Disposable vapes have become ubiquitous; they’re littered on sidewalks (for another article), being held up in the hands of concertgoers, and sitting behind the counters of every gas station and smoke shop. They represent a culture and technology shift regarding nicotine and cannabis consumption.
What is a disposable vape? I am writing this because I want to provide information about what it really is; what the basics of e-liquids are; how live resins work; and the world of disposable vapes. Disposable vapes are electronic devices that are non-rechargeable and non-refillable that vaporizes a liquid or oil for inhalation. There is a battery, a sensor (draw-activated so you just inhale), a heating element (coil), and a reservoir of juice pre-loaded.
The Nuts and Bolts: Convenience is King
My first disposable was a relief. I was a former smoker using an “e-pen” that consisted of a battery, charger, bottle of e-liquid, and a never-ending cycle of replacing burned out coils. Using a disposable was a complete opposite of that — it was a USB stick sized product, it required no maintenance, and it worked flawlessly. That was it – a guarantee of consistent performance.
Of course, this came at a cost — disposal waste. My environmental conscious wincs each time I’m done with a disposable vape, knowing it is just another piece of electronic waste. This is a major drawback to this level of convenience, and that is part of the reason I went back to a refillable pod system for my daily nicotine use.
The E-Liquid Universe: A Symphony of Synthetic Flavors
E-liquid is typically a combination of Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), nicotine (which is in the salt form when in e-liquid), and flavorings.
Using disposable e-liquids has been an adventure of hit-or-miss flavors for me. I have experienced a Strawberry Ice flavor that tasted like the essence of a cool summer strawberry, while another flavor from a different company was a harsh and chemical-tasting imitation. Most modern disposable vapes now come with a menthol/ice flavor additive that provides that cooling sensation in the back of your throat that many enjoy.
One of the biggest advancements in e-liquid has been the availability of nicotine in the salt form. Nicotine salts allow disposable vapes to offer a large dose of nicotine without the harshness associated with free-base nicotine. However, nicotine salts also present a danger to those who are attempting to stop smoking. Nicotine salts will satisfy your craving quickly. On the other hand, they are a fast track to developing a serious nicotine addiction. I have personally experienced the extreme euphoria associated with a 5% (50 mg) nicotine disposable vape. That feeling is definitely not something to be taken lightly. The initial buzz of a single cigarette is nothing compared to the buzz I feel when I’m finished with a 5% disposable vape.
The Cannabis Frontier: Distillate, Live Resin, and the Entourage Effect
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
On the other hand, there is live resin. Live resin is the same cannabis plant material that is used to make distillate, however, the plant is flash-frozen immediately after harvesting. By freezing the plant in this manner, it preserves the terpene and cannabinoid profile of the plant. In short, live resin is a far better representation of the original cannabis plant than distillate.
When I first smoked a live resin disposable vape, the flavor was incredible. It was not just the typical “weed” flavor; it was the exact aroma and flavor of a specific strain of cannabis; i.e., the strong, pungent, and earthy aroma of an OG Kush or the sweet, creamy flavor of Wedding Cake. I could taste the plant in a way that I simply couldn’t taste with distillate.
Additionally, the high from a live resin disposable vape is much different than a distillate high. This is due to the entourage effect – the idea that the cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis work together to create a more balanced, medicinal, and enjoyable effect. The high from a live resin vape is much more comprehensive, more connected, and more representative of the cannabis plant than a high from a distillate vape.
However, live resin is not without its drawbacks. Typically, live resin is thicker than distillate, which can cause issues with the vape coil, and can lead to clogs. Additionally, live resin is generally more expensive than distillate.
Beyond: The Future of Disposable Vapes
Now, we see the disposable vape continuing to evolve. We are beginning to see reusable and rechargeable disposable vapes with adjustable airflow and USB-C charging ports, and even some that display battery life and remaining oil levels. On the cannabis side of things, we are beginning to move past live resin to rosin disposable vapes – solventless cannabis extracts that are considered the ultimate representation of both purity and flavor by many cannabis enthusiasts.
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.