What smoking weed was to the 1970s, vaping weed is to the 2000s. The popular method has become a convenient, portable, and discreet way to consume.
Even though the process seems straightforward, with so many different hardware types, oil types, heat settings, and ways to use them, the world of vaping can get confusing for new consumers fast.
In this guide, we’ll explain what vaping is, how to do it, and the most common reasons consumers choose this method today.
What Is Vaping Weed?
Vaping weed refers to heating cannabis without directly burning it with a lighter. Instead, a heating element heats the product, creating a vapor to inhale.
Heating cannabis releases compounds including cannabinoids like THC and CBD, along with terpenes, which contribute to weed’s aroma and flavor.
But you can’t vape just any cannabis product in any device. Different forms of cannabis require compatible devices.
Dry herb vaporizers let you vape flower, disposable vapes or 510 carts are for vaping oil or extracts, while portable dab pens or rigs let you vape concentrates on the go.
Today, all-in-one devices, or “disposable” vapes, and 510 carts attached to a battery-powered heating element are the most common vaping methods.
Types of Cannabis Vapes
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most common types of cannabis vapes.
| Vape Type | Cannabis Used | Basic Setup | Key Difference |
| Disposable vape | Cannabis oil/extract | Pre-filled, all-in-one device | Little to no setup; some are rechargeable but discarded when empty |
| 510 cartridge + battery | Cannabis oil/extract | Pre-filled cartridge attaches to reusable battery | Widely used 510 connection allows compatible carts to be swapped |
| Pod system | Cannabis oil/extract | Pod connects to compatible battery | Uses proprietary pods designed for a particular system |
| Dry-herb vaporizer | Cannabis flower | Ground flower is loaded into a chamber/oven | Heats flower rather than oil; often offers temperature control |
| Dab pen/concentrate vaporizer | Cannabis concentrates | Concentrate is loaded into a chamber/atomizer | Designed for concentrates such as wax, rosin, and live resin |
How to Choose a Cannabis Vape
So how can you choose a cannabis vape that’s right for you? First decide what you want to vape, which for most will be a cannabis oil or extract.
Then decide what type of device best suits your lifestyle. Disposables are easier to use overall, as they come ready to draw or inhale, with no attachment required.
510 carts, on the other hand, require attachment to a battery-powered device, which heats the coil to vaporize the liquid for inhalation.
Disposables are a popular choice for beginners because they’re easy to use. Many activate on draw or with a simple button click and don’t require compatible cartridges. In fact, we see a lot of first-time vape customers at Elevated Exotics gravitate toward disposables because there’s no separate battery, cartridge compatibility, or loading to figure out. Many activate on draw or with a simple button click.
On the flip side, more advanced users might choose devices with adjustable temperature, voltage, or airflow over those with preset settings and less control.
The final consideration comes down to battery life and how much you’ll be using your vaping device. Consider the battery capacity of standard disposables versus 510 cart-compatible battery setups, and how they fit your budget based on how often you use them.
How to Vape Weed
How to vape weed will depend on the type of cannabis you’re vaping and the device you’re using. Dry herb vaporizers vary by device, with different controls, temperature settings, and features.
Like a traditional bong or bowl that you would light, you’ll load the chamber and follow the device instructions. The same goes for portable dab rigs or pens with concentrates like live resin or live rosin.
Vaping weed via disposable devices or 510 carts is much more straightforward. Many disposables are draw-activated, so you simply inhale through the mouthpiece to produce vapor.
Others may require you to click a button to power on, while some let you adjust the settings through a series of clicks.
510 carts or pod systems must be attached to their power or battery devices accordingly.
Once your device is ready, take a slow, gentle draw and inhale the vapor into your lungs, then exhale normally. There’s no need to hold the vapor in for an extended period.
Best Temperature for Vaping Weed
Many consumers vape for the big clouds of vapor but dread the coughing that can follow.
At Elevated Exotics, we’ve found that customers often assume more heat means a better hit. But turning up the voltage or temperature can sacrifice flavor and make the vapor harsher.
If you’d prefer to savor the flavor of the weed you’re vaping, lower temperatures are a good place to start. This also lets you get used to the strain, its effects, and the device itself.
All in all, there’s no single recommended temperature for vaping cannabis. It’ll vary depending on the product, device, and manufacturer recommendations.
For a general idea, here’s a brief guide to common settings for each product type:
- Dry cannabis flower: Approximately 320-430°F (160-221°C) is a common range for vaping flower. Lower temperatures typically produce lighter, more flavorful vapor, while higher temperatures produce denser vapor.
