Troubleshooting Vape Cartridges For Optimal Usage

Scientific and medical research continues to boom in order to find even more convenient and effective ways for patients to consume medical marijuana (MMJ). One advancement that is gaining notable traction within the MMJ community is vaping. This form of ingestion involves inhaling cannabis compounds (cannabinoids such as THC and CBD) from a pre-filled oil cartridge using a vape pen, or battery. The oil is heated to a precise temperature which creates vapor, instead of smoke, and contains the desired cannabinoids of the marijuana plant.

Since vaping administers stronger doses of various cannabis compounds more quickly and without the typical cannabis smoke odor, it is highly popular due to its discretion and convenience. However, as many experienced patients can attest to, this method of consumption isn’t devoid of setbacks. The intended convenience of vaping can sometimes turn into frustration if your oil cartridges and/or battery are not working properly. There are a number of reasons why this might happen, which is why we’d like to provide a few tips for troubleshooting vape cartridges and batteries.

Why You’re Cartridges/Battery May Not Be Working Properly:

Many things could be causing you to have a less than satisfactory vaping experience. The stars don’t have to align in order for you to have a perfectly smooth draw from a vape pen, but everything must be in working order for the best possible effects. From oil viscosity to battery power, you’ll want to inspect all elements if you aren’t able to pull consistent vapor.

Ways of Troubleshooting Vape Cartridges/Batteries:

Proper Usage – The act of vaping differs from the traditional smoking of the cannabis leaf. You may not be receiving sufficient vapor for a simple reason, and that is how you are inhaling. Rather than taking long, quick hits from a joint, pipe or bong, vaporizers are more sensitive and require a slow and steady draw.

Battery – A somewhat obvious explanation for a lack of vapor is a drained battery. Always keep your battery properly charged before usage. It is recommended to charge it through an electronic device using a USB port instead of plugging it directly into an electrical socket. With cannabis concentrates having such a thick viscosity, they are best vaped through a 650mAh battery for optimal use.

Storage – Both the cartridge and battery should not be stored in cool temperatures. The warmer the storage area, the more effective both components will be. For the cartridge, store it with the mouthpiece facing UP when it is not in use to allow the oil to flow downwards toward the wick inside and avoid air bubbles.

Quick Hacks For Common Issues:

Ensure Adequate Airflow – Air bubbles are a common cause for insufficient pulling of oil vapor. In addition to being stored in a cold environment, a poor connection between the cartridge and battery can be another reason for unwanted air bubbles. To release pressure between the two components and promote better airflow, slightly unscrew the top of the cartridge by twisting only one rotation. Do NOT completely unscrew the top of the cartridge. Then screw it back in until it is tightly flushed against the battery.

Keep Concentrate Heated – Revisiting the issue of viscosity, cannabis oil is thick and may not always flow properly even when kept in a warm place. You can heat stubborn concentrates by using a hairdryer. Place the cartridge upright on a hard surface 6 inches in front of a hairdryer for around 20 to 30 seconds until you see some bubbles rising to the top of the substance. Let it settle for only a few seconds while continuing to hold it upright before screwing it back into the battery and attempting another pull. For those who don’t own a hairdryer, steam from heated water on a stovetop can work just as well. With the battery attached, hold the cartridge over the steam for 20-25 seconds. *Note: Vape cartridges and batteries contain metal components, so NEVER place either of them into a microwave to heat them up.

Cover Possible Leaks – On rare occasions, vapor can escape from tiny holes that may be in the cartridge and not visible to the naked eye. While this is considered a last-ditch effort to salvage your oil, wrapping a piece of scotch tape entirely around the lining where the oil compartment meets the screw may cover up any air or vapor that might be escaping.

Local dispensaries when dealing with MMJ Certified patients are more amicable to returns should you immediately find a defect in the vape itself, being MMJ Certified shows you have a medical need and are a highly valued client to the dispensary.

Now that marijuana vape pens are legal again in Massachusetts, you can and should get them from licensed dispensaries. It is not only the safest way but with your medical marijuana certification, you could get them tax-free and even delivered to your home. If you’d like, set up an appointment with Medwell Health and Wellness Centers directly so you to can receive unrestricted marijuana product access at your local dispensary including vapes that contain a higher THC level, click here!