Tag: Carts

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What Happens if You Smoke an Expired Cart?

What Happens if You Smoke an Expired Cart? - Featured Image

Ever stumbled upon an old vape cartridge tucked away in a drawer and wondered, “What Happens if You Smoke an Expired Cart?” It’s a query that might seem simple on the surface, but like many things in life, the answer is layered with complexities.

The world of vaping and the science behind the longevity of its components is vast and ever-evolving. While the idea of ‘expiration’ might conjure images of sour milk or stale bread, the implications for vape cartridges are a different ball game altogether.

But worry not, intrepid explorer of the vaping realm! We’re here to guide you through the misty corridors of this topic, offering insights and answers to your burning questions. Join us as we delve deep into the intricacies of expired vape cartridges and their effects.

Key Takeaways

  • Vape carts can go bad when kept beyond their shelf life, which hovers around 6-24 months.
  • It’s unclear what happens if you smoke an expired cart. However, it’s almost certain you won’t enjoy the experience.
  • Store your vape carts in a cool, dry, dark place to keep them fresh and potent for longer.

Can Carts Go Bad?

Yes, carts do go bad. The cannabis compounds in a cart are suspended in a base, usually oil or alcohol. Oils/alcohols are organic, which means they contain complex chains of lipid molecules bonded together by chemical bonds.

These bonds aren’t strong and eventually weaken, leading to degradation. The same process happens to the bioactive ingredients contained within the cart.

In the case of THC, it breaks down into another cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN). This compound is not as psychotropic as THC, which is why reduced potency is one of the signs of a stale cart.

The rate at which carts go bad varies, depending chiefly on storage. If poorly stored, the rate is, of course, higher. This is because natural elements like air, heat, and moisture speed up the degradation process. Ever wondered why most consumer goods should be stored in cool, dry places? Now you know.

The material often used to make vape carts can conduct heat. So, when stored in a warm environment, the heat eventually transfers into the oil, thus speeding up decomposition.

Light is another significant contributor to degradation. It works more or less like heat by aiding the breakdown of the bonds holding the molecules together. So, you can imagine how fast your vape cart goes bad if exposed to both light and heat!

Can Dab Pen Carts Expire?

Dab pens are just like vape pens and operate pretty much the same way. The only difference between the two is that the latter is designed for consuming a variety of concentrates. On the other hand, vape pens are more suited for flowers and oils.

In effect, dab pen carts can expire because, just like vape carts, the materials used to make the cart conduct heat, eventually leading to the breakdown of the concentrate.

Typical Vape Cartridge Shelf Life

A standard cartridge’s shelf-life ranges from six to 12 months from the date of manufacture. However, as explained earlier, this depends on storage practices.

When buying a vape cart, go for those manufactured within the month. This gives you the maximum possible shelf life. And here’s a little-known secret; you’ll likely get these from online vendors. Why?

Because they’re well-established, trusted, and reliable, which translates into higher stock turnover. This means they restock more frequently than other vendors (e.g., gas stations and convenience stores), so their products are fresher.

Nonetheless, how long a vape cart lasts depends on how well you store it. If you do this well enough, you can get the most out of your cart.

What Happens if You Smoke an Expired Cart?

Now to the million-dollar question — what happens if you smoke an expired cart? Well, this depends on the degree to which it’s expired.

Generally, you will immediately recognize the low quality and reduced potency. You may even experience a change in flavor and taste. Overall, you likely won’t like the experience.

Let’s look at the most common scenarios involving expiration.

Slightly Expired

For the most part, a partially expired vape cart is usable. Be that as it may, it may exhibit certain changes. For example, the color could adopt a more amber tint. Still, the ingredients are bioactive, so there could be only a marginal change in potency and flavor.

But as the degradation continues, the molecules break apart, increasingly losing their potency. The process is time-intensive, and a 5-6–month-old cart should still have many bioactive cannabinoids.

