Vaporizers 101

Vaping is a simple, enjoyable, and carefree process. Read our easy-to-follow vape guide, where we explain the ins and outs of vaping for beginners, including how to care for and troubleshoot your vape.

What is a Vape?

A vape is a handheld, battery-operated device used to inhale cannabis. The vapor is created when the cannabis or cannabis oil is heated to a temperature of 315-450 F°. Unlike smoke, which is produced from combustion, vapes produce airborne droplets in the form of vapor by using a heating element. If you’re a vaping beginner it’s important to learn the four main elements of a vape so you can properly maintain it:

Cartridge/Tank/Mouthpiece: The part of your vape that holds the cannabis oil is typically referred to as a cartridge. The cartridge doubles as the mouthpiece where you inhale.
Atomizer: This is the heating element inside your cartridge that converts liquid to vapor.
Sensors and Software: Some vape pens automatically turn on when the user inhales through it, while others use a push button to toggle the heating element on/off.
Battery: Vape pens use rechargeable lithium ion batteries which have a high energy density in order to heat the oil to 400 degrees in mere seconds.

Proper Vape Care

To properly care for your device and ensure your device’s longevity, follow our vape guide below:

Store your vape pen and cartridge vertically.
Keep your vape out of extreme weather and altitudes.
Do not heat your vape pen with an open flame or boiled water to alter oil viscosity.
Remember to fully charge batteries before use.
Charge vape batteries like a cellphone for the longest battery life. Charge fully, use until the battery is exhausted, charge fully, use until the battery is exhausted.

Vape Troubleshooting

Battery Troubleshooting

Before you contact us to return your vape product, please follow some of our troubleshooting tips to ensure you’re giving your battery optimum care:

Make sure all packaging plastic has been removed from the cartridge’s threads.
Try screwing the cartridge without over-tightening. In some cases, cartridges have been found to work when the connection seems slightly loose. A blinking light can sometimes indicate the cartridge is screwed on too tightly.
Try a different cartridge. The cartridge might be faulty.
Make sure your battery is fully charged. A blinking or solid red usually indicates that the battery needs a recharge.
Make sure the cartridge is working correctly by checking to see if air is going through the cartridge and the LED indicator is lighting up when you inhale. Batteries operating at or greater than 4.0V can damage cartridges.
Make sure your battery and cartridge have the same size threading.

Cartridge Troubleshooting

If you’re experiencing trouble with your cartridge, follow these tips to maximize your vape experience:

Try the cartridge with a different fully-charged battery.
Make sure the battery has the right voltage. Batteries operating at more than 4.0V can damage cartridges.

For specific product information, always refer to the manufacturer’s website. If the product still isn’t working, check out the HERB Return Policy.

General Vaping Information for Beginners

Optimize your vape experience with all of the necessary components and accessories and take the following into consideration:

Find the perfect temperature - Your vape temperature is critical to getting the experience you want from your vape. Different cannabinoids evaporate at various temperatures while lower atomizing temperatures can increase the taste. Experiment a bit until you find a sweet spot that works for you. If you’re really serious about finding the optimal temperature for your oil, check out the PAX devices we carry for a sleek and sophisticated experience.
Adjust your dosage - Refrain from taking long hard hits from your vape pen. Hitting too hard means the air cannot be heated when it passes through the oven, and you'll end up sucking in concentrate and wasting dabs. Our advice is to use short puffs which will eventually add up to the big draw you desire. Adjust your dosage depending on your experience and needs.
Cartridges vs Disposables - There are several options when choosing a vape pen. The most common option is the 510 threaded standard vape cartridge, which can fit on most batteries with the same 510 threading. Sometimes vape brands design tanks and batteries that have to be used together so you can’t mix brands, but this is generally not the case with our cartridge and battery selection. You can also opt to buy a disposable vape that is intended to last until the tank empties, eliminating the need to recharge or refill.

Vaping, even for beginners, isn’t meant to be a difficult task, but if you’re still unsure of how to proceed, our customer service team is just a call away.