Are Delta 8 THC Carts Safe? Ingredients Matter

by Kat Austin March 19, 2021 8 min read

Are Delta 8 THC Carts Safe? Ingredients Matter - VO Inc

Delta-8-THC vape carts are the most popular way to reap Delta-8’s benefits, mainly because they hit hard and fast, are incredibly portable, and are moderately discreet. As the popularity of vaping Delta-8 rises, however, so do questions about quality and safety.

As a new Delta-8 consumer, you're like wondering: Are Delta-8 vape carts safe? What special precautions should you take when buying Delta-8 pens? And where can you find the safest Delta-8 Carts that offer the premium dosing experience you’re after?

All great questions. We’ll break it down:

Looking for federally legal Delta-8 carts that ship to your state? Check out our Delta-8 vape carts or our full Elev8 collection today. 

Table of Contents

What is a Delta-8-THC Cart?
Are Delta-8-THC Carts Safe?
Vape Cart Ingredients
Vape Cart Materials
How to Safely Use Delta-8-THC Vape Carts
Where to Buy Safe Delta-8-THC Carts Online
Resources

Key Takeaways

  • Delta 8 Vape cart safety depends heavily on the ingredients and materials used and the way that it is consume. 
  • Carts made with synthetic materials, dangerous additives, or plastic and low-quality metals should be avoided.
  • After you find a high-quality vape formula, you should still dose slowly to get a feel for the formula before taking large doses.
  • You can buy premium Delta-8-THC carts online and have them shipped to your door, but you should look for third-party test results and full ingredients list first.

What is a Delta-8-THC Cart?

A Delta-8-THC cart, or Delta-8 vape cartridge, refers to the pre-filled cartridge that fits on the end of a vape battery. These carts are usually filled with a specific amount of D8 (usually around 1 gram) and are most frequently designed to fit on a standard 510 threaded vaporizer battery that can be recharged.

When the cartridge is empty, it can be thrown out and replaced. Typically, this type of vape product is cost effective since you only need to purchase the battery part once.

Vape Cart vs Vape Pen Safety

Some vape pens, often called “disposable vape pens” come with both the pre-filled tank and the battery attached. These types of vape pens cannot usually be recharged and the “cartridge” is not removable or replaceable. Once empty, you throw the entire pen away and replace it.

The two are inherently different and only the “cartridge” part can be accurately called a “vape cart.” Still, the vape cart safety information found in this article applies to all types of Delta-8 vape pens, especially since the safety has more to do with the Delta-8 formula than the actual vape pen.

Are Delta-8 Vape Pens Safe?

In general, vape cart safety isn't black or white. There are multiple contributing factors that affect the safety of vape products, and especially hemp vape products.

A tray of Delta 8 THC carts just after being filled by the manufacturer.

Primarily, the safety of your Delta-8-THC vape pen has a lot to do with the way it's made. That includes the actual materials used to make the vape tank, and the ingredients used to make the vape oil formula.

We’ll talk about both:

Vape Cart Ingredients

The ingredients inside the vape oil directly impact the safety since, of course, you're inhaling that solution directly into your lungs. Unfortunately, the Delta-8 cart market isn't very well regulated yet, so it's up to you as the consumer to weed out the good from the bad. Here's where to start:

Delta-8 Vape Oil Ingredients That May Be Unsafe

There's been plenty of speculation about whether vape carts are safe in general, and some research that compares the effects of smoking and vaping suggests that vaping can have a similar negative impact on lung health.

However, the majority of negative claims involve nicotine vapes and other products used to replace cigarettes. These products have very different ingredients than a high quality Delta-8-THC vape oil should contain.

Avoid Synthetic Cannabinoids

There has also been some negative press surrounding cannabis vaporizers in the past, but these reports also often point towards the formula as the primary issue. For instance, cannabis vaporizers containing synthetic cannabinoids have been known to cause adverse reactions that in some cases led to hospitalization.

