Best Delta 8 Cartridges 2024
The best delta 8 carts that provide the most stimulating and lucid effects.
Before delta 8 products became so prevalent, THC oil carts were among the best ways to discreetly vape THC. The problem is, if you didn't have access to a dispensary, you could only hope your oil was pure and contained the amount of THC you paid for.
The products featured on our lists come with certified lab tests. This transparency and traceability is no small matter. These independent lab tests verify the overall potency and lack of harmful additives in the carts. To learn more, check the guide below our best delta 8 carts to see how to use them safely.
Delta 8 carts
What are delta 8 carts?
Most delta 8 carts come prefilled with oil. You can also buy refillable carts you load yourself with delta 8 oil—just make sure that the oil is suitable for vaping. Don’t load your cart with a tincture formulated for oral or topical ingestion.
Hook delta 8 carts up to a 510 thread battery or vape pen to convert oil into inhalable vapor. Most carts have 510 threading due to its near-universal compatibility. Other delta 8 carts will require specific batteries, though this is less common.
The delta 8 oil is contained in a glass chamber. Your battery supplies power to the cart’s coil, heating it. This gives the atomizer the heat it needs to vaporize the delta 8 oil. Then you inhale that vapor through the mouthpiece. A delta 8 high hits quickly when you vape, and can last for up to a couple hours.
Can I get high from delta 8 vape carts?
The high produced by delta 8 THC is mild compared to delta 9. While a delta 9 high is great if you’re looking to relax and don’t have any chores to complete, low to moderate doses of delta 8 provide a functional high. Delta 8 can help improve focus without overbearing lethargy. Instead, the lighter euphoria boosts your mood and may clear out unwanted thoughts.
If you’re seeking a THC alternative that doesn’t get you high, consider non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, or CBN. These compounds aid with physical and mental stress, but there is no high involved. Just double-check that the product doesn’t also contain a form of THC; this includes delta 8, delta 9, or HHC, to name a few.
Are delta 8 vape carts safe to use?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized delta 8 and other hemp-derived products in the United States. Although it’s federally legal, delta 8 can still be illegal by state or local law. There is no federal regulation of delta 8 and the products’ contents.
When it comes to safety, the delta 8 cannabinoid isn’t our main issue. Right now, carts from unknown sources are the root of delta 8—and all cannabis oil—safety concerns. The so-called “EVALI” lung injury outbreak in 2019 was caused by black market delta 9 THC oil cut with dangerous vitamin E acetate to increase profits. There have been no similar situations with delta 8, and the best way to avoid future problems is buying from reputable dealers willing to show their test results for the products you’re buying. Steer clear of delta 8 sellers unwilling to prove their products’ safety.
Can delta 8 carts cause a failed drug test?
Delta 8 vs delta 9
Differences
- Delta 8 provides slightly less intense effects than delta 9
- Delta 8 effects can seem very intense at first, but dissipate quicker
- Delta 8 provides a more focused and uplifting high
- Delta 8 tends to produce less side effects
- Delta 8 is generally derived from hemp
- Delta 8 is available in all 50 states
Similarities
- Both are psychotropic (can get you high)
- Both can stimulate appetite
- Both are derived from cannabis plants
- Both have a very similar molecular structure
- Delta 9 is generally derived from high-THC bud
- Delta 8 can be converted from other cannabinoids like CBD
What to expect from a delta 8 cart
But if you've only tried CBD carts or other non-intoxicating cannabinoids, you're in for a new experience. Don't forget that delta 8 is an analog of (delta 9) THC. Though delta 8 is considered less intense, it can still get you high. In fact, potent delta 8 carts can hit you very hard, and then the effects will become less intense over time.
Always start slow and take it one puff at a time. Make sure you are in a relaxed environment, not at work or while driving, for example. Start with smaller puffs and gradually increase them if necessary.
Keep in mind, delta 8 oil might make you cough if you take a big enough puff. Even if you have a high tolerance to THC, you'll still want to take it easy to start out. Enjoy the flavor, and gauge the effects one small puff at a time. Again, you're dealing with THC, which shouldn't be taken lightly. Just because it has a different molecular structure doesn't mean it can't put you out of commission for the night. Other than that, make sure to keep the mouthpiece of your cartridge clean at all times. Most carts come with a rubber cap that you can use as a protective cover.
