How vapes work
By SQDC.ca | Published on November 20th, 2025
Underneath the sleek surface of this portable device lies a mechanism designed to heat a cannabis extract without burning it and produce an aerosol for inhaling. Unlike smoking, vaping uses a cartridge and battery system.
Knowing how a cannabis vape works helps you better understand the difference between the burning and vaping methods of use and helps you make a choice adapted to your needs. Read on for details.
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Note: This article covers how cartridge vapes generally work. Details, including the type of cartridge and temperature options, may differ from model to model.
How to use a vape, step by step
When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, the battery activates the coil (heating element), which heats the cannabis extract absorbed by a wick. This creates the aerosol.
Before using a vape for the first time, a few key steps should be followed to minimize the risks. They are:
- Connect the battery using the provided cable and fully recharge it before the first use.
- Inspect the cartridge for any leaks or other defects.
- Insert the cartridge by gently screwing it onto battery’s socket.
- Turn on the device.
- Activate the preheat function, if available.
- Select the desired temperature.
- Inhale.
- Turn off the vape.
- Replace the cartridge when it is empty or when you notice a burnt taste.
Of course, each vape is different, which is why it’s always important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Checking the cartridge: a step you shouldn’t skip
It may seem harmless to screw in a cartridge without paying attention, but a quick inspection ensures you avoid issues like a leak or poor contact. We recommend inspecting your cartridges for any irregularities before using them and storing your vape in a vertical position in a cool, dry location away from light. When installing a new cartridge, screw it in gently, without forcing, to avoid damaging the threading or the connections.
Learn more about the five common problems and vape maintenance.
Questions about or problems with your device? Our Customer Relations team is there to assist you.
Turning the vape on and off
Some of the devices available on the unregulated market turn on automatically when inhaling begins and turn off when it stops. Though they may seem simpler to use, these vapes can sometimes turn on without being used – and no one likes to waste product or risk involuntary exposure.
Other types of vape require the user to hold down a button while inhaling. Not only does this avoid wasting product, but it also reduces the risk of accidental exposure to the cannabis product.
Preheat function
Some vape models have a preheat function. Preheating is recommended because it helps ensure consistent aerosol production and may even unblock a cartridge after long storage.
That said, preheating is not intended to be a method of use. Its role is to help the device operate smoothly and prevent potential damage. That’s why it’s not recommended to vape in preheat mode.
Regulating the temperature
In the vaping world, people tend to talk about voltage rather than temperature. Why is that?
The selected voltage, in combination with the resistance of the cartridge, determines the intensity of the electric current used to heat the liquid. This makes it had to select a precise temperature for heating the device.
Most models offer three heat levels: low, medium and high. Low voltage produces a lighter aerosol and high voltage a denser aerosol, though the later also drains the cartridge faster.
Finding the right balance depends on the type of cartridge and battery. It’s important to always follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
Inhalation
The difference between smoking and vaping can be felt when inhaling. Consisting of fine particles, aerosols may feel smoother than smoke, may give the impression that more can be inhaled without discomfort.
That is why it’s recommended to proceed gradually, spacing out the puffs and observing the effects. This approach helps to better control use and avoid an unintended overdose.
As with turning the device on, there are vapes that allow automatic inhalation by breathing in through the mouthpiece. Other vapes require a button be held down while inhaling.
Indicator lights and display
Some vape models can provide status indications: low battery, preheating underway, selected voltage or problem detected. The signals differ from device to device, which is why it’s always a good idea to refer to the manual provided with the device.
How long does a vape battery last?
If stored in an appropriate environment, a vape battery can last several years. That said, its lifespan depends on how it is used, maintained and stored.
Like any electronic device, a vape is not forever. With time, they lose run time or struggle to provide steady power. If you bought a vape from the SQDC and it doesn’t appear to be working properly or you find a defect, contact our Customer Relations team.
How long does a vape cartridge last?
Unlike batteries, the cartridges sold at the SQDC are single use. They must be replaced when empty or when the taste turns unpleasant, which raises the question: how to estimate the lifespan of a cartridge?
