Here’s What Goes Inside Your Vape Cartridge
Are you looking to try a new way to use cannabis? Maybe you’ve always used topicals, or you’ve never smoked anything but dry herb.
Vaping cannabis is one of the most popular ways to use it, and the trend seems to be going up. The global vape market is expected to reach revenues of over sixty billion dollars by 2025. Vaping is a convenient, discreet way to use cannabis, and it’s readily available.
But what exactly is in your vape cartridge, and why is it important for you to know? Keep reading to learn all the answers you’re looking for.
Low-Quality vs High-Quality
Cartridges are the vessels that hold the cannabis extracts that you vape. However, there is a big difference between a low-quality cartridge and a high-quality cartridge.
Low-quality cartridges are usually made from plastic. This is a problem because terpenes are able to penetrate plastic, which means there is a chance for chemicals to leak into the oil.
In order to prevent your oil from leaking out of your vape, there is a rubber “O-ring” secured tightly around your vape’s tank. Low-quality cartridges will have o-rings that don’t fit properly or are of poor quality, leading your precious oil to leak out.
These cartridges also tend to have pre-moistened wicks that use glycerin or propylene glycol, which have been known to cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are prone to allergic reactions, you definitely want to avoid this.
High-quality cartridges do not have any of these problems. They are made from materials such as glass, metal, or ceramic, in which terpenes cannot penetrate.
They also use high-quality and properly fitting O-rings to prevent any leakage. And, they have sealed joints that stop any air from getting in contact with the cartridge’s contents.
There are more low-quality cartridges on the market than you may think, so be mindful when you’re shopping. Though they may be cheaper, they will not give you the best user experience, nor will they last long.
Along with this, because of the possible health side effects, always choosing a high-quality cartridge is the safest option.
Vape Cartridge Contents
Now that you know what kind of cartridge to look for, you can explore what’s exactly in that cartridge. This is a basic rundown of what’s found in typical cartridges.
Cannabis vape cartridges have a half-gram to a gram of cannabis oil. If you’re using a THC vape cartridge, this oil will be more THC dominant. If you prefer a CBD vape cartridge, it will contain only trace amounts of THC or none at all.
For the oil to not be too thick for the cartridge, there are other elements added. Cannabis-derived terpenes are often included, which can give you extra health benefits and a particular strain’s aroma and taste.
If you’re looking for a full spectrum CBD vape, you’ll be looking for one that includes cannabis-derived terpenes. This gives you the benefits of more cannabinoids, such as THC, and is considered the purest kind of oil.
Non-Cannabis Contents
Other elements that are included in your vape are non-cannabis-derived terpenes, which are terpenes extracted from other plants or fruits. This is usually to recreate a particular flavor, though it is impossible to recreate it fully.
You will also find artificial flavors, which is how so many vapes can taste like cotton candy or bubble gum. Finding vapes that are more natural is better because there have been safety concerns regarding artificial flavoring.
Additives are often used as thinning agents for the cannabis oil, made from glycerin or propylene glycol. As stated above, these have been known to have health concerns and cause allergic reactions, so these thinning agents are used less now.
Depending on what kind of vape you have, you may have more or less of these ingredients. Because vaping is becoming so popular, it will be much easier to learn what’s in your cartridges, similar to finding what’s in your food.
If you have any concerns when purchasing a vape, talk to the salespeople at the dispensary. They should know precisely what is and what is not included, which is especially important if you have any allergies.
Picking the Right One for You
Though it is often difficult to distinguish between a high-quality and low-quality cartridge, it is worth taking the time to make sure what you’re getting is right for you.
When choosing your cannabis oil, you may be unsure of how to know which is the purest or the most potent. Many people lean towards a clear oil instead of a darker brown oil because these tend to be the purest. This is not always the case, however.
Along with this, all cannabis vape cartridges should show you their cannabinoid content. Though you may think a cartridge that states it is ninety-nine percent cannabinoids is the best, this may not be true.
If it is only one percent terpenes, you will not have the most pleasant experience because terpenes give your vape the flavor and scent.
Choosing a cartridge with a good balance of cannabinoids and terpenes is generally the way to go, though it may be less potent.
Know Your Vape
Knowing what’s in your vape cartridge can help you find the healthiest and most effective ways to use cannabis. If you feel your cartridge has too many artificial flavors or additives, do some research to find some that are more natural or are full spectrum.
You can expect to see more and more vape products getting made in the future, so keep a watch for new and improved vapes as well.
Browse through more of our blog today if you’d like to find more lifestyle articles like this.
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