A slightly expired cart can remain in that state for an extended period of time (one year or more). Of course, this is if it’s stored properly and heat and light are kept to a minimum. Indeed, some users claim they have used vape carts left in a fridge for up to 20 months without incident.

Fully Expired

A spoiled vape cart is relatively easy to identify. It adopts a dark brown to reddish color and may even congeal. It likely emits a different smell that’s often rancid or bitter. So, if the color of your vape cart seems off, just take a whiff with your nose.

The appearance of crystal-like substances on the surface may also signal expiration.

For a completely expired vape cartridge, the cannabinoids are almost entirely degraded. Essentially, it has no effect. Even if you try vaping it, the flavor and taste will likely put you off.

Of course, there are inherent dangers to consuming expired products. It’s still unclear what the effects of expired cannabinoids are for now, but we’re certain it’s not worth risking.

Generally, vape carts are quite affordable. So, there’s no point in consuming an expired cart to save a few bucks. Your health is supremely important; don’t take it for granted.

How to Improve Your Vape Cartridge Shelf Life

So, what do you need to do to improve the shelf life of a vape cartridge?

Luckily, prolonging your vape cart’s shelf life is not more complicated than what you’ve probably been doing. Of course, you should also remember that the ingredients in the cart influence how long it stays fresh. The more additives in a cart, the faster it goes stale.

But with these easy-to-follow steps, you could soon use your carts for 6-12 months or even longer!

Avoid Sunlight

While sunlight is undoubtedly good for health, cannabis products may not feel the same way (if they could speak!). Sunlight is responsible for two major contributors to the breakdown of a cart’s contents: light and heat.

Light works more or less like heat, weakening the bonds that hold molecules together. It’s particularly dangerous to THC and transforms it into CBN.

So, one way to prolong a vape cart’s shelf life is by storing it in a dark place. This can be lockable pantry shelves, chest cabinets, glove boxes (not in summer!), or bedside tables. The options are virtually unlimited.

Keep it Cool

Heat is undoubtedly the biggest offender when it comes to degrading vape cartridges. The chemical bonds that hold the oil and cannabinoid molecules together cannot withstand heat for long. These bonds break down at higher temperatures, leading to a loss of potency and taste.

So, keeping your vape cart cool goes a long way toward prolonging its shelf life. At home, store your vape carts in places that are typically cooler. Generally, the kitchen is marginally warmer than other rooms, so avoid kitchen-area storage places.

Keep it Upright

This is particularly important when storing vape cartridges. Keeping vape carts upright prevents them from clogging up and becoming less efficient.

If you buy vape carts in bulk, a vape cartridge container is a worthwhile investment. With this, you can store all the carts in an upright position. Remember to keep the mouthpiece facing upward.

Best Way to Store a Vape

You invest a significant amount of your hard-earned cash on vape carts, so it’s only fair that you get the most out of them. This means using them while they are fresh, potent, and tasty.

The best way to store a vape cart is in a cool, dry, dark place. Doing this reduces exposure to heat, light, and moisture. Some vape carts are enclosed at both ends and are unlikely to be affected by moisture. Still, better play it safe than be sorry.

Also, keep in mind that vape carts are often made of glass. This means they are fragile and could break when handled carelessly. Glass doesn’t go well with pressure and heat, so exposing your cart to these elements increases the risk of damage.

A damaged vape cart could lead to leaks. It could also mean moisture enters the cart, thereby adulterating the contents. Or, it could render your cart completely unusable. Either way, it can ruin your vaping experience.

Where to Buy Fresh Delta-8 Disposables Online

Not so sure about that vape cart in your pantry? Don’t risk it; just get a fresh one from LIT Farms. The good thing is that you can purchase our products online and don’t have to leave the comfort of your home.

Our products are manufactured under the highest standards and are subjected to rigorous third-party tests. We simply offer nothing but the best!

Get started with this Lollipopz Liquid Diamonds Delta-8 Disposable Vape. It comes in a 1-gram disposable, sleek, and discrete vape pen for increased convenience. It’s portable, so you can go everywhere with it while enjoying the mouthwatering flavor and sugar rush of Lollipopz.

