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You stashed your vape for a while and now you have a clogged Delta-8 cart. Like really clogged—you’ve tried to pull it until you were blue in the face and it just won't budge. What should you do? Do you have to throw it out and buy another?
Don’t stress! You’ve got options. Here’s what to do if your Delta-8-THC pen clogged up (and how to prevent it from happening again):
Delta-8 carts can clog due to the viscosity of the oil, which thickens in cold temperatures, making it harder to vaporize. Residue buildup around the mouthpiece and improper storage, such as leaving the cart in a horizontal position, can also contribute to clogging.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the mouthpiece and storing the cart upright, can help prevent these issues.
It can be hard to tell if your Delta-8 cart is actually clogged or if something else is going on. Look out for these common signs of a clog:
Restricted airflow: If you’re pulling but getting no resistance or vapor, there’s likely a blockage.
No vapor production: The battery is working and lights up, but nothing is coming through.
Bubbling or gurgling sounds: These noises can indicate oil stuck in the airway, especially after long storage.
Your Delta-8 THC cart is likely filled with Delta-8 distillate or another form of hemp extract. Generally, these extracts are going to be very thick and sticky, so it’s safe to say that clogging is a normal part of the vaping process.
The vaporizer is designed to heat up, making the extract more viscous, meaning it’s thinner and flows more freely through the small parts of the vape cart. When the vape (and the extract) cool down, the oil can become stuck in these small parts causing a clog that prevents you from pulling any vapor through your vape pen.
If you’ve found yourself in this frustrating situation, here’s what to do:
Before you can try to fix your clogged cart, try to identify whether the clog is inside the cart itself or just inside the mouthpiece.
If something is simply clogging your mouthpiece, you may be able to clear it away by using a cotton swab or a pair of tweezers. If it’s sticky inside the mouthpiece, you may need to use some sort of alcohol (we suggest a pure drinking alcohol over rubbing alcohol since drinking alcohol is designed for ingestion) on the cotton swab to rub it away.
If the clog doesn’t seem to be at the surface level (meaning you can’t remove it with a swab), continue with the following steps:
You’ve probably already done the obvious and tried to pull the clog out by puffing on the vape. If that didn’t work, try taking a few hard, rapid puffs to “wiggle” the clog loose. If it still doesn’t budge, no worries, just move on to the next step.
If your vape has a pre-heat option, turn it on and let the vaporizer heat up. As we mentioned, the oil gets thinner when it’s warmed, which may make it easier to unclog.
If there’s no preheat option, try pressing the firing button on your vape for 2-3 seconds at a time. (Don’t hold the button for too long or you may burn your coils, which will make your vape taste pretty bad if you do get it unclogged). Repeat this a few times, puffing on the vape in between to see if you can get the clog loose.
If internally heating the vape doesn’t loosen the clog, that means the clog may not be near the inner heating mechanism. In this case, you may need to carefully warm the vape up on the outside. Take the vape cart off the battery (do not heat the battery) and try to gently warm it with a hairdryer. Alternatively, wrap the cart in a warm towel for a few minutes. Then, without pressing the firing button or connecting the battery, try to “puff” on the cart to unclog it.
These methods should help you quickly unclog your Delta-8 cart so you can use the rest of your precious extract. Next time around you may want to consider taking some precautions against vape cart clogs.
Here’s how to protect your Delta-8 vape cart so that you get to use every last drop:
One of the primary reasons a vape cart gets clogged is because it is laid on its side or upside down immediately after use, when the oil is still warm and viscous. This allows the oil to creep into the small parts of the vape cart where it will become clogged as the extract cools down. Store your Delta-8 carts upright to help prevent clogs.
Allowing your Delta-8 cart to get too hot or too cold (like subjecting it to freezing or critically hot temperatures) can also cause a clog. Once again, this has to do with the viscosity of the oil rapidly changing before the oil has time to settle in the bottom of the cartridge where it belongs.
Store your Delta-8 at room temperature. It will help prevent clogs and will make your Delta-8 last longer, too. Read more about how to store Delta-8.
Usually, your Delta-8 cart will come with a little rubber cap on the mouthpiece. This cap is meant to repel dust and keep the cart clean. Most people throw it away, but it’s not a bad idea to hang on to it and use it to keep your mouthpiece clean after use.
Some vaporizers come with a mouthpiece cap. If you’re in a pinch and plan to travel with your Delta-8-THC pen, place a piece of tape over the mouthpiece so it doesn’t gunk up.
You may not use your Delta-8 pen every day, and that’s fine! But try not to stow it away for too long in between uses. Over time, the oil inside your Delta-8 cart starts to change. It gets thicker (and sometimes the color even changes) as it oxidizes. The longer you store it, the more likely it is you’ll end up with a clog.
A clogged Delta-8 cart can be frustrating, but with a little troubleshooting, it’s usually easy to fix. Whether you're dealing with a minor mouthpiece blockage or thick oil buildup, applying heat, gentle pressure, or a quick clean can help restore airflow—saving you both product and money.A clogged Delta-8 cart is frustrating, but it’s usually easy to fix with a little heat, pressure, or cleaning. Whether it’s a minor mouthpiece blockage or thick oil buildup, knowing how to troubleshoot it can save you money and product.
If you’re tired of dealing with stubborn clogs, investing in high-quality vape cartridges and storing them properly makes a big difference. For smooth vaping experience, check out our Elev8 Collection—crafted with clean ingredients and optimized for performance.
Buying a high-quality Delta-8 Cart is the first step to ensuring that you get the most out of your Delta-8 experience. Our Delta-8-THC carts are made with only Delta-8 distillate and terpenes, and they are 100% Farm Bill compliant.
To unclog your Delta-8 pen, gently warm the cartridge with a hairdryer or warm towel. Then take a few dry pulls (without pressing the button) to help loosen the oil. Avoid using sharp objects, which can damage the cart.
Signs of a clogged cart include restricted airflow, little to no vapor production, and bubbling or gurgling noises. If your battery is functioning but you're not getting a hit, a clog is likely the culprit.
If your vape lights up but doesn't produce vapor, it could be due to a poor battery connection, a faulty heating element, or oil that’s too thick to vaporize. Try gently warming the cart or checking the battery contact points.
Yes. Low battery may not generate enough heat to vaporize thick Delta-8 oil, leading to clogs. Use a battery compatible with your cart’s resistance and designed for thicker oils.
Yes—just make sure to use isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and only clean the external parts like the mouthpiece. Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling. Never let alcohol contact the battery or heating element.
Delta-8 may interact with medications processed by the liver. If you're taking prescription drugs or have a health condition, consult a healthcare provider before using any Delta-8 products.
A Delta-8 cart may be expired or defective if the oil is discolored, has a burnt or sour taste, or fails to produce vapor even when connected to a working battery.
If a cart won’t pull, try a combination of gentle heating, quick dry puffs, and clearing the mouthpiece with a thin, clean tool (like a toothpick or paperclip). Be careful not to damage the cartridge.
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