In almost all instances, synthetic cannabinoids are considered unsafe and illegal, except for some FDA approved pharmaceuticals.

Propylene Glycol May Be Another Culprit

The vape community also speculates that another ingredient commonly found in vape oil—propylene glycol (PG)—may make vaporizers unsafe.

Propylene glycol is widely considered safe as a food additive and is FDA approved for many uses, but is thought to turn into a noxious gas when heated to high temperatures.

There's currently very little evidence available to confirm or deny the possible harms of inhaling heated propylene glycol, but many brands have moved away from the use of PG in vape products anyways.

Unsafe Carrier Oils or Preservatives

Manufacturers have been known to use additives under the guide of "natural preservatives" that may make Delta-8 carts dangerous.

For instance, vitamin E oil is often used as a preservative and is FDA-approved as a safe substance for topical or oral use. However, research has found vitamin E acetate to be unsafe when inhaled, stating that it may interfere with healthy lung function.

You should also check out any additional carrier oils used to ensure they meet your needs. For instance, some manufacturers may use oils sourced from tree nuts or other plant-based sources that could cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Delta 8 Vape Oil Ingredients That May Be Safe

Look for a Delta 8 THC Vape oil that's made from natural, hemp-derived materials. These vapes will primarily be composed of hemp-derived Delta-8-THC, terpenes, safe carrier oils, and sometimes FDA approved flavor additives and sweeteners.

If you want to go as safe and simple as possible, there are Delta-8 carts made with only Delta-8 and terpenes and no extra additives.

Vape Cart Materials

The materials used to make the actual cartridge and heating elements are extremely important as well.

An example of a Delta-8-THC cart made from high-quality metal, glass, and ceramic materials.

For instance, low-quality cartridges may:

  • Be made of plastic, which can off-gas, absorb terpenes and other elements from the hemp oil, and overall alter the vaping experience.
  • have loose-fitting gaskets that leak, which can be wasteful and costly
  • have pre-moistened wicks that may have been primed with a chemical like propylene glycol, which can cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects in some people.

Alternately, high-quality cartridges should:

  • Be made of premium, heat-resistance materials, such as glass, metal (like stainless steel), and ceramic.
  • Have properly fitted gaskets that don’t leak or allow air to contaminate the hemp oil inside.
  • ideally be 510 threaded, since that's the size of the most common and accessible vape battery.

Looking for potent, safe Delta-8-THC carts? Our Elev8 Carts come in a 510 compatible ceramic core cartridge that's made from premium heat-safe materials and filled with high-quality hemp extract. 

Conclusion: Are Delta-8 Carts Safe for Consumption?

We'll put it frankly: Smoking or vaping anything carries some level of risk.

Still, adverse reactions to vaping have generally been linked to cheap formulas, synthetic ingredients, or other potentially dangerous additives.

To stay safe, you should stay away from vaporizers made from low-quality materials like plastic, and instead opt for cartridges made from glass, ceramic, and other premium heat-resistant materials.

You should also thoroughly review the Delta-8-THC vape cart before you buy to ensure that it's made from legal, high-quality hemp. You want a vaporizer that does not contain synthetic cannabinoids or unnecessary additives.

There are many hemp vaporizers on the market that contain only simple ingredients like natural hemp cannabinoids, terpenes, and safe carrier oils.

A high-quality hemp brand will always offer third-party test results with their products. They should also be willing to divulge the full ingredients list and the origin of their hemp material. Choosing a high-quality vaporizer that is free of risky additives and synthetic materials is the best way to ensure that your Delta-8-THC carts are safe.

How to Safely Use Delta-8-THC Vape Carts

Even if you choose the safest Delta 8 cart on the market, you need to dose responsibly in order to stay safe. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

A safe Delta-8-THC vape cart properly installed on a reusable vape battery.

Start slow.

Because Delta-8-THC is mildly psychoactive, it’s important (especially for inexperienced users) to dose slowly and see how you feel before stacking on more doses.

