Vaping cannabis introduces to a more convenient and portable way to enjoy our favorite terpene strains and cannabinoids. If you’re on the market for a new hemp vape cart, The Calm Leaf has you covered with some of the best choices out there, with a huge selection of cannabinoids as well as strains to pick from. Luckily for you, we narrowed it down (although we had a tough time doing so), to our absolute favorite vape cartridges to enjoy vaping with this year.
An Overview of Cannabinoid Disposable Vapes
Cannabinoid vape cartridges are pre-filled containers with cannabis-derived e-liquid, designed to be attached to a vape pen battery. These cartridges enable users to vaporize and inhale cannabinoids, offering a discreet, convenient, and less harmful alternative to smoking cannabis. Vape cartridges have become popular due to their ease of use, portability, and the ability to switch cartridges on the same battery to enjoy different strains or flavors. It's important to ensure that the cartridge and battery are compatible, typically through a standardized 510 thread connection used by most vape pens and cartridges.
How Cannabinoid Vape Cartridges are Made
The production of cannabinoid vape cartridges involves some steps, focusing on the cart’s structure, the infusion of cannabinoids into the e-liquid, and ensuring the quality and safety of the final product:
- Cannabinoid Extraction: Cannabinoids are extracted from cannabis or hemp plants using various methods, including CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, or hydrocarbon extraction. The choice of method affects the purity and potency of the final extract. From there, the crude extract may undergo further refinement processes such as winterization (removing fats and waxes) and distillation to increase its purity and potency.
- Preparation of Vape Juice: The refined cannabinoid extract is mixed with carrier liquids, which help to produce vapor when heated. These carriers also dilute the extract to the desired potency and can help with the absorption of cannabinoids. Optional flavorings can be added to enhance the taste. Terpenes from cannabis or other sources may also be reintroduced to replicate the flavor profile of specific strains and to potentially provide entourage effects.
- Filling Cartridges: A typical cartridge consists of a mouthpiece, a small tank or chamber to hold the e-liquid, and a heating element (coil) or atomizer. The vape juice is carefully filled into the cartridge's tank. This process is often automated to ensure precision and consistency in the amount of e-liquid filled.
- Assembly and Quality Control: The filled tanks are then sealed and attached to a mouthpiece. Some cartridges are designed with adjustable airflow or wickless heating elements to enhance the user experience. Cartridges undergo quality control tests for leaks, potency, and the presence of contaminants. Consistency in cannabinoid concentration is crucial for ensuring that each cartridge delivers a predictable effect.
How Cannabinoid Vape Cartridges Work
The process for how these disposables work is pretty straightforward:
- Attachment to Battery: The cartridge is screwed onto a compatible vape pen battery. Some batteries activate automatically upon inhaling, while others require pressing a button to heat the e-liquid.
- Heating and Vaporization: When activated, the battery powers the atomizer, heating the e-liquid to a temperature that vaporizes the liquid without combusting it. This produces an inhalable vapor rich in cannabinoids.
- Inhalation: The user inhales the vapor through the mouthpiece, allowing for rapid absorption of cannabinoids.
- Replacement and Disposal: Once the e-liquid in the cartridge is depleted, the cartridge can be unscrewed from the battery and replaced with a new one. Empty cartridges should be disposed of responsibly.
What to Look For in Cannabinoid Vape Cartridges
When selecting cannabinoid vape cartridges, by carefully considering these factors below, you can find a cannabinoid vape cartridge that suits your needs and preferences while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Cannabinoid Content and Spectrum: Identify the type of extract in the cartridge—whether it's full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate. Full-spectrum extracts contain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, offering the "entourage effect”, whereas isolates contain only a single cannabinoid.
- Potency: Check the potency, usually listed as a percentage of cannabinoids by volume or in milligrams. Ensure it matches your desired strength and tolerance levels.
- Purity and Quality: High-quality cartridges contain cannabinoids extracted from organically grown hemp or cannabis, free from pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. The extraction method is also crucial; CO2 extraction is preferred for its ability to preserve the purity and potency of cannabinoids without using harsh solvents.
- Third-Party Lab Testing: Reputable brands provide access to third-party lab test results or Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for each batch. These reports confirm the cannabinoid profile, potency, and absence of contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
- Terpene Profile: Terpenes contribute to the flavor and effects of the vape. Some cartridges are formulated with specific terpene profiles to mimic the effects of certain cannabis strains or to enhance the therapeutic effects of the cannabinoids.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the cartridge is compatible with your vaping device. Most cartridges use a standard 510-thread, but some may require brand-specific devices.