If you’re down for a burst of juicy sweetness, our Melon Tree Liquid Diamonds Delta-8 Vape is an excellent choice! Every puff gives the succulent flavors of ripe honeydew and watermelons, combined with the extra smooth and satisfying sensation of premium Liquid Diamond extracts.

Our sleek and portable vape pens allow you to enjoy a high-quality vaping experience practically anywhere. Whether on the beach, on the road, or in the places your adventures take you, we ensure you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of summer.

Final Thoughts

Protect your vape cartridge from heat and light to get the most out of it. Moisture also plays a role, but since carts are often closed, it has little to no effect. But carts are made of fragile glass, meaning they can break and compromise the quality of your vape cart.

Overall, the shelf life of a vape cart ranges from 6 to 24 months and depends mainly on storage practices. The better you are at these, the longer your vapes will stay fresh.

Just remember the biggest enemies of freshness — heat, light, and moisture. Once you keep these at bay, your carts will definitely last longer.

Expired Carts: Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Bad to Smoke Expired Carts?

While there aren’t any clear links between smoking expired vape cartridges and health problems, we don’t recommend doing so. If anything, the cannabinoids are almost entirely degraded, so you gain nothing in terms of effects.

Can a Cart Expire?

Yes, a cart can expire. Time changes everything, and in the case of vape carts, it makes them go bad. However, good storage can help them stay fresher and potent for much longer.

What Happens if You Vape an Expired Cartridge?

This depends on the extent to which it’s expired. For partial expiries, there’s little cause for concern. However, when fully expired, the flavor and taste will be off. Also, you will feel no effects because the cannabinoids have degraded.

Can You Still Hit a Dead Cart?

Technically, you can still hit a dead cart. However, it would be similar to flogging a dead horse; it won’t go anywhere!

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How To Hit a Cart Without Coughing

How To Hit a Cart Without Coughing - Featured Image

We all know how coughing while vaping or smoking kills the vibes. Even veteran vapers can go into an occasional fit of coughing that leaves them wondering what the problem could be.

As for newbies, well, taking those first few hits can get you coughing until your eyes water. It’s not an exciting experience, but it’s the first initiation into the vaping culture. Initiations are seldom fun, are they?

However, you don’t always have to cough when vaping. That is, if you know a few tricks and techniques to prevent the vapor from irritating your lungs. Ultimately, coughing is the result of the lungs getting irritated.

So, how can you hit a cart without coughing? This article loops you into the tips and tricks of cough-less vaping.

Key Takeaways

  • Coughing when vaping is pretty normal and, ideally, shouldn’t signal any serious concerns. It’s simply the body’s way of expelling foreign objects from your airway and lungs.
  • Excessive coughing is where you should be concerned
  • There are many reasons you cough when taking a puff, e.g., wrong vaping technique, malfunctioning vaping device, poor quality vape, etc.
  • You could avoid coughing when vaping by investing in high-quality vapes, perfecting a proven vaping technique (short, shallow puffs), vaping at lower temperatures, etc.

Why Do I Cough When I Puff on My Vape?

Here’s the thing: when a foreign object gets into the lungs, the body automatically tries to expel it. So, you either sneeze or cough. Essentially, the rib and abdominal muscles contract simultaneously, increasing pressure on the epiglottis (that flap that covers the trachea when you swallow).

As a result, the air in your lungs is forcefully expelled at high speeds, taking the intruder with it. Yeah, the wonders of how the body works!

It’s not any different with vaping because it introduces foreign substances into the lungs. First-time vapers are likely to cough due to several reasons. Generally, it mostly comes down to doing it wrong, but sometimes it may be due to irritants in the vape.

Fortunately, most vapers outgrow the coughing fits once they master the fundamentals. The key lies in identifying the problem and finding an immediate solution.

