Vape cartridges are a simple and easy way to enter the world of vaping CBD. Carts are slim cylindrical vape tanks containing CBD distillate (a form of CBD concentrate designed for vaping,) or, in some cases, CBD vape juice. They offer a convenient method to get your daily dose of cannabidiol.
According to scientific studies, cannabidiol (or CBD) provides multiple health benefits. Vaping is one of the most effective ways of administering it, due to its high bioavailability. Inhaling CBD gets it into the bloodstream and to the cannabinoid receptors more quickly than oral products like CBD tinctures or CBD gummies and edibles. And it delivers CBD benefits much faster than CBD pills or lotions.
In this guide, we’ll offer tips on how to vape CBD carts properly. But first, here’s a list of the best pre-filled and refillable CBD vape carts available now.
CBD cartridges are mini vape tanks with a built-in coil and wick, pre-filled with CBD distillate (or vape juice). They’re the next logical step up from using disposable CBD vape pens. Like other popular weed carts, CBD cartridges generally employ universal 510 threading, which means they’re compatible with all 510 thread batteries and standard vape pens.
Though pre-filled CBD oil carts are technically considered disposable, high-quality carts can sometimes be opened and refilled a few times before disposal.
A refillable CBD cart is an empty vape tank with a built-in coil and wick that is designed to be opened and filled (and refilled) by the user. They are generally built to accommodate thick cannabis oils like CBD distillate, but are sometimes used for CBD or nicotine vape juice.
Refillable carts are relatively inexpensive—and cost-effective compared to pre-filled carts or disposable CBD vape pens—if you have access to bulk CBD distillate. However, some people are willing to trade the money they could save by refilling for the convenience of carts that are pre-filled and ready to use.
Note: This process applies to any refillable or empty pre-filled oil cartridge.
Once your CBD cart is filled and primed, there isn’t much to do. Just screw it onto your 510 thread battery or vape pen. Some batteries that are draw-activated won’t require you to press any buttons to turn the device on or off. This is the typical process:
A CBD cart’s lifespan depends on a variety of factors, and your personal usage habits are some of the most important. To figure out how long a CBD cart will last, consider:
In general, half-gram CBD carts will last between 80 and 160 puffs. If you’re taking five to ten hits per day, your half-gram cart can last up to a month.
One-gram carts will take 160 to 320 draws to finish up. At five to ten hits each day, this works out to around two months.
You may use carts more slowly or quickly, depending on the factors described above.
When we talk about 510 CBD carts—or any 510 carts —we’re talking about the thread size. Early nicotine vape manufacturers developed the 510 connection, and named it for its ten 0.5-millimeter threads.
Because 510 thread CBD carts are universal, they’re the most common type; these products can attach to any 510 thread battery or device. This covers the majority of batteries on the market, aside from some proprietary products.
To connect a 510 CBD cart to a compatible battery, simply twist them together at the threading. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the device or disrupt the connection. Under-tightening will also lead to a poor connection and difficulty creating vapor. Twist until the connection is firm, but not beyond that point.
You can purchase CBD carts from online retailers, dispensaries, head shops, or vape or smoke shops. Occasionally you may see them sold at convenience stores.
Dispensaries tend to mark up prices, but you’re less likely to encounter untested or black-market products. If you’re new to CBD, it can be helpful to speak with a dispensary representative. They can provide valuable insight and guide you toward the best CBD cart for your needs.
Smoke shops and head shops can be a gamble; the cost is typically lower, but you’ll want to do some research into the store first. Don’t stop by the first head shop you find on the street, especially if the prices seem too good to be true.
Online retailers are a good middle ground. It’s easy to find testing information and steer clear of black market products—if the brand is reputable, this will be published prominently on their website. Plus, the cost is usually cheaper than buying from a dispensary, and it’s simple to shop around to find the best deal.
Both prefilled and refillable CBD carts have their advantages. Before choosing one over the other, consider your priorities.
Prefilled CBD carts are:
Of course, prefilled CBD carts have their downsides. They’re the less eco-friendly option. Once you use a cart, it goes in the garbage. They’re also more expensive; you’re likely to pay more for each milligram of CBD.
