What Is A THC Cart?

January 25, 2024

THC carts are a popular and handy way to consume cannabis. They are compact, portable, and simple-to-use gadgets that contain a concentrated version of THC, marijuana’s primary psychoactive component.

THC carts can deliver potent and flavorful hits of cannabis without the hassle of rolling joints, packing bowls, or using dab rigs. But what exactly are THC carts, and how do they work? This guide will explain everything you need about THC carts, including their types, components, peculiarities, usage, and care.

Understanding THC Carts

Before we dive into the details of THC carts, let’s first clarify some basic terms and concepts related to cannabis consumption.

What are Carts in the Context of Weed?

Carts, short for cartridges, are pre-filled containers holding liquid or solid cannabis extract. Carts are designed to be attached to a battery-powered device, called a vape pen or a dab pen, which heats the extract and turns it into a vapor that can be inhaled. Carts can also be called pods or tanks.

Importance of THC Carts

THC carts have several advantages over other methods of cannabis consumption. Some of them are:

• Discreet: THC carts produce less odor and smoke than smoking cannabis from pipes, bongs, or joints, making them more discreet and suitable for public use.

• Convenient: Carts are easy to use and carry around. You don’t need any additional tools or accessories to enjoy them. Attach the cart to the pen, and you’re ready.

• Variety: THC vape cartridges have various flavors, strains, and potencies. You can choose from different extracts, such as distillate, live resin, rosin, shatter, and terpenes, the natural compounds that give cannabis its aroma and taste. Carts also come in various strains to suit your preference, such as indica, sativa, and hybrid.

• Efficient: Carts for vape pens deliver a high dose of THC in a small amount of vapor. You can get more effects with less product- and less waste. Vaping also brings a higher bioavailability than other forms of consuming cannabis, meaning more THC enters your bloodstream when you vape it.

These advantages, among others, make the THC cart an essential product for many weed connoisseurs.

Types of THC Carts

Many THC carts are available on the market, each with its characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most common ones:

Dab Carts

Dab carts contain a solid form of cannabis extract, such as wax, shatter, crumble, or budder. These extracts are made using solvents or heat and pressure to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. Dab carts have a high potency and purity level, as they contain primarily THC and terpenes with little or no plant matter or additives. Dab carts require a higher temperature and power to vaporize than liquid carts.

Vape Carts

THC vape carts contain a liquid form of cannabis extract, such as distillate or CO2 oil. Vape extracts are made using solvents or carbon dioxide to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Vape carts have a lower potency and purity level than dab carts, and they may contain some plant matter or additives, such as cutting agents or flavorings. Vape carts require a lower temperature and power to vaporize than dab carts.

Delta-8 THC Carts

Delta-8 THC carts contain a synthetic form of THC called delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in small amounts in cannabis plants. It is chemically similar to delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, but it has less potency and different effects. Delta-8 THC has been shown to have anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, pain-relieving, and neuroprotective properties. Delta-8 THC carts are made by converting CBD into delta-8 THC using a chemical process. Delta-8 THC carts have a mild psychoactive effect that is less intense and more clear-headed than delta-9 THC.

THC Oil Carts

THC oil carts contain a mixture of cannabis and carrier oil, such as MCT or hemp seed oil. Cannabis oil is made by infusing cannabis flowers or trimming with a solvent such as alcohol or butane and then evaporating the solvent to leave behind the oil. Carrier oil is added to dilute the cannabis oil and make it easier to vaporize. THC oil carts have a lower potency and purity level than other carts since they contain extra plant matter and additives. Yet, they are still a common form of THC cart to use in vape or dab pens.

Key Components of THC Carts

THC carts contain three main components: the mouthpiece, the chamber, and the atomizer.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece is the part of the cart that you put in your mouth and inhale from. It is usually plastic, metal, or ceramic. The mouthpiece may have a round or flat shape, depending on the brand. The mouthpiece may also have an airflow control feature that allows you to adjust how much air enters the cart.

Chamber

The chamber is the part of the cart that holds the cannabis extract or oil. It is usually made of glass, metal, or plastic. The chamber may be transparent or opaque, but many have the THC extract visible. The chamber may also have a fill line or small window indicating the product amount left in the cart.

Atomizer

The atomizer is the part of the cart that heats the cannabis extract or oil and turns it into vapor. It may have a coil or a wick design, depending on the type of extract or oil and the temperature and power required to vaporize it. The coil is a metal wire that wraps around a rod or a cylinder and heats up when electricity passes through it. The wick is a cotton or silica fiber that absorbs the extract and transfers it to the coil.

What Does a THC Cart Look Like?

A THC cart looks like a small cylinder with a mouthpiece on one end and a connector on the other. The connector is usually a 510 thread, a standard size and shape for vape pens and batteries. The connector may also have a magnetic attachment, which makes it easier to snap on and off the pen or battery. Most carts are about 1 inch long and 0.5 inch wide.

How Much THC is in a Cart?

