What Is a Dab Pen & How Do You Use It?

Dab Pen

Also: Wax Pen

A dab pen is a portable, easy-to-use smoking device that heats cannabis concentrate to turn it into inhalable vapor.

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:

• Mouthpiece

• Chamber

• Heating element

The chamber, also called an atomizer, holds the concentrate while the battery-powered heating element heats the atomizer to a high temperature, between 350°F and 400°F. This vaporizes the concentrate which can then be inhaled through the mouthpiece.¹ With better temperature control than nectar collectors, dab pens offer a tailored dabbing experience.²

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 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
  
  

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
  
  

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.

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.

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.

Dab pens are relatively simple devices, but it’s incredibly important to keep it squeaky clean. This is because heating sticky concentrates can cause residue to build up over time, potentially attracting mold and bacteria. To prevent this from occurring and to extend the life of your device, make sure to give it a regular cleaning. 

To clean your dab pen, following these steps.²

• Step 1: Gather the following cleaning supplies: a small glass bowl, cotton swabs, warm water, rubbing alcohol, and paper towels.
  
  

• Step 2: Set the pen to its highest temperature and turn it upside down over a paper towel. This step will melt concentrate residue, which should flow down onto the towel.
  
  

• Step 3: Once the atomizer has cooled down, unscrew all the parts of the dab pen so you can thoroughly clean each one.
  
  

• Step 4: Fill a small glass bowl with rubbing alcohol, then soak a cotton swab in the alcohol and use it to wipe down the atomizer, avoiding the coils. Continue wiping all of the other parts of the pen with the alcohol-soaked swab.
  
  

• Step 5: The final step is to rinse everything in warm water and allow it to dry naturally before using the pen again.
  
  

If you find that the atomizer still has residue inside of it, you can soak it in the bowl of alcohol for about 30 minutes, which should loosen the remaining material.

There are several pros and cons to using dab pens. 

• Pro: Dab pens are portable, discreet, and simpler to use than dab rigs.¹
  
  

• Con: You need to learn which temperatures are best for the type of concentrate you're using, and dab pens need to be cleaned regularly.
  
  

Depending on your preferences, you may choose other ways to consume concentrates, or may find that dab pens are right for you.

Have questions about dab pens? These frequently asked questions can help, and and be sure to check with your budtender if you have any other questions:

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.

Are dab carts and dab pens the same?

No, dab carts and dab pens aren't the same device. Dab carts are cartridges that have been pre-filled with liquid concentrates that are designed to be used with a compatible vape pen. A dab pen is a device in which the consumer places more solid concentrate–shatter, crumble, etc.–into a chamber to be heated and smoked.

Is a dab pen the same as vaping?

No. Dab pens are specialized devices that heat cannabis concentrates into vapor that can be inhaled. The term “vaping” is generally used to describe smoking cannabis through a vape pen.

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.

What do you use with a dab pen?

Dab pens can be used for cannabis concentrates, including wax, live resin, sauce, or rosin.

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!