If you’ve visited a cannabis dispensary in Duncan or browsed Costa Canna’s display of vape products, you’ve likely debated the same question: should you choose a disposable THC vape or invest in a refillable one? The decision isn’t trivial—it can affect your experience, your budget, and even your environmental footprint.

With so many choices available from Canadian producers, the world of THC vapes can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed, Canadian-savvy decision.

Convenience vs. Customisation

Disposables are designed with simplicity in mind. You purchase, open, and use—no assembly or maintenance. Most disposables are pre-filled, fully charged, and ready to go the moment you unbox them. When finished, you simply recycle or dispose of the device. This convenience is perfect for newcomers or anyone who prefers a hassle-free experience.

Refillable options, on the other hand, cater to those who like to customise their vaping encounters. With refillable devices, you can choose from an array of 510-thread cartridges or refill pods, many of which are offered by Canadian producers such as BZAM, Pure Sunfarms, and Motif Labs (BZAM, Pure Sunfarms, Motif Labs). Many refillable pens and pods offer adjustable settings, letting you control everything from vapour density to flavour intensity.

The Cost Perspective

On the surface, disposables seem affordable—typically $22 to $50 CAD, depending on brand and potency. But they’re single-use, often providing 200–400 puffs before needing to be discarded. For occasional users, this is reasonable. For regular users, costs can escalate quickly over time.

Refillable vapes require a larger initial investment, but the long-term savings are significant. You can buy replacement carts or bulk THC oil at a much lower price per millilitre compared to disposables. For those visiting dispensaries frequently, refillables are a cost-savvy choice.

Environmental Impact

Sustainability is an important consideration for many Canadians—especially on Vancouver Island. Disposables create more waste since each one contains a non-rechargeable battery, electronics, and plastic casing. Even with proper recycling, many still end up in landfill.

Refillable vapes are a more eco-friendly option. You only replace the cartridge or pod when it’s empty. Some Canadian LPs, such as Motif Labs, are working on recapture and recycling programs for used cartridges. While not perfect, refillables generate significantly less waste.

Performance and Experience

For many, the performance of disposables is reliably consistent. Brands like Pure Sunfarms and BZAM offer disposables that work perfectly out of the package, with carefully balanced flavours and vetted hardware (Pure Sunfarms). But disposables can sometimes clog or offer weaker pulls as they near the end of their life.

Refillables appeal to users who want to tweak their experience. Higher-end refillable systems allow you to adjust the voltage, control the airflow, and experiment with a wide variety of oils and distillates. The range of compatible products is much greater, with brands like BZAM and Good Supply offering everything from classic strains to innovative blends.

Variety: Flavours and Strains

Disposables once offered limited selection, but Canadian LPs such as Tribal and Spinach have expanded the market with new flavour options and hybrid blends. Still, refillables win for sheer variety: live resin, distillate, rare strains, and even CBD-infused options are easy to swap in and out. If you like to sample what’s new, refillables give you endless options.

Portability and Discretion

Disposables are slim, lightweight, and extremely discreet. Perfect for those times when you’re headed to a concert, camping, or out with friends. And if you misplace it, it’s not the end of the world.

Refillable vapes can be just as portable, but some devices are bulkier or less subtle. That said, certain refillable models, like “nano” pens, are almost indistinguishable from disposables in size and shape.

The Verdict

There’s no universal answer—your best choice depends on your habits and lifestyle. For those who value selection, cost-savings, and sustainability, refillable vapes are a smart pick. If you want maximum convenience with minimal fuss, or just want to test vaping without commitment, go disposable.

For the best experience, don’t hesitate to chat with local Cost Canna Duncan budtenders about which Canadian brands their customers come back for. You’ll find products by BZAM, Pure Sunfarms, and Motif Labs at most reputable dispensaries, and you can trust they meet Health Canada’s standards (full licence list here).

At the end of the day, there’s never been a better time to find exactly what fits your style. Whether you’re drawn to the grab-and-go appeal of disposables, or the long-term value and freedom of refillables, Canadian cannabis has you covered.

THC Concentrates: Your Complete Guide

If you browse local cannabis forums, you’ll probably hear a lot of buzz about THC concentrates. These potent extracts—think shatter, wax, live resin, and more—have been steadily gaining enthusiasts. For some, concentrates represent the frontier of cannabis: powerful, pure, and packed with flavour. For others, they can feel a bit mysterious or intimidating, more like a science experiment than simple smoke.

