Guides | 09.26.2023

Weed Carts: A Complete Guide To Vape Cartridges

Cartridge 101 for seasoned users, intermediates, and beginners alike.

Carts have been one of the greatest things to happen to the cannabis world. That said, smoking said cartridges can also be a little confusing or rather challenging at first. Let’s learn what’s what in this Cart 101.

Cannabis cartridges are a discreet way to enjoy a toke on the go without having others stare or give you the stink eye because of your skunky puffs. However, there are many different elements and aspects to consider when looking into buying or using these devices.

Not only are there various types of materials used to make cartridges, but also various concentrates that can be filled into cartridges. Furthermore, these concentrates can contain a wide assortment of cannabinoids, ranging from Delta-9 THC to THC-P. Keep reading for more information about cannabis vape cartridges.

What Is A Vape Cartridge?

Before we dive into the different types of vape cartridges, let’s understand what these devices are in the first place.

A cannabis vape cartridge is a small body of hardware containing concentrated cannabis oil. Many different brands create cartridges, which can contain all sorts of concentrates like live resin, distillate, and live rosin.

These cartridges are designed to fit most vape pens and batteries on the market. Interested in learning which is right for you? Read on to learn more.

Vape Cartridge Guide

This small guide has the basics gathered. Here’s all you need to know when choosing a vape cart, what the types of extracts they contain, and how to choose one that’s right for you.

We can begin this short journey by understanding what a vape cartridge actually is. These small containers are filled with an oil or a cannabis-infused solution that is heated up by a battery and then vaporized for you to enjoy.

With that said, let’s see the different cart types and how these affect your smoking experience.

What Types Of Cartridges Are There?

You can usually find a variety of cartridges. These not only differ in style and shape but may also have some design or engineering changes that will alter function. Cartridges also vary according to their compatibility with batteries. Below, we’ve included the 3 main types of cannabis vape cartridges in terms of hardware and compatibility.

510 Threaded Cartridges: Standard size or compatibility is usually referred to as a “510 cart”. This is due to how these cartridges fit onto the battery through a threaded heating element. Most vape pens and batteries are compatible with all 510-threaded cartridges on the market. That is, unless the packaging notes that it’s only compatible with a specific device, which we explain below.

Pods & Cartridges For Specific Devices: Some brands create their own vape pods or cartridges that are only compatible with their own devices. PAX is a great example. The PAX Era Pro and PAX Era only work with PAX Pods. Luckily, PAX makes various pods with different extracts, and many other brands make PAX pods too.

Disposable Vapes: This isn’t really a vape cartridge but an entire device itself. A bit wasteful, yes, but it helps consumers experiment with different brands and extracts in the easiest way possible. Disposable vapes are handheld portable vaporizers that you dispose of when complete. Some are rechargeable and even have a charging port to ensure you get every last drop of oil.

Most of the time, 510 vape cartridges are made using food-grade materials, such as:

  • High-quality aluminum
  • Food-grade ceramic
  • Borosilicate glass
  • Titanium

While some have fancier designs than others, you should really check their composition, and the most important part is having heat-resistant and food-grade components, as you’ll be interacting with these elements with your mouth and airways.

Lastly, one of the most basic variations carts can have is the volume they can carry. You can find small cartridges with just about 0.5g of oil, while there are also party-sized carts with 3g or even 5g.

Standardly speaking, most carts come in 4 different sizes:

  • 0.5g
  • 1g
  • 1.5g
  • 2g

What's The New Stealth On The Block? Randy's Inspo

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Choosing the right vape cart can be as tricky as navigating a smoke-filled room (pun intended!). But don’t sweat it, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re puffing away on a pen or munching on edibles, the magic comes from the THC, but the effects can be as different as night and day.

Now, we’ve talked about all the different types of vape cartridges, their contents, and how they’re made. But what if we told you there’s a vape battery that’s not just versatile but also incredibly discreet?

The Inspo is the newest concentrate vaporizer from Randy’s. The design of this clever little number makes it look just like an Elf Bar Disposable, allowing you to vape your oil cartridges in public without attracting a second glance. Perfect for those public transport rides or vaping around friends without attracting unwanted attention.

But it’s not just about stealth, the Randy’s Inspo is a 510 thread cart battery that’s compatible with most vape pens and batteries on the market, making it a versatile choice for all your vaping needs.

What Do Cannabis Cartridges Contain?

Cartridges come in a wide variety of strains, cannabinoids, and concentrates. We want to take a quick look at what types of substances can be found in cartridges, but the list expands quickly, and it is not exclusive.

Most of the time, and per regulation, you can either get CBD carts, THC carts, or carts with a mix of cannabinoids. Generally speaking, CBD and D8 cartridges, like other hemp-derived products, are federally legal, so dosing on these is easy, convenient, discreet, and hopefully worry-free.

Some cartridges are filled with Delta 8 THC, which has a milder, mellow, and cerebral high. You can also get your hands on Delta 9 THC cartridges which are the “regular” type, featuring the traditionally known cannabinoid and not available in many states as this compound is still federally illegal per the 2018 Farm Bill.

Then you have Delta 10 THC, a stronger and newer cannabinoid. The Botany Farms Delta 10 THC Vape Carts feature the sexy Pineapple Haze strain, great for an energizing and uplifting user experience of tropical and fruity aromas and tastes.

