What's in a cannabis vape cartridge? With the recent news about vape pens, there are conflicting opinions about what is in them. Some say they're a cleaner way to smoke, while others say they can have unknown side effects that lead to injury. Let's take a look.

WHAT IS A VAPE CARTRIDGE?

What is a vape cart? Vape carts are small vessels that contain smokable cannabis oil. With the growing cannabis industry, there are more and more options for cannabis oil and THC cartridge types. However, not all cartridges are the same. The most common type of cartridge is the 510-threaded cartridge, which can be quickly assembled by screwing it to the battery that powers it.

The most popular type of cartridge is the 510 thread, which is often referred to as the universal vape pen. Although there are MANY other batteries that fit specific cartridges, the most widely used size is called a 510 thread. It is the basic round female/male connector.

WHAT’S IN ALL THESE CARTRIDGES?

The cartridge contains cannabis oil and an atomizer to heat it. The battery in the vape pen automatically controls the temperature of the oil, which can be varied depending on the pen. Some people prefer specific temperatures based off of the type of oil being smoked. You'll want to find a battery that controls the heat setting in that case. Ask your local bud tender about which vape pen is right for you, based on the cartridges you like or the effect you're going for.

VAPE PEN CONCENTRATES

When choosing a vape pen, one important consideration is the type of concentrate the corresponding cartridge uses. Each brand has its own flavors and profiles, but there are a few overall categories: distillate, CO2 oil, and full-spectrum oil also known as live resin or hash rosin cartridges. To be smoked through a vape pen, cannabis oil must have a certain viscosity. These three types of oils meet this viscosity level in different ways, each with its own advantages.

DISTILLATE CONCENTRATES

Distillates are refined cannabis oils that can be made from almost any product. These are generally known as an economy cartridge because it essentially contains 70%-90% THC and no other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, or CBN. Terpenes are lost during the distillation process as well, so additives like terpene flavoring are needed to ensure they taste great for customers. 

CO2 OR BHO OIL CONCENTRATES

CO2 oils are often compatible with vape cartridges and vaporize well without any additives. They maintain their terpenes, which means they keep much of their original plant-based flavor. They also contain more cannabinoids like small traces of CBD. If you're lucky, you'll find traces of CBG &/or CBN as well. This sort of high can be known as the entourage effect. This is a level up from the distillate cartridges. You're essentially getting more than JUST THC.

FULL-SPECTRUM OIL CONCENTRATES

Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates are more diverse and complex than distillates or CO2 oil concentrates. Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates contain a wider variety of THC, CBD, CBN, terpenes, and other chemical compounds than traditional cannabis, creating the entourage effect. They also more closely replicate the original plant's flavor profile, making them more enjoyable to smoke. However, full-spectrum concentrates are more expensive due to the fact that it's higher quality. Generally this category includes 1/2g live resin cartridges &/or 1/2g hash rosin cartridges.

Vape Pen Additives

Additives are often needed to thin oil for vaping with 510 thread cartridges. In nicotine vape pens you'll find unhealthy ingredients like: polyethylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, coconut oil, or other medium-chain triglycerides. However, there has been some controversy around these additives due to suggested health concerns, and they are now being used less frequently. That is why the cannabis industry uses terpenes. They are a natural thinning agent that helps to balance the viscosity of cannabis oil, as well as adding flavor as well. 

WHY BUY A VAPE PEN?

There are several key reasons to use a vape pen over other methods of consuming cannabis, such as smoking or eating edibles. Vape pens are reusable, affordable, and offer a discreet way to consume cannabis. 

Vape pens are also very portable and easily fit in your pocket or purse. If you're looking for a discreet option, vape pens don't produce a strong smell and the smoke clears quickly. 

Vape pens are easy to use and offer precise dosage control. However, it is easy to overuse them because they are so simple to smoke. If you overconsume, you may experience a hefty hit and an unpleasant high. If you are new to using weed pens, go slowly and figure out your limits.

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