what are vape cartridges comonly cut with

In vape cartridges, these concentrates do not properly vaporize unless changed to a more liquid form. Many companies use a variety of cutting agents including PEGs (polyethylene glycols), glycerin

, and other chemicals to liquefy extracts. Propylene glycol and glycerin are particularly common cutting agents used in cannabis vaporization blends.

Full Answer

What's in a vape cartridge?

The chamber of a vape cartridge is filled with a THC- or cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant concentrate, and some producers will reintroduce terpenes that had been removed from the distillation process. (Gina Coleman/Weedmaps)

How to avoid the counterfeit vape cartridge epidemic?

In legal states and provinces, the best way to thwart the counterfeit vape cartridge epidemic is to purchase products from reputable retailers or dispensaries. Unfortunately, this isn't a viable option for cannabis consumers living in areas where recreational cannabis is still illegal.

How do you tell if a vape cartridge is real?

If you have a vape cartridge that you suspect might be counterfeit, go to the manufacturer's website and compare your cartridge with legitimate products. There could be a serial number, QR code, or certain stylistic differences that will help you decipher whether you have a real cartridge.

Do vape cartridges contain lead in California?

As lab testing requirements have been bolstered in California, scientists have been able to identify vape cartridges that contain high levels of lead before they reach the legal market. The California Bureau of Cannabis Control implemented Phase 3 testing standards on Jan. 1, 2019, which included analytical testing for heavy metals.

What are vaping cartridges made of?

Most quality cartridges contain either CO2, hydrocarbon or distilled extracts, or a combination thereof, and most have flavor added. Some add cannabis-derived terpenes to a distillate to approximate the original characteristics of the plant/cultivar from which it came.

What metals are in vape cartridges?

Researchers identified the presence of heavy metals, including copper and nickel, in both vapor and in the oil itself. The authors identified various parts of the cartridges – including heating coils, wicks, metal cores, and mouthpieces – as the sources of the elemental emissions.

What chemicals are in cartridges?

The "e-juice" that fills the cartridges usually contains nicotine (which is extracted from tobacco), propylene glycol, flavorings and other chemicals. Studies have found that even e-cigarettes claiming to be nicotine-free contain trace amounts of nicotine.

Can vaping put metal in your lungs?

Doctors have discovered yet another way that vaping — and vaping THC, in particular — can damage the lungs: when the metal coils of electronic cigarettes heat up to turn e-liquids into aerosols, toxic metals can leach into the liquid, leading to a rare condition usually only seen in industrial metal workers.

Does vape contain heavy metals?

In addition to various doses of nicotine and heavy metals, vaping liquid can also contain flavorants such as ethyl maltol, an artificial sweetener that tastes like cotton candy.

Is propylene glycol safe to vape?

Yes - it's used as a food additive in many, many products, so you probably already consume it on a daily basis. Is propylene glycol safe to vape? Yes, to be clear, it is considered extremely safe, non-toxic, and has no cancer-causing properties, unlike tobacco!

What harmful chemicals are in vapes?

Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease.volatile organic compounds.heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.

What oil is used in vapes?

It's made from vegetable oil. Propylene glycol is a clear, slightly syrupy liquid, and it's virtually odorless and colorless. Sweeteners include sucralose and ethyl maltol. E-liquid flavors are wide-ranging, and can read like a wine tasting: "notes of vanilla" or "berries and herbal notes."

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Commonly Used Cutting Agents in Vape Oils

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What is the most common cutting agent in vape oil?

Most vape oils are comprised largely with ingredients other than the beneficial cannabis compounds, and are usually diluted with one or a mixture of cutting agents, the most common being: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) Propylene glycol (PG) Vegetable glycerin (VG) Coconut oil or MCT oil.

What are terpenes in vape oil?

Terpenes as Additives. In addition to natural and artificial flavorings, terpenes can be added for flavor and effect. The quality and source of the terpenes used in the vape oil goes a long way in determining if these compounds are beneficial, or harmful.

Does coconut oil dry out a vape pen?

These oils tend to have a hard time getting wicked up into the atomizer, often resulting in a vape pen that is prone to running dry. Additionally, many users also report an unpleasant aftertaste in their mouths after using a product that has been cut with coconut oil or MCT oil.

Can you mix VG with other oils?

VG does not mix particularly well with other oil-based materials. For this reason, you will often see VG combined with one or more other cutting agents or additives. Vape oils laced with VG tend to create large, thick “smoke” cloud.

Is glycerin safe to use in vapes?