- Cannabis oil cartridges: Adjustable 510 batteries typically let you control voltage rather than temperature. Settings vary by device and cartridge, but lower voltages generally produce cooler, more flavorful vapor.
- Cannabis concentrates: Electronic dab devices can offer a wide range of temperature settings depending on the device and concentrate being used, so follow the manufacturer’s recommended range.
In general, lower settings tend to preserve more flavor and produce lighter vapor, while higher settings produce more vapor with a harsher hit.
Start low and gradually raise the temperature to find your ideal setting based on the product and vaping method.
Vaping Weed vs. Smoking Weed
Next, let’s break down the biggest differences between vaping weed and smoking weed.
- Smoking cannabis uses combustion, while vaping heats the flower or extract without a flame or burn [1].
- Vaping typically produces less odor and provides more temperature control.
- Studies show vaporizer use often has fewer respiratory symptoms than smoking cannabis [2].
- Despite these differences, both methods deliver cannabinoids through inhalation, with effects that can be felt quickly.
Best Practices for Beginner Weed Vapers
Any new consumer can benefit from learning a few vaping best practices.
- Start low and slow: Begin with one or two small puffs and wait before consuming more to assess the effects.
- Use lower heat to start: If the device is adjustable, begin toward the lower end of its recommended settings and increase gradually as needed.
- Take slow, gentle draws: One of the biggest mistakes we see newer vape users make is treating a vape like a joint and taking long or repeated pulls. Don’t forget: it’s not a joint! Stick with smaller, gentler draws with some time between them to better gauge the effects and avoid overdoing it.
- Keep your vape clean: To maintain flavor and performance, clean your device’s components according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which differ for dry-herb, cartridge, and concentrate devices.
- Store it properly: Keep cannabis vapes away from excessive heat and direct sunlight and follow product/device storage instructions. It’s always best to store oil devices upright to help minimize leaking.
How to Vape Weed Safely
The best way to vape weed safely is to only purchase regulated, lab-tested cannabis products from licensed provisioning centers.
Don’t purchase vapes from an informal source or unregulated markets like vape shops or gas stations, as they don’t undergo the same testing for contaminants and potency. During the EVALI outbreak, vitamin E acetate was strongly linked to lung injuries involving THC vaping products [3].
It’s also best to use only products designed for your device. In other words, don’t use homemade oils or extracts that aren’t intended for vaping or put dry herb in a device that isn’t designed for flower. Using incompatible products can damage the device or expose you to unnecessary risks.
Like any electronic device, make sure the battery isn’t damaged or leaking, and stop using it if it malfunctions. To avoid mishaps, use only compatible charging equipment and follow all instructions.
Lastly, cannabis impairs you, so keep it out of the reach of children and don’t drive after use.
Conclusion: How to Vape Weed
In the end, how to vape weed depends on your preferences, the product you’re vaping, and the device.
If you’re a beginner, play around with heat settings and draw techniques to find your sweet spot. And no matter what you’re vaping, go low and slow while you get the hang of it.
Ready to take your first puff? Shop high-quality THC vapes, concentrates, and flower for dry herb vaporizers at Elevated Exotics. Whether you want something dead simple or a setup with more control, there’s a vape with your name on it.
How to Vape Weed: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about how to vape weed.
Do You Inhale a Weed Vape?
Yes. Cannabis vape aerosol is inhaled into the lungs, where cannabinoids such as THC are absorbed. Avoid deep or forceful inhalation.
Is It Better to Puff or Inhale a Weed Vape?
It’s better to inhale rather than just puff a weed vape and keep the vapor in your mouth. Take a slow, gentle draw and inhale the vapor into your lungs without taking an especially deep or forceful breath.
Do You Have to Hold Weed Vapor in Your Lungs?
No. Holding vapor in your lungs for an extended period isn’t necessary and isn’t likely to meaningfully increase the effects.
How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects of Vaping Weed?
Effects can begin within seconds to minutes, although it may take 10-30 minutes to feel the full effects. Waiting before consuming more can reduce the risk of taking more THC than intended.
How Do You Clean and Store a Weed Vape?
Cleaning depends on the device: dry-herb and concentrate vaporizers require periodic removal of residue, while cartridge systems may need the mouthpiece and connection points cleaned. Follow manufacturer instructions and store the device away from excessive heat and securely away from children and pets.
