Vape Cartridges: A Comprehensive Guide
Vape cartridges—or “carts”—have become a preferred method of consumption for cannabis enthusiasts and medical patients alike. Vape cartridges come in many forms, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs. The convenience, discretion, and dosage control they offer are key reasons behind their popularity.
In this article, we’ll go over what a vape cartridge is, how it’s used, its many components, and the different types available on the market.
What Is a Cannabis Cartridge—and What Isn’t?
A cannabis cartridge is a small, pre-filled device that houses a heating element and a chamber containing cannabis oil or concentrate. Designed to attach to a battery or vaporizer pen, it often features a non-removable, tamper-evident mouthpiece and typically comes in half-mL or 1-mL increments.
Cartridges are not the same as pods or integrated vaporizers (all-in-one devices), which are separate categories of vaporizers. Cartridges are typically cylindrical (though they can also come in various different shapes), and what sets them apart is their male threaded connector, which most commonly comes in the form of the 510 thread. This makes the cartridge compatible with a wide range of batteries and devices.
By contrast, pods are typically used with specific devices and often feature a magnetic or proprietary connection rather than the universal 510 thread, while integrated vaporizers combine the battery and the cartridge into a single unit. These devices have their own upsides, but generally lack the versatility and interchangeability that cartridges offer.
How Does a Cannabis Cartridge Work?
Cartridges consist of several key components: a mouthpiece, a tank or chamber filled with cannabis-infused oil or other concentrates, a heating element (often referred to as an atomizer), and a male threaded connector, typically a 510 thread (the industry standard), which attaches the tank to your battery or vaping device.
It’s important to note that “smoking cart” is a misnomer. When the battery activates the heating element, the oil is vaporized and can be inhaled through the mouthpiece; vaping carts do not combust the cannabis material but rather heat it at a much lower temperature to release active compounds as vapor, not smoke. This makes vaping more convenient for indoor use.
The Anatomy of a Vape Cartridge
A vape cartridge’s components include: left to right; tank, atomizer/oil intake, mouthpiece
The Mouthpiece
Mouthpieces on cartridges are usually non-removable and tamper-evident. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, each affecting the user experience in different ways.
Materials: Plastic (including high-quality polymers), wood, metal alloys, and glass are commonly used.
Shapes: Round, squared, and everything in between. There are many ergonomically designed mouthpieces available, each offering different levels of comfort and ease of use.
Size: Varies, with larger mouthpieces often providing a more substantial draw, and smaller ones offering a more discreet experience.
Here are some of the pros and cons of each type of mouthpiece material:
Polymers/Plastic:
- Pros: Lightweight; cost-effective.
- Cons: May impact flavor; less durable.
Wood:
- Pros: Unique, natural aesthetic; comfortable feel.
- Cons: Prone to wear; less durable or long-lasting.
Metal:
- Pros: Durable, premium feel.
- Cons: Potentially uncomfortable; can heat up during use.
Glass:
- Pros: Clean flavor; premium appearance.
- Cons: Fragile; more expensive.
The Tank
The tank is the chamber that houses the cannabis oil or concentrate, and its material composition is crucial to the overall performance and flavor preservation.
Materials: Tanks are typically made from glass or plastic, but can also be ceramic or metal alloys like SS303, SS304, and SS316. Common materials include:
- Borosilicate Glass: Often used for its high durability and resistance to thermal shock, borosilicate glass tanks are favored for their purity and the clean flavor they maintain. However, they can be slightly more expensive and fragile.
- Plastic (Polycarbonate and PCTG): Polycarbonate is a strong, durable plastic, but it can sometimes interact with the oil, affecting the flavor over time. PCTG is a more premium plastic that offers better chemical resistance and clarity while maintaining durability.
- Ceramic: Ceramic tanks are used for their excellent heat resistance and purity, ensuring that the flavor remains unaffected by the material. However, they can be heavier and more expensive.
- Metal Alloys: These tanks offer the utmost durability and a premium feel, but they can add weight to the cartridge and can influence the flavor if not properly coated.
The Heating Element (Atomizer)
The heating element is what vaporizes the cannabis oil. It is often paired with a layer of wicking material, such as cotton or non-woven fabrics, to ensure that the oil is evenly saturated and vaporized. The quality of this wicking material is crucial; using subpar materials can lead to issues like oversaturation, clogs, or a burnt taste as the wick degrades.
There are several types of heating elements, each with its own advantages:
- Single-Coil Ceramic: Most cartridges on the market use a single-coil ceramic heating element. Ceramic elements distribute heat evenly, preserving terpenes and cannabinoids for a flavorful vapor. They are durable and provide a consistent performance, and typically contain an embedded coil with a resistance range of 1.0 to 2.0 ohms.
- The coil resistance, in combination with the battery’s power settings, plays a large role in deciding the intensity of the vaping experience.
- Lower resistance coils produce more heat, making them ideal for thicker oils,
- Higher resistance coils produce cooler hits, better suited for thinner oils.
- Dual-Coil: Offers faster heating and more vapor production, which can be an upside for those who prefer larger clouds. However, they can be less efficient with the oil as well as harsher on the throat.
- Metal Coils (with silica wicks): Although less common today, some cartridges still use single or dual-coil metal heating elements paired with silica-based wicking material. These tend to provide a different flavor profile but can degrade the oil quality faster than ceramic options. They have largely been replaced by ceramic for better flavor and safety.
