CBD cartridges (also known as CBD vape cartridges, CBD oil cartridges, CBD vape pods, or CBD carts) are effective, fast-acting, and highly beneficial for your body. They contain CBD vape juice with a host of useful cannabis plant compounds (CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids).
Not as long-lasting as CBD transdermal patches or CBD capsules but suitable for immediate results. Used consistently, CBD cartridges provide a healthy dose of cannabidiol all throughout the day. Many people use CBD carts for health, wellness, recreational purposes such as sleep, relaxing, muscle aches, joint pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety, and mood enhancement.
Hemp-derived CBD cartridges are legally available on a federal level online and in-store (47 states allow it). Not difficult to find. Many flavors and strength options available. The strength and potency of CBD cartridges are vital. Beginners should stick to 250-500mg – any higher is overwhelming. This potency is good for mild pain or sleep problems. Seasoned CBD users can go up to +1000mg for more severe issues. 750mg is a perfect middle ground.
10 Best CBD Cartridges
Check out our top disposable (non-refillable) CBD cartridge picks below! Most of the carts are compatible with a universal 510-threaded battery unless noted otherwise. All of the cartridges in our list have been fully tested and vetted to be free of any additives, synthetic cutting agents, and Vitamin E acetate, and made using the cleanest hemp oil extract.
1. Bloom Farms Dream CBN/CBD Cartridge
Available for $26 at Bloom Farms
- CBD: 250mg
- CBN: 50mg
- THC: <0.3%
- Extract Type: Broad-Spectrum
- Extraction Method: Whole-Plant
- +60% total cannabinoid content
- Ingredients: Hemp extract, cannabinol, natural flavor
- No additives or cutting agents
2. Cookies CBD Cartridge
Available for $42.95 at Cookies CBD
- CBD: 175mg
- THC: <0.3%
- Extract Type: Full-Spectrum
- Strain: Gelatti
- Flavor profile: Musky OG menthol, sweet
3. Secret Nature CBD Vape Pen Cartridge
Available for $30 at Secret Nature
- CBD: 700mg
- THC: <0.3%
- Extract Type: Full-Spectrum
- Extraction Method: Whole-Plant
- Strain: Forbidden Fruit (Indica)
- Ingredients: Hemp oil extract, cannabis terpenes
- Vegan, non-GMO, and no plastics used
4. JustCBD Vape Catridge
Available for $29.95 at JustCBD
- Strain: Pineapple Express
- CBD: 1000mg
- THC: <0.3%
- Extract Type: Broad-Spectrum
- Extraction Method: CO2
- Ingredients: Hemp oil extract, terpenes
- Vegan, non-GMO
5. Foria Intimacy CBD Cartridge
Available for $68 at Foria
- CBD: 450mg
- THC: <0.3%
- Extract Type: Broad-Spectrum
- Extraction Method: CO2
- Flavor profile: Peppermint, vanilla, cacao
- Ingredients: Hemp oil extract, organic botanical blend
- No propylene glycol or MCT used
- USDA-certified organic, vegan, sustainably sun-grown hemp
6. Extract Labs
Available for $29 at Extract Labs
- CBD: 500mg
- THC: <0.3%
- Extract Type: Full-Spectrum
- Extraction Method: CO2
- Ingredients: Hemp oil extract, terpenes
- No PG, VG, or MCT oil used
7. Dr. Dabber CBD Cartridge
Available for $34.95 at Dr. Dabber
- CBD: 250mg
- THC: 0%
- Extract Type: Broad-Spectrum
- Extraction Method: CO2
- Strain: Original Blend
- Ingredients: Hemp oil extract, terpenes
- No PG, VG, or MCT oil used
8. Plain Jane CBD Vape Cartridge
Available for $29.99 at Plain Jane
- CBD: 750mg
- THC: <0.3%
- Extract Type: Full-Spectrum
- Extraction Method: CO2
- Strain: Girl Scout Cookies (India)
- Ingredients: Hemp oil extract, terpenes
9. Kiara CBD Vape Pods
Available for $85 at Kiara
- CBD: 550mg total
- THC: <0.2%
- Extract Type: Full-Spectrum
- Extraction Method: CO2
- Made in Switzerland
- Naturally grown, pharmaceutical-grade
10. Cheef Botanicals Organic CBD Cartridges
Available for $24.95 at Cheef Botanicals
- CBD: 200mg and 400mg option
- THC: 0.3%
- Extract Type: Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrums option
- Organic, non-GMO
- No additives or preservatives
- Rich in terpenes
Guide to buying the best CBD cartridges
- Price
Be wary of cheap CBD cartridges. A low price tag isn’t worth it, no matter your budget. On the flip side, a disproportionately high price tag is to be avoided too. Striking a balance between too low and too high is vital here.
