The widespread adoption of electronic vaporization devices has created confusion around their terminology. Many people use the terms “vape” and “cartridge” interchangeably, mistakenly thinking they refer to the same item. The distinction is not merely semantic; it represents the difference between the hardware that generates the vapor and the consumable material that delivers the active substance. Understanding this relationship is foundational to grasping the function, contents, and potential risks associated with these products.
Defining the Device and the Consumable
The term “vape” generally refers to the entire electronic system designed to aerosolize a liquid for inhalation. This device includes the power source, typically a rechargeable battery, and the heating element, or atomizer. The vape is the reusable body or “pen” that a user holds and operates.
A “cartridge,” often shortened to “cart,” is the separate, pre-filled, or refillable container that connects to the vape device. This component holds the e-liquid or oil and contains the coil and wick that the battery heats up. Cartridges are the consumable part of the system, and once the contents are depleted, they are either disposed of or refilled.
This relationship is analogous to a printer and its ink cartridge, where the vape is the hardware and the cart is the replaceable fuel source. Vaping systems are broadly categorized as open systems, which feature refillable tanks, or closed systems, which use pre-filled cartridges or pods designed for plug-and-play convenience. The term “cartridge” has become most strongly associated with these closed, ready-to-use containers, particularly those containing cannabis products.
The Critical Difference in Contents
The primary distinction between a “vape” and a “cartridge” lies in the chemical composition of their contents. E-liquids, commonly associated with nicotine vapes, are primarily composed of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These substances are thin and water-soluble, allowing them to be easily wicked and vaporized by standard coil systems.
In contrast, cartridges are frequently associated with highly concentrated cannabinoid oils, such as THC or CBD extracts. These oils are thick, viscous substances that do not easily flow or wick in devices designed for PG/VG-based liquids. The consistency of these concentrated oils is so thick that a good cartridge will show the air bubble moving very slowly, unlike standard e-liquid.
This difference in viscosity necessitates specialized hardware within the cartridge itself. Cartridges designed for thick oils often utilize ceramic coils or wicks, which are better suited to handle the denser material and prevent burning. While nicotine can be packaged in a cartridge format, industry terminology tends to reserve “cart” for the concentrated, oil-based extracts that require this distinct vaporization mechanism.
Safety and Legal Implications of Cartridges vs. Vapes
The difference in contents has direct implications for both user safety and legal status. Nicotine-based e-liquids fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates them as tobacco products, though oversight remains a concern. These liquids carry general health risks associated with inhaling aerosols and the addictive nature of nicotine.
The greatest health risks have historically been tied to illicit or unregulated cannabis oil cartridges. The 2019 outbreak of E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) was linked to the use of Vitamin E Acetate as a cutting agent in black market THC cartridges. This oily chemical was added to dilute or thicken the concentrated oil, but is highly toxic when inhaled.
The legal standing of the contents varies dramatically; nicotine products are federally regulated, while cannabis products are subject to a patchwork of state-level laws. This regulatory divide means that quality control for cannabis cartridges, especially those sold outside of licensed dispensaries, is often nonexistent. This greatly increases the risk of contaminants, such as heavy metals leaching from low-quality hardware or the dangerous addition of cutting agents.