We get it. You’ve spent a lot of time and research picking out the best Delta 8 vape on the market. And about halfway through enjoying your cart, it clogs. It’s frustrating. But it’s a common problem with Delta-8 vape carts, and other vape carts, including CBD, Delta 9 THC, Delta 10 THC, THC-P, etc. However, luckily for you, we will be covering some common culprits for Delta-8 vape cart clogs and what you can do to fix the problem, and even prevent it from happening again.
What Does a Delta-8 Vape Cart Consist of?
For those who may not know what a Delta-8 cart actually is but have heard other people talk about it and/or might have come across one in the past and are still interested in trying to see what it can offer in terms of delta 8 vaping satisfaction, there are some key things you need to know about it. Essentially, a Delta-8 vape cartridge (cart) typically consists of the following components:
- Delta 8 THC Oil: This is the primary active ingredient. Delta 8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, and it’s similar to Delta 9 THC but is generally considered to be less potent and to produce a milder high.
- Carrier Oil: To make the delta 8 THC suitable for vaping, it is often mixed with carrier oil. Common carrier oils include:
- Propylene Glycol (PG): A synthetic organic compound belonging to the alcohol family. It’s a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that’s commonly used as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in a variety of products.
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid derived from vegetable oils. It’s a type of sugar alcohol, with a sweet taste and a high level of solubility in water. VG is commonly used in various industries for its versatility and beneficial properties.
- Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil: A type of fat that’s derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or other sources. Triglycerides are molecules comprised of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. What distinguishes MCTs from other types of fats is the length of their fatty acid chains. Medium-chain triglycerides contain fatty acids with chain lengths of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, which is shorter than the long-chain fatty acids found in most dietary fats.
- Terpenes: Natural compounds found in cannabis and other plants, which can enhance flavor and provide additional effects.
- Terpenes: These are added for flavor and aroma, as well as to potentially modify the effects of the delta 8 THC. Terpenes are natural compounds found in many plants, including cannabis.
- Flavors: Some vape carts include additional flavorings to improve the taste.
- Hardware: The physical cartridge (typically constructed with Pyrex Glass and stainless steel) includes the following:
- Mouthpiece: The part you inhale through.
- Tank: Holds the delta-8 THC oil.
- Coil: The heating element that vaporizes the oil.
- Wick: Draws the oil from the tank to the coil.
The cartridge is designed to be used with a vape pen or battery, which powers the heating element to produce vapor for inhalation.
Why Does My Delta-8 Vape Cart Clog?
Delta 8 THC is very dense and very sticky. When you heat up your cart, the dense liquid becomes thinner as it warms. Applying heat from your cartridge system allows it to move through the mechanisms and become the famous elixir that you smoke. The reason your Delta-8 vape cart is clogging can happen for several reasons, either common or uncommon.
Reason #1: Extreme Temperatures
This one is common. If you store your cart in the fridge (not recommended) or leave it in your car on a very hot day, clogs can happen as the liquid adjusts to the temperature changes. Becoming thicker as it cools and thinner as it warms. If warmer liquid makes its way through the cart mechanisms and then cools, it can cause a clog to happen. A low battery can lead to insufficient heating of the liquid, too, thus causing it to remain thick and clog the cart.
Reason #2: Normal Function/Improper Storage
This temperature fluctuation can also happen with everyday use. Especially if you store your cart horizontally or toss it carelessly back into your purse or drawer. If stored horizontally or upside down, the liquid can settle in places that block the airflow. Air bubbles can form in the oil, too, especially if the cartridge is shaken or stored improperly. These bubbles can block the flow of liquid to the heating element, causing clogs to occur.
Reason #3: Cartridge Design and Poor Quality E-Liquid
The design and quality of the vape cartridge play a significant role. Essentially, inconsistent manufacturing processes can result in carts with defects that contribute to clogging. For example, cheap or poorly designed cartridges may have narrow or poorly aligned airways that can easily become clogged. Poor seals within the cartridge can lead to oil leakage and subsequent clogging, too. Plus, a faulty or poorly functioning coil can fail to heat the oil properly, causing it to remain too thick and clog the cartridge. And, some mouthpieces can trap condensation or residual oil, leading to clogs. This means the mouthpiece wasn’t made properly. Also, using low-quality or improperly processed delta-8 e-liquid can lead to clogs. Impurities and additives in low-quality e-juice can build up and block the cartridge’s airflow.
Reason #4: Infrequent Use
Believe it or not, if you’re not using the vape pen regularly, this too, can lead to clogs. Basically, when the liquid sits idle for long periods, it can thicken and crystallize, blocking the airflow passages. In fact, over time, residue from the oil can build up in the mouthpiece or the coil, leading to clogs.
