As marijuana continues to be legalized throughout the world, you may be considering buying your own vape cartridge. Before you get started, there are a few important things you should know about vape cartridges. This includes what they are, how they’re used, and how you can get these cannabis cartridges refilled.
We answer these commonly asked questions and more in today’s blog. Continue reading for our comprehensive guide to vape carts:
What is Cartridge Vaping?
If you’ve landed on this article, you might be asking, ‘What is cartridge vaping?” A vape cartridge, also sometimes known as a cannabis cartridge, is a small device shaped like a pen that comes pre-filled with cannabis oil. When you turn on your vape pen, the oil is heated and then transformed into a mist that is inhaled and ingested.
There are three main parts of a vape cartridge. The first is the mouthpiece, where you place your lips to inhale the mist. The second part is the atomizer, which heats the oil. And the last part is the chamber, where the oil turns to mist.
Differences Between a Vape and a Cartridge?
The vape and cartridge are one thing, but they have broken down into two parts: the actual vape and the cartridge itself. A vape is the bottom of the cartridge and is where the vapor is created, whereas the cartridge is the part that holds the oil and where you inhale.
Types of Vape Cartridges
Generally, there are three main types of vape cartridges you’ll come across. These include:
- Disposable vape pens
- Device-specific vape cartridges
- 510 thread cartridges
Here’s a breakdown of each of these types of CBD vape cartridges, so you can choose the right one for your needs and personal preferences:
Disposable Vape Pens
A disposable vape pen is one of the most convenient and affordable on the market, which is why many retailers opt to sell them.
A CBD oil filling machine is used to insert the extract into the vape pen. Then, once this is done, the manufacturer sells them to retailers, already fully charged, meaning they’re always ready to use by the consumer.
Device-Specific Vape Cartridge
These kinds of cartridges are designed to only be used with a specific brand. As such, these may only be able to be purchased at specific retailers.
510 Thread Cartridge
The most common type of vape cartridge is the 510 cartridge. It’s called this because it has a 510 thread at the bottom of the device that connects to a battery. This is the most common type of battery and thread connector combo.
Types of Oil Used in CBD Vape Cartridges
Most CBD vape carts usually either contact distillate or full-spectrum oil. Distillate oil is an extract derived from a cannabinoid plant that was isolated from others.
For example, if you have long suffered from chronic pain in your leg and you know that CBD oil alleviates the pain, then you wouldn’t try a different product. The same principle applies to distillate oil. For example, let’s say you like the effects of distillate oil. Because this contains 99% cannabis oil, then you’re not likely to go with a product that contains other extracts. After all, the ingredients are already working for you.
Full-spectrum oil, on the other hand, isn’t isolated. In fact, it can contain everything from CBD to THC. The biggest difference between these is that CBD doesn’t cause you to get high, whereas THC does. This is why it’s so important to know what kind of oil you’re getting because you could be unknowingly signing up for a different experience you don’t want.
Last but not least, the last type of common oil used in vape carts is known as live resin. This is the most expensive out of all the oils, costing upward of $60 for a full-gram cart. Live resin is as expensive as it is because it preserves flavor the best.
How to Choose the Right Type of CBD Vape Pen Cartridge For You
First, you’ll want to consider the size of your cannabis cartridges. Since you’re going to have to hold it in order to use it, you’ll want to make sure it fits well in your hand and is comfortable. If you say you want to smoke, but you don’t necessarily want to draw attention to it, you can opt for a smaller size, like the GT M8 Slim. This product is easy to conceal so that it won’t draw as much attention to you.
The next factor you want to consider is the most important: the oil. Vape cart oils aren’t one-size-fits-all, so each one offers its own unique uses and benefits. As mentioned above, some oils may contain nothing but CBD. However, others may have a high concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol, which creates a high.
Of course, you’ll also want to consider what flavored oil your vape cart comes with. Available flavors include grape, blueberry, lemon, watermelon, strawberry, apple, vanilla, and apricot. Apple, blueberry, and vanilla are usually considered some of the most popular vape cart oil flavors.
How Much is a Cartridge for Vape?
The price for an oil vape cartridge can vary, but on average, they will cost anywhere between $20-$50. The only exception is when you purchase live resin, which can cost upward of $60 due to how high quality they are.
How to Use a CBD Vape Pen Cartridge?
Using a vape cartridge is very simple. However, it may vary depending on the type of vape cart you’re using.
If using a 510 thread vape cart, you’ll first want to make sure that it’s fully charged. Once it’s charged, screw your cart into the battery. If your vape cart has a button, press it down to inhale the mist. If it doesn’t have a button, just inhale.
You’ll similarly use a disposable vape cart.
How Long Do Vape Carts Last?
It depends on the type of vape cart you have and how often you use it. For example, a 510 thread vape cart and device-specific cart usually lasts about 150 puffs or about 50 days.
Disposable vape carts last way less than this, averaging about two weeks. Granted, you may be able to extend this if you reduce how many puffs you take per year. However, because these are disposable, they usually don’t offer as much as the other types of vape carts.
What About the Actual Cartridge Itself?
Most CBD vape cartridges have a shelf life of one year from the date they’re manufactured. Even if they don’t last the whole year, the majority of brands last for at least six months.
How to Refill a Vape Cartridge?
If you’ve never refilled a vape cartridge before, the good news is that doing so is very easy:
- First, turn your mouthpiece counterclockwise until it pops off
- Then, take your syringe and fill it with your oil until you hit the max fill line
- Take your syringe and insert it into the side of the cartridge until all the oil is inside the cartridge
- Once full, put the mouthpiece back on
The whole process should only take you a few minutes to complete.
How to Tell if the Oil in Your CBD Vape Cart is Expired
It’s likely that the oil in your CBD vape cart will last six months to a year. However, it’s still a good idea to know the signs of an expired cart. Otherwise, you risk inhaling oil that will make you sick.
Generally speaking, you’ll be able to recognize an expired CBD vape cart by the color of the cartridge itself. If it is dark brown or black, it’s likely expired and as such, you should discontinue use. Likewise, if the oil inside the cartridge looks like sludge, don’t use it. Instead, replace it as soon as you can.
In many cases, the brick-and-mortar or online dispensary where you bought your cartridge should be able to refill it. As such, you shouldn’t have to throw it out.
Benefits of Vape Cart Refills
Tossing out your cartridges after every use is ultimately a waste, especially when it comes to money. Getting a refillable vape cartridge offers many benefits. This includes having access to wider flavors and better overall quality. Plus, they usually have a better, stronger build so they’re more comfortable in your hand.
Most of all, a refillable vape cart actually saves you money in the long run. Though they may be a tad more expensive starting out, you’ll spend less money from not having to buy new cartridges.
Refillable Vape Cartridges Are Highly Recommended Due to Their Ease, Affordable, and Function
More and more people are using these cannabis devices. As such, there’s never been a better time to go over what they are, how they work, and the types available.
While it has yet to be confirmed all the benefits of inhaling CBD oil through a cartridge, it has been known to lower stress levels and reduce anxiety. Maybe you’ve been contemplating using a cannabis vape for the first time. Or, maybe you just had a lot of questions about CBD oil in general. Regardless of what you wanted to know, we hope this guide helped!
Let us know in the comments what your favorite refillable vape cart flavor is.