In common use, the lifespan of vape cartridge is sometimes expressed as the number of puffs (inhalations) it provides. This method is very inaccurate due to every user’s unique behaviour and to the size of the cartridge, the voltage used, the vape’s power, the type of vaping liquid and so on. For example, a cartridge with one gram of vaping liquid is considered to contain 150 to 320 puffs, a very wide range.
Proper storage is the best way to extend a cartridge’s life while also reducing the risk of breakage and inadvertent exposure of children and pets.
Before the first use
Legal vaping products are a lower-risk solution compared to those found on the unregulated market. Still, using cannabis always carries the same risks, whatever the method of use.
If you decide to vape cannabis, here are five points you should bear in mind:
- Take the time necessary to understand this method of use: the effects of vaping may be felt differently from one person to another.
- Inspect your cartridge and battery for any defects or irregularities.
- To avoid irritating your respiratory tract, avoid overheating your vaping products.
- Choose low-THC products and begin with a short puff while spacing out the hits.
- Store your vapes in a vertical position in a cool, dry location away from light and, most importantly, out of the reach of children and pets.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that each person reacts differently. What your peers can tolerate shouldn’t be how you determine your tolerance: your pace and needs are unique. Our advisors in stores and staffing our online chat service are there to answer your questions and guide you toward a product that’s appropriate for you. Don’t hesitate to contact them!
Frequently asked questions
Products
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Should I preheat my vape?
Preheating helps liquify the cannabis extract and unblock cartridges that have been stored for a long time. It is not intended as a method of use but only to prepare the vape for proper operation.
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What’s the difference between vaping and smoking a joint?
Smoking a joint involves burning, which generates smoke and toxic by-products. Vaping heats but doesn’t burn the extract, producing an aerosol that is milder though not without risk.
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How does a cannabis vape work?
A vape heats a cannabis extract contained in a cartridge without burning it. The heat transforms the liquid into an aerosol, which can be inhaled through the mouthpiece.
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Should a vape be recharged before the first use?
Yes, to ensure stable operation, we recommend fully recharging the battery before using it for the first time.
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Are there risks or adverse reactions associated with vaping?
Yes. Inhaling cannabis can irritate the throat and lungs. Effects like anxiety, dizziness or dry mouth can also appear. That said, the effects of vaping have not yet been well documented and more research is required to understand them.
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Can a vape’s temperature be adjusted?
Most models allow the user to adjust the voltage, which indirectly affects the heat. Low voltage produces a lighter aerosol, while the aerosol produced by high voltage is denser but also drains the cartridge faster.
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How should I store my vape and cartridges?
It’s recommended to store them upright in a cool and dry location away from light. They should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
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How long does a vape battery last?
Well maintained, a battery can last several years. However, like all electronic devices, vape batteries end up losing life and eventually must be replaced.
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How long does a vape cartridge last?
There’s no exact number. It depends on the size of the cartridge, the battery setting and the frequency of use. By way of indication, a 1-gram cartridge can typically produce between 150 to 320 puffs.
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Do all vapes work with all cartridges?
Not necessarily. There are different types of vapes (disposable, pod, 510 thread, etc.) and they’re not always compatible. That’s why you should always make sure you have the right type. However, all cartridges sold at the SQDC are compatible with the batteries it sells.
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What should I consider before using a vape for the first time?
Check the condition of the cartridge and battery. Don’t overheat the product. Store the vape and cartridges properly. Start with a small puff and wait before using more, if desired.
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What are the effects of vaping cannabis?
For some people, the effects can sometimes take a bit longer to appear and/or be felt more intensely than when smoking a joint. They vary depending on the product used, the amount consumed, the THC content of the product and each person's endocannabinoid system.
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Why check the cartridge before using it?
Inspecting the cartridge lets you detect any defects or leaks. A damaged cartridge can cause your device to malfunction and expose you to health risks.
Other articles you might like
How to recycle cannabis containers
The SQDC has prepared a guide to help you better recycle your cannabis product containers at home.
How to vape cannabis: how it works, effects, and ideal temperature
Vaping explained: duration of effects, dosage, vaping temperature and harm reduction. Gain a better understanding of this method of cannabis use.
The different types of cannabis vapes
Learn about the different types of cannabis vapes (disposable, 510-thread, pod and refillable) and their features.
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