Why Do I Cough When Vaping but Not Smoking

If you only cough when vaping but not smoking, the problem might be easier to diagnose. Here are the potential reasons why this might be happening:

Vaping Technique

There’s always a right way to do something, whether it’s baking a cake, playing a game, or singing. The technique is everything. The things you do as you vape determine the results. For example, do you take large hits? Do you inhale direct-to-lungs? How long do you hold the inhale in your lungs?

Employing the correct technique is essential to cough-less vaping. We are not saying there’s a proper technique per se since every vaper is unique. What works for one person might not work for another. However, there are universal principles that can help you avoid coughing when vaping. We’ll get to these shortly.

Ingredients in Vape Juice

You cannot always be sure of what’s contained in those vape carts. Obviously, manufacturers add other ingredients to enhance flavor, shelf life, potency, etc.

Some of these additives might trigger allergic reactions, driving you into a coughing fit. If you find out that a particular vape cart makes you cough, it’s only logical to try another one. It’s better if you can identify the exact chemical that triggers your allergies so that you can avoid it.

Propylene Glycol Sensitivity

A major ingredient in vape cartridges is propylene glycol (PG). It’s a common preservative in food products, medicines, and cosmetics because it’s hydrophilic. It’s also used as a solvent for absorbing flavors and food colors.

This chemical can cause problems for some vapers. And while finding vape carts that are completely PG-free could be a tall order, you can opt for those that use organic vegetable glycerin.

Vegetable Glycerine Sensitivity

Unfortunately, some vapers are also sensitive to vegetable glycerin. This compound is used as a stabilizer in foodstuffs, skin products, and cosmetics.

It’s rare for people to be seriously allergic to vegetable glycerin. So, unless you are sure of its involvement, other factors might be at play. This is one of the last possibilities you should be considering.

Issues With Vaping Devices

Vaping devices are specifically made to vaporize cannabis material. So, like all things man-made, they aren’t entirely flawless. With continued use, they can develop wear-and-tear problems that affect their efficiency.

If everything seems fine with the device, you could simply be using the wrong tool for the wrong job. Some vapes are designed to work with specific cannabis materials. So, sometimes you’re coughing because you’re simply misusing the device!

Vaping Too Much | Dry Throat

Too much of everything, as they say, can be dangerous. If you take large hits in quick succession, you can overload your lungs. This is undoubtedly going to drive you into a coughing fit.

Also, keep in mind that when the vapor gets to your throat when it’s hot, it can cause a dry throat. This can also make you cough.

Cart Temperature

Generally, higher temperatures are likely to cause throat irritation, leading to coughing. Remember, the lungs are not naturally designed to handle hot air. According to the American Lung Association, inhaling hot air can promote airway inflammation and trigger respiratory diseases like COPD. It can also aggravate pre-existing health conditions like asthma.

Underlying Health Issues

If you have any breathing or lung-related problems, you should definitely consult a medical professional before dipping your toes in the vaping world. And, if you have an unexplainable cough due to vaping that just doesn’t go away, you might have an undiagnosed problem that you need to speak to a doctor about.

Your health is a top priority. So if you suspect your coughing could be due to a health condition, stop vaping and sort out the problem first. Alternatively, you can shift to non-inhalable cannabis products like edibles. These may have a longer onset time, but the potency and duration of the effects are worth it.

How To Hit a Cart Without Coughing

Top Tips for Hitting a Vape Without Coughing

Having done away with the potential causes of coughing when vaping, let’s now shift gears to how to avoid coughing.

Here are a few simple tips and tricks to avoid that irritating coughing. Seasoned vapors probably learned these from their friends or by trial and error. Either way, these recommendations are based on what works.

Tweak the Technique

If your vaping device and vape cart appear not to be the problem, it could be that your technique is just wrong.

The two most common vaping techniques are direct lung and mouth-to-lung vaping. With the former, you inhale directly into the lungs, as you do with bongs. However, this technique suits seasoned vapers.

