2019 has brought more vaping options than ever before, and 2020 is shaping up to be a good year as well. Even though the laws change and now you cannot buy a vape or e-cigarette unless you are 21 and older, business is still doing great. But there are a few wrong cartridges on the market right now with dangerous ingredients within the cannabis oil they contain. Some vaping companies are looking to make a trustworthy name for themselves and produce high-quality vaping oil. Others, unfortunately, are just trying to make a quick buck.
So, what makes some vape cartridges better than others? Does safety have to do anything with it? How do I know if I am using a suitable cartridge? We’ll answer those questions and much more in our small but in-depth guide below.
High-Quality ingredients
The following ingredients are illegal to have in cannabis oil, as they can cause respiratory illness and other potentially life-threatening sicknesses.
Vitamin E oil – known for causing respiratory distress, this ingredient caused a few deaths in 2019 in young people. Despite the deaths, it remains a common ingredient in cheap cartridges.
Propylene glycol – a common ingredient in anti-freeze and fog machines
Heavy metals – like copper, nickel, mercury, and zinc
Acrolein – a popular chemical in weed-killing spray, it has been known to cause lung damage.
No Teflon
It would be best if you didn’t cook with Teflon coated pans. We all have learned the effects of Teflon and the chemicals it leaks into our food. But now you must watch out for Teflon in your cartridges, as the heat and vapors can now leak chemicals into your lungs if you buy a cartridge made with Teflon. This poisonous material is usually used in cheaper cartridges that don’t have a name brand behind them. Choose a cartridge that is made from stainless steel for the body and glass or Pyrex for the chamber that contains the oil.
Design
Some vapes are built with only a burn button, and then there are other vape cartridges can do so much more. If you have a more expansive vape cartridge, you will be to control the temperature at which the oil is burned. Also, you can buy battery-powered cartridges that you can recharge or disposable ones that you throw away once you’re done with the oil inside. While rechargeable ones are more expensive, if you are a regular vaper, then you will want to stay away from the disposable ones. They create a lot of trash and often aren’t built with recyclable materials.
Distillates
If you want a pure oil, without any additives or cutting ingredients, then be on the lookout for distillates. They are a highly refined vaping oil that is entirely pure. Many people who smoke with distillates report needing to smoke less to get the same high. Their potency is guaranteed, so slow down if you have never tried a distillate oil before. And they will be more expensive than regular vape cartridges.
In Conclusion
Be on the lookout for low-quality ingredients that can harm your lungs and nervous system. Cheap cartridges made by sketchy companies may be a steal now because you save money while getting high, but it’ll affect your body in few years when you have developed asthma and can no longer take a deep breath. Plus, these cheap options may not be so affordable in the long run. Investing in refillable cartridges and high-quality pens that won’t break quickly will be less expensive in the long term if you are a frequent smoker.