What's the Best Vape?

Cannabis vapes offer an easy, discreet way to consume. Whether you prefer flower or concentrates, there’s a device on the market for you. But if you’re shopping around, you may be curious about the best vape for your needs. Jump into our detailed guide on how to choose the best vape before you buy to make sure you select a device that fits your preferences.

Vaping 101: Decoding the Basics

Vaping goes beyond carts filled with cannabis oil. There are an array of options designed to suit diverse preferences and lifestyles. From sleek portable vaporizers such as the Pax Plus that elevate on-the-go moments to desktop vaporizers for at-home use, the choices are as diverse as the flavors and aromas they deliver.

Of course, the vape you choose will depend on how you consume. Prefer to vaporize flower? Your options will differ significantly from those that are best for vaping concentrates. Want to have options? Dual-use vaporizers give you the best of both worlds without limiting you to a particular material — understanding which vapes are best means understanding your goals and what you hope to get from vaping cannabis.

Why Do People Choose Vaping?

One of the most appealing aspects of a weed vape is its discretion. Because portable vaporizers typically do not produce heavy smoke or smell, you can try your favorite herbal blends without drawing unnecessary attention.

Vaping also eliminates the need for combustion and harsh smoke, providing a smoother, more gentle vapor. That may be especially appealing if you want to avoid inhaling burnt plant material or scorched concentrates.

Finally, many vapes give you better control over your experience. Temperature controls and settings let you fine-tune your session, maximizing the flavorful terpenes and abundance of cannabinoids you get from flower or concentrates.

What Are The Components of a Vape?

Vapes consist of a few essential components, each responsible for its own role in the vaporization process. While device-to-device differences typically arise in size, shape and features, the following components are standard to most cannabis vapes:

• Power source: An electricity source like a battery serves as the power source for the vape, providing the necessary energy to warm the heating chamber or element and vaporize the concentrate, extract or flower. There are rechargeable and disposable batteries suited to the varying preferences of consumers. Some vaporizers are plugged directly into an outlet. Battery capacity, power source and power output can influence the duration and intensity of your sessions.
• Heating element: This piece of a weed vape plays a major role in the vaporization process. When the battery activates the heating element, it rapidly heats to specific temperatures, transforming what you’re consuming into an inhalable vapor. Some vapes utilize conduction heating, where the cannabis material is heated directly, while convection vaporizers heat with hot air that passes over the material. Some models blend both types of heating into one unit. Chamber or cartridge: The chamber or cartridge houses the cannabis oil, flower, or concentrates you’ll be vaping. In many cases, it’s situated near the heating element. In the case of vape carts, they come pre-filled. While some vapes come with refillable chambers, others are disposable for convenience. In the case of a vape meant to use with flower or dabs like wax or shatter, those come empty and ready to place what you’d like inside.
• Mouthpiece: Typically situated at the top of the vape, the mouthpiece is the channel through which you inhale the vapor. It provides a comfortable and safe means of drawing in the vapor and enjoying a smooth session.

Which Cannabis Products Can You Vape?

Vaping opens up a world of possibilities for unique product types. You’ll generally come across three product types when shopping: concentrates, flower and cartridges.

• Concentrates, such as wax and shatter, offer a potent form of cannabis that delivers intense flavors and effects. Some vaporizers can work with virtually any type of concentrate, while others (like dab pens) are designed for more specific varieties of cannabis extract. Knowing which devices are compatible with each type of concentrate is key to making the right choice.
• Vaping cannabis flower involves placing ground cannabis flower into your vaporizer device of choice, which then heats the flower at specific temperatures to release active compounds as vapor. Some vaporizers are designed to work with cannabis flower while others are not, so it’s important to take note before you choose a device.
• Cartridges refer to pre-filled cartridges containing oil or distillate. These cartridges typically feature a 510 mm thread that can screw onto a compatible 510 vape battery. Cartridges can be disposed of when empty and replaced with a fresh vape cartridge for use with the same battery.

Weed Vaporizers: A Look at the Options

In this breakdown, we’ll explore the different types of cannabis vapes available, ranging from portable and easy-to-use conduction vapes to advanced desktop devices. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore the world of vaping, this list will help you discover the perfect vaporizer to suit your preferences and lifestyle.

Vape Carts and Batteries

Perfect for: Those seeking convenience and flexibility to interchange different cartridges and batteries.

Vape carts are bought pre-filled from the dispensary and attached to a vape pen outfitted with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In today’s vape market, 510 thread cartridges are a universal standard that ensures compatibility across various vape devices. This allows users to seamlessly mix and match any pre-filled cartridge with weed pens from different manufacturers. Some companies also offer proprietary vape cartridges that are unique to their brand.

While the 510-thread batteries promote versatility and freedom of choice, proprietary connections often come with specialized features and optimizations tailored to enhance the overall consumption experience. At Panacea Wellness, we offer classic 510-thread cartridges and proprietary brands such as Pax Plus Pods.

Disposable Vaporizers

Perfect for: New or on-the-go cannabis consumers who want to avoid setup or maintenance.

Disposable vape pens are a favorite due to their simplicity and convenience. These sleek and compact weed vaporizers come pre-filled with cannabis concentrates or cannabis extracts and are ready to use straight out of the box. Disposable vapes are perfect for on-the-go consumption and travel, eliminating the need for charging batteries.

Disposable vapes typically come in various flavors and potency levels, catering to different budgets, preferences, and wellness needs. At Panacea, we offer a variety of disposable InHouse vapes.

