Cannabis 101: How to Unclog a Cart

Vaping is one of the most popular methods of cannabis consumption today. Along with smoking and edibles, vaping makes up the top three most preferred products in almost, if not every, legal market. The popularity of vaping extends beyond recreational users – which may come as surprise surprise – to medical consumers, with one analysis noting that 53% of patients polled reported that vaping is part of their medical cannabis regimen.

For medical consumers, vaporization may provide therapeutic advantages that include¹:

• Fewer side effects
• More accurate dosing
• Improved symptom relief
• Faster onset effects 
• Longer effects

One of the few but significant drawbacks to vaping is the ability of cartridges and pods to become clogged. Pulling the vapor from the mouthpiece becomes difficult or even impossible when this happens. In some extreme cases, clogs can ruin the device's functionality altogether. 

But, there are ways to avoid this predicament or repair it. Thankfully, this is usually simpler than it may sound, and you can get right back to enjoying your favorite vape in minutes.

What is a Vape Cart?

"Cart" is a shortened term for cartridge, the containers holding concentrated or extracted cannabis oil for vaping. Vape carts can be made from a variety of concentrates and contain some of the most potent cannabinoids and plant compounds to consume. The most commonly used vape concentrates include distillate, live and cured resin, live rosin, and CO₂.

Most cartridges are built separately from their battery. Vape pods are similar, but are typically brand-specific, limiting the number and type of devices they'll work with. Exceptions apply to both products in some rarer cases. While vaping cannabis does have its stigmas, studies have indicated that, unlike vaping nicotine, cannabis vaporization appears to reduce adverse effects associated with smoking cannabis. However, additional research is required.

Importance of Unclogging a Vape Cart

A clogged cart obstructs your mouthpiece's airflow, preventing you from inhaling the vapor building inside your device. Even if you can pull some vapor from a clogged device, you will see a reduced hit quality, including uneven hits and a reduction in flavor and aroma.

Even if the above isn't much of a bother to you, consider keeping your vape cart unclogged for the betterment of your devices. Not only are you wasting oil, but you are putting your device in danger of advanced damage and degradation. A lot of people inhale excessively to break up a clog. While this method works, it is at the detriment of your device, including creating cart leakage, which could get into other parts of some machines. 

Safety Precautions While Unclogging a Vape Cart

Unclogging a vape cartridge isn't the most dangerous task around, but it would help if you took a few precautions to protect your hands and the surrounding area from any potential damage and debris. Use the following precautions before preparing to unclog a cartridge:

• Let the device cool down: Make sure your vaping device is turned off and cooled down before any maintenance work. Do this to avoid any potential burns from the heated coil. 
• Put on disposable gloves: Consider putting on some disposable gloves or risk needing to wash your hands with rubbing alcohol or some other strong solvent to get rid of all the stickiness.
• Lay down some paper towels: Oil can make a mess if it gets on your clothes, surfaces, and devices. You should lay some paper towels down to avoid running into this predicament. 
• Buy from reputable manufacturers: This won't help much with unclogging a cart, but buyers should know the dangers of unregulated vape carts and pods. These items can be dangerous to your health, including the 2019 EVALI lung crisis, which affected thousands of Americans, with some losing their lives from the effects. 
• Avoid sharp objects and excessive force: Most vape devices, cartridges, and pods are delicate. While you may want to twist hard, push down, or pull excessively to fix or unclog a cartridge, these actions can result in broken components. Instead, follow the steps in the section below. 

How to Fix a Clogged Vape Cartridge

The steps can vary depending on the type of cart and brand you're working with. Still, the following should provide an overview that works with most standard vape carts:

Step 1: Get your cart to room temperature

First, get your cartridge to room temperature if it isn't already. If you find your cart clogged and it's too hot or cold, this may be the source of your problem.

Step 2: Inhale Slowly

Earlier, we discussed how pulling from the cart too much or too hard may help unclog the cart but destroy the chamber or battery. This remains true, but you can gently draw from the device to see if a clog will fix itself. Try taking one or two average hits from the device in short succession. If that doesn't work, wait a few minutes and try one or two more cycles. This could unclog the airway, but more cleaning is still likely required, even if successful.

Step 3: Disassemble the Vape Pen and Identify the Clog

You'll want to continue cleaning even if the last step appears successful. Doing so will help ensure the cart is thoroughly cleaned and clog-free for your subsequent usage. To do so:

1. Take apart your cartridge if possible.
2. Twist it from the battery if it still needs to be detached.
3. Get an up-close view of the airway and the other chamber components, looking for clogs or blockages. You may need a flashlight if you have trouble seeing up close.

Step 4: Clean and Clear the Blockage

If you notice a clog or a blockage in the cart or device's airway, try lightly blowing into it to see if that will dislodge the issue. If unsuccessful, consider getting a paperclip, toothpick, or some other small sharp device that can fit into the air hole and dislodge the blockage. 

Conversely, if you don't find any blockages, this step may be best used for cleaning your battery. Taking a cotton swab, dabbing it with isopropyl alcohol, and then rubbing it on the top of your battery may help clean any blockages created by leaked oil or other detrimental particles.

Step 5: Store In An Upright Position in a Cool, Dark Place

Minimize running into this predicament in the future by storing your vape cartridge in an upright position so that the mouthpiece points upward. This should help avoid oil seeping into the mouthpiece or the device. 

And as always with cannabis products, keep your vape cartridges away from UV light and the elements by storing them in a cool, dark place, either at room temperature or just slightly below it.

How to Unclog a Dab Pen

Dab pens are similar to vape carts and pens but have their own configuration and use oil differently than carts and pods. If you're looking to clean or unclog your dab pen, follow these steps for success with most devices:

Step 1: Disassemble the Dab Pen

Take apart all the components and lay each piece on a paper towel. 

Step 2: Clean the Components

Using isopropyl alcohol, q-tips, and a paper towel (depending on the component you're cleaning), gently scrub away at the remaining oil.

Step 3: Use a Heat Source

If you're struggling with removing any oil, consider heating your device. This method may help loosen some of the more stubborn oil build-ups. 

Step 4: Use a Tool

Use a paperclip, pipe cleaner, or similar tool to scoop, pull, and dislodge any oil build-ups in the device. Repeat this process until every component is clear. 

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Reattach the device's components and do a few test dabs. You'll know you've succeeded when the hits are even and flavorful as anticipated. There should be no struggle when you're inhaling. 

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Clogs

Clogs happen, but you can do your part to minimize the chances with a few steps that should sound familiar to most cannabis consumers, even if they don't vape:

• Regular Cleaning: Cleaning keeps any device at its most functional. Clean your device regularly. Depending on how often you use your vape cart, pod, or dab pen, you may want to clean once a week (for lighter users) or after every use (for regular consumers or anyone seeking the best hits every time)
• Proper Storage: Storing your vapes upright and out of UV light is the best way to avoid clogs and keep your oil fresh.
• Avoid Overfilling: If you're DIYing your vapes, avoid overfilling the cart, which can cause clogs and wasted oil.
• Use High-Quality Products: The saying is, "Quality in, quality out," which means you get the best experience when you use the best flower and products. Buy from trusted brands with reputable names in the industry and among consumers. Look for lab tests and certificates of authenticity to confirm the plant contents before you vape.

References

1.  Aston ER, Scott B, Farris SG. A qualitative analysis of cannabis vaporization among medical users. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2019;27(4):301-308. doi:10.1037/pha0000279
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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.