Vaping is an increasingly popular way to consume cannabis. Its rise to fame is largely due to the higher potency of vaporization, the discretion and convenience of portable vapes, and the potentially healthier aspects of inhaling vapor versus smoke. Due to vaping's popularity, however, a variety of vaping options appeared on the market ahead of the average consumer's understanding of how vaping works and how to do so. 

woman smoking vape pen red eyes Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
The process of vaping weed involves heating cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that converts the desirable cannabinoids and terpenes into a vapor.

The process of vaping weed involves heating cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that converts the desirable cannabinoids and terpenes into vapor. As vaporization happens at a lower temperature than combustion, the user inhales more cannabinoids and less harmful tar and carcinogens than via smoking. 

There are many methods by which people vaporize cannabis. The three main types are tabletop vaporizers (flower or dab rigs), portable vaporizers, and vape pens. Read on to learn how to vape cannabis, no matter your preferred method of consumption.

Vape dry flower

How to use a tabletop vape

dabbing Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
Tabletop vaporizers are stationary temperature control units made to sit on a desktop or other stable surface.

Time needed: 10 minutes

Tabletop vaporizers are stationary temperature control units made to sit on a desktop or other stable surface. Tabletop vaporizers come in many varieties, but all include a heating chamber, heating element, a mouthpiece, and temperature control. Here's how to vape cannabis using a tabletop vape:

  1. Read the manual

    Start by reading the manual. While you may eagerly await your first vape hit, understanding the specific steps to operate your tabletop vape is crucial to enjoying your cannabis and ensuring the longevity of your device.

  2. Plug in your vape and turn it on

    Plug in your vape and turn it on. Allow your device to heat up in preparation for use.

  3. Grind your cannabis flower and load it

    While your vape is heating, grind your cannabis flower thoroughly and load it inside the heating chamber, sometimes called the oven. This chamber is where flowers are heated to produce vapor for inhalation. The size, shape, and location of the vape's heating chamber vary based on each unit — most devices fit around a ¼-½ gram of ground cannabis. Make sure you don't overpack your chamber to ensure proper airflow. Seal the oven securely.

  4. Set your desired temperature

    If your device permits, set your desired temperature. Ideal vaping temperatures are between 350-to-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  5. Inhale from the mouthpiece to take a hit

    Inhale from the mouthpiece to take a hit. You'll know it's working when you see and taste the cannabis vapor on each exhale. Long, slow inhales are the way to go.

    As you continue to use your vape, the amount of cannabinoids in the cannabis will gradually decrease, turning flowers from green to brown. Tabletop vapes, however, won't combust the flower material the same way smoking does. You'll know it's time to reload the chamber when the vapor thins and loses its flavor.

  6. Discard the leftover cannabis material

    When finished, discard the leftover cannabis material. Make sure to clean your vape regularly, after every 10 to 20 sessions, to keep it in prime working condition. Check your vape manual for cleaning instructions.

  7. Optional: Perform a burnoff session

    Optionally, you can perform a burnoff session after you vape to burn away any leftover cannabis material. Crank the empty vape to its highest temperature and allow it to sit for five-to-ten minutes. This should clear away any residual plant matter.

How to use a portable vape (flower)

packing a pax vape bowl Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
Portable vapes include a chamber to hold your cannabis, a heating element, and a battery.

Portable vapes are small, discreet vaporizers that operate in a manner similar to tabletop vapes. Typically, portable vapes include a chamber to hold your cannabis, a heating element, and a battery. Most flower vaporizers will include a variable temperature control device, operated by a button or a small dial. Read on to learn how to vaporize flower using a portable vape: 

  1. Read the manual. Again, knowing how to use your device is key to maximizing your enjoyment and its lifespan.
  2. Make sure your vape is fully charged and turn it on. This will allow it to heat up and get and allow it to heat up to get ready for use. Most units will come with a USB cable charger and accept any USB cable, but some use proprietary chargers or removable batteries.
  3. Grind your cannabis flower. Pack it into the heating chamber. Make sure not to overpack and to leave enough room for airflow. Close your vape tightly.
  4. Set your desired temperature and inhale. Make sure you can taste and see the cannabis vapor on each exhale. Long, slow inhales help you maximize your cannabinoid intake and experience. As you continue to use your vape, cannabinoids in the cannabis will gradually decrease, turning flowers from green to brown. You'll know it's time to reload when the cannabis vapor loses its flavor and becomes thin.
  5. Discard the leftover plant matter and clean. You make sure to clean your vape to keep it in prime working condition. Check your vape manual for any specific cleaning instructions for your device.

Vape concentrates

How to use a portable vape (concentrates)

concentrate wax dab pen vape Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
Some portable vapes allow you to vape concentrates or cannabis oil on the go.

While some portable vapes work only for flower vaping, others allow you to vape concentrates or cannabis oil on the go — and some even offer the best of both worlds! Read on to learn how to enjoy your favorite concentrates with a portable vape. 

  1. Read through the manual. You'll want to get a solid understanding of how your device works.
  2. Make sure your vape is charged and turned on. Most portable vapes will come with a USB cable for charging and will accept other USB cables, but some units use proprietary chargers or removable batteries so it's best to check your manual.
  3. Load up a small amount of your cannabis concentrate of choice into the chamber/oven using a dab tool or dabber. Avoid using your hands — it degrades the cannabis.
  4. If your vape allows, set your desired temperature on your device. Ideal temperatures for vaping concentrates range between 350-to-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Inhale from the mouthpiece to take a hit. You'll know it's working when you see and taste the cannabis vapor on each exhale. Long, slow draws allow for a steady burn and even vaporization of cannabinoids.
  6. When finished, turn off your vape and clean it. Make sure to keep your device clean to extend its longevity, typically after every 10 to 20 uses. Check out your vaporizer's manual for any cleaning information.

How to use a vape pen

dab vape pens Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
When it comes to vape pens, there are two options available: vape pens with rechargeable batteries and disposable vapes.

When it comes to vape pens, there are two options available: vape pens with rechargeable batteries that pair with cannabis-oil-filled cartridges and disposable vapes, with an all-in-one battery and vape that you throw away after the oil is depleted. Here's how to vape using a vape pen:

  1. Check the charge. If you're using a pen with a separate cartridge, make sure the battery is charged and turned on. Make sure the cartridge is tightly connected to the battery.
  2. Set the temperature if possible. Some rechargeable batteries allow temperature control, so set the temperature as desired.
  3. Inhale. Press the button and inhale, or simply inhale if the device has no buttons. Inhale low and slow to pace yourself and maximize cannabinoid intake. This also ensures you don't overheat the cannabis oil and damage the concentrate.
  4. Reload/replace as needed. You'll know your vape pen is running low on oil when the vapor starts to lose its flavor and taste harsh or burned. Some lower-quality batteries can also overheat or burn the materials of the heating coil into the oil, causing the cannabis to vaporize or degrade faster, reducing the cartridge's lifespan.
  5. Discard responsibly. When you're finished with a cannabis-oil cartridge or disposable vape pen, simply discard it. No need to clean.
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The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This page was last updated on June 28, 2022.