Cannabis oil cartridges, also known as vape cartridges or pre-filled oil cartridges, are popular ways to consume cannabis concentrates. However, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if your oil cartridge has gone bad. Here are some signs to look out for and tips on how to properly store your cartridges to extend their shelf life.
Check the Oil
One of the first things to look at is the oil inside the cartridge. Over time, oil can change in color, texture, and viscosity:
- The oil should have a golden to light brown color. If it has darkened significantly or looks almost black, it may be expired.
- Good oil will have a smooth, honey-like consistency. If it looks thicker, clumpy, or crystallized, the cartridge is likely bad.
- When you turn the cartridge upside down, the oil should move slowly and not splatter all over. Fast, runny oil indicates that the viscosity has changed.
If you notice any of these signs, the oil has probably oxidized and degraded over time. Oxidation can change the chemical composition, flavor, and potency of the oil.
Check for Separation
Another sign of expiration is separation between the oil and cutting agents or thinners in the cartridge. Properly mixed vape oil has a homogeneous consistency. Separation makes the oil look clumpy or layered:
- Tilt the cartridge back and forth. The oil should move as one uniform liquid, not separating into pieces.
- Examine the sides and bottom of the cartridge. If you see pooling, residue, or blobs, separation has occurred.
- If shaking the cartridge doesn’t mix the oil back together, the separation is irreversible and the cartridge cannot be salvaged.
Look for Leaks, Cracks, or Damage
Carefully inspect the cartridge casing, mouthpiece, and end caps for any signs of damage:
- There should be no leaks or oil residue coming from the cartridge seams, air holes, or mouthpiece.
- Make sure the cartridge has not cracked or splintered, which can expose the internals.
- The o-rings and other rubber seals should be intact with no tears or deterioration.
- If the mouthpiece won’t screw on or pull off properly, the threading may be compromised.
Any leaks, cracks, or damage can allow air, contaminants, and microorganisms into the cartridge, ruining the oil. Avoid using a damaged cartridge.
Smell and Taste Test
Smelling and tasting the vapor is one of the best ways to determine if your cartridge is still good:
- Take a small puff and pay attention to the flavor. It should taste like cannabis, not burnt or off.
- Bad cartridges often have a harsh, chemical-like aftertaste.
- You may detect other odd flavors like sour, metallic, or rotten.
- The vapor should smell fresh, not funky or fermented.
If the taste and scent are clearly off, the oil has degraded and you should stop using the cartridge. The vapor could be harmful to inhale.
Look for Mold or Bacteria
Discoloration inside the cartridge can indicate microbial growth like mold or bacteria. Carefully check the mouthpiece, tank walls, and oil:
- Cotton-like bunches or residue may be mold starting to grow.
- Black or brown spots can signal the presence of yeast and bacteria.
- Cloudiness in the oil is also a red flag for contamination.
Never vape from a cartridge that shows signs of mold or bacteria. Inhaling the contaminated vapor could make you very sick.
Consider Your Storage Habits
How you store your cartridges can also provide clues about their freshness. Heat, light, air exposure, and other environmental factors can speed up oil decomposition:
- Leaving cartridges in hot places like cars and pockets hastens oil breakdown.
- Sunlight and UV rays can react with oil particles, changing the properties.
- Letting cartridges sit upright can allow oil to clog the mouthpiece.
- Repeatedly opening cartridges lets in oxygen that oxidizes the oil.
If your cartridges have endured less than ideal storage conditions, their shelf life will be shortened.
Check the Expiration or Best By Date
Reputable cannabis oil brands include expiration or best by dates on their packaging. This date gives you an idea of how long the cartridge should retain its potency and flavor:
- Only use cartridges before the stamped expiration date.
- Cannabis oils generally start to degrade 3-4 months after packaging.
- Disposable vape pens have shorter shelf lives around 4-6 months.
- Refrigerating cartridges can prolong their expiration by a few months.
However, the expiration date is just a general guideline. Make sure to also check the oil visually before vaping.
Consider Headspace and Fill Level
The amount of oil left in the tank provides other clues about freshness:
- More headspace above the oil indicates evaporative loss over time.
- A low fill level with large air bubbles signals the oil has been vaped.
- Refilled cartridges often have messy, uneven fill lines.
Cartridges with minimal headspace and high fill lines have usually been stored properly and not used much. But still check the oil itself for signs of degradation.
