With so many options available, one could easily fall for misleading marketing and spend too much on a weed pen — or worse, something that doesn’t work at all.
Here, we’ve ranked the top six weed pens to take out the guesswork for you.
Continue reading to learn more about cannabis extracts, alternative and newly discovered forms of THC, and the serious health consequences some faulty or low-quality weed pens could carry.
Quick View:Area 52 Delta-8 Disposable Vape Pen (Top Pick)
The 6 Best Weed Pens On the Market
We had to search high and low to find the very best weed pens in a sea of low-tier products. These five brands produce potent extracts and sturdy, durable pens, which is a rare combination.
Next up are our top six weed pens for 2024.
1. Area 52 Delta-8 Disposable Vape Pen (Editor’s Choice)
Few brands compare to Area 52 in the cannabis industry, as it has succeeded in developing products that go above and beyond, meeting all of our criteria for what we call premium.
Area 52 has done extensive research and experiments to effectively extract and isolate delta 8, bringing it to its full potential. Most of its products are a step ahead in potency and quality.
The Area 52 Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pen is the best legal weed pen on the market, hands down.
Its expert craftsmanship and next-level potency make it a sought-after product that can run out of stock if you blink. Customers simply can’t get enough of its complex fruity flavor, which mimics the Blueberry Dream strain, and its slightly stimulating but anxiety-free effects.
Thanks to its automatic draw detector, hitting this cart couldn’t be easier. Drag to activate the heating element and pull a dense vapor that can very quickly help you chill out (or pass out if that’s the day’s mood).
If you’re on the go, you can discreetly use this cart throughout your day as it heats up and cools down in seconds. Unlike shoddy weed pens, its contents will run out before the battery dies, so you can puff for as long as you want.
Finally, Area 52 is as transparent as it gets — you can request lab test COAs with your product’s batch number to certify its pure, contaminant-free ingredients.
The pros and cons of the Area 52 Delta 8 Vape Pen are:
(+) Potent, high-quality delta 8 extract
(+) Rounded effects thanks to its terpene blend
(+) Made with sturdy materials
(+) Battery won't die, and mouthpiece won't clog
(-) Frequently out of stock due to high demand
2. Finest Labs THCA Disposable Weed Pen (Runner Up)
Finest Labs specializes in full-spectrum hemp extracts. They sell a variety of terpenes, cannabinoids, and resins — all extracted using the companies proprietary extraction system. They’re one of the few companies that provides legitimate full-spectrum extracts — not just recombined cannabinoid isolates.
This THCA vape pen is made using high-grade, hemp-derived, solventless THC-acid — a completely natural (and legal) cannabinoid extract found in both hemp and marijuana.
As you should expect from a premium cannabinoid supplier, all Finest Labs products are third-party tested to check for contamination with residual solvents, microbial byproducts, pesticides, and heavy metals.
This company is one of the few science-focused companies — selling very high grade extracts at a steal of a deal.
The pros and cons of the Finest Labs THCA Weed Pens:
(+) Exceptional quality, especially for the price
(+) Blended with all-natural cannabis-derived terpenes
(+) Aluminum alloy frame gives it a lightweight, yet durable construction
(+) Fully legal under federal standards
3. Budpop Delta 8 Vape Pen – Blackberry Kush
Budpop might be the best option for stoners on a tight budget, as it complements its low prices with additional money-saving opportunities to make its products more accessible.
Signing up for its mailing list and delivery program gives you 25% off your first purchase, and you get another 25% off, making your first purchase dirt cheap. While making a monthly commitment might seem too much, its products are worth it.
Low prices are just the start of it — we're talking premium pens here.
Budpop’s Delta 8 Blackberry Kush Disposable Vape Pen comes in two sizes: one or two grams of pure delta 8 distillate flavored with natural hemp-derived terpenes. One draw can bring a sense of relief, melting your worries away for the day.
Still, don’t expect to get as blazed as you would with Area 52’s Blue Dream pen.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Budpop Delta 8 Pen:
(+) Numerous discounts and offers
(+) Delicious terpene blend
(-) Users report short duration of effects
4. Koi Delta 8 THC + THC-P Vape Pen (2 Gram)
Koi's vapes are ahead in technology, as their pens are rechargeable, allowing you not to worry about the battery running out before the liquid does.
While it doesn’t sound like much, this is a rather rare feature in weed pens that helps generate less waste and helps you get more value from your purchase.
Aside from being rechargeable, Koi’s Delta 8 + THC-P Disposable Vape can brighten your afternoon in one or two puffs. The combination of delta 8 with the novel cannabinoid THC-P makes its effects potent and even more relaxing and euphoria-inducing.
THC-P is a naturally occurring cannabinoid — no synthetics here — which has recently been discovered. It binds strongly to cannabinoid receptors, around 33 times more than delta 9 THC, producing the same effects in much lower doses [1].
