A cannabis vape pen heats cannabis oil into vapor. The user inhales the vapor. Inhaled THC reaches the blood in 2 to 10 minutes. Effects last 1 to 3 hours. A first session starts with 1 or 2 puffs of 2 to 3 seconds, then a wait of 10 to 15 minutes.
Parts of a vape pen
A pen has two main parts. The battery holds a charge and sends current to a coil. The cartridge holds cannabis oil. The coil heats the oil. The oil turns into vapor. The user draws the vapor through a mouthpiece.
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Most cartridges use a threaded connector called 510. A 510 cartridge fits batteries from many brands. Cartridge sizes are 0.5 g and 1 g in most shops. Distillate cartridges test at 70% to 90% THC. Live resin and rosin cartridges test at 60% to 80% THC. A 1 g cartridge at 80% THC holds about 800 mg of THC.
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Three common setups
- Disposable: battery and oil in one sealed unit. No charging. No refill. The unit stops when the oil runs out.
- 510 cartridge plus battery: buy the battery once, replace cartridges. Voltage settings run from 2.5 V to 4.8 V.
- Pod system: a closed pod snaps into a branded battery. Fewer settings and less control over heat.
How to use one
- Charge the battery with its cable or USB port.
- Attach the cartridge hand tight. Do not force the threads.
- Set voltage to 2.5 V to 3.0 V. Lower heat keeps more oil flavor and less throat burn.
- Press the button or draw. Take a puff of 2 to 3 seconds.
- Put the pen down. Wait 10 minutes before the next puff.
Dosing for a first session
A 3 second puff from an 80% cartridge can deliver 1 mg to 3 mg of THC. The exact number depends on the battery, the cartridge, and the length of the draw. Federal health sources report that inhaled cannabis effects start in minutes and last 1 to 3 hours. Take 1 or 2 puffs and stop. Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Effects peak near 30 minutes.
Short-term effects include changes in mood, impaired memory, impaired movement, altered senses, and problems with thinking. Some users report anxiety or paranoia. Water and a quiet room help. Chest pain or trouble breathing needs medical care. Do not drive after use.
Age rules and product testing
Adult-use cannabis sales require age 21 or older in states with legal cannabis. Licensed stores sell tested products. Labels list THC per package, serving size, batch number, and test results. Colorado rules require tests for pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals, microbials, and potency.
In 2019 and 2020 the CDC investigated EVALI, a lung injury tied to vaping. As of February 18, 2020, states reported 2,807 hospitalized cases and 68 deaths. Vitamin E acetate was found in 51 of 51 lung fluid samples from 16 states. The substance was used as a thickener in black market cartridges. Buy from a licensed shop and read the batch label.
Storage and upkeep
Store cartridges upright at 60 F to 70 F. Keep them out of sunlight. Heat thins the oil and causes leaks. Cold thickens the oil and clogs the airway. Clear a clog with a short draw or a preheat setting. Wipe the battery threads with a dry cotton swab. Replace the cartridge when the oil darkens or the taste turns burnt.
What to check on the label
- THC and CBD in milligrams per package
- Serving size and servings per package
- Batch number and harvest date
- Laboratory name and test date
- License number of the producer