For example, if you see a 1000mg CBD vape cartridge for $5.00, we recommend staying away. We believe cheap cartridges are generally low-quality and unsafe. Likewise, a 1000mg vape cartridge for $150 is way too excessive and above the average (probably a scam or con).
- Lab testing + COA
Third-party testing matters. Refers to independent, accredited laboratories analyzing and evaluating your chosen CBD cart. It’s essentially a magnifying glass into the quality and potency of hemp extract, looking into the number of cannabinoids and terpenes present in the extract, as well as any contaminants (mycotoxins, residual solvents, heavy metals, etc).
Once testing is complete, a laboratory will issue a Certificate of Analysis (COA), a crucial document showing proof of testing. All credible CBD brands will post these on their websites. If not, this may be a red flag.
- CBD content
The cannabidiol content held in the CBD vape cartridge/juice should match your experience and daily dosing requirements.
- 250-500mg CBD = beginner level
- 750-1000mg CBD = intermediate level
- +1000mg CBD = seasoned CBD user
If you’ve never tried CBD before (vaping CBD cartridges or otherwise), start as low as possible to avoid side-effects. A 250mg or 500mg cartridge is suitable and provides enough cannabinoids without being overwhelming.
- Extract type
We typically purchase CBD carts with a full-spectrum hemp extract. You get a full range of beneficial plant compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids) including THC. The THC content (<0.3%) is said to contribute to the entourage effect, a theory that all cannabis plant compounds work in synergy for enhanced physiological benefits.
If you dislike the idea of THC in your body, we suggest a broad-spectrum hemp extract. You get all plant compounds minus THC. Good if you undergo regular occupational drug tests or simply dislike the idea of consuming an intoxicating compound (no matter how small the amount).
- Terpene content
Casual users often overlook terpenes. Terpenes are wildly beneficial in conjunction with cannabinoids. Useful terpenes to have in a CBD hemp extract include:
- Linalool — anti-inflammatory (good for pain, inflammation, etc)
- Myrcene — anticatabolic & anti-inflammatory (good for inflammation, muscle mass protection, etc)
- Limonene — anti-inflammatory & antioxidant + sedative + relaxant (good for anxiety, relaxation, free radicals, etc)
- Pinene — antiinflammatory + neuroprotective (good for inflammation, nervous system, etc)
- Bisabolol — anti-inflammatory & analgesic (good for pain, inflammation, etc)
- Terpinene — antioxidant & antimicrobial
- The vape juice contains non-GMO, organic hemp extract
We make sure the extract used in the CBD vape juice inside the cartridge is sourced from organic, non-GMO farms (ideally in the US). The US has a solid reputation for hemp cultivation, specifically in states such as Colorado and Oregon. To find out where your CBD sources its hemp, it’s usually announced somewhere on the website. If not, contact a customer service rep for more info.
- Ingredients
Knowing the ingredients of the CBD vape juice held in your cartridge is vital. Some ingredients are perfectly fine to consume, while others are harmful.
