What Is a Dab Pen?
What is a dab pen and how to use one?
Dab pens, also known as wax pens, have become a popular way to enjoy cannabis concentrates due to their portability, ease of use, and discreet nature. Unlike traditional vaping, dab pens are designed specifically for cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, and live resin, offering a potent and flavorful experience without much smoke or odor. In this guide, we’ll cover what dab pens are, how to use one, the types of concentrates they’re compatible with, and tips for keeping them clean.
What Is a Dab Pen?
A dab pen is a small, handheld device designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. Instead of burning or combusting the material, a dab pen heats it just enough to create a vapor, which you inhale through the mouthpiece. The temperature control and compact size make dab pens a convenient option for those looking to consume concentrates without the need for bulky rigs or torches.
Types of Concentrates You Can Use in a Dab Pen
Dab pens are specifically built to handle waxy cannabis concentrates and aren’t suitable for dry herbs or cannabis oils. Here are the most common types of concentrates used with dab pens:
Wax: A sticky, honey-like substance that is easy to work with and commonly used in dab pens.
Budder: A creamy, spreadable concentrate that’s often described as having a texture similar to butter.
Rosin: A solid concentrate created by pressing cannabis flower, known for its purity and potency.
Live Resin: A flavorful concentrate made from fresh, frozen plants, capturing more of the plant’s terpene profile.
Shatter: A hard, glass-like concentrate that can “shatter” easily, providing a potent vaping experience.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A popular concentrate known for its potency, made by extracting cannabinoids with butane.
Avoid using hash or kief in a dab pen, as these can clog the device and affect its performance.
How to Load Your Dab Pen
Properly loading your dab pen is essential for getting the best vapor and avoiding clogs. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Warm Up the Coil: Quickly press the power button a few times to gently warm the atomizer or coil. This makes it easier to melt the concentrate. Some wax pens like the LOOKAH Python and Swordfish devices do a preheat then turned on to prime the coil.
Load a Small Amount of Wax: Use a dab tool to scoop a small piece of wax—about the size of a grain of rice is ideal. Too much concentrate can lead to clogs or make the device harder to clean.
Place the Wax on the Coil: Carefully place the wax onto the coil or atomizer. Avoid touching the coil directly with your fingers, as it can be very hot.
Once loaded, your dab pen is ready to go!
How to Use a Dab Pen
Using a dab pen is straightforward, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced users. Here’s how to get started:
Turn On the Dab Pen: Press the power button multiple times (usually five) to turn the device on. Check your pen’s instructions, as the number of clicks may vary.
Set the Temperature: Many dab pens offer adjustable heat settings. Lower temperatures produce smoother, more flavorful hits, while higher temperatures create thicker clouds and stronger effects. Start with a low or medium setting to find your preference.
Inhale Slowly: Hold down the power button while taking a slow, steady draw from the mouthpiece. A slow inhale produces thicker clouds, while a faster inhale results in lighter hits.
Exhale and Enjoy: Breathe out naturally. There’s no need to hold in the vapor, as THC absorbs quickly in your lungs.
Choosing the Right Voltage Setting for Your Dab Pen
Dab pens often come with adjustable voltage settings, allowing you to customize the vaping experience:
Low Setting: For better flavor and lighter effects.
Medium Setting: A balanced option for most users, offering a good mix of flavor and vapor.
High Setting: Delivers strong effects with thicker clouds, though it may taste harsher.
Experimenting with voltage settings will help you find what works best for you.
How to Clean Your Dab Pen
Dab pens can get sticky and clogged with leftover wax, so regular cleaning is essential to keep them working efficiently. Follow these steps for a thorough clean:
Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need cotton swabs and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
Clean the Mouthpiece and Atomizer: Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and gently scrub the areas where wax builds up, like the mouthpiece and atomizer.
Clean the Coil: If your dab pen has a removable coil, soak it in a small glass of isopropyl alcohol for about 10 minutes to dissolve any residue. Rinse with clean water and let it dry completely before reassembling.
Reassemble and Heat: Once clean and dry, put your pen back together. Press the button a few times to heat it, evaporating any remaining alcohol.
Conclusion
Dab pens offer a simple, portable way to enjoy cannabis concentrates, allowing you to experience the full flavors and effects without the need for extensive equipment. By loading small amounts, experimenting with temperature settings, and cleaning your device regularly, you can get the most out of your dab pen and enjoy smooth, flavorful sessions every time.