The inhalation route of administration has the advantages of a quick onset of effects which treats symptoms rapidly and makes dose titration simple and intuitive. They are used on an as needed basis. Vape cartridges contain liquid concentrated extracts of the cannabis plant which are electrically heated to a point the liquid boils into a steam, and the vapor is inhaled. These are very discreet and convenient making them a popular choice for many patients. Some cartridges may contain additional cannabinoids like CBD, but most will be primarily a THC source.
THC will be more effective when used with CBD for most conditions; vape cartridges can be used as a THC source with CBD and CBG tinctures.
Types of Vape Cartridges:
Vape cartridges may contain a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes but most available at the dispensaries will have primarily THC as the cannabinoid and may or may not contain terpenes.
Cartridges which also contain terpenes will be more effective than those which contain only THC. Balanced cartridges containing CBD and THC are also available.
- Full Spectrum Vape Cartridges:
Are produced by first gently extracting the terpenes from the cannabis, which are reserved for later use.
Live Resin Vape Cartridges are full spectrum, but use a refined process to preserve all the terpenes present in the plant at the time of harvest. The flower is then subjected to a second process to extract the cannabinoids from the flower, mostly THC. The concentrated terpenes are then combined with the extracted THC. These cartridges leverage the entourage effect and will produce effects very similar to the flower from which it is derived. They will have a lower THC percentage, usually in the 70% – 80% range, than a THC distillate cartridge as the THC has been diluted with the terpene addition.
Full spectrum vape cartridges are preferred.
- THC Distillate Vape Cartridges:
Are produced by extracting the cannabinoids from the cannabis, mostly THC which is then placed in a cartridge for use. These will typically measure in the 90%+ THC concentration range. The lack of terpenes limits the effectiveness of these cartridges, and although they can provide a potent THC source, used alone, they are usually inadequate to treat most patient symptoms.
- “Terp Tanks”:
Often, terpenes from other sources are mixed with a THC distillate to leverage the entourage effect benefits. These can be formulated in a way to produce a more “full spectrum” effect. These will be more effective than plain THC cartridges, but the terpene source is important, as chemists can now produce them synthetically.
Plant derived terpenes are preferred to those synthetically produced.