A wax pen, also called a dab pen or concentrate vaporizer, is a portable device designed specifically for vaporizing cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, and crumble.
These compact devices have become increasingly popular among cannabis consumers who prefer concentrates over traditional flower.
Understanding how to properly use your wax pen makes all the difference in device performance and your overall experience.
Proper loading technique, correct temperature settings, and regular maintenance ensure your device operates efficiently and lasts longer.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using a wax pen: from initial preparation and loading your concentrate, to selecting the right temperature settings, proper vaping technique, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues.
Whether you’re new to concentrate vaporizers or looking to refine your technique, this guide will walk you through each step to help you get the most out of your device.
This guide focuses on proper device usage for legal cannabis concentrate consumption in compliance with Oklahoma state regulations for registered medical marijuana cardholders aged 21 and over.
What is a Wax Pen?
A wax pen is a portable vaporizer specifically designed for cannabis concentrates such as wax, shatter, crumble, and other extract forms.
Unlike vaporizers designed for dry flower or pre-filled cartridge pens, wax pens require users to manually load their concentrate into the device’s heating chamber.
Main Components of a Wax Pen:
Battery: The power source for your device, typically rechargeable via USB and activated by clicking the power button.
Heating Chamber/Atomizer with Coil: The chamber where you load your concentrate, featuring a heating coil that vaporizes the material when activated.
Mouthpiece: The top piece you inhale through, which usually screws on or snaps into place over the heating chamber.
Power Button: Controls device activation and temperature settings (on some models), typically requiring 3-5 quick clicks to turn on or off.
Wax pens offer a middle ground between the simplicity of pre-filled cartridge pens and the complexity of full dab rigs, making them an accessible option for concentrate consumers seeking portability and convenience.
Ready to explore quality concentrates for your device? Browse our selection and order online or visit one of our Oklahoma City locations for personalized product recommendations.
Before You Start: Preparation Steps
Proper preparation ensures your wax pen performs optimally and helps prevent common issues like poor vapor production or device malfunction.
Charging Your Device
Always begin with a fully charged battery to ensure consistent heating and vapor production throughout your session.
Use only the manufacturer-provided USB charger or a compatible charging cable specified in your device manual.
Never leave your device charging unattended, and avoid overcharging by unplugging once the battery reaches full capacity.
Battery Care Tips for Longevity:
Store your device at room temperature and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold.
Don’t let your battery fully drain before recharging; charging when it reaches 20-30% capacity extends overall battery life.
Clean the battery connection points periodically with a cotton swab to maintain proper contact.
Initial Inspection and Cleaning
Before loading any concentrate, take a moment to inspect all device components.
Check that the mouthpiece, chamber, and battery connection are all intact with no visible damage or cracks.
Ensure the heating chamber is clean and completely free of residue from previous sessions.
Why This Matters: Leftover residue significantly impacts both device performance and flavor quality, often creating a burnt or unpleasant taste.
Quick Visual Inspection Checklist:
- Mouthpiece threads are clean and undamaged
- Heating coil shows no visible charring or breakage
- Chamber walls are free of buildup
- Battery connection points are clean and dry
- All components fit together securely
If you notice any residue, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the chamber, then allow it to dry completely before loading.
Step-by-Step: Loading Your Wax Pen
Proper loading technique is crucial for optimal device performance and preventing common issues like clogging, leaking, and wasted concentrate.
Disassembling to Access the Chamber
Gently unscrew or remove the mouthpiece to expose the atomizer and heating coil below.
Handle all components carefully to avoid cross-threading or damaging the connection points.
Set the mouthpiece aside on a clean surface where it won’t collect debris.
Portioning Your Concentrate Correctly
The Critical Rule: Use only a small amount of concentrate—approximately the size of a grain of rice or small pea.
This seemingly small portion is sufficient for multiple inhalations and is the key to preventing device problems.
Why Small Amounts Matter: Overloading causes concentrate to melt and overflow, leading to clogs in the airpath, leaking from connection points, and wasted product that never vaporizes properly.
Always Use a Dab Tool: Never use your fingers to handle concentrate, as body heat causes it to melt and stick, creating mess and waste.
Dab tools (small metal or glass implements designed for handling concentrates) allow precise placement without contamination.
Visual Reference: If you’re unsure about the amount, think of a single grain of uncooked white rice—that’s your target size for each loading.
Looking for quality concentrates and the right tools? Visit High Society for a wide selection of concentrates and accessories, with knowledgeable staff ready to help.
Loading Technique
Using your dab tool, carefully place the concentrate directly onto the heating coil or chamber bed.
