Vape Cartridge 101
Here at Injoy we get all kinds of questions from customers or potential customers, so we thought we would share some basics with you!
Does a vape cartridge have an expiration date?
Almost every product that can lose potency, flavor or quality has some kind of date printed on the package to indicate when that might happen. Usually it is an expiration date, sometimes the label says, “best by.” Some have a “sell by” date, and yet other brands state when the product was made and let you decide when to stop using it. Some have a combination, noting the date of manufacture and the expiration.
These expirations or “best by” dates are little more than cautious guesses. There haven’t been any published studies measuring the efficacy of CBD as it ages—although common sense indicates that it probably loses some potency as it gets older and is exposed to the elements. How much strength is lost over time? No one knows for sure, but the consensus is that CBD products are at their best for one to two years.
How do I know if my vape cart is going bad?
The first thing to check is that the cartridge has the same viscosity and clarity as when you first bought it. The oil should still be some uniform shade of light yellow to amber. You should also be able to see through it without too much trouble. If the liquid is discolored in any way or has changed into some shade of brown, the cartridge is well past its prime and should be tossed out. Similarly, if the oil inside has become sludgy or thickened in any way, the squeeze ain’t gonna be worth the juice. If the liquid is cloudy or has crystals growing from the sides, get rid of it. Even if the oil hasn’t changed noticeably, you’ll know the moment you pull from it whether it’s past its expiration date. The vapor will have a bitter or sour taste because the oil is breaking down, or you’ll cough a lot more. Plus, the potency will have noticeably dropped.
How do I store my vape cartridges?
Proper storage is a matter of function and preservation; your vape cartridge should be placed in a cool, dark locale to preserve potency and flavor. Beyond that, you are tossing one around haphazardly or storing it horizontally (unless in the manufacturer’s case) can lead to annoying mishaps like leaking and clogging.
Store your CBD oil far from the light as well as warmth. And maintain cartridges saved in an upright position with the mouthpiece facing down. Store them in an arid and dark location.
How do I clean it?
If your pen isn't hitting, ensure that nothing obstructs the connection between your oil cartridge and your pen.
To thoroughly clean the pen, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe it clean. This will help remove any residue from the connection point and kill germs and bacteria on the pen and mouthpiece.
This is particularly important if you're sharing your vape pen with friends.
What do I do if it's clogged?
The holes in the cartridge may be clogged with oil. Try warming your cartridge with a hair dryer (lowest heat setting) or rubbing it between your hands to warm up the oil and change its viscosity. You can also gently poke a toothpick or safety pin in the hole to help de-clog it.
Prime your coil by taking "dry hits" from your cartridge without the battery and blowing gently into it.