The rise of vape pens has taken the cannabis industry by storm over the last few years.
This method of consumption has become a favorite for millions of cannabis consumers because of so many reasons: discretion, ease of use, portability, affordability, and wide variety of flavors and strains to choose from. They come in a wide spectrum of price too: from cheap disposable pens to quality, luxury rechargeable versions.
The marijuana vape industry is an entirely new subcategory of its own, too. There are disposable and rechargeable versions, which leave us unsure of what to choose especially when all other boxes have been ticked.
So what do you choose?
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of each.
Disposable Vape Pens
Advantages
Disposables and single-use vape pens are ready to use. There’s no need to worry about buying batteries or other parts since they are already designed to be consumed immediately and are very easy to use: simply inhale from the mouthpiece. They are already loaded with a variety of cannabis strains or concentrates so you can simply choose the oil, flower, or concentrate that you want to smoke.
Once the vape pen has been consumed of its THC or CBD contents, then it’s time to dispose of it.
Budget-friendly individuals prefer disposable vape pens because they are among the cheapest options you can find in the market. They usually cost significantly less upfront compared to refillable or rechargeable vape pens. They are also so easy to use, making them suitable for beginners who don’t want to commit to rechargeable pens. All you need to do is take it out of the package, press a button, then inhale.
Since disposable pens may sometimes have less parts, they can be designed to be slimmer and more discreet compared to rechargeable counterparts. That’s why they are preferred by many; you can easily slide it into your jeans or shirt pocket, or even bag, and not have to worry about others accidentally seeing them. They can also be extra useful for those moments when you don’t want to have to worry about charging a pen such as when you’re out camping, traveling, or going to festivals and events.
Disadvantages
However, anything disposable can be bad for the environment and that includes vape pens. If you rely on disposable vape pens, especially if you smoke regularly, imagine all the vape pens that end up in landfills, taking up many centuries to biodegrade.
While disposable vape pens may cost less upfront for a one-time or occasional use, regular users will end up paying more if you rely on them in the long run. That’s because you will need to shell out money everytime you purchase a new device as opposed to simply buying a new cartridge or pod for a rechargeable vape pen.
One also has to consider that some vape pens on the lower end of the price spectrum may be made poorly. There have been reports of problematic heating elements on some of these vape pens, causing them to underheat or overheat the cannabis oil. If the oil is overheated, this can cause you to inhale toxic chemical compounds into your lungs, while underheating can cause you to inhale wax. These can all lead to serious health problems.
Rechargeable Vape Pens
Advantages
Rechargeable and refillable vape pens are designed to be used several times over. The reusable part of the pen refers to its battery though the vape or cartridge is meant to be replaced once its contents run out.
For fans of reusable vape pens, many enjoy that you don’t really have to throw it away after one use or after the cartridge has been filled up. You can ensure that the pen’s battery is always charged and ready to go. Additionally, there’s no need to worry about waste; from an environmental perspective, anything reusable and rechargeable is the better option at all times.
You also get the option of switching up the flavors of your cannabis anytime, anywhere. You don’t even have to finish a cart in order to change it up. It’s also good to note that reusable vape pens that are equipped with a pod or cart system also provides you more options when it comes to enhancing cannabis oil flavor profiles.
If you want to make the most out of your savings from a vape pen, you can maximize it by using it with a variety of oils on one pen. In the long run, you will save a significant amount of money.
Disadvantages
Whether you purchased a high end pen or not, a reusable pen will require some maintenance. For example, broken parts will need to be repaired, and it will have to be cleaned occasionally. This means you will be spending more time and resources on the pen to make sure that it’s always working properly so that it lasts you a long time.
Bottom Line
So which among the two do you choose? The answer depends on what’s important for you.
If portability, price, and ease of use is important, then you can go ahead with the vape pen. However, if being able to smoke a variety of strains is important, being able to customize your smoking experience, and enjoy more features that are available in high-end pens, then you should go for a refillable or rechargeable pen.
Having said that, there’s no right or wrong answer; it will always come down to your own personal preferences but staying educated on the pros and cons of each option will help you make a smart decision based on your needs.
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