Best CBD Vape Cartridges 2024

According to scientific studies, cannabidiol (or CBD) provides multiple health benefits. Vaping is one of the most effective ways of administering it, due to its high bioavailability. Inhaling CBD gets it into the bloodstream and to the cannabinoid receptors more quickly than oral products like CBD tinctures or CBD gummies and edibles. And it delivers CBD benefits much faster than CBD pills or lotions.

In this guide, we’ll offer tips on how to vape CBD carts properly. But first, here’s a list of the best pre-filled and refillable CBD vape carts available now.

Pre-filled CBD cartridges

Refillable CBD cartridges

What are pre-filled CBD cartridges?

Though pre-filled CBD oil carts are technically considered disposable, high-quality carts can sometimes be opened and refilled a few times before disposal.

What are refillable CBD cartridges?

Refillable carts are relatively inexpensive—and cost-effective compared to pre-filled carts or disposable CBD vape pens—if you have access to bulk CBD distillate. However, some people are willing to trade the money they could save by refilling for the convenience of carts that are pre-filled and ready to use.

How to fill an empty CBD oil cart

• Remove the cart from the battery.
• Unscrew the mouthpiece.
• Carefully and slowly fill the cart along the sides. Be careful not to get oil in the center airflow (you may need to use a syringe for precision).
• Be careful not to overfill. There has to be room to replace the mouthpiece without causing the oil to overflow.
• Wait 10-15 minutes for the oil to settle.
• Prime the coil by taking a few small puffs without powering the vape.
• When the flavor diminishes or tastes burnt, it’s time to replace the cartridge.

How to use a CBD oil cartridge

• Make sure your battery is charged and powered up. Many vape pens require five quick presses of the power button to turn on.
• Set your device to the lowest voltage setting if it is adjustable.
• Start by taking small short puffs to gauge the effects and prime the coil.
• Some cartridges may require a bit more voltage to achieve a satisfying puff.
• Turn the battery off when you are done, if necessary.

How long does a CBD cartridge last?

• Frequency of use: Frequent CBD vapers will use up carts faster than someone who vapes once in a blue moon. This doesn’t mean you should decrease your vaping frequency; in fact, CBD carts can expire or lose potency if they sit in storage for too long. Pace yourself, but use opened carts regularly to avoid heat damage, CBD breakdown, changes in flavor, and other issues.
• Voltage settings: Higher voltage settings use extra oil and produce more vapor. A good range for CBD distillate carts is approximately 3.3 to 3.8 volts. There’s a catch, though: higher voltage settings lead to greater potency, meaning you won’t need quite as many puffs to feel the effects.
• Cart size: The bigger your cart, the longer it will last. One-gram carts are the most common. You can also pick up half-gram (500 milligrams) carts from most online retailers and dispensaries. Avoid buying larger carts if you aren’t going to vape consistently — it’s an easy way to keep your CBD oil fresh.
• CBD potency: You won’t need as many puffs to feel the effects of a more potent cart. Instead of simply checking the total amount of oil, look at how much CBD is inside. It’s common for one-gram carts to contain between 700 and 800 milligrams of CBD, for instance. For the highest possible potency, stick to CBD isolates. These carts contain nearly 100% pure CBD.
• Draw time: If you take long draws of your vape, you may notice yourself going through CBD oil at a faster rate. Try to keep your draws between one and three seconds. Not only does this make it easier to conserve oil, it also reduces your risk of clogs or a burnt coil.
• Product quality: Low-quality carts are more prone to leaks, clogs, and burning. Your CBD vape cart will have a shorter life if it breaks or the oil goes bad faster than expected.

In general, half-gram CBD carts will last between 80 and 160 puffs. If you’re taking five to ten hits per day, your half-gram cart can last up to a month.

One-gram carts will take 160 to 320 draws to finish up. At five to ten hits each day, this works out to around two months.

You may use carts more slowly or quickly, depending on the factors described above.

CBD carts FAQs

What is a 510 CBD cartridge?

Because 510 thread CBD carts are universal, they’re the most common type; these products can attach to any 510 thread battery or device. This covers the majority of batteries on the market, aside from some proprietary products.

To connect a 510 CBD cart to a compatible battery, simply twist them together at the threading. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the device or disrupt the connection. Under-tightening will also lead to a poor connection and difficulty creating vapor. Twist until the connection is firm, but not beyond that point.

Where can I buy CBD vape cartridges?

Dispensaries tend to mark up prices, but you’re less likely to encounter untested or black-market products. If you’re new to CBD, it can be helpful to speak with a dispensary representative. They can provide valuable insight and guide you toward the best CBD cart for your needs.

Smoke shops and head shops can be a gamble; the cost is typically lower, but you’ll want to do some research into the store first. Don’t stop by the first head shop you find on the street, especially if the prices seem too good to be true.

Online retailers are a good middle ground. It’s easy to find testing information and steer clear of black market products—if the brand is reputable, this will be published prominently on their website. Plus, the cost is usually cheaper than buying from a dispensary, and it’s simple to shop around to find the best deal.

Should I buy prefilled or refillable CBD carts?

Prefilled CBD carts are:

• Convenient: You can’t get any quicker or easier than prefilled CBD carts. Twist your CBD cart onto a compatible device or battery, power it up, and take a hit. Just remember to prime your wick before the initial use—this reduces the risk of burning.
• Discreet: There’s no prep or mess involved in prefilled CBD carts, making them the discreet option. They’re compact and easy to store or carry around.
• Consistent: When you use a prefilled CBD cart, you know exactly how much oil it contains, including the amount of CBD. There’s no need to measure or eyeball the oil.
• Good for beginners: While experienced vapers also enjoy prefilled CBD carts, they’re perfect for beginners.

