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/// EDUCATION ///

How to Use a Vape Cartridge and a Disposable: Setup, Dosing and Troubleshooting

Cartridges and disposables work a little differently. This guide covers setup, how to pace yourself, how to fix a vape that won't hit or tastes burnt, and how to care for the battery and store it.

CATEGORY Education

Vapes are one of the easiest ways to use cannabis, and one of the easiest to get wrong. The two main types, cartridges and disposables, work a little differently, and a few small habits make them last longer and work better. This guide explains how to use each, how to take it slowly, and how to store and troubleshoot them. It is for adults 21+. For help choosing a product, see our vapes guide.

The Quick Answer

  • Disposables are all-in-one. You use them as they come, and throw them away when they are finished.
  • Cartridges need a battery. Most cartridges screw onto a separate battery, and the two need to match.
  • Go slowly. Take one small puff, wait a few minutes, then decide.
  • Read the package. Instructions differ by brand and model.

Cartridge vs Disposable

  • Cartridge: a small tank of oil that attaches to a rechargeable battery. You can swap cartridges and keep the battery.
  • Disposable: a single unit with the oil and battery built in. Many are draw-activated, meaning you just inhale. When it is done, it goes in the trash, though some batteries need special disposal.

Cartridges tend to suit people who vape regularly, and disposables suit people who want something simple. See our guide to flower vs vape if you are still deciding on a format.

Using a Cartridge

  1. Check the thread. Many cartridges use a standard 510 thread, but check the packaging for compatibility with your battery.
  2. Charge the battery before first use, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Screw the cartridge on until it is snug. Don’t overtighten.
  4. Turn the battery on, if it has a button. Many batteries need a set number of button presses to power on or change settings. Check the instructions.
  5. Inhale gently while pressing the button, or just inhale if it is draw-activated.
  6. Take small puffs. Two to three seconds is plenty for most people.

Using a Disposable

  1. Open the package and remove any seals or caps, following the instructions.
  2. Inhale gently on the mouthpiece. Many are draw-activated and have no button.
  3. If it has a button, follow the instructions on the package.
  4. Take small puffs and wait a few minutes between them.

How Much to Take

Vapes are potent, and the effects of inhaled cannabis come on quickly, so it is easy to take more than you intended. For your first time with a product:

  • Take one small puff.
  • Wait several minutes.
  • Decide whether you want more, and take another small puff.
  • Stop when you feel comfortable.

Our guide to reading a cannabis label explains potency percentages, and live resin vs distillate explains the types of oil.

Troubleshooting

  • No vapor: check that the cartridge is screwed on properly, that the battery is charged and on, and that the mouthpiece is not blocked.
  • Weak vapor: try a longer, gentler draw, and make sure the battery has charge.
  • Burnt taste: usually the oil is low, or you are drawing too hard or too often. Slow down, and let it rest between puffs.
  • Clogged: thick oil can clog in the cold. Letting it warm to room temperature can help.
  • Leaking: store it upright, and don’t overtighten. If it keeps leaking, stop using it and ask the store.

Battery Care

  • Use the charger that came with the battery, or one the manufacturer recommends.
  • Don’t leave it charging unattended or overnight.
  • Don’t use a damaged or swollen battery.
  • Don’t leave it in a hot car.
  • Dispose of old batteries properly, not in household trash where recycling is available.

Storage

Store vapes upright, somewhere cool and dark, away from heat, and out of reach of children and pets. Heat can thin the oil and cause leaks, and cold can thicken it. See our storage tips.

Travel

Don’t carry cannabis across state lines, including on planes and trains, and keep your vape sealed and out of sight in a car. See our guide to New Jersey cannabis laws.

Questions for the Budtender

  • “Will this cartridge work with my battery?”
  • “Is this disposable draw-activated?”
  • “How strong is this, compared with the others?”
  • “What would you suggest for a first-timer?”

Responsible Use

Never drive after using cannabis. Keep vapes away from children and pets, and don’t vape where it is not allowed. Check your lease. See cannabis and apartments.

A Sample First Session

  1. Sit down somewhere comfortable, at home.
  2. Take one small puff and put the vape down.
  3. Wait five to ten minutes.
  4. Decide whether you want another small puff.
  5. Make a note of the product and how it felt.

Choosing Between the Two

If you want simple and don’t mind throwing it away, a disposable is easy. If you want to save money or switch between products, a cartridge and a rechargeable battery gives more flexibility. Ask the team which products on the menu suit you.

FAQ

How do I use a weed pen?

Attach the cartridge to a charged battery, then inhale gently. Check the instructions for any button presses.

Why is my vape not hitting?

Check the connection, the battery charge and any clog. Warm it to room temperature if it is cold.

How long does a disposable last?

It varies by product and how often you use it. Check the package.

Can I recharge a disposable?

Some can, some can’t. Check the package.

Shop Vapes at CREAM

Browse the vapes menu, then pick up at 284 1st Street or get same-day delivery. Adult-use only — 21+ with valid ID. Please consume responsibly.

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