Vapes are discreet, easy to use, and can deliver plant-powered relief nearly anywhere. No wonder their popularity is on the rise. If you’re curious about THC vapes, here’s what you need to know before you shop.
Learn what THC vapes are
Vaporizers are self-contained devices that heat cannabis oil without direct flame, like you would when you put a lighter to your joint. When brought to the right temperature, the oil inside a vape cart releases the cannabinoids and terpenes in the vapor, which you inhale. Vaping is an increasingly popular way to consume because it’s similar to smoking, without the smell or mess.
There are a few kinds of THC vapes. Dry herb vaporizers are designed to vaporize flower, with some models built to vape concentrates as well. But when you think of vapes, you probably think of vape pens, the skinny cartridges that you attach to a battery and take along with you in your bag. This blog focuses on vape pens.
You may hear THC vapes called vape pens, weed vapes, weed pens, or vaporizers. All of these terms are used interchangeably in the cannabis community.
Vapes vs. flower and prerolls
The main difference between consuming vapes and lighting a joint or a bowl of flower is the type of heat used. Flower consumed with a glass piece like a bong and prerolls require lighters, a direct heat source, to convert the biomass of the plant into smoke. This also produces a telltale smoky smell that comes with lighting anything aflame.
Vaporizers use indirect heat to convert cannabis to vapor. In the case of vape pens, a battery heats a wick inside the cartridge
Vapes vs. concentrates
Vape pens are most often prefilled with oil, distillate, or live resin, which are kinds of cannabis concentrates. Concentrates like shatter, budder, badder, wax, or sugar cannot be used in vape pens.
Some vape pens with pods are reusable and you can purchase new carts (sometimes called heads) to enjoy. You’ll also find disposable units, where the oil and the battery come together and they’re discarded after use.
Vape pen options and how to choose
510 thread
A 510-thread vape comes in two parts: the base of the vape where the battery and controls are, and the vape cartridge itself, which is what you buy in a dispensary (although we sell batteries, too!) The vape cart screws onto the base, and you’re off to the cannabis races.
The name “510 thread” comes from the connection of the battery and cartridge, as the connector has 10 threads spaced 5 millimeters apart. Any 510 cartridge, or “cart” for short, can be used with any 510 base, so you don’t have to stick to one brand.
510-thread vape pen batteries come at a few different price points. The least expensive ones just have an on/off button, while the more expensive ones have multiple temperature settings.
Pros:
- Easy to use: carts screw on and off
- Simple controls: set the temperature and press a button to hit the pen
- Variety: the universal thread means you can use any 510 carts from any brand
- Smooth, gentle hits
- Discreet and simple to enjoy
- A reusable, rechargeable base reduces single-use waste
Cons:
- Carts may leak or clog when kept in the wrong position
- Quality varies between brands
- Batteries be regularly charged, cleaned, and maintained
Pod system
A vape pod system is similar to a 510 thread, but you’re locked into brand-specific vape carts. While this may seem like a disadvantage at first, some vapers prefer to stick with a single brand whose quality is traced and vetted. Airo vapes are an example of a popular pod system in New Jersey.
Some pod systems come with extra features that 510-thread batteries don’t offer. For example, the PAX Era (not yet available in New Jersey) offers app-controlled features that let you fine-tune the temperature and track your sessions.
Pros:
- Easy to use: pods snap on and off
- Simple controls: press a button to hit it
- Discreet and easy to hit
- Reusable, rechargeable bases reduce single-use waste
Cons:
- Pods are not interchangeable between brands
- May not be able to access a wide variety of strains
- Batteries be regularly charged, cleaned, and maintained
Disposable vapes
With disposable vapes, the cartridge is permanently attached to the base and the battery, and you throw out the entire pen once you’re done with it. These types of vapes are cheaper than reusable ones but can be expensive to purchase regularly.
Disposable vapes work best if you want to experiment with vaping or you need to buy something discreet to use quickly. If you want to vape regularly, it’s worth the investment to buy a rechargeable one.
Pros:
- Cheaper than 510 thread or pod vapes
- Good as a one-off purchase
- Ready to hit when you purchase – no charging needed
- Low maintenance – doesn’t need to be cleaned
Cons:
- Increases single-use waste
- Fewer options for flavors and strains
- Can be expensive to buy regularly
Why do people choose vaping instead of other consumption types?
Vaping is a popular consumption method because it has the efficacy of smoking (the speed at which the effects kick in, under 20 minutes) but it doesn’t involve the smell of smoke or weed. There is no smell of combustion or scent of “joint fingers,” a lingering smell of weed and smoke on your hands from holding a joint.
