What is Cannabis Vaping, and How Does it Work?

Published: 2/27/2025
By:
Mountains

Vaping involves consuming cannabis by inhalation and has increasingly become the preferred method to consume cannabis. Whether you are on the go or at home, vapes are a great way to enjoy cannabis due to their advanced temperature controls, portability, and convenience. 

While cannabis edibles and vapes contain the same psychoactive compounds, the effects of vaping vary, as it takes less time to kick in and can lead to more unpredictable effects. 

If you are considering cannabis vaping a good alternative to smoking cannabis but not sure where to start, read on to learn everything you need to know!

What is cannabis Vaping?

Cannabis vaping refers to inhaling vapor produced by heating cannabis products (such as THC or CBD oils, concentrates, or even cannabis flowers). Unlike smoking, where cannabis is burned, vaping heats the cannabis, releasing compounds like cannabinoids into the vapor, which is then inhaled.

Cannabis smoking vs Cannabis vaping:

Vaping and smoking cannabis are both inhalation methods used to consume cannabis to receive its therapeutic benefits or to get high. Vaping involves heating substances to a lower temperature than combustion, which occurs at a higher temperature when smoking cannabis.

Heating cannabis products at a lower temperature in vaping prevents combustion, reducing the production of smoke and harmful toxins like tar, ammonia, benzene, and toluene, which are released during smoking. 

The byproducts of this heating process include active ingredients and an aerosolized mixture of water vapor.

Additionally, vaping doesn’t involve inhaling carbon monoxide, as smoking does, which is why it is often viewed as a safer alternative. Both vaping and smoking have a quick onset of action, but vaping can induce a more intense high than smoking.

Types of Cannabis Vapes

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Vapes come in many forms and sizes. Understanding the different types of vapes can help you choose the one that fits your needs and lifestyle. Their composition and functionality will help you determine which vaping device is the right choice for you. Let’s have a look at the different types of cannabis vapes.

Disposable Vape Pens: 

As the name suggests, disposable vape pens are designed for single use and consist of an atomizer, a pre-filled cartridge with cannabis oil, and a pre-charged battery. Some disposable vape pens are rechargeable. 

Though these all-in-one devices are used for single use, they can be used until all the liquid has been used. 

If you are new to cannabis vaping, it is an ideal choice as they don’t require refilling of e-liquid or charging, offering a convenient vaping experience. Flying with a disposable vape pen is also allowed as long as it is packed in carry-on luggage. Flying with a disposable vape pen is also allowed as long as it is packed in carry-on luggage.

510-Thread Vapes: 

510-thread vapes are named after the cartridge’s threading, which is the five-millimeter width of the 10 threads used in the connection. 

510-thread vapes are the most popular type of cannabis vapes among beginners as it comes with pre-filled cartridges, and 510 screw threading is compatible with a wide variety of batteries.  

These cartridge-base vapes don’t require any maintenance or filling of the cartridge. All you need to do is to screw the pre-filled carts onto the battery.

Tabletop Vapes:

This category of vapes is designed for home use and requires a power outlet compared to portable vapes that rely on batteries. They use precise temperature control to heat the dry herbs or concentrates. It is a perfect option for those who want to vape with friends or prefer a stationary setup.

Portable vapes: 

They are battery-powered handheld devices that come with either built-in or removable batteries. Such devices come in various sizes, and some models are small enough to fit in your backpack or pocket, offering convenience when you are on the go. Portable vapes are compatible with concentrates and dry herb cannabis. 

Closed Pod systems

Closed Pod systems are pre-filled detachable cartridges or pods that hold cannabis concentrate, which can be clicked into place. The cartridge, battery, and charger of closed pod systems are proprietary to a specific brand, such as PAX and compatible only with the vaping device they were designed for.

Different types of cannabis vape formulations? 

Type
Components
Why You Should Choose

Distillate Cartridges

THC levels of 90% 

  • It offers a quick and intense experience.

  • It can be easily infused with various flavorings, creating a customized vaping experience.

Full Spectrum Cartridge

Cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds at higher ratios

  • Potential entourage effect (various compounds found in cannabis work together to create greater therapeutic effects)

  • Enhanced flavor due to the rich terpene profile 

Live Resin Cartridge

High concentration of natural terpenes.

Lower THC percentage than distillate cartridges

  • Intense and authentic flavor profile

  • Potential entourage effect 

CBD Vape Cartridge

CBD, with minimal or no THC content

Some CBD vape cartridges also contain terpenes

  • Non-psychoactive 

  • It comes in various formulations, including full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. 

Disposable Cartridge

Pre-filled with a specific amount of cannabis oil

  • Compact and lightweight design

  • Easy to use

How does cannabis vaping work?

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Cannabis vapes contain a battery, atomizer, and cartridge or vape tank. The battery heats the cannabis oil or other substances contained in the cartridge, allowing terpenes and cannabinoids to be released in the form of vapor. 

The vapor is inhaled through the mouthpiece, and cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs. Since vaporization doesn’t burn the cannabis, it helps maintain the quality and concentration of active ingredients like terpenes and cannabinoids.

How to use a vape cart?

All vapes have the same basic components regardless of the type of vaping device: battery, cartridge, threading, atomizer, and mouthpiece.

Pre-filled carts are a convenient way to vape CBD distillate and CBD oil. When you buy a vape cartridge, all you need to do is connect it to your battery to start using it. 

Here’s how to use a pre-filled vape available at Smokeland: 

  • Charge the battery and screw the cartridge onto your vaping device.

  • Take a small puff and inhale, hold for a few seconds, and exhale.

  • Wait a few minutes to gauge the effects and repeat inhalation as needed.

What to consider before vaping?

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Now that you know what cannabis vaping is and how it works, the question is: what factors should you consider before vaping? Always use legal and safe cannabis products. Make sure to purchase the products from a licensed and reputable provider when you buy vapes online. 

Products sold on the illegal market often do not undergo testing for microbial or chemical contaminants and are not subject to safety regulations. Some vape carts also contain Vitamin E acetate, which is harmful to ingest.

To ensure the safety of your vape cartridge, stick to fully tested carts from reputable manufacturers and check the ingredient list for any chemicals that could pose a serious health risk.

The Bottom Line

Cannabis vaping offers a discreet method of consuming cannabis and taking advantage of its therapeutic effects. Vaping devices come in many forms and sizes to suit different preferences and lifestyles.

Whether you prefer the convenience of disposable vape pens or the versatility of 510-thread vape pens, understanding the available options and choosing the right vape type can make your vaping experience more enjoyable.

Start your vape journey with the best vape pen for relaxation and choose from a wide selection of flavors that suit your taste.

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