A cannabis oil cartridge (cart) is a self-contained unit filled with concentrated oil designed for vaporization, typically appearing clear, golden, or amber when fresh. Oxidation is a natural chemical process where the oil’s components react with oxygen, causing a distinct change in appearance, consistency, and chemical makeup. When a cart is described as oxidized, it means the oil has degraded from its original state, which is a common concern among users.
How Vaping Oil Oxidizes and Changes
Oxidation in a vape cartridge is chemical degradation accelerated by environmental factors. The primary catalysts for this breakdown are exposure to air, light, and heat. While the process is unavoidable over time, improper storage greatly speeds up the rate at which the oil degrades.
The oil’s color change is the most noticeable sign of oxidation, shifting from light amber or gold to darker brown or black. This darkening is linked to the transformation of cannabinoids, particularly Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As THC molecules are exposed to oxygen, they convert into a different cannabinoid known as Cannabinol (CBN).
This chemical conversion reduces the oil’s overall potency because CBN has significantly milder psychoactive effects compared to THC. Volatile aromatic compounds known as terpenes also break down during oxidation. The degradation of these terpenes causes the oil to lose its original flavor and aroma, often resulting in a stale or unpleasant taste when vaped.
The Health Implications of Vaping Degraded Oil
The use of an oxidized oil cartridge primarily presents a question of quality and potential irritation rather than acute toxicity. The oil is not known to become acutely poisonous simply from the THC-to-CBN conversion, but the degraded nature introduces several compromises. The most immediate effect is a diminished experience due to the loss of potency and the altered flavor profile.
The presence of breakdown products, even benign ones like CBN, means the inhaled vapor contains compounds different from the original formulation. More concerning is the potential for other unknown byproducts to form during the oxidation of the complex mix of cannabinoids and terpenes. When this degraded, sometimes thicker, oil is heated, the likelihood of generating irritants that can affect the throat and lungs increases.
Some research has shown that under the high heat and oxidative stress conditions of the vaping process, cannabinoids like CBD can degrade into highly reactive compounds, such as cannabidiol hydroxyquinone (CBD-Q). The chemical instability of an already oxidized oil makes it a less predictable substance to inhale. Vaping a highly oxidized cartridge may increase the risk of moderate side effects like coughing, throat irritation, or headaches.
While the change in color to a dark brown indicates reduced quality and potency, the consensus is that using a mildly oxidized cart is generally not unsafe. However, any oil that has become excessively thick, sludgy, or shows significant discoloration should be avoided. The unknown irritants and compromised quality make the practice ill-advised. The primary recommendation is to avoid inhaling any substance that has visibly or chemically degraded past its intended state.
Best Practices for Cartridge Storage
Preventing oxidation is the most effective way to preserve oil quality and maximize shelf life. Temperature control is a primary factor, as heat significantly accelerates the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes. Cartridges should be stored in a cool environment, ideally at a consistent room temperature between 60°F and 72°F (15°C–22°C).
Light exposure, especially direct sunlight, provides the energy needed for the oxidation reaction, so cartridges must be kept in a dark location. To minimize air exposure, storing the cart in its original packaging or an airtight container is helpful. Storing the cartridge in an upright position helps to prevent oil from settling in and around the atomizer, which can lead to clogs. Following these simple storage guidelines can significantly slow the conversion of THC to CBN, maintaining the oil’s intended potency, clarity, and flavor.