Use gentle placement only—avoid pressing down, poking the coil, or attempting to spread the concentrate around.
Why This Matters: Pressing or poking can damage the delicate heating coil, reducing its effectiveness or breaking it entirely.
The concentrate will naturally melt and spread across the coil surface once heated, so manual spreading is unnecessary.
If your device has a ceramic chamber without an exposed coil, place the concentrate in the center of the chamber bed.
Reassembling Your Device
Once loaded, carefully reattach the mouthpiece, threading it back onto the chamber section.
Ensure all connections are tight and secure, but avoid over-tightening which can damage threads.
Give the assembled device a gentle shake—if you hear rattling or feel loose connections, disassemble and reattach more securely.
Quick Check Before Powering On: Visually confirm the mouthpiece is flush with the chamber housing and all parts are properly aligned.
A properly assembled device should feel solid with no wobbling or gaps between components.
Now that your device is loaded and ready, you’re prepared to power on and select your preferred temperature setting.
Powering On and Temperature Settings
Understanding how to properly activate your wax pen and select the right temperature setting is essential for achieving optimal vapor quality and device performance.
Activating Your Wax Pen
Most wax pens use a standard activation sequence: press the power button 3-5 times in quick succession.
You’ll typically see the device’s indicator light flash to confirm it has powered on.
To turn the device off, repeat the same sequence of 3-5 quick clicks.
Important Note: Always consult your specific device manual, as activation sequences can vary between manufacturers and models.
Some devices may require a different number of clicks or have additional button combinations for accessing various features.
Understanding Indicator Lights:
Most wax pens use LED lights to communicate device status and settings to the user.
A steady light usually indicates the device is ready to use and the battery has sufficient charge.
Flashing lights often signal low battery, incorrect assembly, or that the device is heating up.
Color-coded lights (when present) typically correspond to different temperature settings—for example, blue for low, green for medium, and red for high temperatures.
Rapid flashing or no light response may indicate the device needs charging or has a connection issue.
Understanding Temperature Settings
Temperature selection significantly impacts your vaping experience, affecting vapor density, flavor quality, and smoothness.
Lower temperatures vaporize concentrates more gently, preserving the delicate terpene compounds that contribute to flavor and aroma.
Medium temperatures offer a balanced experience that most users find suitable for regular use.
Higher temperatures produce more visible vapor but can create a harsher sensation and may degrade some of the concentrate’s flavor compounds.
Choosing Your Starting Temperature
Our Recommendation: Always start at a lower temperature setting (315-450°F) and gradually increase if desired.
This approach allows you to experience the full flavor profile of your concentrate while avoiding harsh vapor that can occur at higher temperatures.
Factors Affecting Your Temperature Choice:
Concentrate Viscosity: Thicker, more stable concentrates like shatter may vaporize more efficiently at slightly higher temperatures, while softer waxes and budders vaporize well at lower settings.
Personal Preference: Some users prioritize flavor and smooth inhalation, while others prefer denser vapor production—both are valid preferences that temperature settings can accommodate.
Device Specifications: Different heating coil materials (quartz, ceramic, titanium) may perform differently at the same temperature setting, so familiarize yourself with your specific device’s characteristics.
How Concentrate Type Influences Settings:
Wax and budder typically vaporize effectively at lower to medium temperatures due to their softer consistency.
Shatter and harder concentrates may benefit from medium to slightly higher temperatures for complete vaporization.
Live resin and sauce concentrates, prized for their terpene content, are best enjoyed at lower temperatures to preserve their distinctive flavors.
Experiment with different settings to discover what works best for your specific concentrate and personal preferences.
Proper Vaping Technique
Using correct inhalation technique ensures efficient vaporization, smooth vapor, and prevents device issues like flooding or burning.
Pre-heating (If Applicable)
Some wax pen models feature a preheat function that gently warms the concentrate before full vaporization begins.
This feature helps liquefy thicker concentrates and can provide a smoother initial draw.
Check your specific device manual to determine if your pen has a preheat mode and how to activate it—this often involves holding the power button for a specific duration or using a different button sequence than standard activation.
Inhalation Method
Once your device is powered on and at your selected temperature, press and hold the power button while simultaneously inhaling through the mouthpiece.
The key to quality vapor is taking slow, steady, gentle pulls rather than rapid or aggressive inhalation.
Think of your breath as a slow, controlled draw—similar to sipping through a straw—rather than a quick gulp.
Slow inhalation allows the heating coil sufficient time to vaporize the concentrate properly and prevents you from drawing liquid concentrate into the mouthpiece.
Aggressive or rapid inhaling can pull un-vaporized concentrate through the chamber, causing clogging and wasting product.
