3 Problems with 510 Thread THC Oil Pens/Carts (and how to solve them!)
We’re here to talk about the 3 main problems that can come up when using a THC oil vape pen instead of a good ol’ j. We’ll also show you how to solve them, aka get the most use out of your pen.
What is THC Oil Vaping?
THC oil vaping is, simply, vaping THC oil instead of dry herb. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, that’s because it is!
THC oil, also known as cannabis oil or marijuana oil, is a concentrated form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that is extracted from marijuana flowers and infused into a carrier oil, such as hemp oil. Unlike dry herb, which consists of the actual plant material, THC oil contains a higher concentration of THC due to the extraction process. It is important to note that THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" sensation associated with marijuana use.
When using THC oil, it is recommended to start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage as needed. This approach allows you to gauge your tolerance and avoid overwhelming effects. Due to its potency, THC oil can have stronger effects compared to consuming marijuana in its dry herb form.
Please remember that the legality of THC oil varies by jurisdiction, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area before obtaining or using it. Additionally, always use cannabis products responsibly and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions regarding their use.
Different high?
It's worth noting that the high experienced from THC oil can be different from the high obtained by smoking or vaping marijuana buds.
When smoking or vaping marijuana flower, you are exposed to a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds present in the plant. This combination of compounds is often referred to as the "entourage effect," as they work together to create a unique and complex experience.
In contrast, THC oil contains a concentrated amount of THC and may lack the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the whole plant. As a result, the entourage effect may be diminished or absent when consuming THC oil. While some people prefer the comprehensive experience of smoking flower, others still find enjoyment in the high provided by THC oil.
It's important to remember that individual preferences can vary. Some individuals may appreciate the convenience and potency of THC oil, while others may prioritize the full spectrum experience offered by smoking marijuana buds. Exploring different consumption methods and products can help you determine what works best for you.
If you’re interested in dry herb vaping, I recommend checking this 9 reasons why dry Herb vaping cannabis is better than smoking it.
For the sake of this article though, I’ll just be discussing THC oil vaping.
Related article; Dry Herb Vaping vs THC oil vaping, a Complete Guide!
What's so great about THC Oil Vaping?
So, why vape THC oil? Well, there are a few good reasons:
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It’s discrete. THC oil pens are much more compact than a bowl+grinder, bong, joint, etc. It also doesn’t produce the same earthy aroma that smoking flower does. This makes it great if you don’t want to broadcast the fact that you’re vaping THC oil.
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Less is more: Since THC oil is more concentrated, you need fewer hits from your pen to get high. This can also be more cost-effective, especially if you really like a good buzz.
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It can reduce the inhalation of carcinogens: Smoking causes a chemical reaction that can include harmful compounds, so vaping instead can eliminate some of those carcinogens. It’s not perfect, but it is helpful in the long run if you like to ingest THC every day.
Different Kinds of THC Oil Vaping Products
When it comes to THC oil vaping there are a couple of ways to do it. There are 2 main mechanisms:
1. A battery and replacable cartridges (carts): These are great because you can switch out the cart for a different strain, and it ends up being more cost-effective because the battery (the expensive part) is a one-time purchase. However, this can come back to bite you if you get a shitty battery.
2. Disposable vape pens have become increasingly popular in the cannabis market. It is important to consider a few factors when comparing them to refillable cartridges (carts):
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Limited customization: With disposable vape pens, you typically cannot change or customize the contents of the device. Once the pre-filled cartridge is empty, you will need to dispose of the entire pen. This means you are limited to the specific strain or flavor of the pre-filled cartridge you choose.
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Cost: Disposable vape pens tend to be pricier compared to refillable cartridges. This is because each disposable pen includes not only the THC oil but also the entire vaping mechanism. When you finish a disposable pen, you will need to purchase a new one, whereas with refillable cartridges, you can reuse the same cartridge and simply replace the oil inside.
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Environmental impact: Disposable vape pens contribute to more waste compared to refillable cartridges. Since the entire pen is discarded after use, it can result in more plastic waste. Refillable cartridges, on the other hand, can be reused multiple times, reducing the amount of plastic waste generated.
