Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Cannabis Vape Pen
By Danyal Swan October 11, 2022
There are a multitude of options when it comes to vape pens for your medical cannabis use, in part because cannabis vape pens have become popular in recent years for their ease of use and portability. However, just because they are convenient, doesn’t mean your vape pens can be continually used without any maintenance until you’re ready for your cannabis treatment.
In fact, it is exceedingly important to know how to take care of your vape pens to get long-term, quality use out of them. Along with taking care of your vape pen and its components, it is important to consider how and where you store your vape pen, too, especially since certain environments can cause your equipment to function below optimal standards. Here’s everything you need to know about your cannabis vape pen and how to get the most out of using it.
Vape Pen Options and Benefits
Vape pens are an important option for many who need quick, reliable access to cannabis treatments. They are relatively easy to use and cause little to zero mess, especially as compared to more traditional ways of using cannabis products, like flower. To fill this demand, manufacturers have created quite a few different kinds of vape pens, and it’s important to know which kind will benefit you most.
510-Thread vs. Pod vs. Disposable
The major types of vape pens include 510-thread pens, pod-based pens, and disposable vape pens. While each function a bit differently, all need some amount of care to continue working properly. So, which is best for you?
Disposable pens are arguably the simplest to care for, but aren't very eco-friendly with the amount of waste created from these types of pens. Reusable options such as the 510-thread and the pod-based pens might be a better option if you're looking for something with less waste. The 510-thread vape pens are the most common form of vape pen, and thus available in a variety of configurations to suit your needs. They use a rechargeable battery that attaches to the cartridge via a standard-sized threaded section.
Pod vapes are typically more compact and consist of a pod full of concentrate that snaps into the battery-containing section. Pods often offer a higher dose per inhalation for your cannabis treatment, depending on the cannabis oil used and the battery system used. Which can be helpful if you require higher doses for your cannabis treatment to be effective.
The Importance of Vape Battery and Component Care
The time you spend taking care of your vape pen and its components directly translates to the lifespan of your vape. Whether it is cleaning your components regularly or charging your battery properly, your vape pen needs to be serviced just like any other piece of technology you own.
With all the different types of vape pens, there are four main components to each pen: battery, cartridge, atomizer, and mouthpiece.
Battery Care
Disposable vape pens are the easiest to address regarding battery care. Their battery is built in and therefore does not need to have the battery cleaned or charged. The other types of pens have batteries that will need to be cleaned and recharged. Depending on the type of pen, you may have to recharge often. Sometimes there will be buildup on your battery, and as your vape needs a battery to function, you will need to make sure that any dirt or residue is cleaned off so that your battery continues to function appropriately.
The different reusable vape pens use different kinds of batteries. As mentioned, the 510-thread is one of the most common forms of vape pen and uses a universal vape battery. The MÜV CCELL®️ Palm is a form of 510-thread battery that has a feature that helps you know when the vape is in use with a light indicator. The indicator light stops working once the battery is depleted. This can help with reducing the time spent charging your battery.
Pod vape pens use batteries specific to the type of pod you have. For example, MÜV Dart Pods work with the MÜV Dart Battery. With MÜV Dart Batteries, you get the same light indicator benefit that the MÜV CCELL®️ Palm supplies in their 510-thread vape pens.
Cartridge Care
The cartridge in your vape pen is the compartment that contains the cannabis product. Cartridge care will be different for every vape pen type because the cartridges are a big part of what makes different kinds of vape pens unique. Disposable vape pens are exempt from cartridge care because the cartridge is built into the disposable vape and cannot be refilled.
If you have a reusable cartridge or tank, it is necessary to keep it free from residue and clean it properly between refills. For cartridges that are not refillable, it is important to make sure that the cartridge is installed into the vape pen properly and that all connection points are clean and functional. Cartridges can leak if not properly attached, making an even larger mess and wasted cannabis oil. Keeping an eye on the cartridge can help you maintain proper cannabis dosage.