As for mouth-to-lung vaping, the trick is to take short, small puffs in your mouth before inhaling into your lungs. It’s similar to the technique you use to drink juice with a straw or smoke cigarettes. This is the best method for novice vapers.

Take your time to perfect these techniques; vaping isn’t a race. Ultimately, all tokers seek quality hits and an enjoyable experience. News flash: this doesn’t depend on how fast you inhale the vapor.

Smaller Hits

Sometimes, your coughing could be because you inhale too deeply and strain your lungs. Why don’t you try taking shorter, shallower hits?

Doing so certainly helps remove strain from the lungs and lowers the risk of coughing. This trick is ideal for beginners. Also, take longer pauses between hits to avoid overwhelming your lungs.

The experience is always better when you take it easy and slow. Remember, if you want to enjoy the scenery, walk, don’t run!

Check Vape Temperature

Vaping at higher temperatures can trigger coughing. That’s because higher temperatures produce thicker smoke, which can irritate the lungs.

The good news is that some vaping devices have temperature control settings. For the best results, always set the temperature to the correct value. Keep in mind that vape materials typically have different heating temperatures.

Disposable vapes have a fixed temperature range. They typically don’t get too hot, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

Take a Break From Vaping

If all else doesn’t work, maybe it’s time to take a break from vaping. Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, vaping too much can affect your lungs. The same applies to your ability to breathe properly.

Usually, coughing goes away on its own without the need for medication. So, give your lungs a break and see what happens.

Better Quality Vapes

As mentioned earlier, sometimes the problem could be the vape cart’s quality. The hemp product industry is not regulated, so it’s a jungle out there. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of investing in high-quality vapes.

Not only do they taste better, they are more enjoyable and give you real value for your money. That’s why where you buy vapes shouldn’t be a seat-of-the-pants decision. LIT Farms is a trusted, reputable brand that develops high-quality Delta-8 vape products. Here are a few you can try out.

Lollipopz Liquid Diamonds Delta-8 Disposable Vape (1g): Every puff of this Delta-8 vape feels like a carnival. What with the sugary rush of lollipops and the zesty twist of fruity goodness! If you’re looking for a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this convenient and portable vape pen is precisely it. So, get out there and enjoy our mouthwatering Lollipopz Delta-8 vape cart infused with liquid diamonds for a high-caliber vaping experience.

Melon Tree Liquid Diamonds Delta-8 Vape (1g): Get ready for a burst of juicy sweetness with this Melon Tree flavored Delta-8 vape. Each puff is reminiscent of the succulent flavors of ripe watermelon and honeydew. Our premium liquid diamonds create a smooth and satisfying sensation that makes for a unique vaping experience!

Final Thoughts

If you’re worried that you cough when you vape, it’s probably nothing. Coughing is simply a reflex action the body uses to expel foreign objects from the lungs. We’ve highlighted several tips and tricks to beat the cough and enjoy your vape.

That said, if the coughing persists, it may be a good idea to seek medical attention. Underlying health conditions can be worsened by smoking, so it’s better to get it checked out.

Overall, go easy and slow when vaping. Short and shallow hits help relieve strain on the lungs, allowing you to have a great vaping session.

How to Hit a Cart: Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Not Cough When You Hit a Cart Pen?

While there are several things you can do to avoid coughing when vaping, try taking short, shallow hits for starters. Also, clean your vape regularly to keep it in prime working condition. You could check and ensure the temperature isn’t too high, as this can produce thicker smoke. Finally, drink lots of water to avoid a dry throat.

Why Do I Cough Every Time I Hit My Cart?

This could be due to many factors, including a malfunctioning vaping device, a bad vaping technique, dehydration, or an underlying health problem.

Why Do I Cough So Hard When I Hit a Dab Pen?

Dab pens produce larger clouds than vape pens, so chances are you’re taking overly large hits. This could mean you’re straining your lungs and throat, hence the coughing.

How Do You Inhale a Cart for Beginners?

Go for short, shallow puffs. Then stay hydrated!