The Ultimate Showdown: Dab Pen vs. Vape Pen Explained

The future of smoking is now! Instead of grinders, papers, and pipes, technological advances in batteries and THC extraction have ushered in a new era of 21st-century cannabis. Leading the charge in these buzzy new heights is the hottest product in marijuana: pens.

Even for long-time cannabis consumers, choosing between a dab pen vs. a vape pen can be confusing. It doesn’t help that there are so many similarities. However, the differences between a dab pen and a vape pen are enough to make the decision one that requires a little research.

We’re here to clear the air about dab pens vs. vape pens. Of course, the air was anything but clear during our extensive research! We’ll puff puff pass along knowledge about vaping technology to help you choose which is best for your next session.

What is a Dab Pen?

Look no further than the product name to illuminate the dab pen vs. vape pen debate. In essence, a dab pen is a device that makes dabbing portable. However, you can leave your butane torch and carb cap at home. These products only require the touch of a button.

Instead of the moving parts of a dab rig, simply load concentrate into your pen. When the mood strikes, you can take hits from your pen and enjoy your wax or shatter.

How It Works

A major difference between dab pens and vape pens is the material you use. Instead of using traditional buds, pens require thick cannabis concentrates. These extracts are much more potent than traditional marijuana, with THC levels that often top 90%.

These concentrates are then loaded into the dab pen’s chamber. A heating element inside the pen atomizes the dab into vapor. All you have to do is pull from the pen and enjoy highly potent puffs.

What is a Vape Pen?

Old-school smokers will appreciate a flower option when it comes to dab pens vs. vape pens. This natural approach is where a vape has the advantage. Many vapes offer an option to load your favorite strain of flower into the device.

Other varieties of vape pens utilize cartridges of cannabis oil. Like concentrates, this oil comes from a process that allows for maximum cannabinoid extraction.

How it Works

With all the differences between dab pens and vape pens, there are similarities, too. Like the dab pen, a vape needs to charge before use. Once it’s ready, you load your cannabis product into the pen. Depending on your pen, you’ll either use cannabis buds or an oil cartridge.

Reusable pens allow you to adjust your temperature. Some smokers prefer lower temperatures for smoother hits and better terpene flavor. Disposable pens typically have an automatic temperature setting.

Dab Pen vs. Vape Pen Similarities

To better understand the differences between dab pens and vape pens, let’s start by examining their similarities.

Both types of pens create vapor instead of smoke. They do this by using a battery to activate the atomizer. This element evenly heats the cannabis product without combustion.

Pens are also incredibly convenient to transport in pockets or bags. Their slim profile makes them an excellent choice for a night out. And since they’re pre-loaded and don’t require a lighter, it’s easy to take a hit without drawing attention to yourself.

The Differences Between Dab Pens and Vape Pens

As much as these modern marijuana devices are the same, their differences cater to unique smoking needs. Not all vapor is created equally. Ultimately, your smoking needs dictate the dab pen vs. vape pen debate.

Size

While both dab pens and vapes are portable, dab pens are bigger. Because cannabis concentrates require more heat to become vapor, dab pen batteries must be more powerful. Batteries that meet these heat requirements are more prominent and noticeable.

Smokers who want a pen that will keep their tokes incognito should reach for a vape. Their smaller batteries allow for slim profiles that fit comfortably in pockets. Taking a hit from a small pen keeps your cannabis use casual and under the radar.

Potency

A key player in the dab pen vs. vape pen debate is potency. Smokers with a higher tolerance will appreciate the strength of a dab pen. The process used to separate cannabinoids from plant matter causes most concentrates to have over four times the amount of THC as traditional marijuana.

The potency of concentrates means the strength of your buzz is a key difference between vape pens and dab pens. Habitual smokers and medical patients will appreciate the extra strength of dab pens. Higher THC levels also mean it takes less product to reach your desired effect, keeping your stash stocked and helping you save money.

Heat

Because concentrates require higher temperatures to vaporize, their vapor is hotter. For smokers with sensitive respiration, this vapor can irritate the throat and lungs. Many dab pens have heat controls, but low-temperature dab hits run the risk of wasting product.

Cannabis connoisseurs might prefer vapes if they want to maximize the yield of their product while still getting the most out of their strain’s trichomes. Trichomes contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The combination of these chemicals is crucial to the overall effect of cannabis, known as the entourage effect.

Upkeep

Because of the sticky nature of cannabis concentrate remnants, dab pens require frequent cleaning. Failure to keep your pen clean can result in poor performance. Smokers who don’t want to undertake this upkeep will prefer vapes for their lower levels of maintenance.

Whether your vape uses cannabis flower or cartridges, cleaning won’t be nearly as involved as concentrates. This makes a vape ideal for those who don’t want to put that much elbow grease into their pen.

And the Dab Pen vs. Vape Pen Winner Is …

The best part of dab pens vs. vape pens is that there’s no wrong answer! Both options provide portable THC you can spark whenever inspiration strikes! Whether you prefer the buzzier hits of dab pens or the concealable design of a vape, your sessions will always have you lost in the clouds.

At Westwood Farmacy, we love dab pens and vapes equally—so we carry both! They’re just part of our extensive stock of award-winning products. Visit our Westwood dispensary and let our knowledgeable budtenders show you our daily deals, or shop our online menu for easy in-store pickup!