Vapes are the fastest growing category on any Canadian cannabis shelf and the most confusing to read. Most of the confusion comes from three words used loosely: cart, pod and disposable.
The three formats
- 510 cartridges. The standard threaded cart that screws onto almost any battery. Widest selection, cheapest per gram, and you keep the battery.
- Pods. Proprietary to one brand system. Often better engineered, but you are locked into that brand.
- Disposables. Battery and oil sealed together, used once and recycled. Convenient, more expensive over time, and the whole unit goes when the battery does.
What is in the oil
This matters more than the hardware.
- Distillate. Highly refined, very high THC, close to flavourless on its own. Terpenes are added back in, sometimes cannabis-derived, sometimes botanical. Consistent and inexpensive.
- Live resin and live rosin. Made from fresh frozen plant material, keeping far more of the original aroma. More expensive, much more flavour.
- Full spectrum and HTE. Sits between the two, using a high terpene extract to carry the character of the cultivar.
If you have tried a cart and found it tasted like nothing, you had distillate and you probably want live resin next. More on the extraction side in extracts and concentrates explained.
Batteries, briefly
A 510 battery at a lower voltage protects flavour. Higher voltage produces bigger clouds and burns terpenes off. If a cart tastes harsh or burnt, turn the battery down before you blame the cart. Most variable batteries sit between 2.5 and 3.5 volts, and the lower end is usually the better end.
Buying one that lasts
- Check the cart is full to the shoulder, not half empty in the window
- Store it upright, not flat in a pocket
- Do not leave it in a car in winter. Cold oil clogs
- Draw gently. A vape is not a lungful contest
If something is wrong with it
Hardware carries a manufacturer warranty. Bring it in with the packaging and your receipt and we will handle the claim. See exchange and returns.
Browse the range. Vapes and cartridges, delivered free across our local Toronto area.