Short answer
A cannabis vape is a battery-powered device that heats a cannabis extract into an aerosol. The user inhales the aerosol into the lungs. The extract carries cannabinoids such as THC or CBD, plus a carrier, terpenes, and sometimes flavoring. Federal law bans THC vapes. Hemp-derived CBD vape products sit under the 0.3% THC dry-weight limit of the 2018 Farm Bill, and state rules apply on top of that.
Parts of the device
- Battery: a rechargeable cell, often 510-thread or a sealed disposable body.
- Heating element: a coil and wick that pull oil from the reservoir.
- Reservoir: a glass or plastic tank that holds 0.5 mL to 1 mL of oil.
- Cartridge or pod: the replaceable unit that holds oil and coil together.
510-thread cartridges run at 3.3 to 4.8 volts. Higher voltage burns more oil per puff and shortens coil life. A clogged cartridge points to oil that sat in heat or a coil that ran dry.
What is in the oil
Distillate holds one isolated cannabinoid plus a carrier. Live resin comes from fresh frozen plant material and keeps a wider set of plant compounds. Common carriers are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and medium-chain triglycerides. Terpenes are added for flavor and aroma.
Ask for a batch certificate of analysis (COA). A COA lists cannabinoid potency and screens for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbials. A COA with no batch number and no lab name tells you nothing.
THC and CBD: legal facts
THC vape products sell in state-licensed medical and adult-use markets. No state license means no legal sale. A THC vape carried across a state line is a federal offense.
The FDA has approved one CBD drug, Epidiolex, an oral solution for seizures. The FDA has approved no CBD vape oil, no CBD dietary supplement, and no cannabis product for inhalation.
Health record
The CDC counted 2,807 hospitalized EVALI cases and 68 deaths as of February 18, 2020. Vitamin E acetate showed up in 51 of 51 lung fluid samples tested across 16 states. Vitamin E acetate is a thickener added to unregulated THC oil. The CDC tied the outbreak to informal sources such as friends, family, and online dealers.
Inhaled cannabinoids reach the bloodstream fast. NIDA lists acute effects that include impaired memory, impaired coordination, and a raised heart rate.
Label checklist
- Batch number that matches a COA.
- COA date inside 12 months.
- THC and CBD content in mg per unit and in percent.
- Carrier named, not listed as a blend.
- Terpene source stated as cannabis-derived or botanical.
- License number for the cultivator and the manufacturer.
Storage
Keep oil below 77 F (25 C) and away from direct light. Heat thins the oil and causes leaks. A cartridge left in a hot car can clog, leak, or push oil into the mouthpiece. Store the device upright.
Bottom line
A vape is a delivery method, not a grade of product. The COA and the license number carry the weight. A CBD vape with no COA and no lab name is an unknown oil in a known device.