If you’re new to vaping, it can seem like there are a lot of options on the market for you to choose from. Plus, some of those options can sound very similar:
Disposables and single-use pens. Rechargeable vapes with batteries but also with disposable cartridges. Dry vaporizers.
Let’s start with an important distinction. What’s the difference between a disposable vape pen and a disposable vape cartridge? What are the pros and cons of each?
In this article, you will find everything you need to know.
What is a disposable vape pen?
Disposable vape pens are all-in-one devices that come ready to use. You don’t need to worry about having any kind of knowledge or past experience with vaping. You don’t need to worry about charging your brand new acquisition or figuring out the settings.
You simply put the mouthpiece to your mouth and inhale. The pen lasts for a certain amount of time – usually several hours of active inhalation – and once it’s done, you dispose of it.
A disposable weed pen tends to be the cheapest option on the vaping market, making it the perfect way for beginners to try the vaping experience out without making much of a commitment.
Disposable vape pens are also widely available. They come pre-loaded with a broad variety of cannabis strains and types of cannabis concentrate. All you need to do is select the one that sounds like it best suits your tastes and preferences.
What is a disposable vape cartridge?
A disposable vape cartridge – sometimes referred to as disposable carts – are a key component of a rechargeable vape pen or vaporizer.
Inside the vape pen, the cartridge is connected to the vape battery and the mouthpiece you inhale through.
You need to remember to charge your reusable vape pen in between sessions and know how to load it with the disposable cart that you’ve selected. The latter is usually just a matter of a quick click into place though.
Many people like disposable carts instead of disposable pens because when the cartridge runs out, you only need to dispose of it rather than your entire vaporizer.
The advantages of disposable vape pens
1) Easy to use
A completely disposable pen is incredibly easy to use right out of the packet. You don’t even need to charge it up. You don’t even normally need to press a button to inhale. It’s simply inhale and enjoy.
2) Suitable for all activities
The popularity of disposable vape pens has surged in recent years. This is partly due to the fact that they are an easy accompaniment for all kinds of activities. Camping, clubbing, concerts – you name it, the fact you can “unpack and go” or “inhale and enjoy” with a true disposable means they are suitable for use during almost any event you’re at with zero hassle.
3) Lower upfront cost
Generally speaking, a disposable will cost less upfront than a rechargeable or refillable vape pen. Refillables will cost more upfront, but may eventually become more cost-effective if you are intending to use yours and keep refilling over a long period of time.
4) Discreet
Typically even more so than a rechargeable pen, disposable vape pens are slim and discreet. They don’t look out of place in the hand or the pocket and are becoming an increasingly common sight in everyday life.
5) Doesn’t require charging
Especially for those real-life situations where you just want to be able to vape and not worry about it, not needing to charge your disposable is incredibly useful.
Needing to charge your vape every once in a while doesn’t sound like too much of a chore. It isn’t. But remembering to charge your vape – or not realizing it was just at the point of low battery before you go away for the weekend, for example – has put a downer on the weekend plans of many people in the past.
The advantages of disposable vape cartridges
1) Better for the environment
One of the few drawbacks of completely disposable vape pens is their disposable nature.
On the other hand, a refillable only calls for the disposal of the cartridge itself. The battery is recharged and the device is reused potentially many more times before they need replacing.
Of course, if you only want to vape during a certain event, perhaps a fully disposable pen might still be a good option for you. Otherwise, the disposable cart and refillable pen combo wins out in the environment stakes.
2) Changeable cartridges
Using a disposable vape pen means committing yourself to whatever specific strain or extract of cannabis comes pre-loaded inside it. With a cartridge that is designed to be removed though, you can quickly click out your cart and click in a new one for a whole new experience.
Proponents of completely disposable vape pens would say that you can simply switch to a different disposable and not even need to add a new cartridge to get a new flavor. With disposables like those in the world of K.I.N.D., you have the option of several strain-specific pens.
This might be a lane in the disposable vape pen vs disposable vape cartridge battle that both can claim victory in.
4) Power over automatic draw
One of the advantages of true disposable vape pens is their ease of use. Most have an “automatic draw” feature, which activates the pen only when in use to maximize battery life. These pens also automatically adjust the voltage depending on how strongly you inhale.
The downside of this efficiency is that true disposable vapes tend to have a little less power than their rechargeable battery counterparts.
Many disposable cart pens also allow you to adjust the voltage using a power button, potentially resulting in a more powerful inhale. This may or not be an advantage for first-time and newer users. But more experienced vapers do tend to like this option under many circumstances.
5) Potentially cheaper in the long run
Though disposable THC vapes have a lower initial cost, rechargeable vapes with disposable carts will work out cheaper in the longer term.
Frequently Asked Questions about disposable vape pens
How to use a disposable vape pen
Using a disposable vape pen could not be simpler, but let’s break it down into the smallest possible steps:
- Remove your pen from the packet
- Check the instructions and safety information
- Some pens may have a first-time only activation switch
- Put to your mouth and inhale
- Your pen should automatically adjust to the strength of your inhale
- Hold the vapor in your lungs for a moment or two
- Exhale
How long do disposable weed pens last?
This varies, though it is common for most disposable weed pens to last for around three hours of inhalation time.
How long this will last in terms of actual days and weeks of use will vary depending on you and how you use your vape.
For instance, if you use your vape rarely or you have a low resistance to THC – or the full-spectrum strain or other cannabis extract in your vape – then you may find that this can be a very long time indeed.
On the other hand, if you are at a festival or party, have a higher tolerance and hit your vape regularly over a short period of time, it’s going to last for a shorter period.
Disposable vape pen vs disposable vape cartridge – which to use
This is completely down to personal preference. It is also often down to how, when and where you are planning to use your vape.
For example, a newcomer seeking a low-budget way to see if they enjoy what vaping has to offer may prefer a disposable vape pen. They have a lower price entry point, are discreet, convenient and very easy to use, making them very beginner-friendly.
Another example would be if you were going on a trip. A disposable vape pen is the perfect companion for road trips, camping, parties and many other events. Because it doesn’t require charging, will never run out of charge, are – again – discreet and easy to use.
On the flip side, once you have tried vaping and are more sure it is right for you, a rechargeable vape and disposable cart might be the better answer. They allow for a bit more control in your vaping experience, but they also require a little more knowledge of the process.
Both disposable THC vape pens and disposable THC vape cartridges have their advantages. Consider your situation and what you have planned, then make your choice!
