The EVOLUTION Magazine MAY-2023 | Page 13

the same battery with multiple cartridges but throw away the empty cartridge once you ’ ve vaporized all the oil inside .
Vape batteries come in a variety of styles . Some feature buttons and some do not , some are cylindrical , and some are rectangular . They all have the ability to recharge , which means there ’ s a battery to fit just about any personal preference . One of the most common cannabis pen batteries is the 510-thread , which is compatible with a large portion of the pre-filled vape cartridges you will find in dispensaries .
Vape cartridges contain a mouthpiece , chamber , and heating element , which is activated by a compatible battery . The chamber of a vape cartridge is filled with cannabis oil or distillate , which contains concentrated amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes .
There are also disposable or all-in-one vape pens . These contain all the same elements as reusable vape pens , but they ’ re sealed up in one single-use device that is thrown away once all the cannabis oil has been consumed . ( Photo on left is the Clovr disposable or all-in-one vape pen .)
Vape pens , overall , are easy to use and very portable . The cost really depends on the quality of both the cannabis concentrate used as well as the kind of battery . Once you have purchased a battery you like , you will not have to purchase another one , just the cartridges to replace the old ones . While very convenient and with a pretty good price point , there will always be some form of waste with this kind of product . Other things to consider about vape pens include that they can only be used with distillate or oil cartridges . You may have less flexibility in terms of strain and concentrate selection than you do if you purchase cannabis flower or shatter / wax for dabbing .
Some vape pens are only compatible with specific cartridges , so make sure to buy a pen that uses cannabis cartridges you ’ re familiar with . If you ’ re unsure , ask a budtender at your local cannabis dispensary about your options and which vape pen is right for you .
Have a cannabis education related question for Leah ? She ’ s a St . Louis native and a cannabis activist since 2010 ! Leah is excited to help answer all your medical marijuana questions . Please send questions to leah @ theweedblog . com . Your question may be featured in a future issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine .
May 2023 13