Cannabis vapes are a portable, discreet method of consumption. While smoking was once the only option for oral cannabis consumption, technological advances have allowed the innovation of a smoke-free method that preserves the flavor of cannabis strains while removing the harm of combustion.
When you’re diving into the world of cannabis vapes, it’s easy to get confused by the abundance of options. Never fear – let’s break down common types of vapes and the pros and cons of each.
What are Cannabis Vapes?
Cannabis vapes are a catch-all term for devices that vaporize cannabis flower or oil rather than combust it (light it on fire.)
The first type of vapes were tabletop vaporizers, like Volcanos. These machines were a breakthrough that allowed people to inhale cannabis to enjoy its rapid effects, without the smell or harmful effects of smoke.
As the cannabis industry progressed, new and smaller vapes have come on the market. These are often called weed pens because they’re small, slim, and easily fit into your pocket or the palm of your hand. There are a few different types of weed pens you can buy, depending on your needs.
Benefits of Cannabis Vapes
- Portability. These little handheld vapes can go anywhere you go because they fit into your pockets, purse, or handbag.
- Discreet. Vapes create vapor, which isn’t nearly as pungent as smoke is, making them perfect for dosing discreetly on the go.
- Resilience. Airo vapes are made to keep up with you, with an aluminum alloy or polycarbonate body designed to last.
- Functionality. It’s easy to use vapes! Insert the cartridge, allow the device to heat up, and hit it – no grinding, no rolling, no mess.
- Individuality. Vapes come in many colors so you can pick the one (or ones!) that match your aesthetic.
- Reusable. Reusable vapes cut down on the need for rolling papers, tips, and all the other disposable waste that comes with cannabis flower.
Types of Cannabis Vapes
| Type of Vape | Product | Types |
| Dry Herb Vape | Flower | Tabletop or handheld |
| Reusable Vape | Oil cartridge | Pod system or 510 thread |
| Disposable Vape | Oil Cartridge | Pod system |
| Dab Pen | Concentrates | Handheld |
Dry Herb Vapes
Dry herb vaporizers cannabis flower. Rather than rolling a joint or packing a bowl, dry herb vapes allow you to preserve the aroma and flavor of your strain while enjoying the rapid onset of inhaled effects.
Most dry herb vapes are table vapes that are not portable, but some companies have created smaller dry herb vapes that you can take on the go. These types of vapes require ground cannabis flower, which can be messy to transport, pack, and clean (not to mention, aromatic.)
3 Kinds of Reusable Vapes
Reusable vapes are weed pens that you can use time and time again. These types of vapes typically use extracted cannabis oil, live rosin, or live resin. However, certain types of reusable vapes called dab pens allow you to use concentrate like shatter or badder.
Reusable vapes must be maintained: cleaned and charged regularly to preserve their lifespan.
Pod System
The pod system is the easiest, cleanest way to vape. Vapes have two parts: the base where the battery and controls are, and the vape cartridge itself, the pod. The base is rechargeable and the pods are magnetic and easy to install. Some pod system vapes have buttons while others, like Airo, use haptic feedback for a seamless experience with heating, hitting, and charging.
To hit your Airo vape, simply remove the mouthpiece and pop your pod into place. The ceramic atomizer heats the oil while the cellulose-wicking system keeps the air moving, to deliver big yet smooth hits of flavorful, clean vapor.
Once you’ve used a pod, just remove the mouthpiece, remove the empty pod, and replace it with a new one.
Both the AiroPro and AiroSport vapes use the pod system for simplicity, design, and usability.
510 Thread
510 thread vapes were the original kind of vape pens on the market. They get their name from the connection between the vape battery and oil cartridge: 10 threads spaced 5 millimeters apart.
These types of vapes were innovative when they first hit the market because they’re discreet, easy to use, and users could swap vape carts from any brand into their base.
But 510 thread vapes also have several limitations. Leakage is frequent at the connection point if the vape is left in the wrong position (which is any way but perfect straight up and balanced.) Leaks from the cart create a sticky mess on the vape’s threads, which are challenging to clean because of their tight spacing.
Swapping carts from different brands also presents a quality problem: not all vape carts are created equally, with clean extraction methods and easily available COAs. Quality of extraction can vary between brands and there’s nothing more disappointing than spending your hard-earned money on a cartridge, only to find out that it tastes like tin.
Dab Pen
Dab pens are to concentrates what dry herb vapes are to flowers: a smaller, easier way to enjoy your favorite products. These types of vaporizers are very similar to portable dry herb vapes, but use concentrates rather than flower. Some vapes on the market can be used with flower or concentrates.
Disposable Vapes
Disposable pens are similar to reusable ones in the way that they work: turn the vape on, let it heat up, and hit it. But with disposable vapes, the cartridge is permanently installed and once the battery has expired, you can simply throw it away. There’s no need to charge it or clean it either – it’s ready to go from the moment you unbox it!
Disposable vapes are usually strain-specific, so you can buy multiple of your favorite flower or try a wide variety of strains.
Which Type of Cannabis Vape is Best?
The best type of cannabis vape pen is the one that works for you.
For many people, the ease and convenience of reusable vapes make them the best choice. There’s no fuss or mess: simply pop in the cartridge, heat it up, and hit it. Vape pens are easily transportable, discreet for public use, and simple to maintain. But if that maintenance is too much, disposable vape pens give you all of the benefits of a reusable pen, without needing to clean or charge it.
The Best Vapes on the Market
Not all cannabis vapes are created equal. At Airo, we put your safety and convenience at the heart of our design. Our vapes are comfortable to hold, easy to use, and made to last so you can enjoy the beauty of the plant again and again.