Portable Dry Herb Vaporizer

Perfect for: Cannabis enthusiasts who prefer the authentic taste and experience of whole cannabis flower.

Portable dry herb vaporizers offer the convenience of consuming cannabis flower on the go while providing a more discreet and aroma-friendly alternative to traditional smoking methods. Portable dry herb vapes come in various shapes and sizes and are typically easy to carry in pockets or bags. Most models feature adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to customize their experience to suit their preferences. Just place your dry herbs inside the chamber, turn it on, and you're ready to go.

A dry herb vaporizer typically utilizes conduction heating, heating the flower or extract directly with a heating source. Select models, like the Storz and Bickel Mighty, use both convection and conduction heat. Portable dry herb vapes also usually feature a rechargeable battery. We offer several portable vapes for cannabis flower at Panacea Wellness, including the Yocan Evolve-D Dry Herb Vaporizer.

Desktop Vaporizers

Perfect for: Individuals or groups who want a powerful vaporization experience at home and prioritize vapor quality.

Desktop vaporizers are designed to deliver exceptional performance and a more immersive vaping experience. Unlike most other vaporizers, desktop vapes such as the Storz & Bickel Volcano are larger, stationary devices intended for home use. These vaporizers are typically associated with dry herbs, but hybrid weed vape options are also available.

One of the most significant advantages of desktop vaporizers is their robust heating systems, which offer precise temperature control and ensure the perfect balance of flavor and vapor quality. They're also celebrated for their smooth vapor, unlike any other weed vape out there.

Unlike many portable vaporizers, desktop models are typically conduction vaporizers and accommodate larger product quantities, making them ideal for group sessions. What they lack in portability, they certainly make up for in vapor quality. Not to mention, you never need to worry about battery life at home.

Dual Use Vaporizers

Perfect for: Those who want the convenience of both dry herb and concentrate vaping in a single device.

Dual-use vaporizers, also known as hybrid vaporizers, bridge the gap between dry herb and concentrate-focused devices. These versatile vapes are designed to handle dry herb and cannabis concentrates, allowing users to use different materials with a single device.

Dual-use vapes often feature a hybrid heating system with adjustable temperatures, decent battery life and specialized hybrid heating chambers to ensure optimal performance. They come in portable and desktop varieties.

Wax Pens

Also known as dab pens, wax pens are specialized portable vaporizers explicitly designed for vaping cannabis concentrates such as wax or budder. These sleek and discreet devices offer a convenient and straightforward option for enjoying.

To use a wax pen, place a small amount of concentrate onto the heating coil. When the battery activates, the coil heats up and vaporizes the concentrates to produce inhalable vapor. Wax pens are generally known for their quick heating times, compact size and ease of operation.

Picking Your Ideal Cannabis Vape: Key Considerations

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best weed vape, including:

1. Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and how the vape will fit into it. If you are always out and about, a portable oil vape pen will be perfect for convenience and discretion. If you primarily consume at home, a desktop vaporizer might be a better fit. In other words: The best vape pen is the one that works best for you.
2. Budget: Vapes come in a wide price range. Set a budget for your vape purchase before shopping to help narrow your options and find a device that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Many options exist, from budget weed vapes to high-end luxury brands.
3. Experience level: Your level of vaping experience plays a huge role in determining the right product. User-friendly devices, straightforward controls and pre-set temperature settings are hallmarks of beginner vapes. More seasoned vapers will likely enjoy advanced features and customization options of high-performance vaporizers like the Pax Plus.
4. Consumption preferences: Consider what types of cannabis products you enjoy. Portable dry herb vaporizers or desktop models offer an authentic herbal experience for dry herb lovers. If concentrates are your go-to, wax pens or dual-use weed vapes might be a better match.

Safe and Responsible Vaping

Safety is paramount in weed vaping to ensure a worry-free and enjoyable experience. Follow these essential guidelines to vape responsibly:

1. Battery safety: Most vape models use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power the element that heats the concentrate. Choosing high-quality vapes with good battery life from reputable manufacturers ensures they are safe and will last. Always avoid using damaged or expired batteries to prevent potential hazards, and regularly inspect your device to reduce the risk of malfunction.
2. Correct usage: You should always familiarize yourself with your device's user manual and operating instructions. Understanding the proper usage and temperature settings helps to prevent overheating and potential damage to the device or harm to you.
3. Appropriate storage: Proper storage of cannabis products will ensure their longevity and integrity. Store cannabis products away from heat, sunlight and humidity in child-resistant containers. Always keep them out of reach of children and pets.
4. Regular cleaning: Residue and buildup from concentrates and flower can accumulate in your vape's heating chamber and mouthpiece over time. Generally, vape pens that attach to cartridges require the least maintenance, while a dry herb vaporizer requires more frequent cleaning. It’s essential to clean your device to remove any potential residue and keep your device working efficiently. While most weed vapes can be cleaned with rubbing or isopropyl alcohol, you should always check the instructions for your specific device.

Begin Your Journey with Vaping with Panacea

As you embark on your cannabis vaping journey, remember that the “best vapes” always resonate with your individual needs and preferences. Whether you are a seasoned vaping enthusiast looking to try the Pax Plus or a curious beginner seeking a disposable product, know there’s a perfect match waiting for you.

So why wait? Head to any Panacea Wellness location and find the ideal vape companion that brings harmony to your soul and elevates your vaping experience.