A cart is a small cartridge of cannabis oil that screws onto a battery. The battery heats the oil into vapor you inhale. Take one small puff, then wait 15 to 30 minutes before taking another. Only buy from licensed shops.
Contents10
The parts
Cartridge (cart)
Holds the oil. Usually 0.5 g or 1 g.
Battery
Heats the oil. Most carts use a standard "510" thread, so they fit most batteries.
Disposable
Cart and battery in one. Toss when empty.
Pod
Brand-specific cart that only fits that brand's battery.
Carts vs. dab pens vs. disposables
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cart + battery | Prefilled oil cartridge on a reusable battery | The most common setup. Swap carts, keep the battery. |
| Disposable | Prefilled oil and battery in one | Trying something once. More waste. |
| Dab pen | You load thick concentrate (wax, rosin) yourself | Experienced users. Much stronger hits. |
What's in a vape cart?
A licensed cart contains cannabis oil, which is a THC extract, plus terpenes for flavor and smell. The label and lab test list what's inside. Avoid any cart with added thickeners or unknown ingredients.
Distillate vs. live resin vs. rosin
| Oil type | What it is | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Distillate | Very refined THC, flavor added back in | Clean, sometimes candy-like |
| Live resin | Made from fresh-frozen plants to keep more terpenes | Closer to the real plant |
| Rosin and live rosin | Pressed with heat and pressure, no solvents | Most like the plant. Usually priciest. |
How to hit a cart
- Screw the cart on gently.Snug, not tight.
- Press the button, or just inhale.Some batteries are button-activated, others turn on when you draw.
- Draw slowly for 1 to 2 seconds.Like sipping through a straw.
- Exhale and wait.Give it 15 to 30 minutes.
How many hits should you take?
Vape oil is strong. Many carts are labeled 70% to 90% THC. Check yours. Health Canada advises new users to avoid high-THC extracts, and vape oil is an extract.2 If you try one, start with one short puff, a 1 to 2 second draw. Effects come on within seconds to minutes, but full effects can take up to 30 minutes.2 Wait 15 to 30 minutes before deciding on another.
Cart not hitting? Try this
- Charge the battery.The most common fix.
- Check the connection.Unscrew, then screw back in snugly. Don't overtighten.
- Warm it up.Thick oil can clog when cold. Many batteries have a preheat mode.
- Lower the voltage.Too hot can burn the oil and the wick.
Avoid fake and illegal carts
Why it matters
In 2019, the CDC linked a lung injury outbreak to THC vaping products containing vitamin E acetate. There were 68 confirmed deaths.1 Most of those products came from informal sources.
- Buy from licensed dispensaries only.
- Look for the state label and a lab test (often a QR code).
- Too cheap is a red flag. So is flashy packaging with no license info.
- Skip street, party, and online "deals."
How to store a cart
- Keep it upright so oil stays near the wick.
- Room temperature, out of direct sun and hot cars.
- Away from kids and pets.
Common questions
What is a cart (weed)?
A small prefilled cartridge of cannabis oil that screws onto a vape battery.
How do THC carts work?
A battery heats a small cartridge of cannabis oil into vapor that you inhale.
What is a dab pen?
A vape you load yourself with thick cannabis concentrate like wax or rosin. Hits are much stronger than a typical cart. Not for beginners.
How long does a cart high last?
Effects start within minutes and can take up to 30 minutes to peak. They usually fade over the next few hours.
How many hits of a cart should a beginner take?
One short puff. Full effects can take up to 30 minutes, so wait 15 to 30 minutes before deciding on another.
Why is my cart not hitting?
Usually a dead battery, a loose connection, or thick oil. Charge it, reseat it, and try preheat.
What's the difference between distillate and live resin?
Distillate is refined THC with flavor added back. Live resin is made from fresh-frozen plants and keeps more natural terpenes.
Are vape carts safe?
No inhaled product is risk-free. Licensed carts are lab tested. Most people hurt in the 2019 lung injury outbreak got their THC carts from informal sources like friends, dealers, or online sellers.
We cite government health agencies and peer-reviewed research. Numbers in the text link to the source.