- Cartridge Materials and Design: Look for cartridges designed with safety and performance in mind. High-quality cartridges typically use ceramic heating elements for clean vapor production and glass tanks instead of plastic to avoid any risk of leaching.
- Brand Reputation and Transparency: Choose products from brands with a solid reputation for quality, safety, and transparency. Look for companies that are open about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and lab testing results.
- Legal Compliance: Verify that the cartridge meets the legal requirements in your jurisdiction, especially concerning THC content. In many places, hemp-derived products are legal if they contain less than 0.3% THC.
- Flavor and Experience: Consider the flavor profiles available and decide based on your personal preferences. Some cartridges offer natural cannabis flavors, while others might include natural fruit or botanical flavors.
- Price and Value: Compare prices across different brands and products but remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. High-quality, safe, and effective cartridges are often worth the investment.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact: If sustainability is important to you, look for brands that use recyclable materials and have programs in place for recycling used cartridges.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Convenience: Easy to use and transport, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption.
- Discreetness: Vape cartridges produce minimal odor, allowing for discreet use without the lingering smell associated with smoking cannabis.
- Wide Selection: Available in a variety of strains, potencies, and cannabinoid profiles to suit different preferences and needs.
- Potency and Purity: Many cartridges are designed to deliver a high concentration of cannabinoids, and reputable brands often use high-quality, lab-tested ingredients.
- Control Over Dosage: Users can easily control their dosage by adjusting the number of puffs they take.
Cons:
- Cost Over Time: Initial setup costs for a battery and charger, plus the ongoing cost of cartridges, can be higher than other consumption methods.
- Battery Dependency: Requires a compatible battery, which must be regularly charged for the device to work.
- Legal and Regulatory Uncertainties: The legality of THC-based vape cartridges varies by state, and even CBD-based cartridges can face restrictions in certain areas.
Our 2024 Picks for the Best Vape Cartridges
Now, let’s take a look at some standout vape carts from the most reputable names in the business. Rest assure, all of these cartridges have been lab-tested by a third party, and contain pure, additive-free hemp extracts, while of course, being 510-threaded to be compatible with your favorite vape pen device.
Vape Cartridge #10: Top Shelf Hemp Vape Co. THCP Vape Cartridge
Top Shelf Hemp Co.’s extensive line of vapes has been quite successful, with pure formulas and reliable hardware, not to mention some of the best strains around. Their THCP Vape Cartridge comes in Train Wreck, Sour Tangie, and Champagne Kush, three of the most sought-after strains of all time. Each cartridge contains a full gram of vape oil, and keep in mind that this is a very potent cartridge as THCP is the strongest cannabinoid in all of the hemp plant. In other words, vape wisely.
Vape Cartridge #9: Delta Munchies Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridge
Delta Munchies makes hemp vaping fun, period. Their Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridge is another top choice, since its perfect for vapers who prefer the soothing and mild effects of delta 8 THC. This additive-free cart comes in some great strains like Berry Gelato, Banana OG, and many more, with a full gram of vape oil in each one. The high is outstanding, yet never overwhelming, to ensure that you feel your best.
Vape Cartridge #8: Hempzilla Broad Spectrum Hemp CBD + CBG + CBN Balance JUUL Compatible Pod
Hempzilla’s commitment to bringing the highest quality, organically-sourced CBD products to the mass-market at a reasonable price shows with their nonintoxicating, JUUL Compatible Pod. It features a trio of balancing and grounding cannabinoids that can bring you into a state of carefree bliss without getting you high. Plus, this pod is unique in that it’s the only cart on our list that’s meant to be used with a JUUL vape device, rather than being a 510-threaded cartridge. Each pod contains 280mg CBD, 60mg CBN, and 60mg CBG, and is rich in terpenes, being broad-spectrum, without any THC. Keep in mind that this pod does not come in strains, but the effect you can expect is something similar to a hybrid.
Vape Cartridge #7: Hi On Nature HHC Vape Cartridge
Hi On Nature has come up with some of the most exciting formulas that the hemp market has seen, thanks to their knack for innovation paired with their impressive expertise of all things cannabis-related. For fans of HHC, this vape cart is where it’s at. HHC is similar to delta 9 THC, meaning that the high feels a lot like, well… weed. The cartridge contains 1 gram, without any added ingredients, and comes in one of the most popular strains of all time – OG Kush, a hybrid that can make you feel relaxed and euphoric at the same time, making it one of the most versatile cultivars, too.
