Choosing the Best Cannabis Carts
With a growing number of cannabis users all around the world, the use of cannabis cartridges (or “carts”) has also become more popular. Using a vape and cartridge is a more portable, discreet, and easy-to-use way to consume cannabis compared with traditional approaches such as smoking.
What is a Weed Cart?
You will hear cannabis cartridges referred to by a number of different names, including weed carts, marijuana carts, vape cartridges, CBD weed carts, or vape carts. They generally mean the same thing (although a reference to CBD or THC would imply that that compound is dominant in the finished product).
These cartridges are usually small tanks or vessels filled with cannabis oil or extract, and usually come in sizes of 0.5 mL and 1 mL, also referred to as half-gram and 1 gram. They usually come in a variety of strains and cart flavors.
Before going deeper into the strains and flavors, let’s take a quick look at the cartridge itself. Use only cartridges made from high-grade materials. Of these, glass is the most common, but high-quality metal and ceramic cartridges also exist. They should have built-in safety seals to prevent air and oil content from mixing.
(Avoid lower-quality cartridges purchased through non-licensed retailers. These devices are constructed with poor materials that can release harmful chemicals. Reputable brands like Kurvana manufacture their cartridges with the highest standards.)
What’s Inside a Cart?
Cartridges contain cannabis concentrate or extracts.
Terpenes are hydrocarbons found in plants’ essential oils. They give strains their specific scent and flavor. See our complete guide to cannabis terpenes for detail on the effects of individual terpenes.
If you hand-harvest cannabis plants at their optimal terpene level, there is no need to artificially add terpenes (or other additives). Kurvana products use a proprietary process that results in full-spectrum, whole plant extraction. This focuses on preserving and purifying the essence of the cannabis plant. By using the whole, live plant, the cartridges retain their true-to-strain taste.
Are There Different Types of Weed Carts?
The two different types of cartridges are standalone (or “pod”) tanks and cartridges that are part of an “all in one” system.
Standalone cartridges can be removed and replaced when they run out of material, while continuing to use the same vaporizer. The cartridge in an all-in-one vaporizer is not removable or replaceable so when it is empty the entire vaporizer needs to be replaced.
Both types are available on the Kurvana store.
CBD vs THC Cartridge
THC cartridges and CBD cartridges are constructed in the same way, though of course a THC cartridge would use strains that are themselves THC-dominant while a CBD cartridge would use CBD-dominant strains.
THC cartridges are known for their psychoactive effects. CBD cartridges are not generally psychoactive, and are instead often thought of as being useful for reducing pain and anxiety and other positive effects on the mind and body.
FAQs about Cannabis Cartridges
How long does a weed cartridge last?
We often see questions from users about the longevity of cartridges, from the basic “do THC carts expire” to more specific queries like how long does a CBD cartridge last?
The answers to these questions depend on how you use your cartridges. Cartridges don’t come with an expiration date; typically, the average shelf life of a Kurvana product is 12-18 months, provided that it is being stored properly.
Given even occasional use, most cartridges will be fully used well before this time. For example, a 0.5mL cartridge contains approximately 150 doses (puffs), depending on the kind of battery device you are using and the intensity of your draws.
How to make your cannabis cartridge last longer.
The best way to maximize the life of your vape cartridge is to store it properly. Keep it in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight, and separate the cartridge from the vape pen (unless it’s an all-in-one) for storage.
If you leave your cartridge in any area that is too cold, the oil will be more difficult to vaporize. If the storage area is too hot, the oil quality itself may degrade due to oxidation.
Check out our Quick Start Guide for more details about the proper use and care for your vaporizer and cartridges.
What does an expired cartridge look like?
Expired cartridges may look, smell, or taste different from fresh ones. For example, cannabis oil darkens over time, so you may notice your cannabis cartridge is a different color to when you first purchased it.
High-quality Kurvana products will not normally change their smell or taste, so if you notice a change, it’s highly likely that your cartridge has expired.
Is it bad to smoke an old cartridge?
It’s not harmful to use an old vape cartridge even after its expiration, but you may not get much of an effect from it. This is assuming we’re talking about high-quality cartridges here. In the case of lower-quality cartridges, the risks increase with age.
How can I tell if my cannabis cartridge is fake?
The best way to avoid fake products is to purchase them only at licensed cannabis retailers or the Kurvana store. Please note that Kurvana cannabis products are currently available only in California.
If you believe that you’ve been sold a counterfeit Kurvana product, please email us at hello@kurvana.com with the following:
– Photos of the packaging; front and back.
– Photos of the product; front, back, top and bottom.
– Name and location of the retailer where you purchased the product.
Make sure you purchase your cannabis cartridges from licensed retailers and reputable brands who put safety first.
How to Dispose of Vape Cartridges.
Proper vape cartridge disposal is as important as correct storage. Partially full or full cartridges should be placed in solid waste containers or disposed of with household hazardous waste. Disposable or single-use batteries, as well as rechargeable batteries, are also a fire risk, so be sure to separate them from your regular garbage collection.
Bottom Line
Because most users are already aware of what cannabis oil can do for their mood and wellness, they look for practical, mobile, and unique ways to enjoy cannabis without unnecessary fuss and attention. If you know how to take care of your cannabis cartridges and how to dispose of vape cartridges, then vaping can offer a long-term, discreet, convenient, and fun way to enjoy usage, providing benefits that your mind and body will thank you for.
Check out some of the highest quality cartridges on the market here.
