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What Is a Dab Pen & How Do You Use It?
If you’re looking to consume marijuana concentrates discreetly without the fuss of traditional rig setups, a dab pen could be just what you need. This compact, convenient, portable device lets you smoke concentrates like marijuana wax with ease.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dab pens, including
- What Is a Dab Pen or Wax Pen?
- How Is a Dab Pen Different From a Vape Pen?
- How Do You Use a Dab Pen?
- How Do You Clean a Dab Pen?
- FAQs About Wax Pens
What Is a Dab Pen or Wax Pen?
A dab pen, also known as a wax pen, is a small, portable device (that looks like a pen) that cannabis enthusiasts use for consuming marijuana concentrates. Unlike a dab rig, which requires a torch, a dab pen is powered by electricity, making it much more convenient and portable. You can use it with various concentrates, including wax, budder, sauce, and shatter.1
Dab pens consist of three main parts: a mouthpiece, a chamber for the dab or concentrate (called an atomizer), and a heating element, which operates like a mini oven. Simply place your concentrate in the chamber, and the pen heats it, allowing you to inhale the vapor. With better temperature control than nectar collectors, dab pens offer a tailored dabbing experience.2
How Is a Dab Pen Different From a Vape Pen?
Dab pens and vape pens are often used interchangeably—afterall, they’re both portable vaporizers—but there are some differences between the two.
- Dab Pens: Designed for extracts and raw marijuana concentrates, which are heated directly on a hot surface. These pens use conduction heating and require you to manually place the concentrate in the chamber.
- Vape Pens: Typically used with oil cartridges containing liquid concentrates, vape pens use convection heating to warm the oil via the battery. Since the oil is often decarboxylated (already activated), vape pens use less powerful batteries and don’t need high temperatures like dab pens. For single-use pens, dispose of the device when empty, or attach a new cart to reusable pens and recharge.3
How Do You Use a Dab Pen?
Using a dab pen is easy and requires only a few tools:
- A fully charged dab pen
- Your favorite marijuana concentrate
- A dab tool to place the concentrate in the chamber
Step 1: Place the Concentrate in the Chamber
Once the battery is charged, remove the cap on your dab pen. Then, unscrew the atomizer and use the dab tool to place your concentrate of choice inside the chamber. Be careful not to overfill it to ensure there are no concentrate spills on the outside.
Pop the atomizer back in the dab pen and twist the cap back on.
Step 2: Heat the Dab Pen
Press the power button to turn on the dab pen and set it to your desired temperature. Many dab pens have adjustable temperature settings, giving you control over the intensity of your experience. If your dab pen doesn’t have a power button, it will switch on when you inhale.
Step 3: Inhale
Once heated, inhale through the mouthpiece, similar to using other cannabis devices like a bong. The vaporized concentrate will provide a smooth hit without the need for a torch.
When you’re done, switch off the dab pen and ensure that the concentrate doesn’t leak out.
How Do You Clean a Dab Pen?
Regularly cleaning your dab pen is essential to keep it in top shape and prevent mold or bacteria from growing. Follow these easy steps to clean your wax pen:4
1. Remove leftover concentrate: After each use, wipe the atomizer with a cotton swab or Q-Tip to remove any residue.
2. Heat the pen to melt residue: Set the dab pen to high and hold it upside down over a napkin or paper towel to melt off any remaining buildup.
3. Disassemble and clean: Use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol to clean the chamber and mouthpiece. Avoid getting the heating coils wet. You can also place the atomizer in a small bowl with rubbing alcohol for half an hour.
4. Rinse and dry: Once clean, rinse and let the parts air dry completely before reassembling.
FAQs About Wax Pens
Whether you’re new to dab pens or simply looking to fine-tune your experience with smoke concentrates, it’s natural to have some questions, like “What is a wax pen?” and “How do I use a dab pen?” Below, we’ve rounded up answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to help you get the most out of your wax pen and keep it performing at its best. And as always, if you need personalized advice, chat with your favorite Verilife budtender.
What’s the difference between a dab pen and a wax pen?
Dab pens and wax pens are essentially the same device. The terms are used interchangeably for pens designed to heat concentrates.
What’s the difference between a dab pen and a vape pen?
A dab pen requires you to manually put your concentrate in the atomizer or chamber and the device heats it through conduction. On the other hand, a vape pen typically comes with a pre-filled oil cartridge and heats via convection.
How much is a dab pen?
Prices vary depending on features, such as temperature control and battery life, but you can typically find options in a wide range to suit your budget.
How long do dab pens last?
A quality dab pen can last several years with regular maintenance. Battery life varies depending on usage frequency.
Do dab pens smell?
Dab pens may emit a slight odor but are generally less pungent than traditional dab rigs or smoking devices.
Select Your Own Dab Pen
Choosing the right dab pen comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle. Consider features like portability for on-the-go sessions, battery life for extended use, and temperature control for a tailored experience. Dab pens make it easy and hassle-free to enjoy marijuana wax and other concentrates with a modern, convenient twist. Not sure which one is best for you? Stop by your local Verilife dispensary and let a budtender help you find the perfect fit!
Sources:
1. “Wax pen vs. dab pen vs. vape pen: What’s the difference?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/wax-pen-vs-dab-pen
2. What Are Dab Pens, And How Do They Work?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-is-a-dab-pen
3. “How to use a dab pen,” The Cannigma, https://cannigma.com/how-to/how-to-use-a-dab-pen/
4. “What is a dab pen and how to use one,” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/dabs/what-is-dab-pen
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.