Can You Make Your Own CBD Vape Cartridges?

Do-it-yourself projects are growing in popularity and variety. Whether it is a homemade table or home baked edibles, taking on DIY projects allows you to customize your end result to fit your preferences perfectly. But is it a good idea to make your own CBD vape cartridges at home? And is this even a feasible DIY project? Read on to learn more about whether this is something you should try to take on yourself to save a few dollars, or if you should pick up manufacturer CBD vapes.

What Is In A CBD Vape Cartridge?

The ingredients included in any CBD vape cartridge are actually fairly limited and easy to obtain. You will probably have a more difficult time finding high-quality cartridges to fill that don’t come in orders of the thousands. You’ll also need some special equipment for filling the cartridges, along with safety equipment for working with the concentrated materials. However, like any other vape cartridge, the list of ingredients in the CBD cartridge is less intimidating than what you’ll need to assemble a vape cartridge.

Hemp-Derived CBD Extract Oil

A CBD vape cartridge starts with hemp-derived extract oil. There are a few different methods used to extract CBD compounds from hemp plants, either involving solvents or a solvent-less method. These extraction methods tend to be fairly complicated and require a certain set of equipment. However, you can purchase CBD extract oil instead from a local dispensary and skip the hassle of processing tons of hemp. CBD extract oil tends to be thick in consistency, and needs to be mixed with thinning ingredients in order to make it a consistency that can be vaped easily.

Some common thinning agents used in vape cartridges include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and medium-chain triglyceride. These are all ingredients also found commonly in food products and considered safe to consume. They are each made of something different, but all act in a similar fashion when mixed with thick extract oil.

Propylene Glycol (PG)

The most common natural thinning agent used by vape cartridge manufacturers is propylene glycol, or PG. This ingredient is a by-product of petroleum and does not carry any color or scent in it. Adding PG to vape oil can also increase the throat hit of the cartridge, making it feel more like smoking instead of inhaling vapor. PG is also commonly found in common household and beauty products, such as toothpaste and dog food. However, it’s not the only thinning agent that can be safely used in vape cartridges.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

Another common thinning agent used in vape cartridges is vegetable glycerin, commonly referred to as VG. This ingredient is derived from vegetable oils and considered safe to consume. It is also commonly found in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It has a thicker consistency than PG though and is less effective as a thinning agent. However, if a vape oil gets too thin, a manufacturer may use VG to help thicken it up a bit. VG can also smooth out the throat hit and provide smoother, sweeter vapor that is easier to inhale.

Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT)

One of the newest thinning agents used by vape oil manufacturers is medium-chain triglyceride, or MCT oil. It does not have a color or scent to it and is made with palm oil and coconut oil. MCT is also thought to be a good carrier for CBD in particular and is often used with CBD vape cartridges.

Some CBD vape cartridge manufacturers will use a mix of hemp-derived terpenes as a thinning agent instead, which is a more natural alternative when working with hemp-derived CBD oil. However, terpene extracts are a bit more difficult to get a hold if you are trying to make a CBD vape cartridge at home. The recent concern regarding black market vape cartridges is due to the addition of potentially harmful thinning agents. If a vape cartridge is homemade though, it can still be made with safe ingredients that do not prove to be harmful carcinogens. However, a thorough amount of research must be done to investigate the source of the vape cartridge ingredients and how they were processed.

Can You Make A CBD Cartridge at Home?

Although a CBD vape cartridge is made with only a few natural ingredients, it can be difficult and potentially unsafe to do at home. To make an oil that is thin enough to vape, you must manage chemicals and solvents with the appropriate equipment. This is not a simple DIY project like making your own CBD tincture and involves more skill than your average crafter might have. There are many people who still choose to make their own CBD vape cartridges though. By making their own vape cartridges, they can also customize the mix to fit their needs and vaporizerperfectly.

Trust Local CBD Experts

However, if CBD vape cartridges are available for sale legally in your state, then it is best to trust the manufacturing experts. Always be sure to ask for third-party laboratory analysis results though, so that you know exactly what you are vaping. Then work with your local Budtender to find the right farm, strain, and cartridge to fit your vape and vaping preferences perfectly.

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