If you haven’t yet tried vaping THC carts, you’re missing out on a whole other side of your THC experience.
That being said, the wide range of vape products available can be daunting for newcomers.
Let’s talk about what you need to know before you place that order for your new vape pen.
What are THC Carts?
THC vape cartridges, or THC carts, are vessels of cannabis oil designed for use with vaping devices.
Cannabis oil is a THC distillate that has been refined from cannabis plants, extracting the cannabinoids (namely THC) and terpenes and removing the residual plant matter.
There are many different types of THC oil available in these pre-filled cartridges. Some are distilled from a specific strain (Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and Pineapple Express, to name a few), whereas others are blends.
Additionally, some vape oils are flavoured only with cannabis-derived terpenes, the plant’s natural flavours, whereas others have taste-enhancing essences added. THC and CBD blends are also available for those who want to take advantage of the benefits provided by both cannabinoids.
THC carts are designed specifically for use with THC vape pens.
There are a couple of other cannabis vapes that do not use vape cartridges available such as dry herb vapes and concentrate vapes. While the idea behind all of them is the same—the product is gently heated to produce vapour without igniting—they each use completely different types of cannabis products.
How do Vape Carts Work?
Vape carts work by attaching them to a battery pen which powers the atomizer within the cartridge. The heating coil inside the atomizer gently warms the vape oil to produce vapour, which the user then inhales from the cartridge’s mouthpiece.
Most vape cartridges have a 510 thread and must be used with a 510 threaded battery pen. Standard 510 batteries are auto-draw, which means they are activated when the user inhales from the mouthpiece.
Button-activated and variable-voltage batteries allow a bit more control over the vaping experience. However, always check to make sure a cartridge is compatible with your vape device before purchasing, as some 510 cartridges are designed only for use with button-activated batteries and cannot be used with an auto-draw pen.
Pre-filled THC vape carts are designed to be single-use, to be disposed of once the distillate is spent.
Some people refill their carts to reduce waste; however, each cart should only be refilled a couple of times as the atomizer will eventually need replacing.
Additionally, thicker, more syrupy distillates should be mixed with a thinner or viscosity booster so that they can be vaporized and inhaled without gumming up the device.
What are the Benefits of THC Carts?
Potency
Vaping is one of the most efficient ways of consuming THC.
Vaped THC has a very high level of bioavailability (the amount of active product absorbed by the body).
Vaped THC oil enters the bloodstream rapidly through the lungs, and most users feel the onset of effects within 15 minutes. Edibles, in comparison, tend to have low bioavailability as they must pass through the digestive system before they hit the bloodstream, which takes up to 2 hours. As a result, vaping delivers a more potent punch of THC compared to other methods of ingestion.
Portability
Vape devices are compact and can easily be stashed in a backpack, purse, or pocket.
They’re ideal for travel, whether you’re going on a day trip to the park or a road trip across the country.
Rather than having to tote your flower, papers, filters, grinder, and lighter, you can bring a single vape pen. Even if you decide to bring a few different THC carts, it will still occupy far less luggage space than other gear.
Ease of Use
A vape pen, being activated by inhaling from it or pressing a simple button, is far simpler to use compared to grinding and rolling your own joints. Yes, you can find a range of pre-rolls at your local dispensary, but none will last as long as a single vape cartridge.
This ease of use is particularly beneficial for medical cannabis users. Someone struggling with chronic pain often won’t have the energy to roll their own joints, so vape devices are ideal.
For people with dexterity issues, rolling may not even be an option. Vaping makes THC, and all of its health benefits, far more accessible.
Discretion
Whether or not you find the scent of cannabis offensive, it is always noticeable.
Many cannabis consumers prefer to keep their use private, which is where vapes have a distinct advantage. THC vape carts produce little to no odour, and the odour that is produced tends to be mild and pleasant smelling.
What are the Drawbacks of THC Carts?
Vaping has only been around for about 20 years—not long enough for any long-term effects to be evident.
THC carts are far gentler on the lungs than smoking; smoking creates carbon monoxide and other lung-irritating particulates, whereas vaping does not.
However, synthetic additives (such as vitamin-e acetate) found in some vape cartridges can lead to a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans or popcorn lung. Being mindful of the ingredients in your carts reduces the risk of this condition.
Some people find that the effects of vaped THC don’t last as long compared to THC edibles. However, this can be an advantage—you’re less likely to stay locked to your couch for hours when you vape. Additionally, switching to vaping THC could help people who find they lose productivity when taking edibles.
Steps are taken to preserve terpenes when extracting cannabis distillate from flower. However, naturally, some of them will be lost along the way.
For people who miss the powerful wave of flavour that comes from smoking premium quality flower, terpene oils can be added to vape cartridges to give an additional boost.
THC Carts – Small Yet Mighty
With such a variety of vape cartridges and vape pens available on the market, you’ll want to do your own research so you can make an educated decision on exactly what type of vape is right for you.
We hope this guide has helped point you in the right direction on your vaping journey.
Give vaping a try and remember to buy your vaping accessories from trusted sources.
Happy vaping!
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