To load a dab pen, remove the mouthpiece. Place a small amount of cannabis concentrate on the coil or into the chamber. Replace the mouthpiece. Wait 30 to 60 seconds. The coil absorbs the concentrate. Then power on the pen and inhale.
Types of Dab Pens
Dab pens use different heating elements. The loading method depends on the type.
- Coil pen: A wire coil sits in a chamber. You apply concentrate directly to the coil.
- Ceramic pen: A ceramic rod or cup heats the concentrate. You place concentrate on the ceramic surface.
- Quartz pen: A quartz rod or cup. Similar to ceramic. You load concentrate onto the quartz.
- Pod pen: A pre-filled or refillable pod. You insert the pod. No direct loading of a coil.
What You Need
- Cannabis concentrate (wax, shatter, budder, or oil)
- Dab pen with a clean chamber
- Dab tool (metal or glass)
- Isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs for cleaning
Step-by-Step Loading
- Turn off the pen. Remove the mouthpiece. Some pens unscrew. Others pull off.
- Check the chamber. It should be clean and empty. Remove old residue with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry.
- Use the dab tool. Pick up a piece of concentrate the size of a rice grain. Do not use fingers. Heat from your hand can melt the concentrate.
- Place the concentrate on the coil or ceramic cup. Do not touch the coil with the metal tool. Touching can break the coil.
- Do not overload. Excess concentrate clogs the pen and wastes product. A rice-grain amount is enough for 2 to 3 draws.
- Replace the mouthpiece. Screw it on or push it back into place. Make sure it sits tight.
- Wait 30 to 60 seconds. This lets the concentrate settle onto the heating element. Skipping this step can cause a dry hit.
- Turn on the pen. Press the button 2 to 3 seconds to heat. Inhale for 3 to 5 seconds. Release the button. Exhale.
Tips for Loading
- Use a low heat setting. High heat burns the concentrate and can damage the coil.
- Load small amounts. Reload as needed. This keeps the flavor fresh.
- Clean the pen after every 3 to 5 loads. Residue builds up and blocks airflow.
- Store concentrate in a cool, dark place. Heat makes it sticky and hard to handle.
- Do not use a dab pen with a dry herb. Dab pens are for concentrates only.
Safety and Legal Notes
Cannabis laws vary by state. Check your local laws before you buy or use a dab pen. In the US, cannabis is illegal under federal law. Some states allow medical or recreational use. Some do not.
cannabis dab pen battery wattage guide
Vaping cannabis products can cause lung injury. The CDC reports cases of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury). Avoid black market products. Buy from licensed dispensaries. Start with a low dose. THC in concentrates is much higher than in dried flower. A small amount can have strong effects.