Disposable vs Refillable CBD Vapes: Which Is Better?

This guide to CBD disposable vapes covers what you need to know, using UK guidance and the latest evidence. Choosing your first CBD vape usually comes down to two options: a pre-filled “disposable-style” vape pen that works straight out of the box, or a refillable (“traditional”) vape kit that you fill with your own e-liquid. This guide compares the two on convenience, cost, flexibility and environmental impact — and explains what changed with the UK’s 2025 disposable vape ban.

First: the UK disposable vape ban

Since 1 June 2025, single-use disposable vapes have been banned from sale in the UK. A vape now has to be rechargeable and either refillable or able to take replacement pods.

That’s why most “disposable” CBD vapes you’ll see today — including ours — are disposable-style: pre-filled and ready to use, but with a USB-C port so the battery can be recharged until the CBD e-liquid runs out. In this guide, “disposable” means this pre-filled, rechargeable style.

Pre-filled (disposable-style) CBD vapes: pros and cons

Pre-filled CBD vape pens come charged and filled with CBD e-liquid. There are no buttons or settings — you just inhale.

Pros

• Easy to use: no filling, no coils, no settings — ideal for beginners.
• Compact: slim and light enough to carry in a pocket.
• Consistent: fixed power and a set CBD strength, so every puff is similar.
• Nicotine-free: CBD vapes contain no nicotine.

Cons

• Limited choice: you’re tied to the flavours and strengths available.
• Higher cost over time: you replace the whole device when the e-liquid runs out.
• More waste: even rechargeable pre-filled devices create more waste than a refillable kit, so always recycle them properly.

Refillable (traditional) vapes: pros and cons

Refillable vapes — pod kits, pens and mods — have a rechargeable battery and a tank or pod you fill with e-liquid. You can use them with CBD vape juice.

Pros

• Cheaper long term: once you own the device, you only buy e-liquid and coils.
• More choice: any compatible e-liquid, flavour or CBD strength.
• Adjustable: many devices let you change power and airflow.
• Less waste: one device lasts for months.

Cons

• More upkeep: you need to refill, charge, clean and change coils.
• Learning curve: settings and coil priming can confuse beginners.
• Bulkier: usually larger than a slim pre-filled pen.

Side-by-side comparison

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Types of vape explained

• Pre-filled vape pens: sealed, ready-to-use devices with a set amount of e-liquid; rechargeable under current UK rules.
• Pod kits: a small battery with refillable or replaceable pods that hold the coil and e-liquid. A good middle ground for beginners.
• Vape pens: a cylindrical battery with a refillable tank.
• Mods: larger, advanced devices with adjustable wattage and temperature, used with separate tanks.
• Starter kits: a device plus everything you need to begin, usually a pod kit or simple pen.

CBD vapes vs nicotine vapes

CBD and nicotine are very different. Nicotine is addictive; CBD isn’t considered addictive, and CBD vapes contain no nicotine. But that doesn’t make CBD a treatment, and it isn’t a licensed way to quit smoking.

If you’re trying to stop smoking, the NHS recommends nicotine vapes or other licensed nicotine replacement, with support from your local Stop Smoking Service. If you don’t smoke, don’t start vaping nicotine.

Want to understand what vaping CBD actually feels like? See our guide to what a CBD vape does and how much CBD to vape.

Which should you choose?

Choose a pre-filled CBD vape if you’re new to vaping, want something simple and portable, or only vape occasionally.

Choose a refillable vape if you vape regularly, want more choice of flavours and strengths, and don’t mind a bit of maintenance in exchange for lower running costs and less waste.