Best THC Carts: Ceramic Cartridges vs Metal Carts

If you’ve enjoyed vaping cannabis, you’re probably familiar with vape cartridges. Known for their convenience and discrete use, vape carts have quickly become a favorite of many THC oil aficionados.

But, when it comes to vaping your THC oil from a cartridge, not all options are the same. That’s why we’re going to take a moment to look at the major differences between metal and ceramic cartridges. That way you can decide which is best for you.

First let’s answer a question that I’m sure is on many of your minds.

Is There Metal In Vapes?

You would think that after putting in all the time and effort to extract the THC goodness out of the cannabis plant, cannabis companies would place that oil in a container that maximizes and complements it. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

You see, some vape cartridge manufacturers will try to lower costs by using metal instead of ceramic. And because cannabis oil is acidic, lead and other toxic metals could leach into the cannabis oil.

If this happens, metallic particles can make their way into your lungs. And it’s not just lead that you need to look out for.

Can Arsenic be Inhaled When Vaping?

It turns out that not only lead but also arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and nickel could also make their way from a metal cartridge into your vape cloud.1

According to findings from a research team at Medicine Creek Analytics, “the high voltage and temperature settings of standard [vaporizer] devices, dissolved metals or even fine metallic particles from the heating coil or the liquid could have the potential to be inhaled into the consumer’s lungs.” The results of the study were published in the journal, Chemical Research in Toxicology.

The study found that chromium, copper, nickel, and smaller amounts of lead, manganese, and tin made their way into the vapor. Interestingly, the study also noted that the “smoke and vapor from cannabis flower and concentrates did not produce the same results.”

This would indicate that the metal heating element, not the cannabis oil, was responsible for the leaching of metal particles.1

This could help to answer a frequently asked question about vape carts, which is: “Why does my vape taste like metal?”

Why Does My Vape Taste Like Metal?

There are a few reasons why this could happen. One possibility is that you’re using a metal cartridge and the metal coil is giving off that metallic taste.

Another reason why your vape cart can taste like metal, or taste burnt, is due to something called a dry hit. A dry hit is a mix of smoke and hot air that can leave a bad taste in your mouth.

You see, metal vape carts have a cotton wick that absorbs the oil before it is vaped. And sometimes these wicks don’t work properly. When this happens, you can be left with a dry hit. Learn more about why a cart can taste burnt.

The good news for ceramic cart users is that most ceramic vape carts do not use a wick. This is just one reason why more people are turning to ceramic vape carts.

Ceramic Vape Cartridge

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that inhaling metal can lead to health problems over the long term. This is why ceramic vape cartridges have become a popular option for the health conscious.

One reason why ceramic vape carts could be a healthier alternative is due to the fact that ceramic is much more heat resistant than metal. Another reason ceramic vape carts can be a better option is due to their ceramic heating element.

Since ceramic is a natural material that is porous, this increases the potential surface area that can be heated. The increased surface area that can be heated allows you to enjoy thicker vape clouds.

This increased heating area also means the cannabis oil can vaporize quicker - which reduces the chance of your oil seeping up the mouthpiece and leaking. Plus, since ceramic carts are more heat resistant - this can improve the longevity of your battery.

Since ceramic is flavorless, this allows you to enjoy the natural flavor of your cannabis oil.

The porous nature of ceramic heating coils allows them to absorb more of your cannabis oil. This can help you enjoy the full flavor profile of your THC oil.

Although ceramic vape carts can cost a little more than metal vape carts, we think it’s a small price to pay to help ensure you avoid the health issues that can arise from inhaling heavy metals.

That’s why many cannabis brands now offer all-ceramic vape carts.

Some ceramic vape carts are also filled with full spectrum cannabis oil. Full spectrum means the THC oil is extracted from the whole cannabis plant - allowing you to enjoy the potential benefits of the full range of active compounds.

Learn more: What Is Full Spectrum THC?

Can I Buy THC Carts Online?

If you live in a state that has legalized the medicinal or recreational use of cannabis, then you can buy THC vape carts online. Most dispensaries offer online ordering services - where you can place your order online and then pick it up at the dispensary.

Where to Buy THC Carts

If you live in Ohio or Maryland, Bloom carries a complete inventory of premium cannabis vape cartridges. Stop by a Bloom dispensary in Ohio or Maryland, and our budtenders can help you find ceramic and full spectrum carts on the current menu.

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1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisroberts/2021/10/31/is-your-marijuana-vaporizer-leaching-toxic-heavy-metals-its-possible-study-claims/?sh=69b6f01d1455