Continue holding the button throughout your inhalation, releasing it just before you finish your draw.
Pacing and Dosing
Start Small: Take one small hit initially, especially if you’re new to concentrates or trying a new product.
Release the power button, exhale, and then wait several minutes to gauge how you feel before taking additional draws.
Important Note: Concentrates are significantly more potent than traditional flower, containing higher concentrations of cannabinoids.
What seems like a small amount of vapor can have substantial effects, so patience and moderation are important, particularly for those less experienced with concentrate consumption.
Taking time between hits allows you to assess your experience and avoid consuming more than you intended.
Cooling Between Sessions
Always allow your device’s heating coil time to cool down between hits—typically 15-30 seconds minimum.
Why This Matters: Continuous use without cooling breaks causes the coil to overheat, which can degrade the coil material faster, affect vapor quality, and potentially damage the device’s internal components.
Overheated coils also tend to produce harsh, burnt-tasting vapor and can cause the chamber to become excessively hot to handle.
As a general guideline, if the mouthpiece or chamber feels uncomfortably warm to the touch, give your device more time to cool before taking another hit.
This simple practice significantly extends your device’s lifespan and maintains consistent performance over time.
Maintenance and Cleaning Your Wax Pen
Regular maintenance is the single most important factor in keeping your wax pen functioning properly and producing quality vapor.
Neglecting cleaning leads to clogged airways, poor vapor production, burnt flavors, and shortened device lifespan.
Regular Cleaning Schedule
Recommended Frequency: Clean your wax pen thoroughly after every 3-5 sessions, or whenever you notice reduced performance or flavor quality.
If you use your device daily, plan on cleaning it at least twice per week.
Before beginning any cleaning, ensure your device is powered off and has cooled completely to avoid burns or damage.
Cleaning Supplies Needed:
- Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher concentration works best)
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
- Soft, lint-free cloth
- Small bowl or container (if soaking components)
- Paper towels
Keep these supplies together in a designated spot so cleaning remains quick and convenient.
Cleaning Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Disassemble your cooled device by removing the mouthpiece and any other detachable components.
Step 2: Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the inside of the heating chamber, carefully cleaning around (not directly on) the coil.
Use gentle circular motions and replace the cotton swab when it becomes saturated with residue.
Step 3: Clean the mouthpiece by wiping it with an alcohol-dampened cotton swab.
For stubborn buildup, soak the mouthpiece in a small container of isopropyl alcohol for 10-15 minutes, then wipe clean.
Step 4: Wipe the battery connection points (both on the battery and chamber) with a dry or lightly dampened cotton swab to remove any residue that could interfere with proper electrical contact.
Step 5: Allow all components to dry thoroughly—at least 10-15 minutes—before reassembling.
Never reassemble or use your device while any parts are still damp, as moisture can damage the electrical components.
Step 6: Once completely dry, reassemble your device and check that all connections are secure.
Unclogging Your Device
Signs Your Device is Clogged: Restricted or difficult airflow, having to pull much harder than normal to draw vapor, or gurgling sounds during use.
Unclogging Method: Turn on your device and let it heat briefly (5-10 seconds) to soften any stuck concentrate.
While slightly warm (not hot), carefully use a dab tool to clear the airpath and remove visible blockages from the chamber.
Important Safety Note: Never use sharp objects like needles, pins, or toothpicks that could scratch ceramic surfaces or damage the heating coil.
Avoid using excessive force, which can break delicate components—gentle persistence works better than aggressive poking.
If clogging persists despite cleaning, your device may need a coil replacement.
Preventing Common Issues
Never Overfill the Chamber: Remember the rice grain rule—less is always better than more when it comes to loading concentrate.
Overfilling is the primary cause of leaking, sticky buildup on threads, and premature coil failure.
Store Properly: Keep your wax pen in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Extreme temperatures can damage the battery and cause loaded concentrate to leak.
Practice Proper Battery Care: Don’t leave your device charging overnight or for extended periods after it reaches full charge.
Clean battery connection points regularly to maintain optimal power delivery.
Store your device with a partial charge (around 50%) if you won’t be using it for an extended period.
Looking for replacement parts or cleaning supplies? Visit High Society where our knowledgeable staff can help you find exactly what you need for your device.
Troubleshooting Common Wax Pen Problems
Even with proper care, you may occasionally encounter issues with your wax pen—here’s how to identify and resolve the most common problems.
Leaking
Typical Causes: Overfilling the chamber with too much concentrate, or using the device while it’s still hot from a previous session, which causes concentrate to remain liquefied and seep through connection points.
Solution: Disassemble your device and perform a thorough cleaning of all components, paying special attention to the threads where the mouthpiece connects.
Going forward, reduce the amount of concentrate you load to a rice grain-sized portion and ensure you allow adequate cooling time between uses.
If leaking persists, inspect the O-rings or seals (if your device has them) for damage or wear.
Harsh or Burnt Taste
Typical Causes: Temperature setting is too high for your concentrate type, or the heating coil has accumulated significant residue or is wearing out.
Solution: Lower your temperature setting to the low or medium range (315-600°F) and see if vapor quality improves.
Perform a thorough cleaning of the chamber and coil area using isopropyl alcohol.
If the burnt taste persists even after cleaning and lowering temperature, your coil likely needs replacement—this is normal wear and not a sign of device defect.
Lack of Vapor Production
Causes to Check:
Battery Charge Level: The most common culprit—connect your device to its charger and ensure the battery is fully charged.
Proper Assembly: Disassemble and reassemble your device, ensuring all components are tightly connected and the coil is making proper contact.
Clogged Chamber: Inspect the chamber and airpath for blockages or excessive buildup that could prevent proper airflow.
Systematic Troubleshooting Approach: Start with the simplest solution (charging) and work toward more complex possibilities.
If your device produces weak vapor despite a full charge and clean chamber, try loading a slightly larger amount of concentrate or increasing your temperature setting slightly.
Device Won’t Turn On
Battery Connection Check: Ensure the chamber is screwed onto the battery tightly—a loose connection prevents power transfer.
Cleaning Contact Points: Use a cotton swab to clean both the battery connection and the corresponding connection point on the chamber, as residue can block electrical contact.
Charge Level: Try charging your device for at least 30 minutes, even if you believe it was charged recently, as batteries can drain unexpectedly.
When to Contact the Manufacturer: If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and your device still won’t power on, check your warranty information and contact the manufacturer’s customer service for further assistance or potential replacement.
Maximizing Your Wax Pen Experience
Once you’ve mastered the basics, understanding these additional factors will help you get the most out of your concentrate vaporizer.
Temperature Impact on Experience
Temperature selection is perhaps the most impactful variable you control in your vaping experience.
Lower Heat Settings (315-450°F): Preserve the delicate terpene compounds in your concentrate, which contribute distinctive flavors and aromatic qualities.
Vapor produced at these temperatures tends to be smoother and less likely to cause throat irritation.
Higher Heat Settings (600-900°F): Generate more visible vapor and denser clouds due to more aggressive vaporization of the concentrate.
However, these temperatures can diminish flavor quality and may produce harsher vapor that some users find uncomfortable.
Finding Your Personal Preference: Everyone’s ideal temperature varies based on their priorities (flavor versus vapor density), throat sensitivity, and the specific characteristics of their concentrate.
Experiment across the temperature range to discover what works best for you—there’s no universally “correct” setting.
Many experienced users keep their device at lower temperatures for daytime use when they want to appreciate flavor, and increase to medium settings in the evening.
Product Quality Considerations
The quality of concentrate you use directly affects your vaping experience and device performance.
Use Lab-Tested Concentrates from Licensed Dispensaries: Lab testing verifies that products are free from harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.
Testing also confirms accurate cannabinoid content, so you know exactly what you’re consuming.
Importance of Proper Labeling and Testing: Properly labeled products display cannabinoid percentages, batch numbers, and testing information that helps you make informed choices.
This transparency ensures you’re consuming safe, quality products that meet regulatory standards.
Oklahoma Regulations: In Oklahoma, cannabis concentrates are legally available exclusively through licensed dispensaries to registered medical marijuana cardholders aged 21 and older.
All legal products must comply with state testing requirements and carry appropriate labeling.
Browse our selection of lab-tested concentrates or visit any High Society location where our staff can help you select products that match your preferences.
Proper Concentrate Storage
How you store your concentrates significantly affects their quality, potency, and shelf life.
Storage Method: Keep concentrates in cool, airtight containers away from direct light and heat sources.
Many concentrates come in appropriate containers (silicone or glass), but if transferring, ensure the container is clean and specifically designed for concentrate storage.
Why This Matters: Heat, light, and air exposure can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes over time, diminishing both potency and flavor.
Proper storage maintains product integrity and ensures your concentrate performs as expected when you use it.
Shelf Life Considerations: When stored properly in cool, dark conditions, most concentrates remain stable for several months to a year.
However, terpene-rich products like live resin are best consumed within a few months for optimal flavor.
Store your concentrates in a refrigerator for extended preservation, but allow them to return to room temperature before opening the container to prevent condensation.
