I have been vaping for a number of years now and have gone through everything from the first, cumbersome vapes to the sleek devices we have today and I have come to admire the humble vape cartridge as an example of modern personal vaporization.
The purpose of this article is to explain how to select and utilize a vape cartridge and blend the technical data of the cartridge with the experience of using a cartridge in order to fully understand how to use a cartridge successfully.
What is a Vape Cartridge?
In the simplest terms possible, a vape cartridge is a completely contained chamber for the liquid concentrate, an atomizer to vaporize the liquid and a mouthpiece to breathe the vapor produced. To put it simply; think of it as the "pod" or "cartridge" for your vaping device. While there are a lot of different standards for vape cartridges, the most common type of cartridge is the 510-thread cartridge.
The name for this cartridge comes from the 10mm diameter and .5mm pitch threads that allow the cartridge to connect to virtually any 510-compatible battery. The first vape product I purchased was a cheap, disposable pen battery and a 510 cartridge and while the technology has advanced since then, the basic ability to connect the cartridge to virtually any battery remains the biggest advantage of the 510 thread.
Types and Contents: From Distillates to Live Resin
Your overall experience with a vape cart has a lot to do with the type of oil inside it. Below is a list of the most common types of cannabis oils found in cartridges.
- Distillates: Distillates are a highly refined, pure form of THC or CBD, that can be flavored, however, they may lack the natural flavor of cannabis and can have a stronger, more consistent level of potency.
- Live Resin: Live resin is made using fresh-frozen cannabis plants and preserves the plant's natural terpenes. As such, live resin cartridges have a fuller, more authentic flavor and a broader spectrum of effects, commonly referred to as the "entourage effect".
- Rosin: Rosin is a solventless extract, typically pressed from cannabis flowers or hash. Similar to live resin, rosin provides a premium, full-flavored experience and is often considered a top shelf, clean product.
- Specialty Blends: There are cartridges available with other cannabinoids including Delta-8 (a milder, legal alternative to THC) and THC-P (an extremely potent cannabinoid). Some cartridges also blend CBD for its medicinal properties.
A User's Guide: How to Use a Vape Cart Safely and Effectively
There are some best practices to follow that will help you use your vape pen safely and effectively. Below is a simple users guide that includes best practices I've learned personally along with manufacturer recommendations.
- Charging the Battery: First things first, make sure the battery is fully charged. A lot of problems you'll run into, such as less than satisfactory vape production, can be attributed to a low battery charge.
- Attaching the Cartridge: Attach the cartridge to the battery very gently, do not force it to attach. Also, be careful not to cross thread the two parts together. To avoid cross threading, begin attaching the cartridge to the battery slowly until it reaches "finger tight".
- Priming a New Cart: Before using a new vape cart, especially if it is a new, refillable cart, wait at least 30 minutes after filling it or purchasing it, to allow the oil to completely soak into the wick. If you hit a dry wick right away, you will immediately get a permanent burned flavor.
- Taking a Hit: When using a button activated battery, take a slow, steady pull while pressing and holding the button. If you are using a draw activated battery, simply take a puff. Take one small puff and wait 10-15 minutes to allow the full effects to kick in before you take another. Vape oil is extremely concentrated.
- Storing: Store your vape cart in an upright position in a cool, dark area to keep it from leaking and to keep the oil in the best condition possible.
Insights and Conclusion
The vape cartridge is a testament to the relentless pursuit of convenience and stealth in consumption. However, my own experiences have shown me that not all cartridges are created equally. The marketplace is flooded with options, and the phrase "you get what you pay for" has never held truer. Investing in cartridges from licensed and reputable manufacturers and pairing them with a high-quality, adjustable voltage battery is not only a superior experience, it is also safer and more consistent.