A vaporizer cartridge, often called a “cart,” is a pre-filled container holding a cannabis concentrate that connects to a battery-powered device for heating. Unlike smoking dried cannabis flower, carts utilize a process that heats the oil to create an inhalable vapor. This method has become popular for its discretion and convenience. The question of what exactly is inside these devices is important, as the answer defines the difference between a highly concentrated product and the flower it was derived from.
The Primary Active Ingredient in Vape Cartridges
The core ingredient in a regulated cannabis vape cartridge is a concentrated oil, primarily composed of cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant. This oil is most often a highly refined substance called a distillate, processed to isolate specific compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Distillates can achieve cannabinoid purity levels ranging from 85% to over 95%, which is significantly higher than the THC levels typically found in cannabis flower. The extraction process strips away plant matter, resulting in a thick, transparent, or amber-colored oil. Many carts also contain other non-intoxicating cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabinol (CBN), offering a potent and rapid-acting delivery method.
Beyond THC Understanding Cartridge Composition
The concentrated oil alone is often too viscous to be easily vaporized by the small heating elements in a cartridge. To achieve the right consistency for wicking and vaporization, manufacturers often blend the cannabis oil with thinning or carrier agents. Historically, compounds like propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil have been used to reduce the oil’s thickness and allow it to flow correctly through the heating coil.
Another necessary component in most cartridges is terpenes, which are aromatic hydrocarbons found naturally in the cannabis plant. These molecules are responsible for the distinct flavors and scents of different cannabis varieties, such as citrus, pine, or earthiness. Terpenes serve a dual purpose: they act as a natural thinning agent to adjust the oil’s viscosity, and they reintroduce flavor lost during the distillation process. Some cartridges use cannabis-derived terpenes, while others use botanically-derived terpenes from non-cannabis sources to achieve specific flavor profiles. These aromatic compounds may also contribute to the overall effect through the “entourage effect,” suggesting that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to modulate the experience.
Why Sourcing Matters Contaminants in Illicit Products
The primary safety concern surrounding vape cartridges is the presence of harmful, unintended additives found in unregulated, illicit market products. Unlicensed manufacturers often add cheap diluents to stretch the concentrated oil and increase profit. The most dangerous example was the widespread use of Vitamin E Acetate, a thickening agent strongly linked to the severe lung injury known as EVALI. This oily substance coats the lungs when inhaled, leading to inflammation and respiratory distress.
Beyond cutting agents, illicit cartridges often contain other contaminants due to a lack of required testing and quality control. Black-market products have been found to contain high levels of heavy metals, which can leach into the oil from low-quality hardware, as well as dangerous pesticides. For example, the fungicide myclobutanil can break down into hydrogen cyanide, a highly toxic compound, when heated. To ensure safety, consumers should only purchase products from licensed dispensaries that provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), verifying the product has been tested for potency, residual solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.