Vape pens are more popular than ever before as people look to minimize harm while still getting their fix - be it nicotine or cannabis. But what’s really the difference between a nicotine vape vs THC vape?
Sounds as simple as one gives you a head rush, the other provides a euphoric high. The truth is, though, there are actually quite a few differences between a nicotine and THC vape. Potential side effects, possible long-term health risks, legality, availability - we’re going to cover everything you need to know to choose between the two.
But if you just want to splurge on the best delta 9 vape pens available, look no further than MUNCHIES! We’ve got a wide variety of pens to choose from, all carefully crafted from premium-grade extract and lab-tested for both potency and purity. Shop now!
Nicotine Vape vs THC Vape (Quick Comparison)
|
|
Nicotine Vape |
THC Vape |
|
Active Compound |
Nicotine (stimulant) |
THC (psychoactive cannabinoid) |
|
Primary Effect |
Stimulant buzz and craving relief |
Euphoria and relaxation |
|
Onset |
Seconds |
1-5 minutes |
|
Duration |
20-30 minutes |
1-3 hours |
|
Addiction Risk |
High (physically addictive) |
Lower (psychological dependence possible) |
|
Drug Test |
Not typically tested |
Yes (THC-COOH detected) |
|
Legal Status |
Legal in all 50 states (21+) |
Varies by state and cannabinoid type |
Overview of THC Vape Pens
THC vape pens are probably the most popular way to tap into the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, or simply to catch a buzz and take the edge off of stress. It’s easy to see why - they’re super convenient with far fewer health concerns than smoking raw flower. They’re discreet, and they come in tons of different styles - disposables, carts, unique cannabinoid blends, the list goes on and on.
The way they work is through a battery heating the concentrate within a separate tank. The oil can be anything from distillate to live resin, liquid diamonds, or even live rosin. The extract changes a few things - what the pen costs, how the effects feel, and how true-to-strain the flavor is.
And while the active ingredient in these is THC, that’s usually just one cannabinoid in the mix. It’s the intoxicating cannabinoid known for producing that awesome, unmistakable high - but there may be CBD as well to modulate its effects. You might even find vapes that contain unique cannabinoids like HHC or THCP.
Most people take a single puff for a little relaxation or a social buzz. You can take a few more to really blast off. That’s part of what makes THC vapes great - how much control you have over effects. You’ll feel them kick in within minutes, and then, it’s easy to decide if you want more.
On the other hand, how long does a vape high last? Most cartridges give you 1-3 hours before the effects start fading. That’s great for when you don’t want to be locked into a long experience like you might be with edibles.
Overview of Nicotine Vape Pens
Nicotine vapes might look the same, but they couldn’t be more different than a THC vape. They heat a liquid containing nicotine (either freebase or salt-based) with propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin as the base, plus flavorings.
Most nicotine vapes these days rely on nicotine salts. They allow for higher concentrations without the harsh throat hit that freebase is notorious for. Most products you’ll find behind the counter of your local gas station or at online vape shops use salt-based formulas between 20mg/mL and 50mg/mL.
One of the major differences between a nicotine vape vs THC vape is who buys them. Most people who purchase a nicotine vape do so because they feel as if they physically have to. Whether they started using these because their friend had one, or they used to chew or smoke cigarettes, there’s an addictive element here. You don’t go out and buy a nicotine vape pen out of nowhere just because you feel like catching a little head buzz. At least, you shouldn’t.
Speaking of effects, nicotine vapes give you a little stimulant rush. A brief alertness and a sense of relief for current smokers or nicotine users. Zero psychoactive high, no impairment. That’s a good thing in some cases; a let-down in others.
Effects hit within seconds and fade within 20 minutes or so. That’s why people who use nicotine vapes tend to treat them like a pacifier, hitting it from the start of the day till when they go to sleep.
Key Differences Between a Nicotine and THC Vape
We get it - the hardware looks pretty similar, enough to confuse people who have never used a nicotine or THC vape. But they’re radically different experiences, and it’s imperative that you know what you’re getting yourself into before making a purchase.
What’s Actually in the Vape
Yeah - it’s a nicotine vape vs THC vape. But we’re not just talking about those two main compounds. You’ll also see different ingredients used to actually get the vape working right.
Nicotine juice is a PG/VG solution with nicotine and flavorings. THC cartridges contain cannabis distillate or a more premium extract like live resin. They have terpenes added after the fact in many cases, which are just as important as the cannabinoids as far as the experience goes.
How the Effects Compare
You’re going to feel something either way, but the effects are dramatically different.
A nicotine vape is more like a stimulant. It’s going to wake you up with a quick buzz, but it’ll fade within minutes - and then you’re back to how you felt 20-30 minutes ago. A lot of people find that nicotine vapes can lead to unpleasant effects as well, though - nausea, the spins, or headaches. This usually comes from taking too big a hit or using too strong a vape.
On the other hand, THC vape effects vary from one pen to the next because they contain different cannabinoids, extract types, terpenes, etc. One pen might help wind you down and put you to bed. Another might provide a smooth sense of focus and help you feel more upbeat in social settings. That’s part of the beauty of THC vapes - how much range there is.
But, you can expect some common themes across the board. Euphoria, an altered sense of time/perception - this is the “high” everyone talks about.
Unpleasant side effects are possible here as well, for the same reason as a nicotine vape: overdoing it. This can tip into a slight sense of anxiety or paranoia. It’s a lot less likely with THC vapes, though, than it is with an edible - you just have to be smart with how you hit it.
Legality and Drug Testing
Where you’ll be able to access a nicotine vape vs THC vape is different as well. Any adult over the age of 21 can buy nicotine vapes at gas stations/convenience stores or online. Legal in all 50 states. Zero drug test risk.
In contrast, THC vape pens live in a more grey area legally. You can buy them online from a brand like MUNCHIES! since everything we make comes from hemp and complies with the standards laid out in the 2018 Farm Bill. Or, you can buy THC vapes locally if you live in a state (and city) with legal adult-use marijuana programs.
You will have to be careful if you’re subject to drug testing, though. THC vapes leave behind what are known as THC metabolites. These can linger for days or weeks.
Find Your New Favorite THC Vapes at MUNCHIES!
If the THC side of this nicotine vape vs THC vape breakdown is what brought you here, we have the lineup to match. MUNCHIES! has an awesome THCA vape pen collection if you want the authentic cannabis experience, or you can try something unique in our THCP vape collection.
This is your one-stop shop for legal, lab-tested hemp-derived cannabis products online. From gummies to vapes, take a look and see what we have in store for you today!
