If you’ve been exploring cannabis products lately, you’ve likely seen carts everywhere. But what are carts, and why do so many people reach for them? Portable and easy to use, it really comes down to convenience.
If you’re new to vaping or weed carts, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, including what carts are, how they work, the different types to choose from, and what to look for before you buy.
Carts at a Glance: A cart (short for ‘cartridge’) is a pre-filled container of cannabis oil that attaches to a small battery that turns the oil into vapor when you inhale. They come in many flavors, strains, and types, including pods.
What Are Weed Carts?
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a vape cartridge? Cartridges, or “carts,” are small, pre-filled containers of cannabis oil or concentrates designed to fit onto a compatible battery or vape pen. Most of the cartridges you’ll find at dispensaries are slim and cylindrical, with a clear chamber that holds the oil and a mouthpiece at the top. These days, you can sometimes find devices that hold pods, which are just another shape of a cartridge that only works with pod-compatible devices.
The small heating element on a vape typically activates when you inhale through the mouthpiece or press a button, converting the concentrates into a vapor with a much lighter aroma than traditional smoking. They’ve become a hit at dispensaries, with many cartridges housing unique strains, terpene infusions, and cannabinoid blends.
Weed cartridges feature many different types of concentrates. Learn more about them with our in-depth guide.
How Do Cartridges Work?
Vapes can be broken down into a few simple parts: the cartridge, the battery, and the heating element. When the cartridge is connected to a battery, the device powers a small coil inside the cart, which gently heats the concentrates within, turning them into vapor without burning them or wasting product.
Many vape pens let you adjust voltage and temperature, giving you more control over your session: lower settings preserve more of the oil’s flavor and aroma, while higher settings produce stronger vapor. To ensure precious terpenes are kept intact, lean on the lower end.
Do You Need a Battery for Carts?
Yes, carts require a battery to work. The most common setup uses a 510-thread battery, which is compatible with many standard vape cartridges and widely available at dispensaries, but you may also have come across pod systems that use cartridges that work only with a specific battery.
Alongside the standard cartridges are the all-in-one disposables, which come with a ready-to-go battery that activates without needing to be charged. So whichever device you use, a cannabis cartridge will always need a battery.
If you’re new to vaping, learn how to use a vape pen. We can help you get the most out of your cart.
Types of Cannabis Cartridges
Not all weed carts are created the same, with the main difference coming down to the cannabis oil used. Each type offers a slightly different experience in terms of flavor, aroma, and overall effect.
Distillate Cartridges
Distillate oil is highly refined, resulting in a THC-only cannabinoid profile in a clean, neutral base. It’s arguably the most popular cartridge type due to its high THC level, which can reach upwards of 90% or more. Since natural compounds are removed during processing, terpenes are often added back to distillates to create specific flavor profiles.
Live Resin Cartridges
A live resin cartridge is filled with a concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants rather than dried flower. The process to make it helps preserve more of the plant’s natural terpene profile, which contributes to a richer flavor and aroma that more closely reflects the original cannabis strain.
Many people choose live resin carts because they offer a more full-spectrum experience than standard distillate cartridges and are known for feeling more layered due to the combination of cannabinoids and preserved terpenes working together within the oil. Live resin cartridges tend to be less potent than other types, usually falling between 70–90% THC.
Liquid Diamonds Cartridges
Liquid diamonds cartridges combine potency with a complex cannabinoid profile. These products are made by processing THC diamonds into a liquid form that can be used in vape cartridges, often alongside terpene-rich sauce or additional cannabinoids. Because of their elevated THC content, typically between 80–90% THC, they’re especially popular among experienced consumers who are looking for something more powerful or terpene-forward.
Curious about liquid diamonds? Learn more about its consistency and potency with our guide.
How to Use a Cart: Step-by-Step
For beginners, carts are often one of the easiest ways to get started with concentrates because they remove a lot of the setup and guesswork, and can be worked in just three steps:
- Attach the cartridge to a compatible battery
- Turn on the device and adjust the voltage if your battery allows
- Inhale slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece
After the first puff, the key is to just take your time. Give yourself a few minutes between inhales to understand how the experience builds.
What to Look for When Buying a Cannabis Cartridge
Though dispensary shelves are filled with many types of cartridges, choosing the right one doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, especially once you understand what separates one cart from another. If you’re exploring different types of carts for the first time, focusing on a few key details can make it much easier to narrow down your options.
- Potency & Oil Type: THC percentage can give you a general idea of strength, but higher potency isn’t always the best fit for everyone. A lower-potency cart with a rich terpene profile, such as a live resin cartridge, may feel more balanced and approachable than an ultra-high-THC option, like distillate or diamonds.
- Terpene Profile: Terpenes play a major role in the flavor and aroma of a vape cartridge. Some carts lean earthy or herbal, while others are citrusy, fruity, or sweet. Exploring terpene profiles can help you find a cart that better aligns with your personal preferences.
- Hardware Quality: A well-made cartridge can make a noticeable difference in performance. Reliable hardware helps the oil heat evenly and can reduce issues like clogging or leaking. Choosing carts from reputable, licensed brands is one of the easiest ways to shop with confidence.
- Lab Testing: It’s always a good idea to look for products that have been lab tested. Certificates of analysis (COAs) help confirm cannabinoid content and provide another layer of transparency around product quality and safety.
The right cart often comes down to personal preference, so taking time to explore different oil types and terpene profiles can help you find a product that feels like the best fit.
Shop Cannabis Carts at Mission
If you’re ready to explore cannabis cartridges, we’ve got just the place to start. You can browse cannabis cartridges online, or stop by a Mission dispensary to explore products in person and ask us any questions you have; we’re here to help!
Want to learn more about other cannabis products, strain types, or anything else in the cannabis universe? Keep learning through the Mission blog. No matter where you’re starting from, the goal is always the same: helping you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in what you choose.
Cannabis Cartridge FAQs
Are carts stronger than flower?
Cannabis cartridges often contain higher THC concentrations than flower, which can make the experience feel more noticeable for some people. That said, potency isn’t just about the number on the label; factors like terpene profile, inhale size, and personal tolerance all play a role. If you’re new to carts, starting with small inhales can help you find a pace that feels comfortable.
How long do cartridges last?
How long a cart lasts really depends on how often you use it. For occasional consumers, a cartridge may last several weeks, while more frequent use can go through the oil much faster. Things like temperature settings, inhale length, and overall potency can also affect how quickly a cart is used.
Do weed carts smell?
Compared to smoking cannabis flower, carts usually produce a much lighter aroma that fades more quickly. While they’re not completely odorless, many people appreciate vape cartridges for their more discreet profile and less lingering scent.
Do you need a battery for cartridges?
Yes, most vape cartridges require a compatible battery, usually a standard 510-thread vape pen. Some products are sold as all-in-one disposables with a built-in battery, which makes them especially convenient for beginners since they’re ready to use right away.
Is using a cart considered vaping or smoking?
Using a cart is considered vaping rather than smoking because the device heats cannabis oil into vapor instead of burning plant material. Many people find the experience smoother and less harsh than traditional smoking methods, with less lingering aroma overall.