On the other hand, refillable CBD carts are:
The biggest downside of refillable carts is straightforward: they’re less convenient. Not only do you need to add your own oil, but they also need to be maintained and cleaned between uses. They’re more time-consuming, although experienced vapers may find that the added effort is minimal.
It can be tempting to purchase the first CBD cart you see in a smoke shop, but this isn’t a wise strategy. Keep two things in mind when you’re buying a new cart: is it from a reputable brand with transparent safety testing, and does it fit your needs?
Before all else, confirm that the cart has undergone testing. Trusted brands will make this information available to the public, usually displayed openly on their website. If you’re shopping in person, ask the dispensary or shop representative for information. If they don’t have it available or seem dismissive, take your business elsewhere.
After confirming that the product is safe to consume, take a look at:
Be on the lookout for untraceable, untested CBD. Hemp farms are regulated by the federal and state governments, but when it comes to CBD products—especially vape products— it’s up to the consumer to research safety.
The biggest giveaway that a CBD product is untrustworthy? There’s no Certificate of Analysis (COA). Find the report and take a closer look. Check that it’s up-to-date and was published recently. You can also look into the lab to make sure that it’s an accredited facility. Finally, focus on the numbers. Does the product actually contain the amount of CBD that’s advertised?
Keep an eye out for the red flags of shady CBD products:
Vaping a questionable CBD cart isn’t worth the risk to your health. These products could contain unhealthy oils not meant for vaping, or other contaminants.
If you’re suspicious about a product, it’s best to trust your instincts. You can look up customer reviews for additional insight.
It’s all a matter of personal preference. Before buying a new CBD vape cart, consider what you want out of your vaping experience.
Full-spectrum CBD products use the “full spectrum” of the hemp plant. Although CBD is the dominant compound, they also contain terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids. This could include up to 0.3% delta 9 THC.
While full-spectrum CBD may contain THC, the amount is typically too low to instill a psychotropic response. You probably won’t get high from using a full-spectrum CBD cart—but you might trigger a positive drug test if the THC level exceeds the stated amount.
If flavor is one of your top priorities, full-spectrum CBD is the way to go. The terpenes help create a robust taste and aroma. These carts are optimal if you’re seeking the entourage effect: the theory that consuming the full spectrum of a plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids enhances their impact.
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar, but there is no risk of consuming THC. Like full-spectrum, it contains a spread of cannabinoids and terpenes. Expect flavorful hits and a strong aroma. However, the manufacturer has completely stripped away the THC content, eliminating the risk of a positive drug test.
CBD isolates offer a different type of experience. To create these oils, manufacturers isolate the CBD compound, filtering out other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant materials. Isolate carts are the closest we can get to consuming pure CBD extract — they may contain up to 99.9% of the compound. They’re THC-free, but also devoid of CBG, CBC, and other desirable cannabinoids.
A CBD isolate cart is extremely potent. If you want a powerful dose of CBD in only a few puffs, this is the oil for you.
Pure isolates are lacking in terpenes, so they have practically no taste or smell. Terpenes can also be reintroduced later; these carts may have a slightly lower percentage of CBD, but they’re highly potent and flavorful.
Crystallization is what occurs when CBD granulates, separating from the other compounds and terpenes in your oil. You’ll notice hard or gummy-like crystals forming in the cart’s chamber. The oil might also turn cloudy and lose color.
First, keep in mind that while crystallization can point to a low-quality cart, it’s a natural process that can happen to many CBD oils. Because high-quality CBD products lack preservatives and fillers, they are actually more prone to crystalizing.
There are a few reasons your CBD cart could be crystallizing, such as:
Most importantly, crystallization isn’t a death sentence for your cart. Viscous, crystallized oil increases your risk of a clog, so use light heat to bring it back to a liquid state.
Start by firing up the cart several times, without taking a hit. This can help decrease viscosity. You can also hold your cart under a hairdryer for around a minute; just make sure it’s on the lowest setting, and keep the hairdryer a foot away.
Don’t apply excessive heat to your cart, even if it has crystallized. This can do more harm than good. For example, terpenes are sensitive to heat and can break down at high temperatures. Heat can also reduce the potency of CBD or other cannabinoids.
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