Delta 8 carts FAQ
How do I stop my delta 8 cart from clogging?
Proper storage is important. Make sure you keep your carts away from heat or direct sunlight. Heat can alter the consistency of your delta 8 oil and cause it to become runny, boosting the likelihood of a leak. Also, detach the delta 8 cart from your battery when it's not in use.
Don’t take long hits—one to three seconds is enough to get the job done. Pulling too much oil increases your risk of clogging. Don’t compensate by taking aggressive pulls, either. Inhale gently. After firing, you can continue inhaling for a couple of seconds to remove excess vapor.
Keep your mouthpiece clean and wipe away leftover residue.
Finally, be mindful of where you’re purchasing delta 8 carts. Carts from unknown sources are more likely to clog due to poor construction, even if you’re storing and using them correctly. Low-quality oil is often too watery or thick, making it prone to either leaks or a clogged airway.
How do I store my delta 8 THC vape cart?
Humidity and moisture can damage delta 8 THC oil. Don’t store your carts in a kitchen, car, or bathroom. Definitely avoid leaving delta 8 carts outside!
Store delta 8 carts in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them. If you’re not going to use your opened cart for over a week, keep it in an airtight, resealable container. This can prevent oxygen from entering through the mouthpiece or airflow holes, causing the oil to oxidize and expire sooner. When THC oxidizes, it may also be partly converted into CBN, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid.
Delta 8 carts should be stored upright, mouthpiece up, to help prevent oil leaks.
How long does delta 8 stay in your system?
How long delta 8 stays in your system depends on variables like metabolic rate, health conditions, other medications, frequency of use, genetics, and more. It’s highly dependent on the individual and their body’s ability to process foreign substances efficiently. Impaired kidney or liver function can lead to slower delta 8 filtering, for instance.
The more often you use delta 8, the longer it will stay in your system. There’s only one way to clear it out completely: stop using delta 8 for several weeks.
Daily delta 8 use can show up in urine tests for around one month, or up to three months with frequent, long-term use. Casual delta 8 use—up to three times per week—will probably linger in your system for around two weeks.
Hair tests are more sensitive and can detect delta 8 metabolites for up to three months, even if you only vaped or ingested edibles a few times. Saliva and blood tests are better at detecting recent THC consumption, within just a few days of use.
How much do delta 8 THC carts cost?
When comparing delta 8 carts by price, remember:
- The cheaper the cart, the more likely it’s packed with fillers or cutting agents. Pure delta 8 oil is potent and has a rich taste. Low-quality products often lack flavorful terpenes.
- Carts with a higher concentration of delta 8 are pricier than less concentrated products.
- The most common delta 8 cart sizes are half gram (0.5 mL) and one gram. Larger carts come with a higher price tag.
- Dispensaries and in-person stores are usually more expensive than online retailers. Before ordering, be sure to review your region’s delta 8 laws. Despite its federal legalization, some areas restrict or prohibit delta 8 sales.
- Lab-tested delta 8 brands are more expensive, but these results are essential to demonstrate potency and purity. Otherwise, the consumer doesn’t know what they’re actually vaping… including its impact on the lungs.
Some higher-end carts cost around $60-$70. Certain locations have a higher average price. If you’re buying in person, shop around to get a better sense of what’s available.
What does delta 8 THC feel like?
The effects of delta 8 are less intense, often referred to as a clear high. This lighter high is great if you’re looking to concentrate on a task or if you’re in need of a mood boost. When consumed in low to moderate doses, delta 8 promotes relaxation and can help relieve physical or mental tension.
Transitioning in and out of a delta 8 high is smooth. While delta 9 THC can induce lethargy as the effects wear off, you’re less likely to encounter this with delta 8.
Similar to delta 9, consuming high doses of delta 8 can have negative side effects, including anxiety or paranoia. If you’ve previously experienced panic attacks from marijuana, proceed with caution when using delta 8 carts or edibles. Higher doses are also more likely to cause sleepiness, rather than the focus many seek from delta 8 products.
