Vape cartridges, or “carts,” contain compounds that possess chemical energy, meaning they technically have a caloric value. However, the effective caloric intake is negligible. The tiny amount of material consumed and the method of delivery—inhalation—mean that for all practical dietary purposes, a vape cart is calorie-free.
Understanding the Energy-Containing Components in Vape Oil
Cannabis vape oil is a concentrated mixture of energy-dense organic molecules, which are the source of any potential energy content. The primary components are cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and terpenes. These molecules are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, storing chemical energy similar to fats and carbohydrates found in food.
A secondary source of potential energy might come from carrier agents like Vegetable Glycerin (VG) or Propylene Glycol (PG), though these are far less common in modern concentrates. When consumed orally, both VG and PG are metabolized as carbohydrates, yielding approximately four calories per gram. Since a typical cannabis vape cart contains only concentrated extract, the only true source of energy is the oil itself. Even though the oil contains stored energy, the total volume in a single puff is minute, meaning the total energy content inhaled is extremely small.
The Difference Between Inhaled and Digested Calories
The fundamental reason a vape cart has no measurable caloric impact is the difference between absorbing compounds through the lungs versus digesting food through the gastrointestinal tract. Calories in food are defined by the energy released when macronutrients are broken down by enzymes in the stomach and intestines. This digestive process allows the body to absorb the resulting energy into the bloodstream for use or storage.
When oil is vaporized from a cart, the compounds are heated until they turn into an aerosol, which is then inhaled into the lungs. The lungs are designed for rapid gas exchange, allowing active compounds like THC and CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the alveoli. This rapid absorption bypasses the entire digestive system, including the liver’s initial processing, known as the first-pass effect.
While the components of the vapor are chemically metabolized by the body’s cells and can affect metabolic pathways, they are not utilized as a source of dietary energy in the same way a meal is. The amount of oil inhaled per session is so small that the caloric value would be negligible, likely less than a single calorie. For context, the body expends energy simply to breathe, and that energy use far outweighs any theoretical caloric gain from the vapor itself.
Caloric Context: Vaping vs. Traditional Cannabis Consumption
The minimal caloric content of a vape cart is best understood when compared to other forms of cannabis consumption involving the digestive system. Edibles are the primary source of caloric intake, deriving their calorie count from carrier ingredients like sugars, fats, and flour, not the cannabis extract itself.
A single cannabis-infused cookie can easily contain over 100 calories. Even a small oil-based tincture dose can contain 40 to 50 calories per teaspoon. The negligible calories from a vaporized cart mean that concern over weight gain is misplaced when focused on the oil itself. The common side effect of appetite stimulation, often called “the munchies,” is a far more significant factor in overall caloric intake. This behavioral change induced by the cannabis is the true caloric consideration, not the vaporized oil.