Test Its Effects
Trying the cartridge is the final way to check for potency loss or expiration. Pay attention to the strength and duration of effects:
- Take a few puffs and see how strong the high is. Faded potency means evaporated terpenes and degraded THC.
- The effects shouldn’t wear off unusually quickly. Fast fading indicates evaporative loss.
- Also note if the high feels different than you expect, signaling changed oil composition.
If the cartridge doesn’t produce the desired effects, its cannabis oils have likely gone bad. Time for a new cartridge!
Can You Salvage a Bad Cartridge?
Once a prefilled oil cartridge has gone bad, it generally can’t be restored to its original quality. But you may be able to salvage some of the remaining oil using these methods:
Heat It Gently
If the oil has thickened or crystallized, try heating the cartridge to re-liquefy it:
- Remove the cartridge from the battery and let it sit upright for around 10 minutes. This lets any absorbed heat dissipate.
- Next, run the cartridge under hot tap water or gently blow-dry it for 30-60 seconds.
- Screw it back onto the battery and take a test puff. The oil may hit more smoothly.
- Repeat as needed, but avoid overheating as high temps can burn the oil.
This technique can temporarily return thicker oil to a viscous state. But it won’t reverse chemical changes from oxidation.
Transfer to a New Cartridge
For reusable cartridges, you may be able to transfer the oil into a new empty tank. Here’s how:
- Obtain an empty refillable cartridge with the same connector style.
- Unscrew the mouthpiece of the new cartridge and use a dabbing tool to scoop the oil from the old tank into the new one.
- Fill carefully to avoid spills and waste. Leave some headspace at the top.
- Close up the new cartridge and try vaping the transferred oil.
This can extend the lifespan of your oil. But its quality will continue degrading in the new cartridge.
Use as a Dab
As a last resort, you can open up the cartridge and dab the oil:
- Carefully cut or break open the cartridge casing near the bottom.
- Use a dab tool to scoop up the extract and place it on your dab surface.
- Heat your nail or rig, let it cool briefly, and then dab the oil.
Dabbing allows you to salvage and consume the last bit of oil. But the effects may not be ideal.
How to Properly Store Cartridges
Proper storage is key for maintaining your cartridges and extending their shelf life. Follow these best practices:
- Keep cartridges upright in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or drawer.
- Avoid hot spots like windowsills, counters, and gloveboxes.
- Refrigeration can prolong freshness, but don’t freeze them.
- Limit light exposure by keeping cartridges in a case or closed box.
- Only open cartridges when adding or removing from batteries.
- Avoid touching the connectors to prevent oil seepage.
- When traveling, seal cartridges in a smell-proof bag or container.
With proper care, you can get the most life span and value out of your cannabis oil cartridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do THC oil cartridges last?
On average, THC cartridges stay fresh for around 3-4 months when stored properly. Disposable vape pens expire faster within 4-6 months. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life by up to 6 months.
Can you vape expired THC oil?
It’s generally not recommended to vape THC oil from an expired or old cartridge. While it won’t necessarily make you sick, the taste and potency can be affected. Stick to unexpired cartridges for the best experience.
Why does my cartridge taste burnt?
Burnt hits usually mean the wick or coil inside the cartridge has overheated and singed. Let the device cool down completely before gently resuming puffs. Burnt hits can also mean the oil itself has oxidized and degraded.
Why is my cartridge blinking?
Many vape batteries have indicator lights that blink to show charging status or warn of issues. Try unscrewing and reattaching the cartridge to make a better connection. Blinking can also indicate low battery life. Charge the vape if the light keeps flashing.
Can I refill a used cartridge?
Some vape cartridges are designed for refilling, but disposable ones don’t have refillable tanks. Don’t try to open and refill disposable cartridges – instead, transfer the remaining oil to a new empty refillable cartridge.
| Signs of Fresh Oil | Signs of Expired Oil |
|---|---|
| Golden to light brown color | Dark, blackened color |
| Smooth, uniform texture | Crystallized or separated |
| Slow viscous flow | Fast splattering flow |
| Cartridge intact | Leaks, cracks, damage |
| Weed taste and aroma | Harsh, chemical taste |
| No mold or bacteria | Discoloration, cloudiness |
| Expected effects | Faded, different effects |
Conclusion
Checking for changes in oil quality, cartridge integrity, storage conditions, and effects are the best ways to determine if your THC oil cartridge has expired. Dispose of any damaged or moldy cartridges. With proper care and storage, you can maximize the shelf life and enjoyment of your cannabis vape cartridges.
