What is a Dab Pen and How to Use It?

Denys Svirepchuk
Denys Svirepchuk

Denys Svirepchuk is a dynamic writer at AskGrowers known for his engaging and informative content. His articles often blend entertainment with education, offering readers a unique perspective on the cannabis industry. Denys is particularly adept at crafting content that ranges from fun and quirky ideas, like cannabis-themed gifts to more serious topics such as industry news and legalization updates. He also provides in articles valuable guides and lifehacks for cannabis enthusiasts, delving into the specifics of cannabinoids and other intricate aspects of cannabis. Denys' work is characterized by its diversity making him a versatile and much-appreciated contributor to the cannabis community.

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What is a Dab Pen and How to Use It?

Many people might have heard of dab pens but are still uncertain about how they work and how to use a dab pen correctly. This article is for people who have wondered, “what is dab pen?” or “whats a wax pen?” and explains the basics of using this tool. It will also provide tips for getting the most out of your dabbing experience.

How Does a Dab Pen Work?

So, a dab pan (also known as a dab vaporizer, a wax pen, or a wax vaporizer) is a small and portable device for consuming cannabis extracts and concentrates. In recent years, this smoking method has increased in popularity since it offers a convenient and discreet way of using weed in the form of sugar wax, shatter, crumble, budder, live resin, rosin, and other extracts with wax-like consistency.

How Does a Dab Pen WorkUsually, dab pens consist of 3 parts:

  • A heating chamber that holds the concentrate/extract inside and heats it;
  • A battery that powers the heating chamber;
  • A mouthpiece that allows you to inhale the produced vapor.

Dabbing offers a more intense experience than vaping because it is one of the most efficient ways to consume high levels of THC. Dab pens offer a cannabis inhalation method of dab rings but with the convenience of a compact vape pen. Using this device may seem complicated for newbies and take some time to get used to.

Way of using weed

How do dab pens work? Unlike dab rigs, dab pens rely on electronic energy that heats the concentrate until it changes its state from wax to liquid and then vapor. As a relatively new addition to the cannabis industry, these devices can differ in models and specifics of work, but all of them work the same way. These are the basic rules of how to use a wax pen:

  • Make sure that your dab pen is fully charged;
  • Turn it on;
  • Remove the mouthpiece to reveal the heating chamber;
  • Place some concentrate in the chamber using a special scoop;
  • Place the mouthpiece back;
  • Press the power button to heat the concentrate adjusting the temperature up to your preference;
  • Hold the button while you inhale and take a hit of vapor.

Pen batteries can be button or draw-activated. Button-activated tools require pressing a firing button to turn on. Draw-activated units are switched on by taking a pull from the mouthpiece.

Since all tools are different, it is best to read the product instructions beyond knowing these main steps.


Read Also: Ways to Consume Marijuana: The Definitive Guide


Types of Wax Pens

The cannabis industry has seen multiple wax pens over the years. Present-day devices differ in the heating apparatus they integrate, which can be:

  • Quartz coils;
  • Ceramic coils/plates;
  • Silica wicks.

Quartz coils are typically installed on inexpensive dabs. They are composed of a metal (titanium) coil around a quartz rod and can be a good option for smokers who prefer getting intense flavor from the concentrate. Quartz heats up and cools down quicker than ceramics. These coils are delicate to clean and don’t last long. Also, this type of coil produces cloudier hits.

Made with long-lasting ceramic plates, dab pens heat the concentrate more evenly and never produce a burnt flavor. The risk of burning the coils is lower with a slower heat time. As a neutral material, ceramics provides consumers with a more flavorful dabbing experience.

Types of Wax Pens

Silica wicks are an outdated heating element and are rarely utilized in modern dab pens having considerable disadvantages over other options. They are hard to clean and affect the flavor considerably.

All coils are fragile elements that don’t serve an eternity and should be replaced. Their longevity depends on your intensity of vaping. Careful and casual smokers can use them for around 4-12 weeks, while coil life expectancy in hard smokers is less than 4 weeks before it wears down or breaks. Changing coils is an ordinary procedure. The replacement parts are sold in packs and can easily be found in stores.


Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Transdermal Patches


The Difference Between Dab Vaporizers and Other Vaping Devices

Dab pens look similar to other vaping devices designed as a pen or thick marker; however, their functionalities differ. Are wax pens the same as vaping pens? No, they are not. Learn about the main differences between the two below.

Dab vaporizers vape pens work with pure concentrates and extracts that are more potent and flavorful.Work with cartridges where oil is diluted with other ingredientsUse conduction heating when concentrates are placed directly on the hot surface in the heating chamber.Use convection heating when the coil heats the air around the oil to create vapor and provide no direct contact between oil and heatRequire thorough cleaning of the chamber attachments without damaging any of the components.Easier to maintain and clean.Users can set the amount of concentrate they want to dab.he potency is limited to pre-filled cartridges with cannabis oil.Have a stronger battery and may look bulkier.Look slimmer.Popular with expert smokers and require a level of previous knowledge of how to hit a dab pen and how much wax to measure out.More popular with beginners and have more style options and affordable prices.

