Best Delta 8 Cartridges 2023

Delta 8 carts are one of the most sought after products with delta 8. The reason behind the popularity of delta 8 carts is simple: they’re convenient, effective and widely available… and they actually can get you high! Unlike CBD, the hit from delta 8 carts will be intoxicating—like a clear-headed, less intense version of the effects of delta 9 THC.

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 tetrahydrocannabinol is a hemp-derived form of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis and marijuana. The intoxicating effect is milder than in delta 9 (“THC”) carts; it’s best described as a “clear-headed” high.

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.

Yes, delta 8 vape carts get you high. Delta 8 is a hemp-derived form of THC, and like its cousin delta 9 THC, it has psychoactive properties.

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.

A clogged delta 8 THC cart won’t deliver the vapor you want. While clogs can be repaired, prevention is best to avoid hassle or carts ending up in the garbage.

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.

Find a dry, cool place to store your delta 8 carts. This could be inside a drawer or even a storage container designed specifically for carts. Avoid leaving carts exposed if there’s a heat source or sunny window nearby. Direct sunlight can damage the oil and speed up cannabinoid breakdown; temperatures over 70° F (21° C) may have a similar effect.

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.

Like delta 9 THC, delta 8 can build up in our systems, especially with regular use. Even vaping delta 8 one time can leave behind traces for up to one week. Cannabis products, including delta 8, are stored in fat cells and metabolized slowly over time.

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.

The average cost of a delta 8 cart depends on size, brand, retailer, and location of purchase. Most branded carts retail for $20-$50, but you may find cheaper options if you shop around (often in offers and package deals). If the price is too good, be wary of the source. Always buy from reputable vendors to avoid mishaps.

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.

Vaping delta 8 triggers a similar response to delta 9 THC. Both cannabinoids are psychoactive and will cause typical feelings of euphoria and mild disorientation that come with a THC high.

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.

To determine how many hits are in a delta 8 cart, consider the product’s size and your vaping habits.

• 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.

With delta 8 distillates rising and reliance on dilution agents sinking, carts have become more prone to crystallization. First, don’t throw out your carts when you notice crystals forming. It’s completely possible to bring your delta 8 carts, including distillates, back to a usable state.

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.

Delta 8 has a complex legal status in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, making delta 8 federally legal. However, each state has the right to set its own laws and regulations surrounding this cannabinoid.

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.

No hemp-derived products are perfect. One of the most common complaints about delta 8 is that it produces harsh, overly pungent vapor. Some users find that they’re more likely to cough when vaping delta 8 carts, compared to delta 9 THC or other hemp oils (CBD, CBG, etc.).

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.

You can find delta 8 oil in a variety of colors, ranging from clear to honey. The exact shade of your delta 8 cart depends on a few factors:

• 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.

In general, vaping produces less odor than smoking.

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.

Burnt-tasting delta 8 carts point to coil damage, incorrect voltage settings, or oil stored in the wrong conditions. While this can sometimes be repaired by the user, that isn’t always possible. Prevention is the best way to avoid burnt flavors or aromas. For example, keep your delta 8 carts away from sunlight or hot temperatures.

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.

A delta 8 cart that’s not hitting can point to a few situations:

• 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.

Cheap delta 8 carts from unknown suppliers are tempting. But sometimes manufacturers keep prices low by mixing the delta 8 oil with additives and cutting agents—and you don’t want to vape those. You can put your health at risk, and the product won’t provide the potency or effects you’re after.

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.

Here are some useful tips for what to look for when purchasing 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.