Some vape cartridges are loaded with unnecessary fillers and additives. Choosing a simple starter product that can be trusted to have been third-party tested for safety and purity is essential. A new trend is wellness vapes, including vitamins and supplements such as vitamin E acetate, caffeine, and melatonin. These vaporized vitamins are inhaled directly into the lungs, which is risky and may cause lung injury.
It’s Safer
Vape cartridges allow you to inhale a solution of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavorings, and nicotine or cannabis extract without the harmful additives and carcinogenic byproducts found in smoke. They also do not produce tar, carbon monoxide, or other volatile organic compounds like diacetyl in cigarettes. Vaping is not without its risks, however. The CDC reports that the high nicotine levels in some e-liquids can cause the same symptoms as smoking and may even double your risk for heart disease. Additionally, many smokers who switch to vaping end up using both and do not stop smoking, making their health much worse than if they had never smoked. Fortunately, most cartridges sold in legal dispensaries undergo rigorous testing for various undesirable substances to ensure they are safe for consumers. If you purchase a nicotine cartridge, you can slowly reduce your nicotine level by purchasing liquids with different concentrations to wean off gradually. A high-quality vape cartridge will also give you more options for cultivars, THC-to-CBD ratios, and terpene profiles than pod systems or cigalikes.
It’s More Effective
Cartridges offer a consistent experience. They’re more reliable than a vape pen, which can leak or break when mistreated or not stored properly. Most cartridges have a sleek, dedicated design that’s less recognizable as a smoking device. In addition to a smooth, clean taste, cartridges can provide a more precise vaping experience than e-cigarettes or cannabis vaporizer pens. Because they’re smaller, they’re easier to hold and can deliver a more focused hit. They also require less maintenance and don’t produce smoke that may alert others to your habits or cause odors.
Vape cartridges are often formulated with different ratios of the two major phytocannabinoids, THC and CBD, which can alter your consumption experience. Many brands offer strain-specific cartridges for consumers who want to fine-tune their effects or enjoy their favorite indica or sativa-dominant flavors. They’re also usually third-party lab tested for potency and safety. This makes them a safer choice than most e-cigarettes, which have been linked to the recent outbreak of EVALI (E-cigarette and Vaping-Related Lung Injury).
It’s More Affordable
Vape cartridges come in a variety of sizes, materials, and designs. Most are designed to screw onto a compatible device and turn its liquid mixture into an inhaled vapor. Cartridges are typically disposable or refillable, and some are designed to work with specific batteries that offer more advanced features like companion apps and temperature fine-tuning.
Vaping has become more popular than traditional smoking, especially among youths. While more definitive studies are still needed to understand long-term effects and potentially harmful short-term side effects, several factors make vaping more appealing than smoking to youths and adults. For example, vaping does not cause the lingering smell or telltale plume of smoke that many smokers find offensive. In addition, vaping cartridges are discreet and can be used without disrupting others, even in public spaces. The price of a branded cartridge can vary, but they often cost less than a comparable pre-rolled joint or edible. This is particularly true for distillate cartridges that take the liquid product derived from CO2 supercritical extraction and put it through a distillation step.
It’s More Accessible
While more definitive studies need to be conducted to decipher the long-term effects of cannabis vaping, it’s a much safer alternative to smoking. With the right cartridge and device, it’s safe to use vaporizers to consume concentrated oils containing a range of cannabinoids, including CBD, CBN, and more. However, choosing reputable cartridges is important because black market dealers may put harmful ingredients in the oil. One example is Vitamin E Acetate, which naturally occurs in some vegetable oils but becomes carcinogenic when vaporized and inhaled. Available in both medical and recreational marijuana markets, you can easily find a high-quality cartridge that fits your specific needs. Unlike vape tanks, cartridges are simple to operate and don’t require a separate battery.
Cartridges are a great option for beginners because they make it easier to control the dose and feel the effects instantly. The quick absorption of THC also makes it easier to gauge your consumption so you don’t accidentally over-consume. Cartridges come in various price points so that you can find the best fit for your budget.
It’s More Fun
Cartridges are smaller and more discreet than vape tanks. They are ideal for patients who prefer a quieter experience or must keep their medical marijuana use private. They also require less maintenance than other devices and are generally more user-friendly. Cartridges can be filled with a variety of different liquids. They usually have a mouthpiece and a coil or atomizer that heats the liquid to produce vapor. They are commonly filled with a distillate that contains very specific cannabis compounds. The distillate is made through a complex extraction process that strips away plant compounds until the desired liquid is left behind. A cartridge with a high concentration of the terpenes limonene and pinene can provide an uplifting experience, while one rich in myrcene and linalool may have relaxing effects. Patients can choose the terpene profile that best suits their needs and preferences.
