You may find yourself staring at an old vape cartridge in a drawer. It could be a leftover from a previous vacation, or a gift from a friend. Although the vape cartridge appears to still contain the same golden oil as the day it was purchased, you cannot help but wonder whether the cartridge is still good?
I've had my fair share of vape cartridges - from the clumsy designs of the early days to the sleek, live resin pods available today. While the answer to whether a vape cartridge is still good isn't as simple as checking the expiration date on the package, I can tell you that it is an interaction of the chemistry of the contents, how the product is stored, and a little common sense. Below we'll break down the shelf life of 2g, 1g, and .5g vape cartridges, relating the science behind the product that you currently have on your shelf.
The Golden Rule: It's Not About the Grams, It's About the Clock
First, we need to debunk a commonly held belief. A 2g vape cartridge doesn't last four times longer than a .5g vape cartridge based solely on the grams of oil contained in each cartridge. The number of puffs you receive from each cartridge determines the quantity of oil, not the duration of time the oil remains potent. The countdown to degradation of the oil begins the moment it is removed from the plant material it was derived from, and the rate of degradation accelerates rapidly after the first hit of a vape cartridge when the heat and oxygen from the device are introduced to the oil.
However, a larger vape cartridge will undergo greater degradation of its oil components over a longer period of time if used slowly over an extended period of time due to the increased exposure to environmental conditions.
The Real Enemies of Your Cart: A Trifecta of Ruin
- Oxygen: Oxygen is a powerful oxidizing agent that will gradually break down the cannabinoids such as THC and CBD into less potent forms, such as CBN (the primary contributor to drowsiness).
- Heat: Heat causes all chemical reactions to occur faster than room temperature. Therefore, the breakdown of delicate terpenes and the oxidation of cannabinoids are accelerated when a vape cartridge is left in a vehicle with extreme temperatures.
- Light: Light, particularly ultraviolet light, is similar to a wrecking ball on the molecular structure of terpenes and cannabinoids.
The Shelf Life Breakdown: From Fresh to "Meh"
Below is a practical timeline of what to expect from a vape cartridge in relation to the time elapsed since packaging, assuming the best possible storage conditions (i.e., upright, in a cool, dark area, with the mouthpiece closed during non-use).
The First 6 Months: The Golden Period
Potency: 95-100%
The terpene profile is vibrant and distinct. The oil tastes as the manufacturer intended.
This is the pinnacle of the experience. Each vape cartridge is at its peak potency, flavor, and experience regardless of size (i.e., 1g, 2g, etc.).
My personal preference is to consume my vape cartridges within six months of packaging. I have personally experienced a greater decline in flavor than in overall potency.
6 to 12 Months: The Gradual Decline
Potency: Approximately 85-95%
The flavor of the oil is noticeably milder than expected. The top notes of the terpenes have either evaporated or degraded. The color of the oil may darken somewhat, changing from a vibrant gold to a darker, more amber-like hue.
The experience will still be satisfactory, but the excitement and complexity of the flavors will have diminished. The effect of the vape cartridge may also appear to be flat or less defined.
A study published in the American Chemical Society journal, ACS Omega, in 2020 found that THC concentration in cannabis oil may be reduced by several percent over 12 months regardless of storage conditions.
12+ Months: The Danger Zone
Potency: May drop to less than 80%.
The flavor of the oil will typically be unpalatable, "skunky," or even repulsive. The consistency of the oil may thicken to the point of resembling molasses.
At this stage, the likelihood of experiencing clogs that are difficult to resolve is significant. The vape cartridge may produce a sedating/heavy effect due to THC being converted to CBN. I once came across a 1g distillate vape cartridge from a discount brand that was approximately 18 months old. In addition to being extremely weak, the vape cartridge produced a mild headache and a grogginess that was quite different from the effects I originally experienced.
While the size of the vape cartridge is a concern, the primary issue lies in using the large vape cartridge sporadically over a long period of time. When you draw air into a large reservoir, it greatly increases the oxidation of the cannabinoids, resulting in a vastly inferior experience during the latter portion of the vape cartridge.
Tiny 0.25g/0.3g Disposable Vape Cartridges
Disposable vape cartridges are small, single serving containers of oil. They were designed to provide immediate satisfaction and are not intended to be stored for an extended period of time.
Consider a 0.3g "Taster" disposable vape cartridge from a brand such as Legion of Bloom. Once opened and consumed within a week or two, the entire unit (including the hardware) is no longer functional and should be discarded. The oil within the unit degrades at the same rate as in a larger unit, however, the user is unlikely to store the unit for an extended period of time before noticing the differences in quality.
Final Verdict & Pro-Tips
How Long Do Vape Cartridges Last?
- Optimal Flavor & Effects: Use your vape cartridges within 6 months of the packaging date.
- Still Effective: Most vape cartridges retain some level of effectiveness up to 12 months post packaging. Expect a reduction in both flavor and the overall experience.
- Beyond 1 year: It's a Gamble: After 12 months, the probability of an unappealing, unpleasantly flavored, and/or ineffective vape cartridge is substantial. While there is little chance that a vape cartridge will be harmful (pathogenically), the experience will likely be suboptimal.
My Personal Rules for Cart Longevity:
- Always Check the Packaging Date: Before purchasing a vape cartridge, check the packaging date. Try to avoid purchasing a vape cartridge that is older than 6 months.
- Store Like Fine Wine: Store your vape cartridges in a cool, dark location, preferably in an upright position. An old smell proof bag or a specialized vape cartridge case within your dresser drawer will be sufficient.
- Respect the Hardware: Be cautious not to use excessive voltage on your vape cartridges to extend their lifespan. Excessive heat from repeatedly using high voltages can accelerate the breakdown of the delicate terpenes and cause oxidation of the cannabinoids.
- When in Doubt, Toss It Out: If your vape cartridge is older than 12 months, darkens significantly, becomes thick as tar, and tastes terrible, don't waste your time. The potential for a poor experience or a clogged vape cartridge is not worth the few remaining puffs.
Your vape cartridge is a perishable item - a delicate blend of chemistry and botany. Treat it with respect, and it will reward you with consistent, pleasurable experiences from the first puff to the last.