The amount of THC in a cart depends on the type and quality of the extract or oil, as well as the size and capacity of the cart. Most carts have a 0.5 ml or 1 ml volume, holding between 250 mg and 500 mg of THC. You can choose a cart with your preferred amount of THC based on your experience and tolerance.

Factors to consider when Choosing THC Carts

Hundreds of brands produce and sell THC carts in the cannabis market. Some of them are well-known and reputable, while others are obscure and may be unregulated. 

Some of the factors that help you discern whether a brand is reliable are:

• Lab testing: A good THC cart brand should provide lab test results that verify their products’ potency, purity, and safety. Lab test results may be available online or on the packaging of the products.

• Ingredients: A reliable brand should list all the ingredients used in their products, including the type and source of the extract or oil, the terpenes, and additives, such as cutting agents or flavorings.

• Packaging: Legit THC cart brands should use tamper-proof and child-resistant packaging that protects their products from damage, leakage, oxidation, and contamination.

• Customer service: Brands should offer reliable and responsive customer service to answer your questions and resolve any issues.

Bay Smokes is a leading, trustworthy THC-cart brand and marijuana dispensary. They offer high-quality strains like Pineapple Express, Blackberry, Blue Dream, gelato, Og Kush, sour diesel, and watermelon.

Bay Smokes provides precise lab testing results, product ingredients, and excellent customer service to answer your questions or concerns. We offer many Delta 8 cartridges, THCa, THCp, and HHC carts, and plenty more products like edible gummies and tinctures to suit any weed-lover’s needs. Plus, you can checkout and order our legal THC-variant products from anywhere in the United States on our online store. Make sure you are following your state’s guidelines when it comes to years of age.

How to Use THC Carts?

Using THC carts is simple and easy. You only need a compatible vape pen or dab pen and a charged THC cart battery. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1:

Attach the cart to the pen or battery by screwing or snapping it on. The cart mouthpiece, or the end of the vape that you will inhale from.

Step 2:

Depending on the model, turn on the pen by pressing the button or inhaling from the mouthpiece. Adjust the temperature and power settings, if available, to suit your preference and the type of cart you are using. 

Step 3:

Inhale and enjoy your THC cart!

Turn off the pen or battery once you’ve finished using the vape. You are preventing the distillate in the cart from burning or spoiling. A burnt-tasting pen is the last thing you need.

Care and Maintenance of THC Carts

THC carts require proper care and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Let’s review some tips on caring for your THC carts and pens.

Storing your THC Cart:

THC carts should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place away from heat, light, and moisture. Heat can degrade the quality and potency of the extract or oil, light can cause oxidation and discoloration, and moisture can cause leakage and corrosion. 

THC carts should also be stored upright to prevent the extract or oil from clogging the atomizer or leaking out of the mouthpiece. Carts may also be stored in their original packaging or a protective case to prevent damage, dust, or contamination.

How Long Do THC Carts Last in Storage?

The shelf life of THC carts depends on several factors, such as the type and quality of the extract, the storage conditions, and the frequency of use. Generally, THC carts can last for 6 to 12 months in storage if cared for. However, some carts may expire sooner than others. To check if your cart is still good to use, look for signs of deterioration, such as changes in color, consistency, smell, or taste. 

Use THC Carts With Care

THC carts are a great way to enjoy cannabis discreetly, conveniently, and versatilely. They offer a variety of flavors, strains, and potencies to suit your preferences and needs, as well as minimal waste and hassle. 

However, THC carts also have drawbacks and risks, such as potential health hazards from additives. Therefore, it is essential to research and be mindful when buying and using THC carts. Always buy from reputable and licensed sources, check the lab test results and ingredients, use compatible and quality devices, and follow the instructions and safety precautions. 

With proper knowledge and care, THC carts can provide a safe, enjoyable, and convenient cannabis experience. Vape with care and enjoy.

FAQs

What are the parts of a THC cart?

The parts that make up a THC cart include the mouthpiece, chamber, and atomizer.

What makes a THC cart good?

Many factors can make a THC cart “good” or “bad,” depending on one’s individual preferences. However, good THC carts come from reputable, regulated, tested, and carefully cultivated brands.

What does THC vape contain?

THC vape can contain a variety of substances depending on the product. THC carts may contain solid dabs or liquid oil, which heat up to form a vapor. Vapor may contain pure THC or other cannabinoids or have traces of plant material and additives. 

What is everything to know about THC cartridges?

There’s a lot to know about THC cartridges or “carts.” THC carts are a popular way to consume cannabis. They are used by attaching them to a vape/dab pen and inhaling THC-containing vapor.

Do carts have wax or oil?

THC carts can contain either wax or oil, depending on the product.

What chemical is in fake carts?

“Fake” THC carts from unreputable brands can contain harmful chemicals and additives that should be avoided altogether. The best way to avoid fake carts is to obtain THC carts from legal, reputable dispensaries.

What are real carts made of?

Real THC carts should resemble the description above and contain lab-tested THC oil or resin.

Are carts just dabs?

Carts are a dab or a pure concentrate of THC that contains little to no plant material.