Less prep work
A vape pen is always ready to go when you are! Just turn it on, allow it to heat up, and you’re good to go.
Less mess
You don’t have to roll a joint or pack a bowl. There’s no need to grind flower or worry about dropping a half-rolled joint and spilling flower everywhere. Vape carts are self-contained.
Less smell
Unlike joints and bowls, vape pens don’t produce the infamous “weed odor” that’s a dead giveaway of consumption. They’re much more inconspicuous so you can dose whenever you need a boost, without worrying about getting in trouble.
No smoke
No direct heat means no smoke, and no smoke means you’re not inhaling the byproducts of combustion, like toxins and carcinogens. If you enjoy the rapid onset of smoking but struggle with the smoke in your lungs, vaping may be a good substitute.
More concentrated
Vape carts contain a concentrated form of cannabis that’s more potent than flower. Vape carts can have anywhere between 70% to 95% THC, making them extremely potent. A little goes a long way and a small hit off a vape pen may deliver the same effects as a large bowl or a 0.5g preroll.
Lasts a long time
Because vapes have concentrated cannabis, you’ll need to hit a pen less frequently than you would flower or a joint. While an eighth of weed may only last a week, a 1g vape cartridge may last two or three weeks, depending on how often you hit it.
Easy to transport
Vape pens are easy to bring wherever you need them because they’re self-contained and don’t smell. Stick one in your purse or pocket, and no one will even know it’s there.
Fast acting
Vaping is a form of inhalation, which is the fastest way to get the benefits of cannabis. Inhalation tends to start working within minutes.
Strain-specific
Some vape carts are made with concentrate from individual strains, so you can find your favorites and enjoy tailored strain-specific effects.
8 of the best THC vape cart brands available in New Jersey
Fernway
Massachusetts’s best vape brand came to New Jersey in mid-2023 with a wide range of your favorite strains and sizes to fit any budget. Shop Lavender Dream, Blueberry Cake, Berry Haze, and more in .5g, 1g, and 2g cart sizes.
Airo
Known for its innovative designs and smooth vape experience, this pod system is a fan favorite for a reason.
Jetty
If you’re looking for a clean vape cart with no solvents used in extraction, Jetty is one of the best options on the market. This California transplant offers two types of 510-thread vapes, solventless and live resin. This brand offers some of your favorite strains like Blue Dream, Grandaddy Purp, and Northern Lights.
Ozone
Singe-strain distillate meets deliciously infused terpenes at a great price – that’s what makes Ozone vapes a great option in New Jersey’s cannabis market. Their 1g vape carts come in classic strains Green Crack and Runtz, and their live resin carts take vaping to the next level.
&Shine
A combination of high potency distillate from popular strains like AK-47, added terpenes and affordable prices make &Shine a great option for vape lovers on a budget.
Simply Herb
Simply Herb’s lineup of vape cart options is a thrill for the senses, with unique strain combinations like Dungeons and Dragonfruit (from Snow Lotus and Oldsog’s Silver Haze), Grape Escape (from Grape Stomper and Grape OG), and Banana Rainbow (from Zkittlez and Modified Banana).
Cookies
This beloved West Coast brand has a wide selection of vape carts with some of the best strain options available, including Tequila Sunrise, Cereal Milk, Cherry Pie, and Sour Diesel.
Verano
Flash-frozen flower is extracted to create Verano’s potent, flavorful vape carts from strains like Motorbreath and Lemon Cake.
What is the best THC vape?
The best THC vape in New Jersey is the one that’s right for you. It might sound cheesy, but it’s true. Cannabis is so diverse, with so many strain options and extract types. What’s best for you may not be good for someone else, and vice versa. With a bit of trial and error, it won’t take you long to find the right THC vape fit for every mood.
What is the best THC disposable vape?
The best disposable THC vape is one that fits your budget and your strain preferences. Disposable vapes typically have fewer options for strains and flavors, so your choice may be driven by the available strains. Prices start at $40 for disposable vapes, so they’re budget-friendly to boot.
What is the difference between a vape pen and a THC pen?
All THC pens are vape pens, but not all vape pens are THC pens.
A THC pen is a handheld vaporizer that contains THC concentrate. It can be distillate, live resin, sauce, or another kind of extract. While most vape pens contain THC, you may find some that contain solely CBD or another cannabinoid, although that’s more common in a smoke shop than a dispensary.
Start your vape experience with Boone Town
Diving into the world of THC vapes can seem confusing, but Boone Town’s knowledgeable budtenders are here to help. Plan to stop in Boonton to visit us on Myrtle Ave – we’re open seven days a week for all your vaping needs. Sign up for email updates to get the latest product drops, info, and more.