Vape Cartridge #6: Happy Time High Delta 9 + 11-OH-THC Live Resin Vape Cartridge
Happy Time High is a manufacturer of psychoactive hemp products that aims to bring good vibes to anyone seeking out some intoxicating cannabinoids, especially through a number of premium vape cartridges. Som if you’re all about those cannabinoid blends, this cart won’t disappoint. It offers two cannabinoids rarely found in vape cart form: delta 9 THC (a legally compliant amount, of course), and delta 11 THC (a slightly more potent form of delta 9 that can induce feelings of joy and peace). The cartridge contains live resin, which is a great way to get more flavor and terpene effects into each puff, while offering some pretty enchanting and rare strains, like Scream Queen, Glitter Apples, and Exotic Gelato. Oh yeah, and it contains 3 grams, which is a huge amount of vape oil.
Vape Cartridge #5: ELYXR Delta 10 THC Vape Cartridge
Elyxr committed to offering a large selection of products, and this Delta 10 THC Vape Cartridge is another example of just that. This mild cannabinoid produces a really nice, uplifting buzz, that’s more energizing than delta 8. It definitely hits the spot when you need a boost without feeling knocked out. ELYXR’s Delta 10 Cartridge is one of finest around, with clean extracts and strains galore, including Strawberry Cough, Berry White, and several others, to offer something for everyone.
Vape Cartridge #4: Exodus Zooted THCA + THCP + THCB + D6 + HXY10 THC Loud Resin 2G Vape Cartridge
Exodus, also known as “Exo Club”, materialized as a visionary concept in order to provide some funky freshness to the cannabinoids world. Exodus has released some pretty enticing cannabinoid blend vapes, but this one is totally awesome. Yet another standout cannabinoid blend comes from their Zooted line, this 2g cart features a magnificent blend of rare cannabinoids, including many that you may have never had the pleasure of vaping before. It’s super potent, so prepare for a high that can knock your socks off, while enjoying the effects and flavor of loud resin, which takes the concept of live resin further by offering a stronger concentration. Strains like Berry Gelato, Rainbow Runtz, and Georgia Pie are just as tasty as they are exquisite in their effects.
Vape Cartridge #3: Binoid THCV Vape Cartridge
Binoid’s vaping products are about as exceptional as they come, consisting solely of hemp compounds without any additives of any kind, and always lab-tested to ensure stunning purity and general quality. Their THCV Vape Cartridge supplies a mix of THCV and delta 8 THC, to bring up that psychoactive effect, since the high of THCV Is very mild and short-lived compared to other forms of THC. This vape cart can offer a mood-enhancing buzz, while being available in a few must-try strains: Sour Tangie, Candyland, and Purple Haze.
Vape Cartridge #2: Crooked Creations D8 + THCP + THCH + D10 + THCA + HXY-9 + HXY-10 2G Live Diamond Vape Cartridge
Crooked Creations is the type of company who like to get extra creative with their products. So, anyone looking to explore some new and exciting cannabinoids should try vaping their Vape Cartridge. It consists of Delta 8 THC, THC-P, THC-H, THCA, HXY-9, and HXY-10 – all in one formula. You will be treated to sensational, next-level bliss. This 2g vape cartridge goes even further to offer THCA diamonds and live resin for maximum potency per puff, while treating vapers everywhere to impressive strains like Blue Razz, Maui Wowie, Peach Zkittlez, and many more.
Vape Cartridge #1: TabEAESE THCA High Terpene Extract 2G Vape Cartridge
The TabEASE Company began as a manufacturer of hemp tablets but has now expanded into the world of vaping. When you vape with a TabEAESE THCA High Terpene Extract 2G Vape Cartridge you’re treated to a paring of THCA distillate with a high-terpene extract, allowing for maximum effectiveness and unbelievable flavor. It happens to come in tons of strains to choose from, too, so you can really find satisfaction on your terms. Each cart contains a generous 2 grams of vape oil, as this should last for quite a while.
Start Vaping Away on These Awesome Vape Carts for Your 2024 Vaping Needs!
One thing we can say is that any of the vape cartridges at The Calm Leaf can satisfy your needs, but these 10 are easily the best we offer right now. Each one contains the perfect blend of cannabinoids and terpenes for pure bliss with every puff. Attach one of these to your 510 vape pen and you’re all set for a gratifying vaping session ahead.