How long delta 8’s effects last varies between product types, with edibles lasting longer than vape carts.
How many hits are there in a delta 8 THC cart?
- Cart size: Less oil means fewer hits. On average, a half-gram cart offers 100-200 hits, compared to 200-400 hits if you’re vaping a one-gram delta 8 cart.
- Hit size and strength: Longer, more powerful hits use more oil, shortening the cart’s life expectancy. To maximize lifespan, keep your hits under three seconds and inhale gently. Forceful vape hits don’t just empty your cart sooner; they can trigger clogs, burn your coil, or reduce the potency and flavor by oxidizing your oil.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures burn through oil faster. Some batteries have fixed voltage or temperature settings, but many devices allow manual adjustments. Try reducing to around three volts (or slightly lower) to maximize lifespan. Use the lowest setting that gives you a satisfying vape.
- Delta 8 tolerance: The effects of delta 8 change as you build up a tolerance. The higher your tolerance, the more hits you’ll need to get high… and the faster you’ll finish off carts.
Our estimates are approximate to the average user, but others will use up delta 8 carts faster or slower. How you use your vape matters.
What should I do if my delta 8 cart crystallized?
Crystallization is a normal process caused by hydroxide (OH) groups in your oil, of which there are many. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve purchased a bad cart. In fact, pure delta 8 carts are the most likely to crystallize.
To prevent crystallization, store your carts at cool to moderate temperatures. Cold conditions put delta 8 carts at a higher risk of turning solid.
If your cart has already crystallized, try warming the oil. Detach the cart from your battery and apply gentle heat. One method involves holding a hair dryer (on its lowest setting) about a foot away from your cart. Wait around a minute and check in on your oil. Or, let your cart soak in warm water inside a sealed bag for a few minutes.
Don’t fire up your vape when the oil is crystallized. This could burn your coil and damage the cart beyond repair.
Are delta 8 THC carts legal to buy online?
A number of states have banned or restricted delta 8 sales, including (but not limited to) Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Note that states with recreational THC tend to be harsher on delta 8—this isn’t a coincidence. Delta 8 poses a risk to the booming legal marijuana markets in these regions. You’re encouraged to purchase “traditional” delta 9 THC, rather than its hemp-based alternative.
It’s not legal to ship delta 8 carts via the U.S. Postal Service. However, some brands do it anyway. It’s legal for you to receive them. Vendors often use other delivery services, and some don’t deliver to certain states or areas. This information should be provided on their website.
Only purchase delta 8 from reputable, safety-tested brands. Good online sellers always have testing information available.
Why are delta 8 carts so harsh?
Delta 8 oil is thicker than delta 9 THC, which is the dominant cannabinoid of marijuana. Actually, delta 8 is so viscous that it’s nearly solid at room temperature. This can be irritating to the lungs.
However, you can eliminate this issue by purchasing safety-tested products and engaging in certain vaping practices.
If you can’t verify that a delta 8 cart was safety tested, don’t buy it. This information should be displayed prominently on a reputable manufacturer’s website. Also, avoid it if it’s mixed with non-cannabis oils not intended for inhalation, like coconut or MCT oil.
For wispier vapor that’s kinder to the lungs, turn down your battery’s voltage settings. Voltages over 3.5 produce hearty vapor and a powerful kick of flavor—but also harshness in the throat and lungs. This can translate to coughing for many users.
What color should delta 8 oil be?
- Is the oil pure, or are there other substances present?
- What is the oil’s age?
- How acidic is the delta 8 oil?
Pure delta 8 oil is clear. Distillates with 90% purity or above will have little to no hue, unlike the warm amber of less concentrated oils. While some distillates are naturally light yellow, this could also point to a quality issue.
Before buying a clear delta 8 distillate, review the manufacturer’s safety and testing protocols. Unscrupulous manufacturers may introduce bleaching agents into the impure oil. This is extremely unsafe to inhale—and it’s a good example of why you shouldn’t buy carts from sellers unwilling to show test results.
Most delta 8 carts will be a soft gold or amber color. This often means that the oil has a purity above 90%. Oil darker than a deep honey color may be oxidized.
