By Luke Sumpter


Vaporizing has seen a surge in popularity in the world of weed in recent years. This method of consumption allows cannabis users to forgo the combustion that occurs when applying a flame to the end of a joint or the surface of a bong bowl. The lower temperature used during vaping targets cannabinoids, terpenes, and other desirable compounds, while minimising the conversion of other undesirable compounds into potentially harmful byproducts.

Overall, vaping offers a smooth, flavourful, and highly customizable user experience. With many cannabis lovers making the switch to vaping, companies have released many different models and devices; things can get pretty confusing when shopping around for a new vape. Below, we’re going to concentrate on the differences between vaporizers and vape pens.

Vaporizers vs Vape Pens: An Overview

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a look at the key overarching differences between vapes and pens. First of all, all devices that belong to both of these categories vaporize, instead of combust, either dry herb, concentrates, or e-liquids. Despite this key similarity, they differ in their complexity, size, and the type of material they vaporize.

Vaporizer vs vape pen

Let’s start with the vaporizer category. This large and diverse group of devices contains a wealth of different models. Some of them are large desktop devices, some are handheld and more portable, whereas others are, confusingly, pen-shaped. However, they differ from vape pens in that they use dry herb, concentrates, or both, instead of e-liquid cartridges.

On the other hand, vape pens are less diverse in their size and design. They’re sleek, small, and, you guessed it—pen-shaped. Some are single-use and are disposed of once their cartridge becomes empty. Others are either refillable or allow users to replace an empty cartridge with a full one.

Vape pens possess a much simpler design and lack the controls, screens, and settings found in more complex and expensive vaporizer devices.

Vaporizers vs Vape Pens: The Details

You’re one step closer to understanding the difference between a vape and a pen. Continue reading as we dive deeper into the divide and discover what makes both of these categories unique. By the time you reach the end of the article, you’ll know exactly which type of device suits you the best.

Size

Vaporizers vary massively in their size and dimensions. For example, bulky desktop models such as the Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid weighs just under 2kg and stands at a height of 20cm. Handheld models, such as the Pax 3, are much more portable and pocket-friendly. Finally, designs such as the DynaVap M Plus are as pen-like as a non-vape pen vape can get, weighing in at just 21g with a length of 8.9cm.

Vape pen models are much more uniform when it comes to size. Both disposable and reusable models are sleek, lightweight, and small. For example, the RQS CBD Vape Pen adheres to the most common design. Composed of a body, cartridge, and mouthpiece, it’s ultra-lightweight and highly portable.

Vaporizer vs vape pen size

Temperature Settings

Another major difference between a vape and a pen boils down to temperature controls. Both desktop and handheld vaporizers allow users to customise many different aspects of the experience, including the temperature they vaporize at. Beyond simply making each hit smoother or harsher, tweaking temperature settings allows users to target the boiling points of specific cannabinoids and terpenes, allowing them to determine the effects of their high. Some models offer a small range of preset temperatures, whereas devices such as the MIGHTY+ allows users to adjust temperature in increments of 1°C.

In alignment with their simple designs, the majority of disposable and reusable vape pens don’t come with adjustable temperature settings. They’re made for instant and easy hits, without any faffing and user customisation.

Heating Systems

When it comes to dry herb vaporizers vs vape pens, heating systems are another distinct difference found between the two. Dry herb vaporizers, and those that can handle concentrates, either use conduction, convection, or hybrid heating systems. Conduction places a heating element in direct contact with herbs or concentrates, whereas convection systems use hot air to vaporize oven contents. As you can probably guess, hybrid systems combine the two.

In contrast, vape pens use conduction heating to turn liquid into vapour. A heating coil, in direct contact with e-liquid, turns the cannabinoid-containing fluid into a gas. Typically, these devices start heating up either during inhalation or upon holding down a power button.

Vaporizer vs vape heat system

Capacity

You should also take capacity into account when weighing up the differences between vapes and pens. Whether disposable or reusable, vape pens have a predetermined capacity based on the size of the cartridges supplied. These products offer a specific amount of hits before they run dry.

Conversely, vaporizers have varying chamber sizes that accommodate different quantities of dry herbs or concentrates. These typically vary from around 0.1g all the way up to 1g and beyond. Users don’t have to fill up their chamber during every session, but more space gives them dosing options.

Accessibility

Vape pens are now widely available in dispensaries. You’ll even find pens that contain only CBD head shops in countries where cannabis remains illegal, including the United Kingdom. However, cartridges and disposable pens that contain THC are much harder to come by in countries that still prohibit cannabis.

In contrast, dry herb vaporizers are easy to keep topped up. Many users have dispensaries and coffee shops close by. Those that don't have the options of locating local growers or simply growing their own supply.

Discretion

Discretion varies between vaporizers. Sleek and thin handheld models are the easiest to conceal and the least obvious to wield when out in public.

Vape pens are also highly discrete in their size and design. However, both of these options will produce an odour that can draw attention. If you’re looking to avoid detection at all costs, scout out an isolated area before you start hitting your vaporizer or vape pen.

A benefit of vape pens, regarding discretion, is that e-juices can be flavoured in such a way that means they don't give off the scent of cannabis. Due to this, you can vape in more conspicuous places without alerting the olfactory senses of passersby.

Speed

So, what does the breakdown of vape vs vape pen look like regarding speed? Well, vape pens certainly win in this area. They’re designed to hit on the go, with no fiddling or setting of parameters involved—you don’t even have to load them.

When using a vaporizer, you’ll need to pack the oven, set your preferred temperature, and wait for the device to heat up before taking a hit.

Vaporizer vs vape speed

Battery Life

Vape pens generally have smaller batteries, but the devices don't drain energy with LED screens and other bells and whistles. The average CBD vape pen requires about four hours of charging for a full battery that will last users about two hours of vaping.

Vaporizers vary widely in their battery life and performance. The Pax 3, for example, is equipped with a 3500mah battery that reaches full charge in 100 minutes and will accommodate around an hour and a half of vaping time.

Cleaning

What other differences exist between a vape and a pen? You can add cleaning to the list! Disposable vape pens require zero cleaning. However, you’ll need to wipe the connection point of reusable pens every time you switch out the cartridge to remove any residue.

Vaporizers require frequent cleaning.Light cleaning between sessions will minimise residue build-up, and deep cleans once every 1–2 weeks will remove grime and prolong the lifespan of the device.

Weed Vaporizers vs Pens: Which Do You Choose?

So, which of these two options attracts you the most? Do you have a penchant for speed, simplicity, and minimalism that makes vape pens more of a suitable fit? Or do you prefer to take your time and appreciate the advantages of using your own weed and customising your experience with parameter controls? If you still haven’t made your mind up, simply try out both to find the best type of device for you!

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: