Although we tend to think of vaping as a relatively new activity, made possible by modern technology, there is a surprisingly long history behind it. The first “electronic cigarette” was patented in 1963, but there were no really successful vaping devices until 2004, when Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik released a product line called Ruyan (roughly “cigarette-like” or “smoke-like” in Chinese).
Hon Lik is widely regarded as the father of modern vaping, and as part of this, he is also the father of disposable vapes. It’s debatable whether any of his inaugural devices could be called “disposable”, but his second generation of products (released in 2007) were definitively disposable vapes, as we know them today.
Despite the commercial success of the Ruyan products, disposable vapes didn’t start to see dramatic increases in popularity until about two years ago, and by 2020 they had become the most popular way to vape, for tobacco and cannabis users alike. This timing lines up with the rising popularity of delta-8 THC, so it should come as no surprise that delta-8 disposable vapes were of great interest to the community as soon as they became available.
By now, there are quite a few delta-8 disposables on the market, and it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through them, so we’re going to talk about our three favorite brands to help you find something that is both safe and suited to your personal needs.
Best Delta-8 THC Disposable Vapes
Unlike other types of vapes, hemp vapes aren’t regulated by the FDA, so we have to be able to trust hemp suppliers’ self-regulation and involvement of third-parties, where necessary. These three brands offer not only high-quality products but also proof of their product testing and safety regulation, so that you know exactly what you’re getting.
1. 3Chi
3Chi has been a leader in the delta-8 industry from the get-go, after creating the first federally legal THC products in 2019 using a brand-new production method. They have remained the top delta-8 distributor in the US ever since, so their recently released delta-8 disposable is sure to take the industry by storm.
These 1ml or 0.5ml disposables are available for ten different strains. This selection includes indica, sativa, and hybrid strains with a wide range of flavors and effects. My favorite is the Ice Cream Cake because it’s super relaxing but feel free to click on different strains to see what effects best suit you.
2. Delta Effex
Delta Effex is another one of the most reputable delta-8 brands, thanks to their transparency and thorough quality testing. Every batch of every product they make is tested by third-party labs, and the results are easily accessible on their site.
They currently offer three different delta-8 disposables: two indica strains (Watermelon Candy Kush and Guava Purp) and one hybrid (Insane Punch). All three of these are 1ml, available in packs of one or ten, and have excellent reviews, although Watermelon Candy Kush seems to be pulling ahead as the customer favorite and happens to be mine as well. If you haven’t guessed, I’m a sucker for indicas.
Shop Delta Effex Disposable Vapes
3. Urb
Urb offers a premium delta-8 vaping experience with their high-quality products. They even boast some “designer” product lines, and they often use rare strains to support the independent American farms that grow them. You can’t buy directly from Urb, but their products are available on GreatCBDShop.
Their 1g disposables are actually a combination of delta-8 and delta-10 THC and come in three “super” sativa strains: Urban Tundra, Lemonade Kush, and Maui Wowie. The lab results for all three can be accessed from the product page, allowing you to compare profiles before making your choice. Given these give off more energetic effects, they aren’t my favorite but I can see why a lot of sativa lovers would. My preferred strain is Maui Wowie from this line.
Delta-8 Disposable FAQs
How much are delta-8 disposable vape pens?
The average range is $30-$45, but you may find some for a little more or a little less than this depending on brand and size. 3Chi’s 0.5ml disposable is $25, Delta Effex’s disposables are all $40 (on sale from $70), and Urb’s disposables are $35.
Where can I buy delta-8 disposable vape pens?
Thanks to the recent spike in delta-8’s popularity, and the consistently rising popularity of disposables in general, you can buy delta-8 disposable vape pens in pretty much any smoke shop or gas station (unless there are local restrictions on them). However, we recommend that you avoid in-person purchase of delta-8 disposables as much as possible, because these products are much harder to research and verify.
When you buy from brand websites or large online smoke shops, you have a greater variety of options and an easy way to check company certifications, lab results, and other quality regulations. This makes it possible to buy only from trustworthy brands, which is much harder to guarantee in a physical store. If you’re absolutely set on buying in-person, buy from a verified distributor of a trusted brand, like those mentioned above. (3Chi, for example, has licensed about 2000 brick-and-mortar distributors to sell their products.)
What’s the difference between a delta-8 disposable and a cart?
Disposables come with everything you need, ready to use. Depending on the battery life, you may end up charging it at some point before it runs out, but that’s the most work you’ll ever have to do with a disposable. Carts, on the other hand, need additional components like vape batteries before you can use them, and some even need to be refilled.
What is a delta-8 disposable?
“Disposable” is just short for “disposable vape pen”, so delta-8 disposables are disposable vape pens with delta-8 THC. They are the most convenient way to vape delta-8, as they are ready to use when you purchase them and are thrown away once empty.
Are there cheaper ways to vape delta-8?
Absolutely. Using delta-8 cartridges, which can be refilled and reused, ends up being cheaper than using disposables. This is mainly because, with disposables, you are paying for the extra convenience of being able to use it out of the box without any other parts or steps required. If you are a frequent user of delta-8, you might even find it more cost-efficient to try delta-8 dabs or delta-8 concentrates.
What is delta-8 made from?
Delta-8 is a naturally occurring compound in hemp/cannabis, but because it’s only present in very small amounts, delta-8 for commercial products is made from CBD. This is possible because CBD and delta-8 THC are isomers – they have the same chemical formula but different molecular structures. Or, in slightly simpler terms, they contain the same number of atoms of each element, but they have the atoms arranged differently.
CBD isolate can be converted into delta-8 distillate through a process called isomerization, which essentially rearranges the atoms to make differently-shaped molecules (in this case, molecules of delta-8). Many experienced delta-8 users will buy delta-8 distillate in bulk as it’s much cheaper. But before you go buying distillate from anywhere, we recommend checking out some delta-8 distillate reviews first.
Conclusion
Thanks to Hon Lik (and many other scientists who contributed along the way), disposable vapes have made the consumption of compounds like delta-8 THC incredibly convenient. Pre-filled, pre-charged disposable vape pens offer an efficient delta-8 experience that takes virtually no unnecessary effort.
Most vapes are regulated by the FDA as “tobacco products” (even ones that don’t contain nicotine), but delta-8 vapes are an exception. With no official federal regulation, all hemp/cannabis products, including delta-8 disposables, need to be tested by reputable third-party labs to ensure safety. This testing and internal regulation is the responsibility of the brand itself, so it’s important to only buy disposables from delta-8 brands you can really trust.
We have already reviewed and verified that 3Chi, Delta Effex, and Urb are brands you can trust, but don’t take our word for it; check out their product pages and lab results for yourself. That way, when you pick up one of their disposable vapes, you’ll be very well-informed about what you’re buying.