Of course, prefilled CBD carts have their downsides. They’re the less eco-friendly option. Once you use a cart, it goes in the garbage. They’re also more expensive; you’re likely to pay more for each milligram of CBD.

On the other hand, refillable CBD carts are:

• Flexible: Using refillable carts gives you the freedom to choose your CBD oil. You don’t need to purchase a new cart to switch it up; simply clean out the chamber and refill it.
• Cost-effective: Per milligram, you spend less on CBD oil by using refillable carts. You don’t need to pay for a new cart — chamber, coil, atomizer, and all — every time you use a different oil.
• Eco-friendly: Refillable carts create less waste. While some prefilled carts can be refilled and used multiple times, this isn’t how most vapers use them. And refilling pre-filled carts only works well with high-quality products.

The biggest downside of refillable carts is straightforward: they’re less convenient. Not only do you need to add your own oil, but they also need to be maintained and cleaned between uses. They’re more time-consuming, although experienced vapers may find that the added effort is minimal.

What to check when buying CBD cartridges?

Before all else, confirm that the cart has undergone testing. Trusted brands will make this information available to the public, usually displayed openly on their website. If you’re shopping in person, ask the dispensary or shop representative for information. If they don’t have it available or seem dismissive, take your business elsewhere.

After confirming that the product is safe to consume, take a look at:

• THC content: Pure or predominantly CBD carts are out there, but the cannabinoid can be combined with delta 9 or other forms of THC. If you’re not looking to get high, stay away from carts that contain delta 9, delta 8, delta 10, or any THC variants. A CBD cart containing more than 0.3% delta 9 THC is considered a marijuana product, not a hemp product.
• Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate: If you’re looking for flavor and the entourage effect, try full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD carts; these contain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, although full-spectrum products may contain trace amounts of THC. Isolates are ideal if you’re seeking high CBD potency and don’t care about aroma.
• Cost: There’s a huge range in the cost of CBD carts. More expensive products are often higher quality, but it’s possible to find effective products for around $20. High-end CBD carts can go for $40 or more, depending on brand, size, and other factors.
• Customer reviews: You can learn a lot about a product from what other customers are saying. Don’t check just the brand’s website, either — these reviews might be filtered to emphasize favorable opinions. Instead, look up what other vapers are saying about the product across the internet.

Which CBD cartridges should I avoid?

The biggest giveaway that a CBD product is untrustworthy? There’s no Certificate of Analysis (COA). Find the report and take a closer look. Check that it’s up-to-date and was published recently. You can also look into the lab to make sure that it’s an accredited facility. Finally, focus on the numbers. Does the product actually contain the amount of CBD that’s advertised?

Keep an eye out for the red flags of shady CBD products:

• Stolen branding: Counterfeit brands will often use copyrighted characters or logos in their branding.
• Nameless brands: If you can’t find the manufacturer’s name, it’s probably not a reliable product.
• Bargain prices: Affordable CBD carts are out there, but they rarely cost less than $15. If the price tag seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Excessive CBD concentration: A one-gram cart can’t contain more than one gram (1000 mg) of CBD. If the manufacturer says it does, they’re lying.
• Brown or black oil: High-quality CBD oil will be a rich golden shade; it can also resemble honey. Dark, dull oil is likely expired or contains contaminants.
• No ingredient list: Transparency is the top priority of reputable CBD brands. If you can’t find an ingredient list or supplement facts, stay away.

Vaping a questionable CBD cart isn’t worth the risk to your health. These products could contain unhealthy oils not meant for vaping, or other contaminants.

If you’re suspicious about a product, it’s best to trust your instincts. You can look up customer reviews for additional insight.

Full-spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate CBD cartridges?

Full-spectrum CBD products use the “full spectrum” of the hemp plant. Although CBD is the dominant compound, they also contain terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids. This could include up to 0.3% delta 9 THC.

While full-spectrum CBD may contain THC, the amount is typically too low to instill a psychotropic response. You probably won’t get high from using a full-spectrum CBD cart—but you might trigger a positive drug test if the THC level exceeds the stated amount.

If flavor is one of your top priorities, full-spectrum CBD is the way to go. The terpenes help create a robust taste and aroma. These carts are optimal if you’re seeking the entourage effect: the theory that consuming the full spectrum of a plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids enhances their impact.

Broad-spectrum CBD is similar, but there is no risk of consuming THC. Like full-spectrum, it contains a spread of cannabinoids and terpenes. Expect flavorful hits and a strong aroma. However, the manufacturer has completely stripped away the THC content, eliminating the risk of a positive drug test.

CBD isolates offer a different type of experience. To create these oils, manufacturers isolate the CBD compound, filtering out other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant materials. Isolate carts are the closest we can get to consuming pure CBD extract — they may contain up to 99.9% of the compound. They’re THC-free, but also devoid of CBG, CBC, and other desirable cannabinoids.

A CBD isolate cart is extremely potent. If you want a powerful dose of CBD in only a few puffs, this is the oil for you.

Pure isolates are lacking in terpenes, so they have practically no taste or smell. Terpenes can also be reintroduced later; these carts may have a slightly lower percentage of CBD, but they’re highly potent and flavorful.

Why is my CBD cartridge crystalizing?