A vape cartridge (cart) typically contains a concentrated cannabis extract or oil designed for use with a vape pen or vaporizer. Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside a standard cannabis vape cartridge:

Key Components of a Vape Cartridge

1. Cannabis Extract or Oil:
   • THC or CBD Oil: The primary ingredient is cannabis oil that is either high in THC, CBD, or a balanced blend of both, depending on the product.
   • Full-Spectrum Extracts: Some cartridges use full-spectrum oils, which contain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes for an “entourage effect.”
   • Distillate: A refined cannabis extract with high potency, often stripped of terpenes, which are added back later for flavor.
   • Live Resin: A concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants, retaining more terpenes and delivering a robust flavor and aroma.
2. Terpenes:
   • Natural compounds found in cannabis and other plants that give the oil its flavor and aroma.
   • Terpenes can be either:
     • Cannabis-derived (from the same plant as the oil).
     • Botanical-derived (from other plants, mimicking cannabis terpenes).
3. Carrier or Dilution Agents (in some carts):
   • To adjust viscosity, some products include additives like:
     • Vegetable Glycerin (VG) or Propylene Glycol (PG) (rare in modern cannabis carts).
     • Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil (from coconut or palm oil).
   • High-quality brands often avoid additives to ensure purity and safety.
4. Cannabinoids:
   • In addition to THC or CBD, some carts may include other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, or THCV to enhance specific effects.

Other Cartridge Components

• Hardware: Vape cartridges are made up of:
  • A tank to hold the cannabis oil.
  • A heating element or coil that vaporizes the oil when heated.
  • A mouthpiece for inhalation.
  • A 510-thread connector (in many cases) to attach to a vape battery.

What’s Not in a High-Quality Cart

• No Cutting Agents or Additives: Reputable manufacturers avoid harmful additives like Vitamin E acetate, which has been linked to serious health issues.
• No Contaminants: Lab-tested products are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.

Choosing a Cart

When purchasing a cart, look for:

• Third-party lab testing to ensure purity and potency.
• Transparency about ingredients, especially the source of cannabinoids and terpenes.
• A trusted brand or dispensary to avoid counterfeit or unsafe products.

By sticking to reputable sources, you can ensure you’re getting a clean and enjoyable product!