Whether you’re a seasoned dabber or just curious about what’s available in Duncan, this guide will walk you through what concentrates are, how to use them safely, who’s making top products in Canada, and how to find them locally and legally.

What Exactly Are THC Concentrates?

In the simplest terms, concentrates are cannabis extracts with much higher THC levels than typical flower—usually 60–90% THC or more. Producers extract THC, cannabinoids, and terpenes from the plant using various methods, leaving behind waxes, shatters, oils, resins, or crystalline forms. This means a little goes a very long way.

Concentrates aren’t new—they’ve been part of cannabis culture for decades—but the legalization wave has brought about huge leaps in safety, variety, and quality. Today’s legal Canadian concentrates are produced under strict regulations and testing, so you know exactly what you’re getting when you walk into a licensed shop in Duncan (Health Canada Licensed Processors).

The Different Types of Concentrates

There’s no shortage of terminology in the concentrate world, and the variety on offer grows every year. Here are a few of the most common types you’ll encounter:

• Shatter: Translucent and glassy, shatter is brittle and breaks easily into pieces. It’s one of the most popular options for dabbing.
• Wax/Budder: These have a creamy, soft texture—almost like butter or wax. They’re known for being easy to handle and very potent.
• Live Resin: Extracted from fresh, frozen cannabis, live resin is prized for retaining more terpenes, resulting in intense flavour and aroma.
• Rosin: Made using heat and pressure rather than solvents, rosin is popular among the health-conscious and those who want a more “natural” product.
• Distillate: This ultra-refined oil is nearly pure THC, often used in vape cartridges and edibles for its clean, potent effects.

You’ll also see hash, kief, diamonds, sauce, and more—each with its unique extraction process, texture, and style of use.

Why Try Concentrates?

Why go for a concentrate instead of flower or edibles? For many, it’s about efficiency and effect. The high potency means you need just a small amount to achieve strong results. This makes concentrates economical for regular consumers and useful for those managing medical symptoms that require high-THC doses.

Concentrates also offer unmatched flavour for cannabis connoisseurs. Because so many terpenes are preserved in products like live resin or rosin, you can experience nuances in aroma and taste that often get lost in combustion. Plus, with dabbing or vaporising, there’s no plant material burning—just pure concentrate, which many find smoother and cleaner.

How To Use THC Concentrates Safely

It’s important to respect the potency of concentrates, especially if you’re new to them. Always start with a tiny amount—a grain of rice-sized dab is a common starting point. Effects are rapid and powerful, and overdoing it can lead to an uncomfortable high.

Most people use a dab rig (a type of water pipe designed for concentrates), a vaporizer compatible with extracts, or even top off a bowl of flower with a sprinkle of wax or kief. There are also “concentrate pens” which look like regular vape pens but are specially built for thick extracts.

Never attempt to make concentrates at home—legal Canadian products are made by licensed professionals using safe, controlled equipment. Trust the legal market for purity and safety.

Where to Buy THC Concentrates in Duncan

The good news for Duncan locals: you have access to licensed dispensaries and online retailers carrying a wide range of legal concentrates. Look for brands like BZAM and Pure Sunfarms, both of which are well-respected Canadian producers with a reputation for quality and consistency. You’ll also find new offerings from producers like Spinach, Qwest, and Wana—just ask your local budtender what’s in stock.

Most legal concentrates are available in single-gram packages, with clear labelling about potency, terpene content, and recommended methods of consumption. This helps you make an informed choice every time.

Legal and Safety Considerations

All cannabis products in Canada—including concentrates—must meet Health Canada’s strict standards for quality, testing, and labelling. Avoid the temptation of buying “under the counter” concentrates or unlabelled extracts from unregulated sellers; not only is it illegal, but these products can include dangerous solvents, pesticides, or untested additives. Legal products are safer, more consistent, and you get exactly what you pay for.

Final Thoughts: Is Concentrate Right for You?

THC concentrates offer a powerful, flavourful, and modern way to enjoy cannabis. In Duncan’s thriving cannabis scene, they’re no longer a niche product—they’re mainstream, regulated, and above all, accessible to anyone curious enough to try.

If you’re new, talk to your dispensary’s staff. Costa Canna’s budtenders have seen just about every kind of customer and can offer advice, brand recommendations, and safe starter options. With a little research and the right approach, concentrates can provide an entirely new appreciation for cannabis—one that’s potent, efficient, and always interesting.

Remember: a little goes a long way, knowledge is power, and with the right information, your experience can be both safe and memorable. Happy dabbing, Duncan.