3. Refillable THC cartridges are an alternative option to disposable vape pens. They are designed to be used with a battery or vape pen device that allows you to refill the cartridge with your choice of THC oil or cannabis extract. Here are some key points to consider:
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Reusability: Refillable THC cartridges can be reused multiple times, making them more cost-effective in the long run compared to disposable pens. After the oil is depleted, you can simply refill the cartridge with your preferred THC oil or extract.
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Customization: Refillable cartridges offer more flexibility when it comes to the contents you vape. You have the freedom to choose the strain, flavor, and potency of the THC oil or extract you want to use, as long as it is compatible with the cartridge and device you are using.
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Battery compatibility: Refillable cartridges need to be used with a compatible battery or vape pen device. Make sure the cartridge you choose is compatible with the specific battery or device you have or plan to purchase. Different cartridges may have varying connection types, such as 510-thread or proprietary connections.
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Maintenance: Refillable cartridges require some maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Regular cleaning and proper storage can help prolong the lifespan of the cartridge and maintain the flavor quality of the oil.
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Environmental impact: Opting for refillable cartridges can reduce waste compared to disposable pens. By reusing the cartridge, you contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly consumption method.
When using refillable THC cartridges, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, handle the THC oil or extract with care, and store them in a safe and appropriate manner.
I suggest familiarizing yourself with your THC oil vape device before using it so that you can more easily solve some of the issues you might run into.
Typical Problems with Pens/Carts
In my experience, there are 3 main issues that arise with pens and carts.
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Clogging. By far the most common issue, clogging happens all the time. It’s extra-prevalent in low-quality pens/carts, so make sure you buy from a reputable source! This occurs when resin is formed by the pen, clogging it up (it’s really common if you chief your pen a lot, or if you keep it in a particularly hot or cold environment).
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Burnt or “bad” flavors. Sometimes you can end up getting particularly try or off-tasting hits. This is a sign that there’s something wrong with the actual vaporizer device, called the atomizer.
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Fluid leaking into the mouthpiece. This happens most with batteries where you can change the cart out, but it happens with disposable carts, too. No one wants to inhale liquid oil!
How to Fix Your Vape Pen/Cart
With these 3 common issues, there are a couple of ways to fix them. Let’s get into it!
1. Unclogging your pen/cart. There are a few ways to do this, including the following:
- Heat it up. You can do this by holding your vape about 6 inches from a hair dryer on low heat for 15-30 seconds. I just like to hold it between my thighs while I watch TV for 10-15 minutes, and that usually does the trick.
- Manual unclogging. The go-to for this is usually an unbent paperclip, which you stick into the mouthpiece and all the way down into the oil. This gets rid of any blockages in the mouthpiece but can damage the pen overall. Do this method with care!
2. Getting rid of burnt or “bad” flavors. To do this, check to make sure that your cart is attached properly/isn’t too tight (if you’re using a battery/cart combo). If you’re using a disposable pen, then make sure it’s charged fully and isn’t clogged. When it comes to disposable pens, there isn’t much of a way to fix this, so good luck!
3. Stop fluid from leaking into the mouthpiece. This is a somewhat easy fix--make sure your vape is stored upright and that the cart is attached properly, first and foremost. If this doesn’t work and you’re able to change the wattage of your pen, consider increasing it. This will get the actual vaporizer to heat the oil faster, aka actually vaporize it.
What if It Still Doesn’t Work?
If you’ve tried everything to fix your vape and it still doesn’t work, I’d say to bring it back to the dispensary and ask them for help/a new product, especially if you’ve just purchased it. Chances are, it’s not you, and if it is, then your budtender should be knowledgeable enough to help you out!
And if that doesn’t work, then maybe switch to flower, my friend. It generally tastes better and produces a better high, anyways (not that I’m biased).
But if you still have oil left in your non-working pen, try making your own edibles with it. Reduce, reuse, recycle!
Conclusion
Vaping marijuana is a discrete, almost-odorless way to consume pot without the whole world knowing. It’s good for travel and is convenient, requiring less cleanup, too.
But like anything involving technology, there can be some hiccups. We hope that this article on how to solve the 3 main problems with pens/carts has been helpful! Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay toasty.
