If skipping the grinding and rolling — not to mention, the smell of cannabis — sounds appealing to you, vape cartridges might be the right fit for you. Understand how vape cartridges work and the options available to you in New York to get the most out of these tiny-but-mighty cannabis products.
What is a vape cartridge?
Vape cartridges are small containers filled with cannabis concentrate, like distillate, oil, or live resin. These cartridges have connectors on one end and a mouthpiece on the other. You need to attach them to a vape cart battery, also called a vape pen, to use them. Shop for vaporizers at The Plant in Yonkers.
Cartridges come in various types to cater to different preferences and needs. Among the most common types of vapes you’ll find include:
- 510 thread: These cartridges use a universal threading system compatible with most vape pens and batteries. The vast majority of vapes you’ll find at dispensaries like The Plant are 510-thread cartridges. Typical sizes are 0.5 g and 1 g.
- Closed systems: Pod-style or closed-system cartridges are pre-filled like their 510-thread counterparts, but they only work with a specific brand battery. Brands like PAX Era and Rove are closed systems.
- Disposable vapes: Also called “all in one” vapes, these are single-use vape pens that come with a battery already attached. The entire unit is discarded once you’ve finished the cannabis oil inside it.
How does a vape cart work?
Vape carts are outfitted with a heating element, powered by the attached battery. This straightforward heating system transforms the concentrate into vapor without combustion (setting the material aflame), which you’ll then inhale through the attached mouthpiece. Depending on the battery, you’ll either press a button or use your breath to activate it.
What’s inside of a vape cart?
There are a variety of cannabis concentrates that can be used in a vape cart. Each offers unique features and benefits. The most common types of concentrates you’ll find inside of a vape cart include:
- Distillate: This highly refined form of cannabis oil has ultra-high potency. That’s because the distillate manufacturing process removes everything except cannabinoids like THC or CBD.
- Live resin: Extracted from fresh cannabis plants, live resin retains the original flavors and aromas of the source strain compared to other concentrates.
- Live rosin: This extract is solventless, which means it’s made without a solvent like ethanol or butane. Live rosin preserves terpenes and cannabinoids.
- CO2 oil: Extracted using carbon dioxide, CO2 oil is a potent concentrate commonly used in vape carts.
- THCa diamonds: Also referred to as THC crystalline, diamonds are pure THC crystals isolated from cannabis extracts. This is a potent and highly concentrated form of THC.
- High-terpene full-spectrum extract (HTFSE): Known for its rich terpene profile, HTSFE captures a wide array of aromatic compounds found in the cannabis plant while preserving THC and other cannabinoids.
5 reasons to try a vape cart
Is there a time and place for a vape cart? Here might be, depending on where, how, and why you consume cannabis.
- Discretion: Vape cartridges let you enjoy your favorite strains without drawing attention. That’s because vape carts produce less smoke and odor than a joint or a bong. This makes vape carts especially ideal for public settings.
- Convenience: Vape carts are highly portable and easy to use, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. Their compact size and ease of operation ensure that you’ll enjoy your experience with minimal hassle, no lighters, grinding, or multi-stage assembly needed.
- Variety: With dozens of strains to choose from, you can explore different tastes and preferences — indicas, sativas, hybrids, terpene-enhanced, effects-based, and more.
- Potency: Vape carts contain potent cannabis extracts, much more potent than flower.
- Long-lasting: Depending on how much you vape, you may find that carts last longer than flower. That’s because you’ll need to inhale much less from a vape cart than you would with flower to experience the same effect.
Vape cart brands to try in New York
From nationally-acclaimed brands to local favorites originating from the Empire State, you’ll find a huge range of vape carts to try at The Plant, including:
- Ayrloom, a New York born-and-bred brand from family-owned farms in upstate New York
- Dosist, an effects-based vape line from California that vibrates when you’ve inhaled a full dose
- Fernway, a beloved East Coast-based vape brand now available in New York
- Hepworth, made with extract from outdoor-grown cannabis from a family-run farm founded in 1818
- Jaunty, an independent, New York-based vapes brand that utilizes CO2 extracted concentrate in its products
- Kushy Punch, a long-time disposable vapes brand making its way east
- MFNY, a fan favorite known for their clean extraction techniques
- Packwoods, an iconic cannabis brand with roots in Los Angeles
- Ruby Farms, a farm-to-table-inspired cannabis lifestyle brand known for artisanal products
Vape cart FAQs
Do vape carts smell?
Vape carts can emit a slight odor but are significantly less pungent than traditional consumption methods like flower. The scent dissipates quite quickly and won’t linger on your clothes or in the room.
How should I store my vape cart?
It’s best to store vape carts in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keeping them upright and in their original packaging, detached from the battery when not in use, can also help to prevent leaks or breaks.
Do vape carts expire?
Vape carts can become less potent over time. While the exact shelf life depends on factors like storage, most carts have a recommended “use by” date printed on the packaging. Vape carts are likely to lose their flavor and potency beyond these dates.
How do I know my vape cart is legit?
Look for signs like misspelled words or inconsistencies on the packaging if you think a vape cart might not be real. Unusual taste or smell, suspiciously low prices, and overly bright and unnatural colors can all be signs of fake vape carts. Legitimate products will always have proper branding, clear labeling, and batch numbers for traceability. And most importantly, purchasing from licensed dispensaries like The Plant ensures the authenticity of vapes and all cannabis products.
How many vape carts can I buy at once in New York?
You can buy up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrates at one time. The number of vapes you can buy depends on the size of the vape. You can buy up to 24 1-gram carts, 48 0.5-gram carts, 12 2-gram carts, or any combination of these that totals 24 grams. Your budtender at The Plant can help you keep track if you need help with the math.
Head to The Plant for your vape cart needs
Fans of vape carts? So are we. Head to The Plant to get the party started. We’re located on Central Park Avenue, right on the Yonkers/Scarsdale border. You’ll find us directly across from the Yonkers Gateway Center and an easy drive from many points in Westchester and The Bronx, including the Rivertowns, White Plains, and Riverdale. Stop by our Yonkers location in person or visit our online menu to place your vape cart order in advance for pickup.