Device Lifespan and Coil Replacement
Understanding when and how to replace your heating coil is essential for maintaining consistent device performance.
Recognizing When to Replace Coils
Even with excellent maintenance, heating coils are consumable components that eventually wear out from repeated heating cycles.
Signs of Worn Coils:
Persistent Burnt Taste: If you continue experiencing burnt or unpleasant flavors even after thorough cleaning and adjusting temperature settings, your coil has likely degraded.
Significantly Reduced Vapor Production: Worn coils lose their ability to heat efficiently, resulting in weak or inconsistent vapor even with proper loading and settings.
Visible Damage or Discoloration: Inspect your coil regularly—if you see heavy black buildup that won’t clean off, visible cracks, or significant discoloration, it’s time for replacement.
Average Coil Lifespan Factors: How long a coil lasts depends on usage frequency, temperature settings (higher temps wear coils faster), concentrate type, and cleaning habits.
With regular use and proper maintenance, most coils last anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months.
Heavy daily users may need to replace coils more frequently, while occasional users might get several months from a single coil.
Replacement Process
Follow Manufacturer Guidance: Always consult your device manual for specific replacement instructions, as coil installation methods vary between models.
Some coils screw directly into the base, while others snap in or require disassembly of the chamber housing.
Where to Purchase Replacement Coils: Buy replacement coils from authorized retailers or directly from the device manufacturer to ensure compatibility and quality.
Using incorrect or low-quality replacement coils can damage your device or create safety issues.
Installation Basics: Before installing a new coil, ensure the chamber and connection area are completely clean.
Handle the new coil carefully by the base, avoiding touching the heating element with your fingers (oils from skin can affect performance).
Secure the coil according to your device’s instructions, ensuring it’s tightly fastened but not over-tightened.
Prime your new coil by loading a small amount of concentrate and taking a few gentle draws at a low temperature setting before using it normally.
Visit High Society for replacement coils and accessories compatible with your specific device, with expert staff available to answer questions.
Legal and Responsible Use
Using cannabis concentrates legally and responsibly protects both you and your community.
Oklahoma Cannabis Regulations
Medical Marijuana Cardholders: In Oklahoma, cannabis concentrates are legally available only to individuals who hold a valid medical marijuana card issued by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA).
Licensed Dispensary Requirements: All legal cannabis products, including concentrates, must be purchased from state-licensed dispensaries that comply with Oklahoma’s testing, labeling, and safety regulations.
Products obtained from any other source are illegal and may be unsafe.
Age Restrictions: You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or possess cannabis concentrates in Oklahoma, even with a valid medical marijuana card.
Valid government-issued identification is required for all dispensary purchases.
Find your nearest High Society dispensary location for compliant, tested products and helpful service.
Responsible Consumption
Understanding Concentrate Potency: Cannabis concentrates typically contain 60-90% cannabinoids, compared to 15-25% in flower products.
This significantly higher potency means that small amounts produce substantial effects—always start with minimal quantities and wait to assess how you feel.
Safe Storage Practices: Store all cannabis products, including your wax pen and concentrates, in a secure location.
Keeping Products Away from Children: Always keep cannabis products in child-resistant containers and store them out of reach and sight of children and pets.
Concentrates and vaporizers can be particularly appealing to young people, making secure storage essential.
Not Operating Vehicles While Impaired: Never drive or operate machinery while using or after using cannabis products.
Cannabis consumption impairs coordination, reaction time, and judgment—wait until effects have completely subsided before driving or performing any activity requiring full attention and motor skills.
Oklahoma law prohibits driving under the influence of cannabis and imposes serious penalties for violations.
Conclusion
Mastering proper wax pen technique significantly enhances both device performance and your overall experience with concentrate vaporization.
Key Takeaways to Remember:
Always start with small amounts of concentrate—a rice grain-sized portion prevents waste, clogging, and device damage.
Begin at lower temperature settings (315-450°F) and increase gradually to find your ideal balance of flavor and vapor production.
Regular cleaning every 3-5 sessions is essential for maintaining performance, flavor quality, and device longevity.
Replace heating coils when you notice persistent burnt taste or reduced vapor production despite proper maintenance.
Like any skill, using a wax pen effectively improves with practice—don’t be discouraged if your first few sessions aren’t perfect.
Pay attention to what works best for your specific device and concentrate types, and adjust your technique accordingly.
Ready to explore quality concentrates? Visit High Society Dispensary in Oklahoma City for lab-tested concentrates, expert guidance on concentrate vaporizers, and personalized product recommendations from our knowledgeable staff.
Order online for convenient pickup at any of our locations.