Dab vaporizers Vape pens
Work with pure concentrates and extracts that are more potent and flavorful. Work with cartridges where oil is diluted with other ingredients
Use conduction heating when concentrates are placed directly on the hot surface in the heating chamber. Use convection heating when the coil heats the air around the oil to create vapor and provide no direct contact between oil and heat
Require thorough cleaning of the chamber attachments without damaging any of the components. Easier to maintain and clean.
Users can set the amount of concentrate they want to dab. he potency is limited to pre-filled cartridges with cannabis oil.
Have a stronger battery and may look bulkier. Look slimmer.
Popular with expert smokers and require a level of previous knowledge of how to hit a dab pen and how much wax to measure out. More popular with beginners and have more style options and affordable prices.

 

Smoking wax comes with some advantages. As smell is a significant giveaway when it comes to smoking weed, wax gives the aroma of terpenes when heated, which are lighter on the smell. There is little to no risk of a marijuana odor.

Also, these pens deliver a strong high since they use concentrates. First-timers should start with a small amount to become familiar with the effects.

These tools are more complicated to use because they are sticky and may require special accessories to load the chamber.

Advantages of Dab Vaporizers


Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About CBD and THC Tinctures


How to Clean Dab Pens

Consumers should store wax vaporizers upright and clean them regularly to avoid clogging with old resin.

Cleaning can be done between uses. After a smoking session, wait until the bowl cools down but is still warm. Turn the device off and remove the battery. Check that there is no wax concentrate in the chamber except for residual. All you need is rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. Dip it in the rubbing liquid and wipe out the bowl. Be careful when cleaning the heating chamber not to damage the coils and other sensitive parts. Let the pen dry. If waxy residue is left in hard-to-reach places, assemble the unit and vaporize the leftovers by turning the device on. Clean the mouthpiece as indicated in the instruction manual.

How to Charge Wax Pens

While charging your device, make sure there is a good connection between the charger and the battery. Most models come with a provided charger and can even be charged with a micro-USB charger. Most vaporizers show a red light during the process, which turns green when the pen is fully charged.

The best thing is to charge the battery in the morning to serve the whole day. How long does a wax pen battery take to charge? Usually, it takes 1-2 hours, but some models may take longer. Don’t leave the device charging overnight because it can ruin the battery and diminish its lifespan.

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How to Choose a Good Dab Pen

When buying a wax pen and considering which one is best, a few qualities usually play a role in your decision-making process:

  • Portability. Choose a lightweight, small device that can easily be stored in a pocket. Having the size of a real pen, it should be quickly hidden in your palm from public view when needed; otherwise, there is no point in using it.
  • Material. As described above, dabs with ceramic plates are the best choice. They are durable and prevent the concentrate from overburning.
  • Ease of use. Most wax pens are simple in operation and work just by pushing a button. Those smokers looking for more customization options can choose a device that sets a specific temperature or comes with other programmable functions. Newbies and experienced users can find a dab according to their smoking experience.
  • Battery life. Smokers who prefer low-temperature dabbing can choose a unit that works on lower-voltage batteries. The fans of dabbing at a high temperature should look for a device with a sturdier battery to stay charged the whole day.
  • Price. Buyers who are tempted by excessively cheap devices may find their work unsatisfactory and end up wasting money. Opt for more expensive devices with an extended warranty.

How to Choose Dab Pens

Choose a quality brand committed to manufacturing vaping equipment regardless of the type of device you select.


Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About THC Pills and Capsules


Is Vaping Dabs Safe?

Using a wax pen comes with specific safety concerns. When smoking concentrates, make sure they are of good quality by checking a Certificate of Analysis. Otherwise, inhaling chemical solvents and heavy metals may lead to health problems. Find a trustworthy and accredited supplier that provides open lab data.

Another concern is that concentrates can create toxic byproducts when heated. Terpene degradation has not been properly studied. Some elements may undergo chemical changes at high temperatures and form unintended compounds that can be harsh on your lungs.

Conclusion

Dab pens are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a more effective and convenient way of consuming cannabis. The quality of the high and the ability to enjoy the pure flavor of weed are good reasons to move from bongs, rigs, and pipes and start dabbing with a pen. While heading to a store to buy a wax pen, consider the recommendations given above so you can get the best tool and benefit from your smoking experience.


Read Also: How to Make a Homemade Gravity Bong: Step-by-Step Guide


FAQ

The price for wax vaporizers ranges from insanely cheap to that of a car payment status. It depends on multiple factors, but two of them are the most significant – materials and technology. More advanced devices come with a price tag of around $200-300. Tech-oriented stoners are willing to pay for characteristics such as temperature control, pre-heat functionality, LED screens, etc. Beginning smokers can opt for cheaper simple dabs that are easy to use and cost between $50-100, with even $25 bargain tools. These units usually have rudimentary power settings and weaker batteries. It is not inherently bad if you just need a tool to see if vaping wax is right for you.
How long would a dab pen stay in your system? It is impossible to tell the exact amount of time that it stays in someone’s system since many determining factors go into the detection time and create a THC toxicity level, such as wax/oil concentration, overall physical health and level of metabolism, frequency of use, age, genetics, body mass index. There are general timeframes to be mentioned. After dabbing, THC will stay in the urine of a smoker with average health for about a week. If you are a frequent user or are not in good health, the amount of time could be 4 weeks. Hydration and exercise could help boost one’s metabolism and speed up the excretion of THC from the body.
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