Oils that face higher temperatures during creation will be darker than those made at cold temperatures.
Lastly, avoid green oils, dark oils, or those with a rosy tint. Green delta 8 oil usually means that chlorophyll wasn’t removed during distillation. Pink oils can point to bleaching agent use. You should never vape black or brown oils, either. This indicates low potency and, potentially, contamination.
Do delta 8 carts smell like cannabis?
Delta 8 carts emit a cannabis-like odor as you vape, although this is typically milder than delta 9 carts. The more terpenes in your oil, the stronger the smell and flavor of your vapor. This applies to natural hemp terpenes and those introduced (or reintroduced) into the oil during production.
Natural terpenes have more in common with the grassy, skunky aroma we associate with marijuana. If the terpenes were extracted from another plant—say, citrus or mint—they’ll have a more subtle odor.
To minimize the smell, opt for delta 8 distillates. These carts tend to have fewer (or no) terpenes than full-spectrum products. Just make sure that terpenes weren’t reintroduced at the end of formulation if you want an odor-free experience.
Why does my delta 8 THC cart taste burnt?
Let’s start with the easiest solution: vaping at lower temperatures or voltages. Most carts perform best at 3.5 volts or below, with delta 8 carts preferring 2.5-3.0 volts, approximately. You can get away with higher settings, closer to 4.0 volts, if you’re vaping a distillate cart. Avoid problems by starting at a low setting and turning the voltage up a little at a time.
Old coils can scorch your delta 8 coil. If it’s an option, consider replacing your coil (if possible) or transferring your oil to a refillable cart using a syringe. This isn’t possible if you’re using a prefilled, disposable cart. You’ll need to throw out the cart and start fresh.
Burnt, charred flavor is also a symptom of chamber flooding. When oil leaks from the chamber and oversaturates your wick, the coil can’t heat up like it was designed to. Prevent chamber flooding with proper storage, which includes storing carts mouthpiece-up in cool, dry conditions. Don’t take aggressive hits, or pull for over three seconds.
Why is my delta 8 cart not hitting?
- Clogged carts: A clogged or leaking cart won’t produce robust vapor. Liquid in your mouth is a sign of condensation buildup, often a byproduct of improper storage. Or, if you taste or smell burning, you may have a flooded chamber. Unclog your cart before firing it again.
- Battery or charger issues: Check the indicator light on your battery. If it isn’t charged, the coil won’t heat, and vapor can’t be produced. An uncharged battery could also mean that your adapter or cable needs to be replaced.
- Incorrect voltage: Does your battery have adjustable voltage? Make sure it’s not too high or low. Start around three volts and slowly adjust up. Most delta 8 carts require a setting of 3.5 volts or below.
- Poor connection: If the battery is twisted on too tightly or loosely, the connection between the cart and the battery is impaired. Keep it snug, but don’t force the delta 8 cart any tighter.
- Low-quality products: Sometimes, poorly made products just don’t work. The issue can be anything from shoddy construction to low-quality oil. Only buy from brands with a proven testing and safety record. Always review customer feedback.
How can I tell if my delta 8 cart is fake?
You can usually spot a fake delta 8 cart before the purchase is complete. Always check for safety testing, including testing for additives (vitamin E acetate, etc.), pesticides, heavy metals, and so on. If the delta 8 brand lacks lab testing to support their claims, don’t trust them. Plenty of brands publicize this information.
Fake delta 8 carts will encounter frequent clogs and leaks. The oil tends to be watery or overly viscous, making it difficult to vaporize without burning or jamming the airway.
Additionally, an unpleasant taste or aroma is a clear sign of black-market products. High-quality delta 8 carts will emit a light herbal scent and hit on the palate. This will fade quickly with each puff. Aggressive, bitter, or charred aromas are common in fake carts.
Tips for buying delta 8 carts
- Always stick with the more reputable brands
- Make sure they provide independent lab reports
- Verify delta 8, cannabinoid and terpene content
- Make sure there are no contaminants, pesticides, fillers, etc.
- Various terpenes provide slightly different effects
- Look for other cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, CBG, etc.