If you’re new to cannabis, or even if you’ve been using it for a while, you may be quickly overwhelmed at the sheer number of options you have. You can smoke cannabis, consume it in an edible, take a gummy, or use a tincture. Cannabis is even available as a topical. One method of using cannabis that’s gaining popularity is cannabis vape cartridges. 

A vape cartridge offers an alternative to smoking cannabis, enabling you to enjoy the benefits that cannabis provides without the side effects of combustion. Don’t just select the first cartridge you come across, though. Choosing the right cannabis vape cartridges makes all the difference.

Visit a Licensed Dispensary

One of the first things that you should do when choosing the best cannabis vape cartridges is to visit a licensed dispensary. While both medical and recreational cannabis is legal in numerous states, dispensaries have strict regulations that they must follow to sell their products. You’re much more likely to get quality cartridges (and quality cannabis) from a dispensary that holds a license.

Be Aware of Any Cutting Agents

Many brands of cannabis vape cartridges are made from quality cannabis and don’t contain cutting agents or non-cannabis additives. There are several others, however, that add extra ingredients to their cartridges that are potentially harmful to your health. Common cutting agents and other additives to avoid include:

Propylene glycol

Polyethylene glycol

Medium-chain triglycerides 

Vegetable glycerin

Even if you’re visiting a trusted, licensed dispensary, be sure to read the ingredients of a cannabis vape cartridge before you buy it. 

Look at the Viscosity

The viscosity of the oil in a vape cartridge matters. This is vital for the cartridge to function correctly. If the oil is too thick or too thin, it won’t be able to vaporize properly. It should have the consistency of honey. There are a few ways manufacturers create the ideal consistency, with two of the most common being CO2 and distillates. 

CO2 oils: properly made CO2 oils don’t require any additives as they retain some of their natural terpenes, which act as thinning agents

Distillates: a distillate cartridge is a very refined oil that can be made from a variety of starting materials. The biggest disadvantage is the process also removes the terpenes, so some sort of thinning agent is required to get the right viscosity

Pay Attention to Terpene Additives

Terpenes cannabis vape cartridges help to lower the viscosity of the oil. They increase the flavors and aromas of cannabis as well as impact your overall experience.

CO2 oils retain natural terpenes, so no additional terpenes are added. Oils that have had their terpenes removed can have them re-added in small percentages. This creates a natural spectrum of flavors while giving the oil the right viscosity for vaporizing. Watch out for food-grade terpenes. While they’re common, they’re also the lowest quality. 

Select a Cartridge Made from Quality Materials

It’s not just what’s in the cartridge that matters. The actual cartridge itself is also important. Avoid cartridges that are made from plastic, have low-grade wire, or misaligned components. Poor construction can indicate a low-quality product and poor experience. Instead, choose a product that looks well-made and is made from high-quality materials.

Don’t settle for the first cannabis vape cartridge that you find. Take your time and do your research to ensure that you find the best cartridges for you. If you have any questions, the experts in your dispensary should be able to provide you with helpful answers and point you in the right direction.