What is the Primary Testing Method for THC Cartridge?

Introduction

Vapes have experienced astonishing growth in recent times. The vape market was valued at around USD 18.13 billion in 2021. One of the primary reasons behind this immense growth of the vape market is that it is a promising alternative to traditional smoking using cigarettes. It is less hazardous than smoking.

The cannabis industry has also experienced immense growth and popularity owing to the varied medicinal and therapeutic benefits it tends to offer, which have come to the light of the day in recent decades. With the increasing demand for vapes and cannabis-infused products, the market has experienced an intake of cannabis and its compounds via vapes. For instance, using a THC Vape, and thus has led to the coming up of the best of two worlds.

However, this increasing popularity has also led to the problem of counterfeiting. And thus, a large number of faulty and fake vapes like counterfeit THC Vape have come into the market and can be dangerous to use. This article will help you explore how to test whether the THC Cartridge of your THC Vape is real or fake.

Cannabis – The Popular Plant

You must have heard about the famous cannabis plant and its capability to intoxicate you with a high sensation. However, cannabis possesses intoxication qualities, and it also tends to offer varied medicinal and therapeutic benefits.

Cannabis is home to various cannabinoids that can cause wide-ranging physical, mental and emotional effects on the human body. These cannabinoids tend to react with a crucial system like the endocannabinoid system. Its primary receptors like CB1 and CB 2 perform various functions like immune system response, metabolism of an individual, pain handling quality, etc., and thus help in the effective and efficient functioning of the body.

THC- What is it?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, i.e., THC, is the most active compound of the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the high sensation attached to the cannabis plant as it contains various psychoactive elements which offer intoxicating experiences. Interestingly, there are various variants of THC. The most common variant of THC is Delta 9 THC which is the most potent variant and is available in abundance in the cannabis plant.

The other variants of THC include Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC. However, it is a less potent THC variant than Delta 9 THC. For instance, studies have exhibited that Delta 8 is less potent than Delta 9 THC. Further, studies show that Delta 8 is rather only 2/3rd potent as Delta 9.

Every variant of THC has experienced exciting demand among cannabis enthusiasts. For instance, Delta 9 THC is known for its effectiveness and high potency level giving the most relaxing effect. However, Delta 10 THC is an even mild variant of THC as it is only 70% psychoactive to Delta 8 THC.

Delta 8 THC is less psychoactive, and thus, it offers a balanced experience. The user can experience a wide range of benefits without experiencing the high euphoric effect.

Delta 10 THC offers a rather nootropic and euphoric effect. It is a preferable option for individuals looking for the psychoactive effects of THC consumption.

Understanding THC Vape

Vape and E-Cigarettes are battery-operated devices that perform by heating the liquid or the e-juice into an aerosol from which the user inhales or exhales the vapor.

An E-Cigarette primary has the following parts-

• Vaporization Chamber
• Lithium Battery (Rechargeable)
• Cartridge
• Solution

Here the lithium battery would power the vape. The Cartridge contains the liquid linked and connected to the vaporization chamber. It is responsible for creating the vapor, and simply on top of such a Cartridge is the mouthpiece of the vape from where the user can inhale or exhale.

THC vape would have elements of THC in the liquid in the Cartridge. Vaping is also the fastest way of THC Consumption as it increases the bioavailability percentage to around 70%.

Testing THC Cartridge

The increasing demand for THC vaping has also seen the entry of various fake and counterfeit THC vapes. They are harmful as individuals have experienced illness and even death owing to the usage of such fake THC Cartridges.

Many people buy THC vapes from the black market to avoid the steep taxes imposed on them.

There are various lab testing available that can help identify the best THC Cartridges. These include high-performance liquid chromatography, i.e., HPLC with UV detection. And gas chromatography, i.e., GC with flame ionization detection, helps determine the potency. The existence of other ingredients can be harmful to consume.

Here is how you can identify a fake THC Cartridge-

Bubble Test

You have to flip your THC vape upside down and notice if the air bubbles in the Cartridge tend to move towards the top of the Cartridge rapidly. If it does, your Cartridge has been cut with harmful ingredients as high-quality distillate has a thick consistency. And in most cases, it would barely move.

It is because quality Cartridges would use cuts that would be cannabis-based terpenes or cannabinoids like CBD. However, you can cut the low-quality cartridges with vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol, which are dangerous when inhaled.

Ingredients

Fake cartridges would have ingredients like Vitamin E Acetate is cheaper to produce but still provides similar consistency to original cartridges. A cartridge containing less than 60% THC is also a sign of a fake THC Vape cartridge and even an extremely high percentage of THC is an indication of the fakeness of THC Vape. To verify this, you must purchase products of the reputed brand which offer independent third-party lab testing reports.

Also, ensure that the THC Vape has undergone pesticide screening as fake cartridges come with high pesticide content, and heavy metals can be dangerous to the health.

Packaging

Original THC vape would have important information like package date, batch number, manufacturing date, lot number, etc., mentioned on its box. And brands that do not offer such information are prima facie illegal and are most likely offering fake THC vapes.

License Requirement

THC Products have to publish lab reports about their products online for their authenticity. And, if the THC vape does not contain such lab results, it is fake.

Identify From flavor

In cases where you experience a few burnt flavors or a metallic aftertaste, such an unusual flavor is indicative of contaminants in the THC vape Cartridge and thus highlights its fakeness.

Shop from Trusted Sources

Like any other food product, it would be best to purchase THC vapes from brands you trust or hold a significant reputation in the market. It helps you avoid the purchase of low-quality or, rather, fake THC vapes that can be seriously detrimental to the health of its users.

Conclusion

THC vapes are one of the fastest ways of consuming THC and enjoy its varied medicinal and therapeutic benefits in a much better fashion. However, it becomes equally important to enjoy maximum benefits from vaping. For such THC vapes, you verify the parameters highlighted above to ensure that the THC Vape is not a counterfeit and thus would not be detrimental to your health.