For those new to cannabis or vaping, the world of vape cartridges can seem a little confusing. Between different extracts, device types, and brand options, it helps to understand the basics before making your first purchase. This guide breaks down the main types of cannabis vape cartridges and introduces some trusted brands to explore.
What Exactly Is a Vape Cartridge?
A cannabis vape cartridge is a small container filled with cannabis oil or concentrate. It connects to a battery that heats the oil into vapor, delivering cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion. Carts are popular because they’re portable, discreet, and offer a smoother experience than smoking flower.
Main Types of Cannabis Oil in Carts
The biggest difference between cartridges lies in the oil inside. Distillate cartridges are highly refined cannabis oil, rich in THC or CBD but stripped of many other compounds. These carts are potent and widely available. Brands often reintroduce terpenes to mimic natural flavors, making them a good option for beginners who want consistency. Live resin cartridges are made by flash-freezing cannabis plants after harvest, preserving terpenes and cannabinoids better than distillate. Expect stronger flavors and an experience that feels closer to smoking flower. Rosin cartridges are extracted without solvents using only heat and pressure, making them a favorite among purists who want a clean, solventless product. They’re more expensive but offer high flavor quality. Sauce or liquid diamonds cartridges combine high-potency crystalline THC with terpene-rich sauce. They’re usually marketed to experienced consumers but are worth knowing about if you’re exploring stronger options later. Full-spectrum cartridges keep the complete range of plant compounds for the “entourage effect.” Broad-spectrum removes THC while retaining terpenes and other cannabinoids, making it a good choice if you want little to no intoxication.
Device Styles: How Cartridges Connect
Not all cartridges work with every vape battery. The most common format is the 510 thread cartridge, which screws into most universal batteries and is the easiest way to try different brands and strains. Pod systems use proprietary designs, such as the PAX Era, which are sleek, consistent, and beginner-friendly but limit you to specific brands. Disposable vape pens come ready to use with battery and oil built into one unit. Once empty, you discard the whole pen. They’re convenient for travel or first-timers, though less sustainable than refillable options. Refillable cartridges are designed for users who want to add their own cannabis oil, offering customization but requiring more maintenance. They’re best for those with some experience.
Recommended Brands to Explore
When starting out, it’s smart to stick with trusted brands that emphasize quality and lab testing. Kurvana is known for high-quality distillate and live resin cartridges with strain-specific flavors. PAX makes the popular Era device and pods, offering both cannabis and CBD options. Lume carries solventless live rosin pods like Jenny Kush and Galactic Glue Mintz. Catalyst Cannabis offers a wide selection of brands including Raw Garden, Jetty Extracts, PlugPlay, Rove, Stiiizy, and Heavy Hitters.
Getting Started
Cannabis vape cartridges offer a convenient way to explore cannabis without the smoke. Whether you prefer the consistency of distillate, the bold taste of live resin, or the purity of rosin, there’s a cartridge type to fit your needs. By starting with reputable brands and the right device, beginners can enjoy a safe and enjoyable introduction to vaping.