What is Cannabis Vape Oil?

The oil in vape pens consists of a potent concentrate containing THC and other notable medical cannabis compounds.

Vaping is one of the most efficient and potent ways to consume medical cannabis, delivering a highly-effective medicinal experience. 

Vape oil (also often called “THC oil” or “vape juice”) is heated in a device called a vape pen, which is a state-of-the-art apparatus that makes the process straightforward and comfortable.

What are THC Cartridges Filled With?

The main ingredient of THC cartridges (also called “cannabis cartridges” or simply “carts”) is also the ingredient that makes them so unique: THC oil. Various extraction methods release this potent medicinal oil from the cannabis plant.

When the extraction process is through, what’s left behind is a viscous, potent concentrate that contains plenty of the plant’s natural cannabinoids, including THC. 

Most medical cannabis oil cartridges contain a significant amount of THC (typically testing between 60% and 80%). In addition, CBD cartridges are available for those uninterested in THC’s psychoactive effects. But for patients looking for medicinal relief, THC-laden concentrates are ideal.

Some producers add flavors and aromas from terpenes to enhance the potency and experience of their medicinal vape oil. Terpenes are natural plant compounds that impart scents and tastes and improve the overall therapeutic experience through the “entourage effect.” 

THC cartridges might also contain extra terpenes as a natural thinner for cannabis oil. As mentioned above, terpenes occur naturally in the cannabis plant, so added terpenes only enhance the medicinal vaping experience. 

Some companies include additives like coconut oil, glycols, and glycerin to create a less viscous, thinner concentrate. It is always a good idea to check the labels of your concentrates and ask questions at your dispensary if you have concerns about additives.

THC cartridges are portable and straightforward, and they do not leave a mess, a strong odor, or a cloud of smoke.

For many, cartridges are the preferred tool for consuming medical cannabis concentrates. Still, to reap THC oil’s many benefits, you should select a vape pen that lets you heat the oil to a suitable temperature to maximize your experience.  

What Temperature is Required to Vape THC Oil Cartridges?

Depending on the specs of your device, you may be able to ramp up or cool down the vape oil’s heat. Finding a vape pen that lets you set the temperature is beneficial. 

When consuming medicinal cannabis from a bowl or joint, the temperature must be high enough for combustion. Incredibly, the point of combustion can be more than 2,000-degrees Fahrenheit! 

At such steep temperatures, cannabis loses flavor and potency. 

On the other hand, vaping lets you heat cannabis oil at significantly lower temperatures. These low temps preserve flavors and aromas and allow the terpenes to shine. Therefore, determining the appropriate vape temperature setting can dramatically improve the quality of your experience.

Low Temp Vaping (325-350°F)

A lower temperature is excellent for new patients or those looking for a milder experience. 

THC has a boiling point of 315°F, a temperature at which you will be able to feel its pleasant, gentle effects. 

Adverse side effects of THC consumption are much less prominent when vaping at low temps, and the coolness of the vapor means less coughing and throat irritation. At this low temperature, you’ll also be able to taste and enjoy the citrusy sweet notes of your oil.

Advantages:

• Perfect for new patients
• Flavorful
• Less-prominent side effects
• Calming and soothing

Disadvantages: 

• Not ideal for advanced or seasoned consumers 
• Fewer cannabinoids activated

Medium Temp Vaping (350-400°F)

Vaping at a medium temperature activates more cannabinoids than at low temps yet still delivers a significant amount of terpenes. In addition, medium temp vapor is smooth and warm and may appeal to patients interested in a more traditional medicinal cannabis experience.

At medium temperatures, THC’s psychoactive effects are more present and powerful. As a result, you can look forward to relaxation and euphoria while still experiencing the full flavors of included terpenes.

Advantages:

• Stronger medicinal THC effects
• More activated cannabinoids
• Terpenes remain intact
• Soothing, warm vapor

Disadvantages:

• A more intense experience that might be uncomfortable for new patients
• Side effects become more likely

High Temp Vaping (400-430°F)

High-temperature vaping can be excellent for experienced patients. 

THC is highly activated at these temperatures, so you’ll get the maximum medicinal benefits. However, the vapor will be less flavorful and aromatic due to terpene degradation. Nevertheless, high-temperature vaping might be suitable if you seek intense relief and don’t mind terpene loss.

Advantages:

• Amplified medicinal relief 
• Strong positive THC side effects
• Cannabinoids are activated at a high rate
• Resembles a traditional cannabis consumption experience

Disadvantages:

• The intensity may be uncomfortable for new patients
• Can induce coughing
• Fewer terpenes are released, causing potential flavor-loss

How Do You Vape THC Oil?

To vape THC oil, you must heat the oil and inhale it through a vaporizing device like the ever-popular vape pen. 

Vape pens provide a nearly-effortless, gratifying experience for patients. Lighthouse Sciences’ proprietary vape pen doesn’t require you to hit a button to activate the experience – just put your mouth to the device and inhale. 

Due to the comfortability and ease of vape pens, many medical cannabis patients have switched to vaping from more traditional modes of consumption.

THC oil vape pens are equipped with pre-filled or refillable cartridges. Pre-filled oil pods are convenient, mess-free, and can be easily stored.

Refillable carts are cost-effective. If you have a pre-loaded cart, simply attach it to your vape pen and commence with business as usual. But with a refillable cartridge, you have to fill the tank when it’s empty, which can be messy at first but becomes second nature with practice.

Once you’ve filled your tank or attached your pre-filled cart, there are only a handful of straightforward steps in the vape pen process, depending on your type of pen:

Push-Button Vape Pens 

1. Ensure that the mouthpiece, oil cartridge, and battery are correctly assembled.

2. Push the power button. With some vape pens, you will have to push the power button up to five times to turn it on. Your vape pen will most likely have a light that flashes or remains lit to indicate when it is powered up and ready to go.

3. Once the pen is powered on, press and hold down the power button for a couple of seconds to raise the device’s internal temperature; depending on the type of pen you have, you may be able to set a specific temperature. (See above for optimal temperature settings.)

4. While holding the button down, inhale the desired amount of vapor through the mouthpiece.

5. Push the power button again to deactivate the pen. Furthermore, it might take up to five clicks to shut it down.

Draw-Activated Vape Pens

1. Assemble your pen by connecting the elements (usually just two pieces: the cartridge and the battery). Once the components are attached, your pen is already starting up. 

2. Choose and set the optimal temperature if your device has a temperature setting option. 

3. Inhale your desired amount of vapor through the mouthpiece. Inhalation is all that is required to activate this type of vape pen.

4. Simply stop inhaling through the mouthpiece to deactivate. 

5. Disassemble the elements of the pen for storage.

Is THC Oil Legal in Ohio?

Great news, Ohioans! The answer is yes—THC oil has been legal for medical use in Ohio since 2016.

What THC Oil Brands are Available in Ohio?

As it’s legal for medicinal use in Ohio, there are many brands to choose from, including:

Where Can I Buy THC Oil for my Vape Pen?

If you’re in the market for THC oil but don’t know where to start, visiting one of Ohio’s many medical marijuana dispensaries is a great idea.

Check out this document from the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program for a complete list of dispensaries certified by the state of Ohio.