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What you will learn in this post:
Vaping cannabis has become one of the go-to consumption methods in the last few years. The vape category had the second-highest growth rate in 2021, with disposable vape sales increasing by over 60% and cartridge sales increasing by 25%.
While THC vapes are popular on the recreational market, CBD vape pens are just as common. CBD is a cannabinoid found in high concentrations in hemp and high-THC cannabis. The passing of the Farm Bill in 2018 opened up the floodgates of options for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, most prominently CBD.
Since then, various vapes have hit the shelves for consumers. The high demand for these CBD products may be due to extensive accessibility, convenience, and ease of use. The hardest part about vapes is deciding which one is best for you. While it all comes down to a matter of personal preference, there are a few helpful tips and features to consider that make picking the right vape a breeze.
What is a CBD Cartridge?
A vape cartridge is the chamber of the vape device that holds the cannabis concentrate. It has a mouthpiece and some sort of heating coil. The cartridge will need to be attached to a battery. There are several different types of batteries to choose from, but the most common is a twist on 510 thread. However, proprietary options like Stiiizy or PAX only fit their cartridges, which are also called pods.
Carts are detachable pieces that, when finished, are disposed of and then replaced. Outside of the legal cannabis market, CBD carts are made with distillate or isolate. Within the legal cannabis market, you can also find high CBD live resin and solventless live rosin vapes. The difference between them is how they’re extracted and the range of cannabinoids and terpenes in them.
Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a more potent CBD experience than traditional CBD consumption methods like smoking dry flower. Vapes are also great because you’ll feel the effects within moments without committing to a long-lasting experience like when consuming edibles or tinctures.
Vaping cannabis produces much less dense smoke and smell, making vapes a discreet option for consumers. They are also extremely portable as well, as they are designed to be handheld. Beyond all these benefits, they are also easy to use; a single button operates most, and other vapes are breath-activated and only require a simple inhale from the mouthpiece.
Many cannabis consumers prefer cartridges over disposable vapes since the batteries are reusable and can often hold larger carts, like a full gram. There is usually a much more comprehensive selection of cultivars in carts vs. disposables.
With all of these options and the ease of accessibility of hemp, counterfeit CBD vape carts have made their way onto the market. It’s important to always purchase from reputable dealers and only products that provide proof of testing.
How to Choose the Best CBD Cart
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right vape cartridge.
First, it’s essential that you purchase a cartridge that is compatible with your battery. 510 threaded batteries will give you the most cart options to choose from. However, there are other options for batteries as well.
CBD cartridges can come in a range of concentrations. Some are CBD isolate or distillate concentrates, with no THC in them. In contrast, others can contain higher levels of THC at a ratio like 1:1. CBD cartridges containing more than 0.3% delta-9 THC are only found where adult-use cannabis is legal. Other than that, CBD vapes will be hemp-derived and have less than 0.3% THC.
Important terms to know are ‘full spectrum’ and ‘broad spectrum’ as they indicate the range of other cannabinoids in the product. The broad spectrum contains a range of cannabinoids except THC. Full-spectrum contains THC and all the other cannabinoids and terpenes present in the cultivar but may be a better option for customers looking to achieve the entourage effect.
There are also different size options. How long a cartridge will last will depend on this factor and how often you use it. Full-gram carts may be better suited for heavy users, while .3 or half grams are better for those with lower tolerance levels.
The price point is also a common determining factor. Depending on your options, prices can start as low as $15 and go as high as $70.
Some industry professionals and long-time vape customers have strong opinions about which CBD vape cartridge is best. However, it’s also a highly subjective experience. Some consumers simply purchase from the brand they are most loyal to. However, individuals should do their best to avoid CBD vapes with ingredients such as vitamin E, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings or other additives, as they could be harmful to your lungs.1,2
The most important thing is choosing a tested vape pen with easy access to a certificate of analysis (COA) and sold at a licensed retailer. Several occurrences of severe adverse side effects, including death, have occurred due to counterfeit vapes.
Additional features you can be mindful of are the type of battery you get. Some are rather basic, with just a button or breath activation, but others offer different heat settings that can change the flavor and potency of the concentrate.
The Best CBD Cartridges for 2024
Since CBD is available in hemp-derived and high-THC cannabis options, there is a large selection of brands, cultivars, and styles. Choosing what's best for you is a personal process that may require some trial and error. It may be best to keep note of the brands and cultivars you use to narrow down which one is best for your needs.
Below are a few of the best CBD vapes available through Nugg Club and a few hemp-derived options to get you started on your journey of finding the best CBD carts.
These options are CBD-rich but high-THC cannabis derived.
- Rove – Strawnana | 510 compatible | 1:1 | 1g
Rove offers an extensive selection of high-quality cannabis-derived concentrations for their vapes and joints. 1:1 is often referred to as the “perfect” ratio, as the effects of THC and CBD can reportedly balance each other out. It’s said to be a zen experience that may be helpful in a wide range of scenarios.
- Alpine - Vape – Harlequin 3:1
3:1 is a sought-after ratio because it seems to induce the perfect amount of intoxicating effect without being overwhelming. It’s reported by many to be a great choice for daytime or functional consumption, especially if you’re still looking for some THC benefits.
- Nuvata - Vape – Tangerine 9:1 | Mind
Although CBD is a popular cannabinoid, it can be difficult to find high CBD in the high-THC cannabis market. This 9:1 ratio is rich in CBD and may be best for those looking to avoid the intoxicating effects of THC.
Hemp CBD options
- Foria – Intimacy Botanical Vape Pen with CBD – 1g | 510 compatible
Foria has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality hemp CBD-rich products for your most intimate moments. These vapes are made with broad-spectrum CBD and added organic peppermint and ginger for an extra boost.
CBD Carts FAQ
How long do CBD carts last?
How long a CBD cart will last depends on the size of the cartridge you purchase, how often you take a hit off it, and how intensely you hit it. It is not uncommon for a vape cartridge to only last a few days, depending on the user.
Do CBD carts expire?
Vape cartridges have an expiration date that should be visible to you on the packaging. It should be good for at least one year, depending on the brand and type of oil used.
What is the minimum age to purchase a CBD cart?
The minimum age limit for purchasing a CBD vape cart will depend on whether you’re purchasing hemp or cannabis-derived CBD. Hemp is usually available for those 18 and older. The minimum age limit to purchase high-THC cannabis-derived CBD vapes will depend on where you’re purchasing and those state cannabis laws. Medical cannabis is usually available to those 18 and older, while adult use minimum age is usually 21. Check your local laws to confirm.
Can I travel with CBD carts?
It’s important to be mindful of the local laws of where you’re traveling. While hemp may be legal in the U.S., it’s not the same internationally. Even within the states, clarity regarding what is and isn’t allowed to cross state lines can be tricky to understand. It’s best to keep your stash at home if you're leaving the state and look into other ways you may be able to access your cannabis.
References
- Woodall M, Jacob J, Kalsi KK, et al. E-cigarette constituents propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin decrease glucose uptake and its metabolism in airway epithelial cells in vitro. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2020;319(6):L957-L967. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00123.2020
↩︎ - Yi-Fong Su V, Chen WC, Yu WK, Wu HH, Chen H, Yang KY. The main e-cigarette component vegetable glycerin enhances neutrophil migration and fibrosis in endotoxin-induced lung injury via p38 MAPK activation. Respiratory Research. 2023;24(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-022-02307-z
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
