If you’ve stopped by our dispensary lately, then you’ve probably seen the huge selection of vape cartridges on our shelves. Vape carts are a super convenient way to enjoy cannabis conveniently, discreetly, and effectively. But not all vape carts are the same. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the different vape oils that these cartridges are loaded up with.
What’s The Difference Between Vape Cartridges?
It’s all about what’s inside. While the cartridges may look the same, the contents can be quite different. It’s always important to know exactly what’s in a cartridge before trying to vape it. There are several different concentrated cannabis oils that can be found in vape carts. Here are some of the most common kind of cartridges that you’ll find on our shelves.
Distillate Vape Cartridges
Distillate is a cannabis extract that contains only very specific cannabis compounds. This oil is made through a complex extraction process that systematically strips away plant compounds one by one until what’s left is exactly what’s desired.
Because cannabinoids are so precisely extracted, distillate typically lacks the natural terpenes and flavors of the original plant. As a result, distillate oil can sometimes reach purity levels of as high as 99% THC/CBD. Oftentimes, terpenes are often infused back into the distillate after the distillation process to give the oil more flavor. Because it only contains specific compounds that have been cherry-picked, distillate is not considered to be broad-spectrum or full-spectrum.
Live Resin Vape Cartridges
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate that is known for its mouthwatering flavors and its impressive terpene content. This extract is able to preserve more terpenes by using plant material that was frozen immediately after harvest, skipping the curing process. This results in more terpenes being preserved in the final product, and a tastier concentrate overall.
Although live resin is usually solid, it can also be liquified for use in vape carts. The sauce and diamonds mixture that usually makes up live resin can be heated up and converted into a liquid concentrate just perfect for use in vape carts.
CO2 Oil Vape Cartridges
CO2 oil is a full-spectrum cannabis oil that is extracted using a liquid CO2 (carbon dioxide) extraction process. Carbon dioxide is converted into a liquid by manipulating temperature and pressure. It’s then used to strip cannabis plant material of its potent trichomes. Since carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring compound, CO2 extracts are considered by many to be more pure than those processed using butane, like live resin.
Full Spectrum Vape Carts vs Distillate – What’s The Difference?
Live resin and CO2 oil are both full-spectrum extracts, but there are others as well. For instance, some vape carts contain terp sauce, or FSE (full-spectrum extract) oil.
It’s important to note the difference between the effects produced by distillate and the effects produced by an FSE extract. While a distillate oil can often contain more THC, that doesn’t mean it will necessarily produce a stronger buzz. In fact, many people find the high produced by THC distillate to be less intense and shorter in duration.
By comparison, full-spectrum vape carts are able to take advantage of the entourage effect to produce a more complete buzz that is more similar to actually smoking or vaping flower. Nevertheless, some people prefer the clear-headed and focused high that THC distillate produces.
You can experiment with vape cartridges and find the ones you like best by shopping our extensive Venice Beach dispensary menu!
