What is a Wax Pen? Understanding Teen Vape Devices

According to research from the University of Michigan, “flavored marijuana vapes are becoming the new face of teen drug use”, with nearly 67% of high school seniors reporting that they have used a wax pen or vaped marijuana [1]. A wax pen, also referred to as a dab pen, weed vape, or “penjamin,” is a portable vape used for heating concentrated cannabis extracts. 

Although wax pens have been around since the mid-2000s, the legalization of marijuana and higher levels of THC (psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) in many states, have increased the health risks of cannabis use on teenage development and mental health. 

Understanding what these devices are, how they affect teens, and the signs of use can help parents have more effective conversations around cannabis and wax pen vaping with their teens. 

Wax Pen vs. Dab Pen vs. Vape: What’s the Difference? 

A wax pen, dab pen, and vape are often used interchangeably, however, they vary slightly in their mechanisms. All three are used to vape concentrates, a highly potent form of cannabis that contains a concentrated amount of cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) [2].

A wax pen is made for vaping soft, sticky concentrates. When heated, it usually has a coil or ceramic heating element that directly vaporizes the concentrate. A dab pen is similar, but can handle a wider range of consistencies, such as thicker oils and more solid extracts. Dab pens often come with more parts that may need to be replaced, and are used by more “experienced” cannabis smokers or those who have a medical marijuana card.

A vape, on the other hand, is designed to vaporize pre-filled cartridges of either cannabis THC oil or nicotine e-juice. It cannot be used to vape thick concentrates like wax, shatter, or resin, only oils or liquids. There is no manual loading required, and these are the most common among teens who buy “ready to use” vapes online, from peers, or in vape shops. 

Teen Slang: What Does “Penjamin” Mean? 

“Bro let me hit the penjamin” is something you’re likely to hear if you spend a month in an American high school. A “penjamin” cart is a name US teens have adopted to refer to cannabis wax pens/vapes, combining the words “pen” and “Benjamin”, with Benjamin often referring to money or something of high value.

The term gained popularity originally as a way to avoid social media restrictions, as platforms often ban the use of direct terms for cannabis. Since then, it has evolved into a playful and humorous name for vape pens, and one that parents should recognize. 

Common Concentrates Used in Wax Pens 

Concentrates refer to the extracted or “concentrated” oil from the flowers of the cannabis plants. These concentrates often contain high levels of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, leading to physical or cerebral effects and the feeling of “being high” [2]. 

Depending on the type of concentrate used, potency levels can vary, and the method of smoking (wax, dab, or vape) can differ. Below are some of the most popular kinds of concentrates used in wax pens, dab pens, or pre-filled vapes. 

Liquid/Oil 

This is most commonly found in vapes and pre-filled vape cartridges that teens are using. They have high levels of THC, often 80% to 95+%. Liquid and oil vape carts are also more vulnerable to being cut with dangerous substances such as Vitamin E acetate, pesticides, and even opioids, especially if teens are buying them from unregulated sources. 

This can increase the risk of serious health consequences, including bronchitis, asthma attacks, EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury), and overdose [3]. 

Wax

This refers to concentrate that is wax-like in consistency, often with a soft and sticky texture that is used in dab pens, or turned into liquid oil and put in pre-filled vapes. THC levels in wax typically range from 70% to 90%. 

Live Resin 

The term “live” is often used with resin or rosins and refers to the flower material used for extraction. Rather than using dry, cured flower material post-harvest, the material is immediately frozen, capturing the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes at the peak of harvest, giving it its “live” nature. 

These often require a wax or dab pen to be used since the concentrate is much thicker. THC levels in live resin typically range from 65% to 90%. 

Shatter 

This is a hard, glass-like concentrate usually made from a low-temperature extraction and purification process, leading to more stable and pure products. This method makes it one of the most potent forms of concentrates, with THC levels often between 80% and 90+%. 

Shatter often requires the use of a dab pen due to its solid consistency and is typically a less common form of concentrate used among teens, just because it is harder to obtain. 

