The cannabis marketplace has exploded with countless new products in recent years, but the array of concentrates may be the most mystifying for rookie consumers. Disposable vape cartridges, reusable vape pens, and artisanal dabs line dispensary shelves, each with devotees and detractors. This comprehensive guide will demystify these cannabis oils and extracts so you can dive in confidently.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Concentrates are made by stripping essential cannabinoids like THC and CBD from the marijuana or hemp plant using advanced extraction techniques. Solvents like hydrocarbons, CO2, ethanol or ice water separate resin glands containing the beneficial compounds from the plant matter. Heat and pressure are also applied to make potent oils and waxes.
These extraction processes enable concentrates to reach extraordinary cannabinoid and terpene levels up to 90% or more. Just a miniscule amount delivers effects on par with standard cannabis flower. Concentrates also remove excess plant material, isolating the aromatic qualities into a purer substance.
Disposable Vape Cartridges – Convenient and Discreet
Pre-filled disposable cartridges, aka carts, have surged in popularity for their sheer simplicity. These miniature tanks screw into a standard 510 thread battery and come ready to use right out of the package.
Inside each cartridge is a metal heating coil surrounded by a saturated wick. When the battery engages, current flows through the coil, rapidly heating the oil to create inhalable vapor through the attached mouthpiece.
The Pros of Disposable Cartridges
- Exceptionally easy to use with no learning curve
- Ultra compact and discrete for consumption on-the-go
- Great for microdosing – a few small puffs provides effects
- No mess, no fuss – just toss when empty
- More vapor production than disposable vape pens
The Cons of Disposable Cartridges
- Hardware quality varies greatly between brands
- Limited flavor and aroma experience
- Not environmentally friendly or cost-effective
- Potential pesticide and solvent contamination risks
For cannabis newcomers, disposable carts remove all confusion. Their compact size enables discreet public use. But serious consumers may find carts underwhelming, while rising health concerns plague the industry.
Reusable Vape Pens – Best of Both Worlds
In the weed tech world, the terminology gets muddy quick. Vape pens and cartridges are often used interchangeably. However, key differences exist in their design and operation.
Cartridges have detachable components, while vape pens integrate the heating chamber and battery in a single slim device. Vape pens come in two varieties:
Disposable Vape Pens
These are self-contained units pre-filled with cannabis oil. Most provide around 300 puffs before the battery dies and the whole pen is discarded.
Reusable Vape Pens
Reusables have a refillable tank that can be loaded with any cannabis extract e-liquids or oils. This provides endless customization and cuts down on waste.
Benefits of Reusable Vape Pens
- Bigger hits than disposable pens and carts
- Refillable tanks save money and reduce waste
- Adjustable temperature controls
- Easily switch between THC and CBD
- Compact and ultra portable
Downsides of Reusable Vape Pens
- Require regular cleaning and maintenance
- Small tank capacity compared to mods
- Constant charging due to shorter battery life
- Not as discreet for public use as disposables
For most consumers, reusable vape pens offer the ideal balance between customization and convenience. Dialing in your perfect temperature and switching between strains and extracts in the same device provides next level flexibility.
Dabs – The Ultimate Cannabis Concentrate
Call them wax, shatter, live resin or badder – dabs come in endless forms and potencies that dazzle the senses. Any concentrate that is flash vaporized and inhaled qualifies as a dab. The smallest “dab” amount delivers ultra-potent effects.
Dabs typically fall into two categories:
Solvent-based extracts like butane hash oil (BHO), CO2 oil, and distillate rely on solvents to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Properly purged, these create translucent amber oils and stable waxes perfect for dabbing.
Solventless extracts depend on ice water, heat, and pressure alone to gently separate resin heads. This preserves a broader spectrum of compounds for richer flavor and effects. Popular solventless dabs include rosin, bubble hash, and isolates like CBD shatter.
Why Dab?
- Most potent form of cannabis consumption
- Pure flavors and aromas shine through
- Customizable extracts and ratios
- Medical benefits for some patients
- Elevated experience compared to other methods
Considerations for Dabbing
- Requires a dab rig, torch, tools, and know-how
- Higher likelihood of overconsumption
- Solvent residue risks with some extracts
- Not a discreet public use option
- Rig maintenance can be tedious
For veteran consumers chasing potency and whole plant purity, dabs are the pinnacle. But the advanced gear and skills required limits accessibility for dabbing rookies.
How to Consume Dabs
As dabbing rises in popularity, new technologies emerge to make the process smoother. Here are some common dab consumption methods:
Dab Rigs
The traditional dab rig consists of a water pipe with a quartz, titanium or ceramic nail, and a torch to superheat the nail. Once fiery hot, a dab tool swipes concentrate onto the nail producing billowing vapor.
E-Rigs and E-Nails
Electric dab rigs skip the cumbersome torch, instead using battery powered coils to instantly vaporize concentrates with the click of a button. Advanced e-nails allow temperature fine-tuning.
Dab Pens and Straws
Compact dab pens feature a chamber designed specifically for waxes and oils, while silicone straws offer ultra discreet one-hit dabbing on-the-fly.
Dab Tops
Also called honey straws, these clever attachments fit any water pipe or bong joint. They contain a titanium or quartz dish that swivels out to dab from.
Picking the Right Concentrate Gear
With so many cannabis concentrate options available, it can seem impossible to decide where to start. Here are some key questions to help find the best fit:
- Are you an absolute beginner? Disposable vape pens and cartridges remove all guesswork.
- Is discretion crucial? Vape pens and carts are stealth for consumption outside home.
- Are you environmentally conscious? Reusable vape pens generate less waste.
- Do flavors and aromas matter most? Dabs spotlight cannabis’ intricate terpene profiles.
- Is medical relief your main goal? Solventless THC oils may offer enhanced therapeutic benefits.
- Are you technical and hands-on? Customizable e-rigs and advanced vape mods allow endless fine-tuning.
- Or do you want pure simplicity? Disposable pens, carts, and dab straws deliver plug-and-play power.
With cannabis diversity at an all-time high, patients and enthusiasts have limitless options to explore. By understanding the core differences between vape pens, disposable carts, and next level dabbing rigs, you can zero in on the gear best suited for your needs, preferences, and experience level to maximize enjoyment on your cannabis journey.
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