THC vape oil and vape pens are growing in popularity as the go-to cannabis products because when used in conjunction, they’re discreet and easy to use.  

Although actually shopping for and choosing the right vape cartridge for your vape pen can be an overwhelming process for any consumer. When deciding on what THC vape oil to buy, it’s important to research the nuanced differences between products. And, it’s crucial to support brands dedicated to consumer safety, transparency, and sustainability.

With the help of this guide, you will comfortably be able to make an educated decision about which THC vape oil is right for you and the cannabis experience you’re looking for. 

What are THC vape oil cartridges?

With so many different cartridges being sold, it’s helpful to know what exactly a THC vape oil cartridge is and how it’s different from CBD vape oil and full-spectrum cartridges. 

THC vape oil cartridges are pre-filled with cannabis distillate. In the case of THC vape oil, the cannabis distillate is a potent oil with a high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical compound that induces psychoactive effects and potentialhealth benefits when introduced to the body and theendocannabinoid system. Other cartridge products differ based on what compounds are extracted and where they are extracted from on theCannabis Sativa plant.

Cannabis distillate allows for optimal vaporization when paired with a vape pen battery. The power from the battery will heat up the oil allowing you to inhale the THC and experience its fast-acting effects.

Generally, cartridges will come with astandard 510 thread that is compatible with most vape pen batteries, unless you purchase a disposable and pre-charged vape pen.

Understanding what to look for when shopping for THC vape oil will help you narrow down where to find vape oil for sale. 

Where can I find THC vape oil for sale?

As the cannabis advocates continue to fight for federal marijuana legalization, the unregulated industry makes it harder for consumers to find legitimate and trustworthy THC vape oil products.

If you live in alegalized state, then purchasing through a licensed dispensary is the best way to ensure that you’re using quality THC vape oil. 

No matter where you live, the most effective way of avoiding counterfeit vape products is through research, Certificates of Analysis, and spotting red flags.

So what are the red flags? Be aware of products listed well below market prices, THC vape oil cartridges that are sold without packaging, and any stylistic differences in branding. If you’re not sure, then go online and Google the brand or product for more information.

To help combat these questionable practices, transparent cannabis manufacturers and reputable cannabis watchdogs are highlighting authorized and legitimate brands, while also creating spaces to report illegitimate companies.

How to shop for THC vape oil  

Find a credible dispensary

A credible dispensary is licensed, offers easy access to third-party lab reports, and gives you the opportunity to interact one-on-one with budtenders who can help guide you towards your ideal cannabis experience.

Decide on a strain

Purchasing THC vape oil is actually a lot like buying dry herb because it also comes in strains of Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids. Budtenders can give in-depth strain profiles, recommend different options, and help you decide depending on the cannabis effects you desire. 

Check that it’s third-party tested

Narrow down the saturated THC vape oil market through only shopping with brands that send and test their products through third-party labs. Checking that it’s third-party tested is an important step in purchasing a quality product since there are no national standards or regulations for cannabis products. These reports test for any contamination, pesticides, terpene levels, potency, and solvents. 

Try to avoid cutting agents 

When shopping for THC vape oil, look for pure products that avoid using cutting agents. This is not only the most cost-efficient but also the healthiest option for you and your body. 

Although many THC vape oils on the market are actually sold with cutting agents because it is more cost-efficient for manufacturers.

Common cutting agents arepropylene glycol (PG),vegetable glycerin, andmedium-chain triglycerides (MCT). 

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given these cutting agents their stamp of approval for human ingestion, there are still concerns about the correlation between inhaling these compounds at high temperatures and various health issues. 

If you can’t find any pure THC vape oils without cutting agents, then look for vape oils cut with MGT or coconut oils as they may pose less of a threat to your health.

 

Pay attention to how it was extracted

Another way to ensure that you’re purchasing a high-quality THC vape oil is through the process of extraction from theCannabis Sativa plant. 

Although CO2, ethanol, and olive oil are all popular extraction methods, the most natural and healthy extraction method is CO2 based.

The CO2 extraction method involves carbon dioxide to produce a highly concentrated oil when the gas is put under high pressure in a low-temperature environment. This then manipulates the gas into a liquid, which is then passed through the harvested plant materials and produces the purest oil possible. 

This process leaves behind no trace in the final product but it is the most complicated and expensive to perform. Because of this, THC vape oil products extracted through CO2 will generally be more expensive.

Although olive oil extraction methods are more natural than ethanol, they both produce a less pure product and leave behind a chemical trail. When purchasing one of these products, be sure to check and confirm for a third-party test. 

Look for a cart that will fit a 510 thread count vape pen 

A 510-thread cartridge is the most common type of vape cartridge on the market because this makes it compatible with most vape pens where you need to screw on the bottom of the cartridge to the appropriate 510 vape pen battery. High-quality vape pen brands, likeVessel’s series of efficient and beautifully designed pens, are all 510 compatible, while also creating a design that offers extensive battery life, superior air flow with variable power and smart technology. 

The bottom line

Although shopping for THC vape oil can be daunting, it’s also an opportunity to take control of your cannabis vape experience, support reputable brands and learn more about the products you're inhaling. 

Read more: How to Shop for the "Right" Vape Pen Cartridges