Also, this brand excels at transparency, publishing COAs for each variant’s latest batch on the product’s page. Still, even with the addition of THC-P, it’s nowhere near the potency of the weed pen made by Area 52.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Koi Delta 8 + THC-P pen:
(+) Rechargeable battery
(+) Calming effects
(+) Outstanding transparency
(-) Surprisingly weak
5. TRĒ House Live Resin Delta 8 Vape Pen – Ice Cream Cake 2 G Disposable
The TRĒ House Live Resin Delta 8 Ice Cream Cake Disposable Vape might be a good choice if you’re looking for quantity over premium quality. Although it claims to mimic the Ice Cream Cake strain, its taste is off and nowhere near the sweet, slightly creamy taste you can get from the real thing.
This is because, unlike the rest of the products in this list, TRĒ House uses synthetic terpenes instead of cannabis-derived ones. While it’s not a deal breaker, it’s a big drawback as many users choose strain-flavored distillates so the experience feels closer to smoking a joint.
Flavoring aside, this cart is a heavy hitter, and four puffs are enough to get you properly stoned, as promised by this brand’s creative eye chart — you can find it on the product’s page.
While we believe TRĒ House is legit, we do have some conflicts.
Despite its transparent practices, it resorts to unclear language and contradictory statements. Due to live resin's manufacturing process, it's unclear why this brand uses synthetic terpenes in its carts.
If you can look past these issues, you can get an affordable product that packs a punch. Shipping is free, and you can pay in four interest-free installments if you pay with Sezzle or Klarna.
If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, you have a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Advantages and disadvantages of the TRĒ House Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pen:
(+) 60 day money back guarantee
(+) Convenient payment options
(-) Dubious transparency
(-) Disappointing use of synthetic terpenes
6. RYTHM Hybrid 300 mg Head Cracker Disposable Vape Pen
Unlike the previous entries, RYTHM carts are a different beast. Instead of using delta-8 distillate, this brand opts for full spectrum, CO2-extracted cannabis oil, which ups the potency but decreases availability.
Full spectrum oil contains high amounts of delta 9 THC, making these carts illegal in many states.
As its name implies, the RYTHM Head Cracker Disposable Vape Pen contains 300 mg of heady THC. One short puff will send you off to Wonderland or — depending on your tolerance — impair you significantly.
This pen isn’t for beginners or users who struggle with delta 9 THC. If heady strains make you overthink or induce anxiety and paranoia, this might not be the right product for you. Otherwise, expect a giggly, joyous experience, albeit a short one.
While you can take another hit, you must ration it wisely, as the 300 mg will run out in a flash.
At first sight, you might think you got ripped off as its cart looks ¾ full. But don’t fret — its ceramic wick can absorb up to 30% of the oil, so it’s primed and ready for a pull. This is common for CCELL vapes, which are among the best despite this visual flaw.
This weed pen is quite strong, maybe even too much for those used to more average-potency pens. If it’s legal in your state and you can look past its low quantity, make sure to give it a try.
Advantages and disadvantages of the RYTHM Disposable Vape Pen:
(+) High-quality construction
(+) Potent, full-spectrum extract
(-) Unavailable in many states
(-) Short duration of effects
(-) Low quantity, runs out quickly
The Benefits of Disposable Weed Pens vs. Reusable Weed Pens
There’s a multitude of reasons that make weed pens a great choice for vaping, especially if you’re a stoner but haven’t dipped your toes in the vape market yet.
But the main consideration to make is whether you want a disposable weed pen, or something reusable.
Disposables are sleek, unassuming devices that allow you to indulge in weed in a more discreet manner. The vapor they generate dissipates in the air much quicker than smoke, so you won't reek after hitting your cart.
They are also extremely convenient — no more scrambling for a lighter or rolling up multiple times a day.
Reusable weed pens offer similar advantages, but need to be refilled every so often, and the heating element replaced every few months. They also tend to cost a little more upfront, but ultimately save you a lot of money in the long run.
Delta 8 Weed Pens vs. Delta 9 Weed Pens
When discussing the vast amount of compounds inside cannabis, none is better than the other per se. Some THC isomers have certain benefits that make them appropriate for specific customers or are legal in states where D9 isn’t.
Delta 8 is one of these. Let’s look at how delta-9 and delta-8 are different, yet so similar.
Its chemical structure is nearly identical to delta 9 THC’s, except for the double-bonded atom placement in the eight-carbon chain instead of the ninth. This slight structural difference makes its effects significantly different and 50% less potent [1].
People even like to call D8 ‘diet weed’ since it induces a subtler high and does away with delta 9’s infamous anxiety and paranoia-inducing, not-that-rare side effects.
More importantly, delta 8 THC took center stage after the signing of 2018’s Farm Bill, which created a loophole that made it legal. This bill states that hemp and hemp-derived products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC.
Hemp plants contain high amounts of CBD, and scientists found that it can be easily converted to delta 8 THC by heating CBD molecules mixed with an acid and a solvent [2]. Some states have taken measures to close this loophole by outlawing delta 8 and the rest of the THC isomers.
