Disposable vapes have transformed from basic smoking alternatives into highly advanced and technologically sophisticated products. Today, these devices serve a much broader scope of users than ever before; whether you consume nicotine or enjoy cannabis, there is a vaping product to fit your needs.
The purpose of this article is to outline how these devices operate, present some of the most recent developments in e-liquids and THC extracts, and examine the developing market trends that will shape the future of these products.
How Disposable Vapes Work
Disposable vapes are pre-charged and pre-filled electronic devices, specifically designed for single-use convenience. In contrast to complicated and often difficult to maintain refillable systems, these devices do not need to be charged (except for newer models) or assembled prior to use. All you need to do is remove it from the packaging and start puffing.
Inside these devices, the internal components are working together to provide a complete and relatively seamless vaping experience:
- Battery & Logic Board: The power source of the battery is a lithium-ion battery and the logic board (the brain of the device) manages the flow of power and provides safety functions such as short circuit protection.
- Heating System: There is a heating coil, usually made of metal (kanthal or nickel-chromium) and the coil is wrapped in a wick. This wick absorbs the surrounding e-liquid and allows it to enter the heating coil.
- Activation & Vaporization: Once you inhale, the pressure sensor will activate the circuit and power will flow from the battery to the coil. The coil will heat nearly instantaneously and vaporize the e-liquid saturating the wick and produce the aerosol that you inhale.
From E-Liquid to Live Resin: What Is Inside the Tank?
What is contained within the tank is the essence of the overall experience. While most disposables utilize standard e-liquid containing nicotine, the variety of e-liquids available today has greatly expanded beyond that of traditional e-liquid.
- Nicotine E-Liquids: Nicotine salt e-liquids are the type of e-liquids most often utilized in nicotine disposables. Manufacturers have created smooth throat hits at higher nicotine strengths (i.e., 50 mg or 5%) using the addition of benzoic acid and therefore allow for the efficient delivery of nicotine without any irritation. The base of the e-liquid is typically a combination of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG).
- THC & Cannabis Extracts: The cannabis industry has also established premium categories. Live Resin is a high end cannabis extract produced from fresh frozen cannabis plants and is valued for retaining a full profile of the plant's original terpenes and cannabinoids, and therefore produces a rich flavor and effect. Liquid Diamonds refers to a purified form of THC concentrate (THCA diamonds) dissolved in terpenes and produces exceptional potency.
Crossing the Frontier: Disposables for Cannabis and Live Resin
The adoption of disposable vapes by the cannabis community has created a new and exciting opportunity to use cannabis in a convenient manner.
Distillate Disposable Vapes: The Pure (and Lonely) High
Most disposable cannabis products contain distillate. Distillate is a type of THC oil that is nearly 100% pure THC oil, as most everything else has been removed during the extraction process. This creates a very intense high that is primarily cerebral and lacks the body and emotional effects that many people associate with cannabis.
To me, the high produced by distillate is very similar to listening to a single instrument in an orchestra; it is very loud, but it does not provide the overall harmony and balance that a full band would produce. While the flavor from distillate can be very pleasing and enjoyable; i.e., blueberry, pineapple, etc.; it is still quite limited and does not possess the depth of flavor that the actual plant produces.
Live Resin Disposable Vapes: The Game Changer
A live resin disposable vape is a pre-loaded, pre-charged disposable device that contains the specified live resin concentrate. The user experience is similar to that of a disposable vape containing nicotine - simply inhale to activate the device. The effects of using a live resin disposable vape are quite different than those of a nicotine disposable vape, however.
Although distillate carts may contain higher THC percentages, live resin disposables are known to produce a more complex and full-bodied experience due to the entourage effect - the interaction of cannabinoids and terpenes that occur in the body when the cannabis concentrate is activated. The flavor of live resin is also much more complex and herbaceous, and very similar to the aroma of the original cannabis flower.
To me, as a consumer, live resin disposable vapes provide a better flavor experience for cannabis, however, their higher price point, and typically lower THC content (typically 45-50%), compared to the THC content of distillate (typically 80-90%) means that they are best suited for connoisseurs who value the quality of the effects, rather than the highest possible potency.
The Modern Disposable: Features, Brands, and User Priorities
Today's disposable vapes represent a vast improvement over the early "cig-a-likes." Based on my own experiences testing various devices, the advancements in technology are truly evident. For example, the consistency of the draw on a modern device like the Geek Bar Pulse X is quite impressive and the inclusion of advanced features like its 3D curved LED display, which displays the remaining battery life and e-liquid levels in real time, eliminates the uncertainty experienced when using older devices.
What vapers expect:
- Flavor and Consistency: Flavor remains the number one priority among vapers. Consumers are seeking complex and accurate flavors that will endure throughout the entire vaping session and will not produce a burnt taste or lose flavor rapidly.
- Intelligent Design: With the increasing number of high puff count (typically between 15,000 to 50,000 puffs) disposable vapes, the expectation is that these devices will perform well, yet not at the expense of performance. Brands like NEXA aim to satisfy this expectation through innovative designs like the "Juicy Lock" tank in the PIX 35K, which aims to utilize every drop of liquid in the tank without producing dry hits.
- Customization and Control: Disposable vapes now come equipped with many of the same adjustable features previously limited to reusable devices. For example, the OXBAR ICE-NIC Control 35K includes two buttons that enable users to adjust the nicotine strength and the cooling intensity of the vape while vaping on-the-go.
- Rechargeability: Most premium disposable vapes currently include a USB-C charging port. One vaper astutely stated, "A 30K puff vape with no recharge port is nothing more than a scam," as the battery would not be able to last that long based on physical limitations.
A Final Puff of Perspective
A disposable vape is more than just a product – it is a manifestation of our desire for immediate satisfaction and simplicity in our lives. From the extremely flavorful and potent world of nicotine salts to the very natural and authentic high of live resin, disposable vapes have made vaping accessible to millions and have revolutionized the way we consume cannabis and nicotine.
I believe that disposable vapes should be treated as tools. Tools should be treated with respect. Treat the nicotine content of disposable vapes seriously. Treat the potency of cannabis extracts seriously. And, please treat the Earth with the respect it deserves by disposing of your disposable vapes responsibly. If used thoughtfully, disposable vapes can be a great portable companion or a technological innovation. If misused, they can contribute to another source of addiction and pollution. The decision of how you choose to use disposable vapes is in your hands.