These cutting agents are “generally” accepted as safe in products that are ingested or used topically, but the community is still learning how many of these substances react with heat and inhalation.

Is propylene glycol thinner than PEG?

Propylene glycol is generally thinner than PEG, and doesn’t emulsify with oils quite as effectively as PEG, but is still the most popular cutting agent. PG won’t create huge vape clouds, but has a reputation for creating clean, smooth draws.

What is a cutting agent in vape cartridges?

Cutting agents are used in vape cartridges to thin out concentrates so they work better with vaping devices and atomizers. By making the oil compliant with these devices, manufacturers introduce potentially unhealthy chemicals into the cannabis oil. The most common and criticized cutting agent is polyethylene glycol (PEG), ...

What is VG in vapes?

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) Other medium chain triglycerides (MCT) Going beyond the cannabis oil itself, it’s also a good idea to look at the cartridge and even the vape. Immediate red flags can be seen in the cartridge itself. It’s best to avoid plastic and low-grade wire.

What are terpenes in cartridges?

Terpene additives are another common addition to cartridges to enhance the flavor profile of the product. In fact, they are sometimes seen as an alternative to PEG and PG and also used to thin out thicker cannabis oils. Terpenes can be derived from cannabis itself or from other natural plants, and are generally safe for consumers.

What is a C annabis cartridge?

C annabis vape pens and cartridges are some of the most popular products on dispensary shelves for their ease of use and ability to deliver potent hits on-the-go. These products are quickly becoming one of the fastest rising segments of the cannabis market, experiencing 400% growth in 2016 alone. To fill the demand for vaporizer cartridges, new ...

What to look for when you are left guessing what additives may be in a product?

To cut down on the guessing, you can look for certain red flags. First, it’s best to avoid potentially unsafe additives and chemicals. Some of the top additives to watch out for are:

Is vape cartridge 100% cannabis?

Doubling down, producers are starting to focus on selling products with 100% cannabis-sourced products. This has created a top-shelf criteria for vape cartridges, much like alcohol. For now though, there appears to be room for both inexpensive, potentially harmful cartridges and the higher- end, more thoroughly sourced products. With a fragmented market and varying levels of concern on the issue, there should be room for all companies for the foreseeable future. However, we’re hoping that quality products will begin to drive out the lower-end options as the market continues to progress.

Do you have to inspect vape pen?

Always inspect your vape pen to ensure it's made with quality components. Currently, California and other markets suffer from a lack of regulation. Oversights in regulations extend from pesticide use in cannabis cultivation to what is allowed inside a vape cartridge.

Where are vape cartridges made?

A large portion of vape cartridge components are produced at metal foundries in China, many of which add small amounts of lead into brass and copper feedstocks to improve the malleability of metals. This includes the heating coil, which heats up the cannabis oil, potentially transferring toxic metals into the consumer's vapors.

How to tell if a vape oil is compatible with a cartridge?

Most vape oil producers will tell you which voltage is compatible with the selected cartridge. These devices come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Some vape pens have a button that activates the vape cartridge, while others are buttonless and only activated once the user takes a draw.

What to do if your vape cartridge is counterfeit?

If you have a vape cartridge that you suspect might be counterfeit, go to the manufacturer's website and compare your cartridge with legitimate products.

What is a vape pen?

Vape pens are designed to vaporize cannabis oils and distillates. A vape pen comprises two primary components: a battery and the vape cartridge. The battery consists of the bottom portion of the vape pen, providing power to the heating element, which vaporizes the cannabis oil contained inside the vape cartridge.

What is the binding agent in vape cartridges?

Propylene glycol (PG): a binding agent that is added to cannabis vape cartridges because of its ability to foster even vape draws. Vegetable glycerin (VG): Added to vape liquids to help generate large vape clouds for the user.

What is the chamber of a cannabis atomizer?

The chamber is filled with concentrated amounts of cannabinoids, usually either THC- or CBD-dominant, and terpenes. The atomizer is activated when contact is initiated with the battery, heating up the chamber and vaporizing the cannabis oil.

How many people died from vaping in New York?

These vapes were identified by the New York State Department of Health as part of 34 cases of severe pulmonary illnesses in the state, among 380 confirmed and probable cases, with six patients dying, throughout the U.S. Health officials are looking into vitamin E acetate and its link to the illnesses.

What cutting agent is used in cannabis?

Many companies use a variety of cutting agents including PEGs (polyethylene glycols), glycerin, and other chemicals to liquefy extracts. Propylene glycol and glycerin are particularly common cutting agents used in cannabis vaporization blends.

