We are incredibly lucky to have all sorts of devices that help us get the most out of our favorite buds. But for many, the rise of such devices can confuse consumers quickly.

Even with these bad boys existing for years, vaporizers and vape pens are often mistaken for one another. As a past budtender, I definitely have been asked probably thousands of times and it has gotten me confused when a customer is describing one of the products but calling it the others’ name.

With so many different marijuana devices appearing over the years, it may be good to check out the similarities and differences between vaporizers vs vape pens. 

The Benefits of Vaping

Some may not be into smoking flower straight from a bowl or even consuming cannabis, but are still looking for a healthier way of consuming cannabis. 

Well, vaping is one, for starters! 

Here’s why:

• Easy to use: By simply hitting a button, both will provide more even doses of THC per session.

• Less cannabis waste: Vaping typically requires less marijuana to get the kind of high you desire. Seshs are much more potent so will require less marijuana.

• Cleaner hits: Vaping allows for more potent/cleaner hits. With no combustion, the vapor contains much fewer toxins per hit. 

• Less smell: Marijuana flower often has a strong, skunky smell that some people cannot stand to be around. Vaping cuts out the smell by 60-75%. They put off more of a terpene smell.

Vaporizers Vs. Vape Pens by Definition

Let’s contrast these two ways of smoking by their definition, shall we?

Vaporizers

Vaporizers (dry herb vaporizers) are made up of a vapor pathway, a heating oven for the flower, a button for temperature/on and off, and a mouthpiece. 

They are small and handheld, though are bigger than vape pens. 

These devices pack a more powerful punch in terms of energy. Vaporizers use conductive heating which allows for even burning while vaping. 

Brands like PAX and Firefly are dry herb vaporizers.

Vape Pen

A marijuana vape pen has a defined thin, long design. 

This is why it’s known as a pen. They are made to be discreet. 

The majority of the device is taken up by the actual battery which warms the device. 

A body is there to fire the device and change temperatures.

Vape pens typically will need a cartridge (THC or CBD). The mouthpiece of a vape pen will come with the cartridge you purchase. A variable of the vape pen would be a disposable vape pen with the cartridge and battery all in one. 

When empty, you simply throw the device away. 

Similarities Between Vaporizers & Vape Pens

Now, it’s easy to get the two confused, and here are a few reasons why:

Portable

Vaporizers and vape pens are very portable. 

Being handheld, both devices are great for traveling, break times, or when convenience is needed.

Discreet

Vaporizers and vape pens are incredibly discreet. 

These devices don’t scream that you are smoking weed. This can be useful for some people.

Built To Vaporize

Fundamentally, both vaporizers and vape pens have a power source (battery). 

The battery allows the devices to heat a chamber/coil and vaporize flower, wax, oils, etc. 

Control Of Temperature

Both herb and oil vape devices have an assortment of models. 

Each one offers different temperature control ranges. Some are limited, while others provide a full range of settings.

Rechargeable 

Having lithium batteries, vaporizers and vape pens can be recharged via USB cable in most instances. 

The other type has removable batteries which go into a charging pack. 

Differences Between The Vaping Devices

So, as you can see, they are quite similar. However, here’s how you can distinguish between a vaporizer vs vape pen:

Type of Marijuana Product Vaped

The type of marijuana preparation defines the product you will want to use. 

Vaporizers are typically used for vaping actual buds. Vape pens are used when vaping THC oil cartridges. Though they do make wax/concentrate vaporizers so just be aware of what you are looking for.

Loading Process

With vaporizers, cannabis buds need to be finely ground up and placed into a heating chamber. You will also need to dump and clean out the chamber after each use. 

With vape pens, prefilled cartridges filled with THC oils can simply be screwed onto the battery. On the other hand, oil cartridges come in both pre-filled cartridges and ones you can fill on your 

Vaporizer Heating Chamber vs Vape Pen Cartridges

For the average dry herb vaporizer, a dry herb vape chamber will last forever. It gets packed and cleared similar to bowl packing. Oil vapes, on the other hand, require a battery equipped with a cartridge. Unlike chambers, the cartridge used in oil vape pens is interchangeable and replaceable.

Maintenance of Devices

Both devices are easy to maintain. Charging the battery will be the biggest thing to remember. The vaporizer will need the chamber cleaned out to keep the device vaping with good flavors. 

Deals on Vape Cartridges In Denver

The Lodge has two dispensaries locations in downtown Denver

Current deals on Cartridges are:

• 16 500mg Sesh cartridges for $249

Herbs 4 you is located in the Capitol Hill Area

Current deals on Cartridges include:

• 4 300mg disposable vape pens for $63.29

• 8 1000mg cartridges for $234.16

• 2 PAX pods for $63.29

• 500mg cartridges for $15.82

Rocky Mountain High has 4 locations spread around Denver

Current deals on cartridges include:

• BOGO 50% off Select Elite brand cartridges

• Buy any 2 Spherex disposable vape pens, get one for $1