Reason #5: Incorrect Voltage/Wattage
Using the vape pen at the incorrect voltage or wattage setting can affect how the e-liquid vaporizes. Too low of a setting may not vaporize the liquid totally, thus leading to residue build-up and clogs. Too high of a setting can burn the liquid, which in turn, causes it to thicken and clog the cartridge.
How Can I Prevent My Delta-8 Vape Cart from Clogging?
Preventing a delta-8 vape cartridge from clogging can enhance your vaping experience and obviously extend the life of your cartridge. So, we now have some awesome tips to help prevent your cartridge from becoming clogged.
Prevention Tip #1: Store Cartridges Upright
If you can, we highly recommend you store it vertically (standing straight up) to help prevent clogs. You see, storing your delta-8 vape carts upright ensures that the liquid stays at the bottom of the cartridge near the intake holes, preventing it from clogging the mouthpiece. Again, when the cartridge is laid flat or upside down, the liquid can move into the airflow path and solidify, leading to clogs.
Prevention Tip #2: Maintain Proper Temperature
We mentioned earlier that D8 e-liquid is thicker and can become more viscous at lower temperatures. So, you need to keep your cartridges at room temperature to maintain the liquid’s fluidity. Avoid storing cartridges in cold places like the refrigerator or leaving them in a hot car where, once again, the liquid can become too thin and leak or too thick and clog.
Prevention Tip #3: Avoid Over-Tightening
Over-tightening the cartridge onto the battery can cause misalignment or damage, leading to poor airflow and potential clogs. Screw the cartridge on just enough to make a secure connection.
Prevention Tip #4: Choose High-Quality Cartridges
High-quality cartridges are less prone to clogging because they are designed with better materials and technology. Look for cartridges with ceramic coils or those specifically designed to handle thicker vape juices.
Prevention Tip #5: Draw Extra Air
Continue drawing air through the cartridge for a few seconds after you’ve stopped firing it. This will clear out any excess vapor. This technique works very well as a preventative measure. Drawing excess air through the cart helps to prevent D8 from condensing and building up along the inner walls.
Prevention Tip #6: Take Softer Hits
Taking softer hits will also help to prevent your D8 vape cart from becoming clogged. Pulling too hard tends to draw excess oil into the airway which can cause flooding and clogging. Besides, a softer hit may make your cart last longer, and that’s a win for everyone.
How to Unclog a Delta-8 Vape Cart
Now, in case you do clog your Delta-8 vape cart, we also got some expert tips from the Friendly Delta-8 team for unclogging your D8 vape that you can most certainly remember and keep on hand.
Unclogging Tip #1: Try Taking Hits with No Fire
If your Delta-8 cart is clogged, try softly pulling air without firing up your cart. You may hear or feel the clog move through the airway enough to clear it. You can also pull slightly, and then suction it to your upper lip. It will automatically release once the clog is cleared. This is also called priming.
Unclogging Tip #2: Warm Your Cart
The ideal solution here is to use a vape battery with a preheat function. Preheating your cart can potentially warm the oil enough to dissolve the clog. No preheat function available? Try aiming a hair dryer at your cart for a few seconds while positioning it vertically to allow the oil to flow out of the airway.
Unclogging Tip #3: Clean Out Your Cart
Take a long thin object, like a paperclip or toothpick and gently stick it into the mouthpiece. Carefully move the object around to scrape the inner sides of the mouthpiece. This helps to remove excess oil. Use this technique carefully if you need immediate relief from your clog.
Unclogging Tip #4: Battery & Voltage Check
Check to see if the battery is fully charged, and also make sure the cartridge is securely attached to the battery. Once you identify those two things, then ensure the battery connections are clean and free of oil. Wipe with a dry cloth or a swab dipped in alcohol. If your battery has adjustable voltage, try increasing it slightly to see if it helps in unclogging the cartridge.
When to Replace the Cartridge
We hope these tips help you understand, prevent, and clear clogs from your Delta-8 vape carts. Also, you want to keep these safety precautions in mind:
- Always handle the cartridge carefully to avoid damage.
- Ensure the cartridge is completely dry before reattaching it to the battery to avoid any electrical issues.
- Use caution when applying heat to avoid burns or damaging the cartridge.
- Regular cleaning can prevent clogs from forming.
Note: If the clog persists despite trying these methods, it might be time to replace the cartridge. Continuous clogs can indicate a defective cartridge or excessively thick liquid that’s just not suitable for the current setup.