- Quartz Coils: These are less common in standard cartridge setups but are known for providing an exceptionally clean flavor. They are often used in more specialized vaping devices rather than in typical cannabis cartridges.
The Oil Intake Holes
Cartridges feature oil intake holes, or pores, that control how much oil saturates the wick. These pores can vary in number (typically between 1-4), size (typically 0.5mm to 2.5mm), and shape (round, square, or rectangular). The configuration of these pores is crucial: a low-quality setup can result in leaking, clogging, or burnt flavor.
The 510 Thread Connection
The 510 thread is the standard connector in the industry, making cartridges universally compatible with most batteries. Cartridges typically have 510 threading at the base, typically made from metal alloys like stainless steel for durability and optimal electrical conductivity. The name comes from the 10 metal threads on the connector spaced out at 0.5-millimeter intervals.
This threaded connection also houses the airflow inlet holes and the positive pin, which connects to the battery. The positive pin can be made from stainless steel, copper, or gold-plated materials to ensure optimal electrical conductivity and consistent performance.
Different Types of Vape Cartridges
Vape cartridges come in various forms, each catering to different preferences and needs:
Full-Spectrum Carts
These cartridges deliver a comprehensive cannabinoid profile, mirroring the natural composition found in the original cannabis plant. The full-spectrum approach is celebrated for their “entourage effect”—where cannabis compounds work better together than in isolation to enhance therapeutic benefits.
Kurvana’s products, including our Originals, ASCND, and CARBON21 lines, are made using full-spectrum, live, whole-plant cannabis oil, delivering a potent and complex cannabis experience.
Non-Strain-Specific Formulations
Non-strain-specific formulations focus on isolating and emphasizing specific cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, or a blend of major and minor cannabinoids, to create products tailored for specific effects or therapeutic purposes like relaxation or focus.
While these formulations don’t replicate the complexity of full-spectrum options nor necessarily preserve the full cannabinoid profile of the original plant, they’re not interested in doing so—rather, they’re crafted specifically to deliver a targeted experience.
Kurvana’s cbd+Minor Cannabinoids Collection, for instance, highlights a carefully-crafted blend of cannabinoids that provide a balanced, full-bodied, therapeutic experience and excel at delivering precision effects.
Distillate Carts
Distillate cartridges are a prime example of non-strain-specific formulations. They focus on delivering high concentrations of a single cannabinoid, typically THC or CBD. The distillation process isolates these cannabinoids, resulting in a pure and potent product. They offer a more concentrated effect and a more streamlined experience for those seeking a targeted outcome or specific therapeutic purposes.
Live Resin Carts
Live resin carts are made from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants, preserving the maximum amount of terpenes and cannabinoids. Live resin carts offer an incredibly rich flavor and a more potent effect compared to standard distillates.
How Many Draws Are in a Cart?
The number of inhalations from a cart varies by size and usage.
Depending on the length and intensity of each draw, a full 1-mL cart can offer anywhere from 150 to 300 draws, while a 0.5-mL cart provides about 75 to 150 draws.
Proper Storage and Maintenance
To ensure longevity and performance, store your cartridges in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation of the cannabis oil. It’s important to avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, which can affect the viscosity and potency of the oil. Store them upright to avoid clogging and leakage.
Regularly clean the mouthpiece and connections of your vape pen to ensure a smooth draw and consistent vapor production.
If you notice any changes in the color or taste of the vapor, it may be time to replace your cart.
Advanced Vaping Technologies
The cannabis vaping industry is constantly evolving. Newer batteries now offer temperature control settings, allowing users to customize their experience. Lower temperatures preserve more terpenes, producing more flavorful vapors, while higher temperatures intensify effects.
Kurvana is at the forefront of these innovations, incorporating the most cutting-edge technology into our products to ensure you have the best possible vaping experience.
How to Identify Real Carts and Avoid Fakes
For those on a budget, affordable THC carts offer an accessible entry point into vaping. However, it’s crucial to approach cheap carts with caution and always verify their authenticity through reputable sources.
Ensuring the purity, efficacy, and safety of your vaping experience is straightforward—purchase only from reputable, licensed retailers. The best way to avoid fake cartridges is to only purchase from a legal dispensary.
Kurvana’s commitment to quality means all of our products come with detailed labeling and undergo rigorous testing to meet the highest standards of purity and potency, including and exceeding California’s stringent testing requirements. Our commitment to transparency and consumer education ensures you have the tools to make fully informed decisions about your vaping products.
Why Kurvana? Quality Over Everything
Kurvana is a leader in the cannabis industry, dedicated to providing high-quality, lab-tested carts that deliver on purity and potency. We research, design, and manufacture our devices in-house, with our innovation team rigorously testing them as well as those of our competitors to ensure our devices outperform all others.
We understand that every detail matters, from ergonomic design of the mouthpiece to the precision of the heating element. Our products, including from Originals and ASCND to our CARBON21 lines, are made using full-spectrum, live, whole-plant cannabis oil, and our carts are crafted with high-grade premium alloys such as Stainless Steel 303 and 304, providing you with the utmost assurance of safety.
We believe that every user deserves a safe and enjoyable vaping experience, and our products are designed to deliver just that. Explore our full range of products here.
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