Vaporizers are especially convenient for “feeling out” the Delta-8-THC experience because they take effect quickly. You should begin to feel the effects a few minutes after you exhale.

Wait for the peak.

The effects will peak after no more than 10 minutes, and then you can safely decide if you want to indulge in another dose. Keep in mind that a Delta-8 high will last for several hours. Of course, Delta-8 is only thought to be about half as potent as Delta-9, so you may need to dose a few times to experience the effects you seek.

Stride slowly when you change products, too.

Use this slow-dosing technique every time you change formulas, too. Different formulas may be more or less potent or could contain different terpenes that change the dosing experience. In short, just dose slowly and with intention to help ensure a positive, safe Delta-8 experience.

Try Delta-8 with CBD.

If you want a more balanced, therapeutic experience, consider taking a CBD dose alongside you Delta-8 cart dose. Try CBD tinctures or edibles, but remember to take them about an hour in advance since they will take longer to kick in. To learn more about CBD's benefits, read "What is CBD?"

Where to Buy Safe Delta-8-THC Carts Online

While we’re throwing out truths about Delta-8-THC vape cart safety, here’s another: The U.S. hemp market is still mostly unregulated. That means you need to be super careful when you buy Delta-8-THC carts online or in stores.

Where Can You Find the Safest Delta 8 Carts?

Cloud9™ Premium THCA Disposable Vape - 1 gram - Vida Optima™-Vape

Our hemp THC vaporizers are designed with your safety in mind. We use simple, hemp-derived ingredients to create our potent THC vape oil. Our vape carts contain 95% THC derived from legal hemp, and the other 5% is reserved for natural hemp-derived terpenes.

Our carts are made from high-quality glass with a ceramic core, and they won’t leak or burn the hemp oil material. Plus, all of our products are 100% Farm Bill compliant and backed by third-party lab testing that you can view before you buy.

Check out our entire Delta-8-THC collection to learn more.

FAQ - Are Delta 8 Pens Safe

Is it safe to smoke Delta 8 carts?

Smoking Delta 8 carts can be safe if the product is from a reputable source and free of harmful additives. However, vaping in general carries risks, so it's essential to choose quality products and consult with a healthcare professional.

Are there any dangers to Delta 8?

Potential dangers of Delta 8 include mild side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, and dizziness. In rare cases, it can cause anxiety or paranoia. It's crucial to use it responsibly and ensure the product is lab-tested for safety.

Is Delta 8 natural or synthetic?

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis, but it is usually present in small amounts. Most Delta 8 products are derived from hemp and may undergo a chemical conversion process to increase yield.

What is the safest Delta 8 vape?

The safest Delta 8 vape is one that is lab-tested for purity, potency, and free from harmful additives. Look for products from reputable brands that provide transparent lab results and use high-quality ingredients.

What are the benefits of Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC offers several potential benefits, including pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved appetite, and a milder high compared to Delta 9 THC. It may also help with nausea and provide a more clear-headed experience.

How should I dose Delta 8 THC?

Start with a low dose of Delta 8 THC, especially if you are new to it. Gradually increase the dose as needed, allowing time to assess how your body responds. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosing advice.

Resources

  1. “Spiked vapes and emergency room visits reveal dark side of CBD craze” https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2019/09/16/vaping-lung-illness-cbd-cheap-synthetic-marijuana-used-sub/2339545001/
  2. “Formaldehyde Vapor Concentration in Electronic Cigarettes and Health Complaints of Electronic Cigarettes Smokers in Indonesia” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6076960/#:~:text=Formaldehyde%20is%20known%20as%20a%20result%20of%20the%20degradation%20products,of%20evaporation%20and%20incomplete%20combustion.&text=When%20propylene%20glycol%20is%20heated,known%20as%20carcinogen%20%5B11%5D.
  3. “An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology” http://www.druglibrary.net/olsen/HEMP/IHA/iha02210.html

 


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