Last reviewed October 18, 2026
There are four main weed pen types: cartridge pens, disposable vapes, dab pens and dry herb vaporizers. The right one depends on what you want to put in it: pre-filled oil, nothing at all, your own concentrate, or flower.
| Pen type | What it uses | Refill or reuse? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartridge pen (510 battery) | Pre-filled oil cartridges | Battery is reusable; swap carts | Trying many strains with one battery |
| Disposable vape | Built-in oil tank | Use until empty, then recycle | No setup; trying a format first |
| Dab pen (wax pen) | Concentrates you load yourself | Reusable; load each session | People who already buy shatter, budder or resin |
| Dry herb vaporizer | Ground flower | Reusable; load each session | Flower users who’d rather not smoke |
Cartridge pens
A slim battery screws onto a pre-filled cartridge. Almost all carts use the standard 510 thread, so one battery fits most brands. Some batteries draw automatically when you inhale; others have a button and voltage settings. See 510 cartridge for details.
Disposable vapes
The battery and oil come sealed together in one device. Many cannabis disposables now have a charging port, so you can recharge the battery until the oil runs out. How disposable vapes work explains what’s inside.
Dab pens
A heated chamber at the tip melts concentrate you load with a dab tool. It takes more effort than a cart but works with any concentrate you have. See What is a dab pen?
Dry herb vaporizers
These heat ground flower without burning it. They’re usually larger than oil pens and need cleaning, but you can use any flower you already have.
How to choose
- Simplest start: a disposable.
- Lowest cost over time with oil: one battery plus carts.
- You buy concentrates: a dab pen.
- You buy flower: a dry herb vaporizer.
Common questions
What’s the difference between a vape pen and a weed pen?
Usually nothing. “Weed pen” is a casual name for any cannabis vape pen, most often a cartridge pen or a disposable.
Can I use a nicotine vape for weed?
No. Nicotine devices are built for thin e-liquid, and cannabis oil is far thicker. Use a device made for cannabis.
Which weed pen lasts the longest?
A reusable 510 battery, since you only replace the cart. Among disposables, a larger oil capacity and a rechargeable battery last longest.
Are weed pens legal in Canada?
Adults can buy cannabis vapes in Canada within their province’s age and purchase rules.
