​A CBD Vaping Question: Should You Vape Using a Cartridge or a Pod?

When it comes to vaping cannabidiol (CBD), enthusiasts have more product selections than ever before. Today, vaping this cannabinoid has become so popular that the market is bursting at the seams with CBD vape oils in different strains, chemical compositions, flavors, milligram strengths and more.

As the market has evolved, it’s become clear that there are two primary preferences when it comes to how we vaporize cannabidiol: vape cartridges and vape pods. Both of these products contain the same formulas, except the technology and design are different.

CBD Vape Cartridges

CBD vape cartridges are disposable cartridges made from a combination of glass and metal, with a coil built inside that uses the battery’s power to heat and vaporize the e-liquid inside. They have a 510-threaded connection at the base that allows them to connect universally to 510-threaded low-wattage vape pens that have become the standard vaping device for this type of product. Also come in a huge variety of strain options, and almost always contain pure hemp extracts with no fillers or additives.

Pros:

• Huge Strain Selection: Vape carts are so popular that most hemp companies make them nowadays, which means you have a massive selection of strains to choose from.
• Compatible with Any Standard Vape Pen: Vape carts are compatible with standard vape pen devices, meaning that you can buy a cart from any manufacturer and know it will work with the device you have.
• Generally Reliable Technology: Vape carts tend to be made with very reliable technology that ensures a secure connection and great performance, along with enhanced airflow.
• Disposable: Vape carts never need to be refilled, as they are simply replaced when the e-liquid runs out.
• Advanced Coils: Many of today’s vape carts use advanced ceramic coil technology for smoother draws and richer, cleaner flavor.

Cons:

• Potential to Break: If you drop your vaping setup, the cartridge may shatter as a lot of its surface is made up of glass.
• Harder to Attach: Vape cartridges tend to require careful installation onto your battery device as the screwing process must be done slowly and precisely to ensure the proper connection.

CBD Vape Pods

CBD vape pods are quite similar to cartridges in terms of the overall function of them. Like cartridges, they contain a vape oil that can come in a wide array of strain options, and usually contain only pure hemp without any other ingredients added. While vape cartridges are long and cylindrical, pods have a “pod” shape to them, which is more flat, wide and tapered. They are usually made from food-grade plastic materials or a combination of glass and plastic. Rather than getting screwed onto any standard vape pen device through a 510-threaded connection, they snap into or attach magnetically to a pod device.

Pros:

• More Travel-Friendly: Pod systems in general tend to be more travel-friendly than cartridge systems, as the overall setup is slimmer and more lightweight, and therefore easier to fit into your pocket.
• Potentially Stronger: Many of today’s pod devices with which pods are compatible have stronger batteries than rechargeable vape pens used with vape carts.
• Potentially Holds More Liquid: More companies are producing vape pods that hold more e-liquid than what most cartridges can contain. While most vape carts hold up to 1ml of liquid, we’re seeing pods that can hold twice that amount.
• Disposable: Like vape carts, pods are disposable, meaning that once the e-liquid runs out, the pod is simply replaced.
• Easier to Attach: Because pods attach magnetically or by snapping into the device, they’re easier to attach and less likely to break due to improper screwing.
• Less Likely to Break: Pods tend to be more durable since they don’t have such a fragile glass surface, which means that if you drop them, they’re not as likely to shatter or crack.

Cons:

• Potentially Less Reliable Technology: Some pods are made with cheaper technology than vape carts, meaning that they may not perform as consistently or efficiently.
• Less Device Compatibility: One thing that’s important to know about using vape pods is that they are only compatible with very specific devices. Vape carts can be used with any 510-threaded vape pen but vape pods can only be used with a very specific device that is usually made by the same manufacturer as a pod. This means that once you buy a new CBD vape pod, you can’t just use it with any device already in your possession.
• Fewer Strains Available: With CBD vape pods, you’re likely to encounter a smaller strain selection. This is for a couple of reasons such as they aren’t as popular as vape carts, and therefore the variety of options simply isn’t as large. Also, with pods, you’re limited when it comes to your selection as not all pods on the market are compatible with your device. So, you must choose from that which the manufacturer of your setup has provided.

CBD Pods or Vape Carts: Which Will You Be Vaping With?

Both CBD pods and vape carts offer the ability to enjoy flavorful, cannabinoid-rich vapor in an easy, low-maintenance, and portable way. These products share a lot in common with one another, but it’s very important to know their differences ahead of time. At The Calm Leaf, we carry an awesome selection of both CBD vape pods and CBD vape cartridges, as well as compatible devices. You’ll be able to find exactly what you are looking for no matter which type you decide to use.