Have you ever looked at a brand new vape cartridge and wondered why it doesn’t look full? No, you’re not being shorted, there’s actually a good reason for it! Below, we’ll dig into some of the most common questions about THC vapes, including why your fresh vape cartridge doesn’t look full and why your vape may not be hitting well.
Why Is My Vape Cartridge Not Full?
Your cannabis vape cartridge may not appear full for two reasons:
-
Vape carts are filled by weight, not volume.
When vape cartridges are filled, it’s not about filling the space in the cartridge. Instead, manufacturers make sure to add 0.5 grams or one gram of concentrate to the cartridge.
The consistency of concentrates varies quite a bit. Some may be very thick, while others are thinner and more fluid. This can change the mass of the concentrate, so some varieties may fill a vape cartridge almost all the way while others do not.
-
Absorption by wicking material.
In each vape, there is wicking material around the heating coil that may absorb some of the concentrate. This absorption brings the concentrate into contact with the heating coil so it can be effectively vaporized.
It may also, however, make the cartridge appear a bit less “full”. That concentrate hasn’t gone anywhere, though, it’s still in the cartridge inside of the wicking material. You’re not actually losing concentrate when it’s absorbed in this way, it’s just not visible within the cartridge.
How Do I Know If My Vape Cartridge Is High Quality?
There are a few ways to guarantee you’re consuming a high-quality vape cart. Look for these green flags each time you purchase a vape cartridge to make sure it’s in good condition.
- Always buy your vape carts from a licensed retailer.
- Check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) of your cartridge, which breaks down all the third-party laboratory testing results. This includes information on contaminants and compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes. If there’s no COA for your vape cartridge, that’s a red flag.
- Read the ingredients. High-quality cannabis vapes don’t use additives or fillers, like vitamin E acetate or vegetable glycerin.
- Research the brand. There are plenty of consumer reviews on brands you can find online, especially on Reddit. You can also check the brand’s website to find their license number to confirm they are a legal, regulated brand.
- Take note of the taste. If your vape tastes burnt or like chemicals, it’s low-quality and shouldn’t be consumed.
- If you’re concerned about any levels of residual solvents in your vapes, even those below the legal limits, opt for solventless concentrates like live rosin.
Why Isn’t My Vape Hitting?
If your vape isn’t hitting right, there are two likely culprits: the cartridge or the vape pen itself.
First, try to hit the same vape pen with a different cartridge. If neither vape cart works, the problem is likely with the pen. If the second cartridge works, the problem is likely with the first cartridge.
Ensure that your cartridge is properly attached to the vape battery. If it’s loose or improperly connected, the vape won’t hit. If that’s not the issue, the cartridge may be clogged or it simply may be too cold to work.
If the cartridge is clogged, try to unclog it either by pulling on the mouthpiece firmly or using the end of a paperclip to clear the mouthpiece. If you suspect that the cartridge is frozen, seal it in a plastic bag and use warm water to heat it up.
If the pen is the problem, first make sure that it’s charged and turned on. It may sound silly, but it’s like turning your computer off and back on again; it may just need a reset. If it still doesn’t work once reactivated, ensure the coils on your vape pen are clean.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
If your vape tastes burnt, there are a few common problems you may be facing.
- Poor quality concentrate. If you take a hit off a brand new vape and it tastes burnt or like chemicals, it’s probably not filled with good quality concentrate. Dispose of that cartridge and try a new one.
- Your vape cartridge is empty. If your vape tastes burnt and there’s only a tiny amount of concentrate left, consider that cartridge empty. Toss it and use a new one.
- You’re hitting the vape too often. Vapes must soak up concentrate into wicking material in order to deliver a satisfying hit. If you’re hitting the vape too many times in a row, the concentrate won’t be able to absorb into the wicking material quickly enough and your hits may taste burnt. Take a break, let the vape cool down, and try again.
- Your vape is turned on too high. Just because you can crank your vape battery to the highest settings doesn’t mean you should. Dial back the temperature a setting or two and try again.
- It’s been sitting in the sun. Cannabis concentrates will degrade when exposed to sunlight. If you leave your vape in the car or next to a window, it may taste burnt when you hit it due to the changes in the cannabinoid and terpene profile. Store it in a cool, dark location to preserve the quality of your concentrate.
Can I Store My Vape For A Long Time?
Yes, you can store your weed vapes for up to a year with proper storage practices. Here’s how to do it.
- Store your vapes upright to prevent leaks.
- Keep your vapes in a cool, dark place to prevent cannabinoid degradation.
- Store the battery and the vape cartridge separately.
Keeping your vapes in their packaging upright in a closet or a drawer is a great way to keep them for up to a year. If you live with children, consider investing in a lockable box to secure your stash.
Is It Normal For My Vape Cart To Have Air Bubbles?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for both reusable and disposable vape carts to have air bubbles in the cartridge, particularly with thicker concentrates. Oftentimes air bubbles happen while the oil is being absorbed into the wicking around the coil or because air gets trapped in the cartridge while it’s being filled. Keep your vapes stored upright to prevent more bubbles from forming.
Why Is My Vape Cart Leaking?
Your vape cartridge may leak for a few reasons that can be broken down into two categories: manufacturing problems and user error.
Manufacturing Problems
- Poor quality cartridge. If the manufacturer decides to cut corners on the vape cartridge, it may not be designed or packaged well, leading to spots where the oil can leak out. If the cartridge has been damaged during transport, it could also cause leaks.
- Poor quality battery. If your vape battery isn’t well-made, it may not fit your cartridges properly and can be prone to causing leaks.
If you believe your vape is leaking because of manufacturing problems, reach out to the brand to let them know and the dispensary where you bought it from.
User Error
- Improper storage. Storing your vapes improperly is the biggest user error that can lead to vape leaks. If you store your vapes on their side or upside down, concentrate can flow to areas it shouldn’t which leads to leaks. Always keep your vapes stored upright to prevent leaks.
- Improper connection. If your cartridge isn’t connected tightly to the vape battery, it may create gaps where heated oil can leak out.
- Temperature swings. If your vape is exposed to temperature swings, like being left in your car, the oil may contract and expand, which can cause leaks. Keep your vapes stored in a temperature-stable place to avoid this.
- Hitting it too often. If you’re hitting your vape too frequently and don’t allow the device to cool properly, the coil can overheat and cause leaks. Take breaks in between your sessions to allow your device to cool completely.
Answer Your Vape Cart Questions at Queen City
Weed vapes are an innovative combination of cannabis and technology, but sometimes they can be tricky to use. When you have questions about using your vape, cleaning it, or keeping it running, Queen City is here to help. Still have questions after reading this? Stop by the store with your device and chat with a budtender; our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to help you out.