What is the purity of cannabis concentrate?

Highly-refined cannabis concentrates that are greater than 80-90% purity are very viscous, thick substances. In vape cartridges, these concentrates do not properly vaporize unless changed to a more liquid form. Many companies use a variety of cutting agents including PEGs (polyethylene glycols), glycerin, and other chemicals to liquefy extracts.

Is vaping safer than smoking?

NOEL PALMER, PH.D., CHIEF SCIENTIST, EVOLAB#N#While humans have been ingesting and smoking cannabis for millennia, vaporizing is a relatively new form of administration. It is widely understood that vaporizing cannabis and cannabis concentrates is a safer option than smoking for many reasons. First and foremost, the lower temperatures required prevent the creation of unpredictable byproducts that can be carcinogenic or lead to other health problems.*#N#Since its founding, Evolab has embraced vaping, with a focus on using advanced technologies to showcase the best flavors and effects of cannabis. And unlike some vape manufacturers, Evolab has always stayed true to the plant, crafting its formulations without the use of artificial flavors or additives.#N#Today, the technology supporting cannabis vaporizing is developing faster than the scientific community is assessing the potential health risks of both concentrate formulations and the devices being used.#N#Highly-refined cannabis concentrates that are greater than 80-90% purity are very viscous, thick substances. In vape cartridges, these concentrates do not properly vaporize unless changed to a more liquid form. Many companies use a variety of cutting agents including PEGs (polyethylene glycols), glycerin, and other chemicals to liquefy extracts.#N#Propylene glycol and glycerin are particularly common cutting agents used in cannabis vaporization blends. However, it has been shown that these compounds can undergo decomposition when in contact with the heating element of a vaporizer. Research has shown that a variety of volatile carbonyls can be formed, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein. These specific carbonyl compounds are particularly notable because of their adverse health effects on humans. In fact, acrolein was used as a chemical warfare agent in World War I due to its toxicity.**#N#Developers of these vaporizing devices and formulations are not required to undergo FDA scrutiny, and as a result there is minimal oversight of the quality of these products or potential risks. Further, many manufacturers add untested cutting agents or artificial flavors to their products. Some of these additives have received FDA approval for inclusion in food – but their use in inhaled vapor products is questionable. Therefore, it is currently up to individual manufacturers to ensure that the products they offer are as safe as possible by using premium quality materials such as stainless steel and pyrex glass for their devices - and avoiding unproven additives in their formulations.#N#At Evolab, we prefer to avoid unnecessary additives, so we developed a unique CO2 fractionation process to extract and purify a combination of cannabis terpenes, terpenoids and other phytochemicals that we call our CDCA, or Cannabis Derived Cutting Agent. This formula is blended with our concentrated cannabinoids to provide a consistent, effective formulation - with no additives and nothing but cannabis.#N#Consumers have an increasing variety of options when it comes to purchasing vaporizer devices and oils, so it is important to understand the importance of using quality materials and pure, plant-derived formulations for the best vape experience.#N#*http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743514003739#N#**http://www.bmj.com/content/2/4109/736

Is Evolab a vape?

Since its founding, Evolab has embraced vaping, with a focus on using advanced technologies to showcase the best flavors and effects of cannabis. And unlike some vape manufacturers, Evolab ...

What is a vape cartridge?

In their simplest form, vape cartridges are vessels for storing vapable materials such as wax, oil and e-liquids. A lot of cartridges come equipped with a “coil,” which is a type of heating component that basically heats up the material in the cartridge to produce vapor.

What is 510 thread cartridge?

As we briefly mentioned in the above paragraph, 510-thread vape cartridges are the most plentiful option on the market today, which makes them compatible with a swathe of vaporizers ranging from pens to box mods. In general, we recommend first time buyers stick with vaporizers that utilize 510-thread cartridges, since they are easy to replace and offer a more forgiving experience in terms of switching to new cartridges with different materials. These cartridges are capable of holding a range of materials including wax, oil and even dry herbs in some cases.

Why do vape pens evaporate?

There are two reasons this relates to cannabis vape pens: taste and viscosity. Most of the yummy terpenes “disappear” during normal CO 2 oil processing and concentrating: those molecules are smaller and more likely to evaporate than the cannabinoids.

What substances can be added to a processor to help with flavor loss?

To address the loss of flavor, other substances can be added: things like synthetic terpenes (fairly common), natural terpenes (fairly common) or cannabis-derived terpenes (much more rare), artificial aldehydes/fruity flavors, or other artificial flavors.