For cannabis consumers who enjoy vaping but want to stick to a reasonable budget, there are plenty of high-quality, affordable vape options available at licensed dispensaries. Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean low-quality—many inexpensive vape products still deliver great flavor, potent effects, and dependable performance.
When shopping for a budget-friendly cannabis vape, it’s important to look for products that come from reputable brands with transparent sourcing, lab testing, and consistent formulations. Some brands have built their business on affordability without compromising safety or potency, making them an excellent option for first-time users or those who want a reliable everyday product.
Top Budget Vape Brands to Consider
Select Essentials (by Curaleaf):
Select’s “Essentials” line offers straightforward distillate cartridges that are strain-specific and tested for potency and purity. While they may lack the complex terpene profiles found in premium lines, they deliver clean, satisfying hits at a lower price point. These carts typically retail between $25–$30 for a 0.5g cartridge in many states.
Rythm “Mini” Carts:
Known for full-spectrum oil products, Rythm offers mini 0.3g carts in some markets, providing the same quality as their larger products but in smaller, more affordable sizes. These vapes are great for those looking to sample strains or conserve cash without compromising on formulation or experience.
Verano Encore Carts:
Verano’s Encore line features affordable carts made with distillate and botanical terpenes. While they aren’t as flavor-rich as live resin options, they are ideal for consistent and balanced highs. These typically fall within the $20–$30 range and offer a great entry point for budget shoppers.
STIIIZY Starter Kit & Pods:
STIIIZY’s sleek battery system and affordable 0.5g pods (especially in their “Original” or “Silver” lines) are popular for offering strong potency and convenience. The starter kit itself is low-cost, and the brand frequently runs discounts in dispensaries. Their proprietary system ensures compatibility and controlled dosage.
AiroPro Vape Pens:
AiroPro offers a unique magnetic cartridge and battery system that delivers smooth draws and surprisingly robust flavor at a wallet-friendly cost. They often use CO2 oil and botanical terpenes, with carts generally ranging from $25–$35 depending on region and strain.
Why Budget Vapes Still Work Well
The best budget-friendly vapes manage to keep prices low by using distillate-based oil instead of more expensive extraction methods like live resin or rosin. Distillates are refined and potent, offering high THC levels, although they can lack the nuanced flavors of full-spectrum products. Many budget brands supplement this with botanical terpenes to mimic popular strain profiles.
Additionally, economies of scale and partnerships with major MSOs (multi-state operators) allow these products to be produced and distributed widely, which helps keep costs down for the consumer. Brands that are vertically integrated can pass savings directly to their customers.
Most importantly, reputable budget vape products are lab-tested for contaminants and potency, ensuring safety even at a lower price point. Shoppers should always confirm that the product is licensed and includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Read More: Understanding Vape Product Potency: What It Means for Your Cannabis Experience