There are also other cannabinoids like Delta P or THCP, a cannabinoid that can produce effects up to 30 times higher than those of D9, and even HHC, which is a man-made substitute for Delta 9. The Botany Farms Bubba Kush HHC Vape Cartridges are great for those looking to experiment with this innovative cannabinoid.

As you can tell, there are many different types of cannabinoids you can find in cartridges. Now the most important thing to take into consideration is what type of extract you’re choosing and its quality.

How Are The Extracts And Distillates Made?

There are three main kinds of cannabis oil used in vape cartridges, pods, and disposable vapes.

  • Distillate
  • Live Resin
  • Live Rosin
All of these differ based on their extraction process, which we explain below.

Distillate: Distillate is the most common cannabis concentrate found in vape cartridges and disposable weed pens. It’s made through a process known as distillation, which isolates one cannabinoid from the cannabis plant to make a very pure concentrate that’s rich in the isolated cannabinoid, which is likely Delta-9 THC. Because it’s so pure, distillate is often very strong, sometimes even reaching 100% THC levels.

Live Resin: For those who prefer a more well-rounded and true-to-plant vaping experience, live resin is a great choice. It’s made from freshly harvested flower that’s been flash-frozen to preserve the cannabinoids at their peak potency. From there, the resin is extracted using a solvent like butane, then processed into cartridges. These concentrates contain the full spectrum of cannabinoids from cannabis, unlike distillates that only contain one cannabinoid.

Live Rosin: Both live resin and live rosin are made the exact same way. The only difference is that live rosin doesn’t use chemical solvents. It uses natural solvents like water and ice or heat and agitation to separate the concentrate from the plant material. Live rosin is typically less potent than live resin but more flavorful. They can still be very potent, but their flavors are often richer than all other concentrates.

How To Choose The Right Vape Cartridge

Choosing the right vape cartridge simply comes down to your preferred experience. Below, we’ve broken down what questions to consider when looking for a new cannabis vape cartridge, pod, or disposable.

Do You Prefer Potency?: The most potent weed vape cartridges are typically distillates, considering they can reach up to 100% THC. However, they don’t contain other plant properties, so the buzz is very THC-oriented and less true-to-plant.

Do You Prefer A True-To-Plant Buzz?: If you want to feel like you just smoked a joint, opt for a high-quality live resin vape cartridge. You’ll know it’s of good quality when the effects roll in. If you feel like you just smoked weed, it will do the job.

Do You Prefer Flavor?: Some connoisseurs enjoy experimenting with different concentrates based on their terpene profile, aromas, and flavors. In that case, finding a live rosin vape cartridge is your best bet.

Kush Kolectiv Dream Blend Pod

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This isn’t your average pod; it’s a finely crafted blend of Delta8 THC and CBN, peppered with selected sleep terpenes. Imagine a warm blanket of comforting flavor wrapping you up and carrying you to dreamland. That’s the Rinyu Serenity Dream Blend experience.

Are you struggling with insomnia? Stressed out? Or maybe you fancy a more tranquil trip to the land of nod? This blend has your back, front, and everything in between. And hey, it’s not just for night owls; whether at home, working late at the office, or on a red-eye flight, this discreet little pod is your passport to peace.

Remember, choosing a vape cartridge isn’t just about what’s in it but who’s behind it. With the Kush Kolectiv Rinyu Serenity Dream Blend, you’re getting a quality sleep aid and a quality brand product. So here’s to sweet dreams and serene nights – courtesy of Kush Kolectiv.

Flying Monkey Lifted Series Disposable Vape

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Have you ever vaped THC + Nicotine? If you haven’t, Flying Monkey created the Lifted Series Disposable Vape for you to experience the enhanced mental buzz that comes from vaping such a potent mix.

Although nicotine is non psychoactive, it can offer a more complex high than vaping only cannabinoids. Besides, it won’t cause a couch lock when vaping moderate doses. The Lifted Series  is an excellent choice to vape any time of the day.

Puff On This Until Something Happens

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P.U,S.H is a brand that has carved out a niche for itself in the vaping industry, offering a range of high-quality vape cartridges that cater to both novices and seasoned vapers. Their products are designed with the user in mind, focusing on ease of use, portability, and a satisfying vaping experience.

One of the key features of P.U.S.H vape cartridges is their compatibility. Unlike some brands that require specific batteries or devices, Push cartridges are designed to work with common 510 thread batteries, the most widely available type in the market.

Push also places a high emphasis on the quality of their cartridges. They’ve moved away from plastic chambers, opting instead for glass to reduce leaking. The atomizers in their cartridges are made from ceramic, a material known for its ability to evenly heat and vaporize cannabis oil. This results in a smooth, flavorful vapor that’s free from the harshness often associated with metal atomizers.

What's The Bottom Line?

Most top-tier brands produce 510 threaded cartridges, so it’s taken as the industry standard. I wouldn’t put much thought into the compatibility matter. Just go with these for practicality and ease of use.

The most important aspect to take into consideration when purchasing vape cartridges is the extraction method used to produce the oil, and the quality of the materials you will vape from. Always go for manufacturers that certify their production standards, the materials used, and the processes that ultimately will go into the vape you put into your body.

For your tranquility and safety, it’s best to always check how these companies are producing these cartridges to ensure they comply with industrial health and safety standards. Be safe, be smart, and enjoy smooth, flavorful vapor from your favorite brands.

I encourage you to try new brands too, as finding something that works for you is a process of trial and error.

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