Dab Pen vs Cartridge: Choosing the Right Device for Concentrates

July 14, 2024

Dab pens and cartridges both turn cannabis concentrates into vapor that can be inhaled, but they are very different devices. A dab pen, also called a wax pen, lets you manually load cannabis concentrate – whether it’s wax, budder, shatter, or sauce – onto a heating element, offering flexibility and control. A cartridge, or cart, comes pre-filled with a liquid marijuana concentrate like cannabis oil and attaches to a battery for easier use, eliminating the need to handle sticky concentrates.1

In this guide, we break down the differences and similarities of a dab pen vs cart so you can decide which option suits your preferences best. 


What is a Dab Pen?

A dab pen, or wax pen, is a compact and portable device designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates, like wax, budder, or shatter. It contains a battery, a heating element or atomizer, and a mouthpiece. The concentrate of your choice is placed directly onto the heating element, which vaporizes the material for inhalation. Dab pens are favored for discretion, portability, high potency, and versatility in handling various types of cannabis concentrates for a dabbing experience.2


What is a Dab Cartridge (Cart)? 

A dab cartridge (cart) is a pre-filled, disposable container of cannabis oil that attaches to a battery, usually via a 510-thread connection. A THC cartridge fits into a vape pen, and the cart is sometimes favored for its convenience, since it already contains liquid cannabis concentrate and is ready to use once attached to a compatible, charged battery. These vaping devices, smaller than a dab pen, are popular for their ease of use and consistency, offering a straightforward and mess-free way to use concentrates.3


Choosing Between Dab Pens and Cartridges

When deciding between dab pens and cartridges, consider the following factors to find the device that best fits your vaping needs:


Convenience

If convenience is your top priority, cartridges might be the way to go. They are portable and pre-filled, so you don’t need to worry about handling sticky cannabis concentrates, loading your device, or cleaning the carts. You only need to attach the cart to the battery, and voilà…that’s it! On the other hand, dab pens require more preparation as you have to place the concentrate onto the heating element, which can be messy and time-consuming, but you have more control and flexibility over the concentrate and overall experience. Dab pens also need to be cleaned regularly.4


Control 

Dab pens offer you more control over your vaping experience, since they allow you to choose the concentrate you want to use and experiment with different strains and textures. Many dab pens also have adjustable temperature settings to fine-tune vaporization. Cartridges, while convenient, offer less control since the cannabis oil and its consistency are predetermined by the manufacturer.


Versatility

Dab pens win when it comes to versatility. They can handle various types of marijuana concentrates, including crumble, shatter, and wax. This flexibility allows you to switch between different concentrates without needing multiple devices. Cartridges are more limited, as they only work with pre-filled liquid concentrates like cannabis oil. However, carts can be an ideal choice for users who prefer the simplicity of one concentrate type.


Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? While you can ask your favorite budtender when you shop vapes, you may not want to wait. So check out these frequently asked questions and answers:

Which option offers better vapor quality: dab pens or cartridges?
Vapor quality depends on the specific device and concentrate used. Dab pens often provide a richer and more potent vaping experience because they can handle a variety of concentrates, and many have temperature control features for a customized vaping experience. Cartridges offer consistent and smooth vapor but may lack the depth of flavor and potency found in dab pens.

Are dab pens more portable than cartridges?
A dab vs cart is equally portable. However, carts may have a slight edge in portability because of their simplicity and all-in-one design. With dab pens, you must carry the concentrate separately and load it, which may be a messy experience, especially if you are new to cannabis vaping.

How do I maintain a dab pen versus a cartridge?
Maintaining a dab pen involves regularly cleaning the atomizer and other parts to ensure optimal performance and flavor. Cartridges are low-maintenance—once the oil is finished, replace the cart with a new one.

Can I use dab pens and cartridges interchangeably?
No, wax pens and carts are not interchangeable because of their different designs and functionalities. Dab pens don’t use carts, and cartridges require a vape battery.


Purchasing Dab Pens and Cartridges

Choosing between dab pens and carts comes down to your personal preferences. Dab pens offer more versatility and control, while cartridges are convenient and easy to use. Chat with your budtender for personalized advice and recommendations for the optimal vaping experience.


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Sources:

1. “What’s The Difference? Dab Pens vs Carts,” Marijuana Packaging, September 14, 2023, https://marijuanapackaging.com/blogs/ask-us/whats-the-difference-dab-pens-v-s-carts

2. “What Are Dab Pens, And How Do They Work?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-is-a-dab-pen

3. “Dab Pen vs Vape Pen: What’s the Difference?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/dab-pen-vs-vape-pen

4. “Wax pen vs dab pen vs vape pen: What’s the difference?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/wax-pen-vs-dab-pen





Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

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