Potency and Tolerance: Why Concentrates Hit Hard 

THC levels in cannabis have increased drastically over the past decade. In the 1990s, typical cannabis products had less than 4% to 5% of THC, and in most dispensaries in 2025, you will see levels regularly exceeding 16% to 20% [4]. 

In concentrates, which are often recommended for medical users of marijuana to manage health conditions, the levels of THC are even higher, containing anywhere from 70% to 90%.

In teens and inexperienced users, concentrates increase the risk of “greening out” and experiencing intense, distressing effects of cannabis such as nausea, vomiting, paranoia, and panic attacks. The CDC now classifies concentrate use as a risk factor for developing THC abuse and addiction [5].  

Risks and Red Flags for Parents 

Wax pens and vapes do not have the typical odor of cannabis and are much more discreet, making it easier for teens to use without adult knowledge. However, there are several things to be mindful of that can help you identify if your teen is using a wax pen or vaping. 

Watch for these red flags: 

• Bloodshot or glossy eyes 
• Chronic cough or throat clearing
• Drastic increase in appetite  (the “munchies”)
• Increased thirst, saliva production, dry lips, and mouth 
• Finding vapes in their rooms that look like pens, markers, or USB drives 
• Sudden academic decline, secretive behavior, isolation 
• Lack of motivation, decreased motor skills, “couch potato” behavior 
• Irritability, mood swings, increased anxiety  
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain in the morning could be a warning sign of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (more common in people who use concentrates)

Talking With Your Teen and Addressing Cannabis Culture with Youth 

US teens are constantly exposed to cannabis in the media, communities, and even their own homes. Although cannabis does not carry the dangers of more illicit drugs, such as opioids or cocaine, the risks to teenage development are well established. 

It’s important to approach your teen about cannabis use and wax pens from a compassionate, relatable, and educational perspective. Make it a conversation they want to engage in and learn about, rather than what feels like a “lecture”.

Below are a few tips for speaking with your teen about wax pens, vaping, and cannabis culture. 

• Get to know their friends, the media they consume, and their perspective on cannabis, wax pens, and vaping. Don’t make assumptions that your teen is secretly vaping or smoking weed. Open-ended, non-judgmental questions and conversations can go a long way.
• Teach them the science behind the risks of vaping. Many teens are under the impression that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. Show them studies from Harvard or Johns Hopkins University on how vaping can lead to lung injury, increased anxiety, and even stomach problems [6]. 
• Explain to them that yes, some adults do use marijuana as medicine; however, this is under the prescription and supervision of a medical doctor. Also show them how cannabis affects the teen brain, increasing the risk of shortened attention, memory, and anxiety. 
• Set rules for the home around vaping and substance use. And remind them that using wax pens or any sort of cannabis product is illegal under the age of 21, even in states where marijuana is “legalized”. 

Clearfork Academy’s Approach to Teen Cannabis Abuse 

Clearfork Academy is a network of behavioral health facilities in Texas committed to helping teens recover from behavioral addictions, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. Our licensed and accredited facilities are dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care and education for parents and caregivers of youth.

We understand the challenges that arise in treating THC use in teens and take a specialized approach to tailor our treatment programs. We educate parents and caregivers on the risks of cannabis, help teens make smart decisions and say no to peers, and address underlying trauma or mental health challenges that influence dab pen use.

Our licensed therapists and clinical psychiatric team can help your teen end the cycle of substance use to build a vape-free lifestyle. Contact our admissions team today. 

Sources 

[1] University of Michigan. 2025. Flavored Marijuana Vapes Becoming New Face of Teen Drug Use, Sparking Addiction Fears. 
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2024. Cannabis. 
[3] Hammond, C. et al. (2023). Old Dog, New Tricks: A Review of Identifying and Addressing Youth Cannabis Vaping in the Pediatric Clinical Setting. Clinical medicine insights. Pediatrics, 17, 11795565231162297.
[4] Barlow, R. 2025. THC Content in Cannabis Has Surged: Here’s What You Need to Know. Boston University. 
[5] CDC. 2024. Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder. 
[6] Rosen, J. 2021. Johns Hopkins researchers find thousands of unknown chemicals in electronic cigarettes. Johns Hopkins Medicine.