (known as “auto draw”). Small sips are generally the way to go, so avoid inhaling as hard and as deep as you can.

Vape pen users have their preferences when it comes to models with activation buttons or “auto draw” (meaning they’re activated simply by inhaling on the mouthpiece). The advantage of activation buttons is that they offer more control over temperature. Most vape pens with buttons require five clicks to turn them on, three clicks to change the heat setting, and five clicks to turn them back off. The button heats the chamber as you hold it down, so be sure to hold the button down as you’re taking your hit.

The button settings on a vape pen can also be a disadvantage. It’s less intuitive with more room for user error than vape pens that are “auto draw”. Pro tip: when you first purchase your vape pen, be sure to read the instructions on button settings, heat settings, and what the indicator light means.

#6 Tip for How to Use a Vape Pen:

KEEP IT CHARGED AND STORED PROPERLY

If you plan on carrying your vape pen with you as you travel to or from a Denver vacation, it will be important to have a storage case that is airtight and smell-proof. Many cases, such as Stashlogix, have room for your pen as well as all of your accessories.

Other considerations for using a vape pen can include making sure that you always have a spare battery that is kept charged. This is so that you never run out of power for your vape. As stated earlier, when making your initial vaporizer pen purchase, consider what kind of concentrates you’ll want to use. Most pens work only with either oil, wax, or dry herbs. However, there are some nifty all-in-one vaporizers that are slightly larger than a vape pen, but still pretty nice to use.

#7 Tip for How to Use a Vape Pen:

TRY DISPOSABLE VAPE PENS WHEN TRAVELING

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of recharging a battery or the maintenance of keeping a vape pen filled, then a disposable vape pen is the way to go. These single-use pens are generally smaller and even more discreet than their reusable counterparts. Disposable vape pens generally one-piece units, with no removable battery, no refillable heating chamber, and no button (auto draw). Once the oil/concentrate supply is depleted, you can simply discard it. It’s a great alternative when traveling in legalized states and leaving it behind when you head to the airport or the border.

Seed&Smith has one of the best disposable vape pens available in Colorado

THE PERKS OF LEARNING HOW TO USE A VAPE PEN

• Smoke-free. There is no combustion, flame, or ash involved in vaporizing. This is both cleaner and better for health.
• Less odor. Because smoke is removed from the process, less odor is produced, and it dissipates more quickly than smoke.
• More discreet. Vape pens are portable and the vapor they emit is less conspicuous than cannabis smoke.
• More efficient. Because concentrates are typically 80% – 90% THC, vaporizing is more efficient than smoking plant matter.