Delta 8 is illegal in the following states:
Alaska
Colorado
Delaware
Hawaii
Idaho
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Montana
Nevada
New York
North Dakota
Oregon
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Washington
West Virginia
What About THC-P?
A group of Italian scientists led by Cinzia Citti isolated THC-P in 2019, and its discovery has made waves in the cannabis industry.
It's a more concentrated version of delta 9 THC thanks to its stronger affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors. THC-P can produce the same effects as D9 in lower doses, with as little as 5 mg/kg being enough to generate weed’s well-known altered mind state [2].
Since it fits in the same loophole that makes delta 8 legal in some states, many more users have access to stronger cannabinoids without breaking any laws.
Some users argue it may be too potent, so it’s best to tread carefully with THC-P products if you are an infrequent user or have a low tolerance.
The Importance of Buying Legit Weed Pens
Unfortunately, the cannabis extract market is swarming with unethical vendors and manufacturers who put profits in front of customer safety. Here are a couple of reasons why buying from reputable online vendors is the best way to avoid scams and health hazards.
May Contain Vitamin E Acetate
A couple of years ago, adulterated e-vapes and marijuana carts gained international coverage (in Rolling Stone, BBC, and the New York Times) due to an uptick in emergency room visits after using said products. Users reported having difficulty breathing, with some being hospitalized and a small fraction unfortunately passing away.
The culprit of these hospitalizations was vitamin E acetate, which black-market chemists used as a thickening agent.
Before vitamin E acetate, black market carts were noticeably thinner than their legal counterparts, and it was easy to spot the difference. This compound helped make knock–off extracts look just like the real thing.
Vaporizing vitamin E acetate can cause health issues, as this oily substance can coat the lungs in grease and release dangerous gasses, leading to serious injury [3, 4].
Lab testing that checks for vitamin E acetate, pesticides, and other contaminants like heavy metals is crucial to a safe vaping experience. Look elsewhere if your go-to vendor doesn't test its products or provide results.
The Problem Buying Weed Pens at Brick & Mortar Stores
Many of these harmful disposables came from corner stores and gas stations, so it's best to avoid physical stores. Some even sell knock-offs of reputable brands by copying their packaging but contain adulterated carts inside.
Instead of exposing yourself to harm, consider shopping online. You won’t have sales associates trying to influence your purchase or lie about a product’s safety, and you can use Google to weed out shady vendors.
When it comes to online purchases, Area 52 can’t be beat. This brand goes the extra mile to ensure transparency and safety and has fast shipping to provide a safe, enjoyable experience without leaving your home.
What’s the Difference Between Live Resin & Distillate?
You’ve probably seen these terms thrown around in discussions about cannabis extracts and their quality without understanding the difference. Distillation and live resin are two extraction methods that utilize marijuana in different stages of the plant’s life cycle.
Manufacturers make live resin extracts by pressing flash-frozen, freshly harvested cannabis plants. This produces a concentrated oil containing the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenoids.
These extracts are more expensive to make than distillates but provide a richer, more well-rounded experience.
On the other hand, distillates offer producers a way to use dried cannabis buds, extracting a specific compound from them to make high-potency oils. Despite online rumors, distillates are safe for consumption and a great option if you’re on a tighter budget.
Frequently Asked Questions: Weed Pens
It’s hard to cover everything in one article, but here are answers to some of the most FAQs about weed and vaping.
1. How do I correctly puff a weed pen?
It might seem like a silly question, but some first-time users struggle to take a drag from an e-vape due to the variety of pulling mechanisms. Manual vapes require you to press a button and take a drag, while you can inhale from an automatic vape, and it will heat the cart by itself.
2. How can I sober up from a weed high?
Vaping can accidentally get you too stoned and consequently paranoid. If you want to sober up, put a little bit of freshly ground black pepper in a glass of water and drink the mixture. Black pepper contains terpenes that can modulate THC’s effects, helping you calm down and ground yourself.
3. Can I use a weed pen to smoke discreetly?
Yes, you can. Vapes generate a subtler smell and may not even smell like weed unless they’re terpene-based. The vapor they generate doesn’t cling to fabrics as much as smoke, but you must be careful not to hit your vape somewhere you’d get in trouble anyway.
References
LoParco, C. R., Rossheim, M. E., Walters, S. T., Zhou, Z., Olsson, S., & Sussman, S. Y. (2023). Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: A scoping review and commentary. Addiction, 118(6), 1011-1028.
Citti, C., Linciano, P., Russo, F. et al. A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Sci Rep 9, 20335 (2019).
Wu, D., & F., D. (2020). Potential for release of pulmonary toxic ketene from vaping pyrolysis of vitamin E acetate. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(12), 6349-6355.
Lee, H. (2020). Vitamin E acetate as linactant in the pathophysiology of EVALI. Medical Hypotheses, 144, 110182.
