Vaping is one of the most popular forms of cannabis consumption. Many users choose vape pens for their portability, ease of use, and discreet nature. The thing is, not all pens are the same. Here’s what you need to know about a cannabis oil pen.
What Is a Cannabis Oil Pen?
A cannabis oil pen (also called a hash oil pen or vape pen) is a small, portable device used to vape cannabis oils. Most are approximately the size and shape of a writing pen, while others are shorter and wider, resembling a small box. There are shapes and sizes to fit just about every preference.
Cannabis oil pens have three basic components, a battery, a chamber, and a heating element. The chamber is a cartridge, which contains cannabis oil. When the battery is activated, the heating element (or the atomizer) heats the oil, causing it to transform into a vapor, which you then inhale through the mouthpiece.
Types of Pens Available
There are many different types of pens on the market. Some are disposable. You buy a precharged pen that’s ready to use right out of the box. Once you use all of the oil, you toss the entire thing away.
Another type of pen is a rechargeable one. You recharge the battery, often using a USB charging cable. With this type of pen, you can purchase prefilled cartridges that screw into the battery. Many batteries have a 510 thread, which is compatible with a vast majority of prefilled cartridges available. Some, however, have specific threading, which means that you can only use certain types of cartridges.
What You Should Know About the Oil in Your Pen
When it comes to the oil inside your pen cartridge, you should pay close attention to the ingredients. There are many different kinds, which help you to obtain different results. Many also use cutting agents, some of which might contribute to certain health risks.
Types of Oils
There are several types of cannabis oils. There are strain-specific oils, which involves removing the terpenes during the distillation process and reintroducing them before filling the cartridges. These products retain much of the taste and aroma of the original flower.
Some cartridges contain naturally-derived terpenes that smell and taste like different candy or fruit. They’re not necessarily the same ones that came from the same plant as the cannabinoids. Extractors can create endless combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes.
There are also raw cartridges. All of these products have cannabinoids, but they don’t necessarily have terpenes. They’re pure distillates with nothing else added.
Cutting Agents
Many cannabis oils have cutting agents, which help to improve the viscosity of the oil. They also boost the mouthfeel of the vapor, along with the cloud production. Some of the most common cutting agents include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and vegetable glycerine. While the FDA states they’re safe to use, there are still many health concerns. For instance, they may worsen asthma or allergies. Propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol also break down into formaldehyde and acetaldehyde at high temperatures.
Terpenes can also act as cutting agents. Adding terpenes improves the viscosity of the oil without the need for additional chemicals.
When it comes to cannabis oil (or any other cannabis product), you need to know what you’re getting. One way to ensure that you’re purchasing quality products is to buy what you need from a licensed dispensary. Check out yours to find out just what they have to offer.