Atomizer Care
The atomizer in your vape pen is what makes your vape work to provide vaporized cannabis. The heating coils in the pen vaporize the cannabis oil from the cartridge. This component typically takes care of itself, although in reusable vape pens (such as the 510-thread or pod vapes), it may be a good idea to keep an eye on the vaporizer to make sure that it does not have any sort of debris buildup that could hinder its functioning. Atomizers can easily be replaced if there are any issues with their functionality. Replacing faulty atomizers will help you maintain the appropriate dosage of cannabis while using your vape pen.
Mouthpiece Care
The mouthpiece is arguably the most important to keep clean. As the component that comes into direct contact with your mouth, the mouthpiece can collect bacteria and transmit that directly to you. Most vape pens, including some disposable pens, have removable plastic mouthpieces that are easy to clean.
How Can I Make My Vape Battery Last Longer?
Making your battery last longer depends on maintaining your battery’s health. There are a few simple ways to make sure you are doing everything you can to have a healthy, long-lasting battery life for your vape pen.
Charging Your Vape Battery
Your vape battery is typically the largest component of your vape pen. Its performance is vital to getting the best use and accurate doses of your cannabis medication. Vape battery life can be extended in a couple of ways. First, with all rechargeable batteries, you should never overcharge them. Overcharging your battery can significantly decrease the overall battery life of your vape pen. To avoid overcharging, make sure that you pay attention to how long your battery is plugged in. Some batteries, like the MÜV CCELL®️ Palm, have indicator lights that will alert you when your battery is done charging.
As with all batteries, your vape pen battery should be turned off when it’s not being used. Some vapes have a switch, or you can simply disconnect the battery. Turning off the power source is easy with CCELL vape batteries as the CCELL vape is activated by your inhalation. If you have a vape pen with a button activation, you should make sure that you are using your vape pen appropriately, by shutting off when necessary.
The battery life of your cannabis vape pen can be directly affected by the amount of time the button is pressed. To properly use a vape pen with a button, press the button for two seconds, inhale while holding the button for four seconds, and release the button when you stop inhaling. This will help conserve your battery and increase the battery life overall.
What Are the Best Ways to Store My Vape Pen?
Storing your vape pen appropriately is a simple way to keep your vape pen operating as efficiently as possible. While it is easy to just keep it on you or in your car, there are a few tips and tricks to storing your vape pen in the best possible way.
Optimize Your Storage Temperatures
Vape pen storage can be more complicated than just throwing your vape into the glove compartment of your car. The cannabis oil that is used in your vape pen is sensitive to high heat. High levels of heat exposure, like the kind you can get in a car, can cause the cannabis oil to degrade faster and leave you with a sub-par product. Too, your vape battery has to be stored under 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and the inside of a car on a hot summer day in Florida can easily reach over 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to store your vape pen in an area that is consistent in temperature. Storing your cannabis oil cartridges at temperatures close to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the most ideal.
Avoid Excessive Sunlight on Your Cannabis Oil
Much like heat, direct sunlight can negatively affect the potency of your cannabis treatment. Because it can affect the chemical composition of your cannabis oil, it is best if your vape pen is stored away from direct sunlight. That way, your vape pen is in prime condition for your cannabis treatment when you need it.
How To Store Your Vape Pen for the Most Effective Use
The most effective way to store your cannabis vape pen is standing upright. This allows the wick to draw up the cannabis oil evenly and makes for a more effective dosage when you use your cannabis treatment. This is less of an issue with CCELL vapes, such as the MÜV Plus, because of their ceramic wick. The ceramic wick makes for more even cannabis oil absorption and reduces the potential for burning the cannabis oil while using your vape pen.
Caring for Your Cannabis Vape Pen
Keeping your cannabis vape pen functioning properly is the best way to ensure that you are getting the proper dosage of your cannabis treatment. While vape pens are hardly new, it is important to note that new developments are consistently being brought to the market. Fortunately, we’ll be here to help no matter what innovations the future brings.
References:
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- Choi, H., Lin, Y., Race, E., & Macmurdo, M. G. (2021). Electronic cigarettes and alternative methods of vaping. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 18(2),191-199. https://doi.org/10.1513/annalsats.202005-511cme
- Singh, D., & Lippmann, S. (2018). Vaping medical marijuana. Postgraduate Medicine, 130(2), 183-185. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2018.1413281
Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Contributor for Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.