Ingredients to avoid include:
- Diacetyl — caused severe respiratory issues in rodent test subjects (damaged airways and lungs)
- Cinnamon — pure cinnamon inhalation has caused pulmonary inflammation and aspiration pneumonia (in severe cases)
- Vanilla — contains vanillin (potentially toxic when inhaled)
- Caffeine — can cause caffeine overuse (anxiousness, nervousness, rapid heart rate, a spike in blood pressure, etc)
Ingredients safe to inhale:
- Propylene glycol
- Vegetable glycerin
- Nicotine
Make sure to check the ingredients list for all CBD oil cartridges. If in doubt, contact a customer service representative.
- Disposable or refillable
CBD carts come in two options: pre-filled and refillable.
We prefer refillable simply for long-term savings and the option to switch the CBD juice to something more suitable. With disposable CBD cartridges, the CBD brand fills the cartridge up for you. Once you’ve finished with it, you throw it away. Good for beginners but not great for long-term savings. Purchasing numerous pre-filled disposable CBD cartridges ends up more expensive than purchasing CBD vape juice to fill them up yourself.
- Storage
Once purchased and the CBD cartridge(s) arrive at your home, be aware of correct storage practices. You don’t just leave them anywhere. To preserve potency, effects, and flavor, we recommend the following:
- Store in a cool, dark, dry area (bedroom cupboard, backpack, etc)
- Keep the lid on tight — long-term oxygen exposure can damage cannabis molecules
- Avoid direct sunlight — UV light can damage cannabis molecules and reduces overall potency
- Keep away from high heat sources — don’t place it near ovens or on top of a mantelpiece above a fire or heater
Some believe placing a CBD cart in the fridge is good for preservation. It keeps the CBD juice protected from the above elements. Avoid the freezer as it can cause functionality issues.
- Is the cartridge compatible with the battery?
Not all cartridges are created equal. Some cartridges aren’t compatible with all CBD vape pen batteries (and vice versa). A Juul type CBD vape cartridge won’t fit on a screw-top battery. A 510 thread CBD cart won’t slot into a Juul.
11. Where it’s made
Where it’s made is the big one. US CBD brands and manufacturers often use Chinese-made CBD cartridges and vape tanks. In fact, over 90% of the world’s vape products are made in China. Many are below average — some even potentially harmful. We recommend purchasing USA-made CBD vape carts. They’re a little pricier and harder to find but they’re 100% worth it.
What are CBD cartridges?
Put simply, CBD cartridges are tank-like containers designed to hold CBD vape juice ready to be vaped.
Are CBD cartridges suitable for beginners?
Yes, 100%. CBD vape carts are designed for convenience. We recommend pre-filled disposable cartridges if you’re just starting out. The vape juice held inside is pre-filled by the CBD brand/manufacturer.
We recommend a 250-500mg CBD cartridge to start out with. Not overwhelming. Easy to vape. Mild effects but enough to satisfy. Move up to 750mg if necessary.
Can you orally consume the CBD vape juice?
No. We don’t advise you to consume the CBD vape juice held in the cartridge. Sometimes leakage happens and small amounts of vape juice may be consumed. This is fine and mostly unavoidable. Rinse your mouth out with water to get rid of any excess or residual CBD vape juice.
How do you use CBD cartridges?
CBD cartridges are very easy to use, especially if they’re pre-filled and disposable. You just slot or screw the cartridge into the battery and begin vaping. It’s that easy.
Refillable CBD cartridges take a little more effort but nothing too mentally strenuous. You simply just have to fill and re-fill the cartridge yourself with a bottle of your own CBD vape juice. The refilling hole is usually at the top of the cartridge or tank. Squeeze the bottle until the CBD vape juice is near the top. Once filled, you’re ready to puff away.
Types of CBD cartridges
1. Refillable CBD cartridges
What are refillable CBD cartridges?
Refillable CBD cartridges are often called refillable CBD vape tanks. They’re not “one-use” cartridges. You don’t throw them away after the CBD juice runs out. You keep it for as long as necessary and refill using your own CBD vape juice. Recommended for both beginners and seasoned CBD users — mostly used by the latter.
Refillable CBD cartridges pros & cons
Pros:
- Reliable, easy-use, and convenient
- Long-term costs saving
- Can refill cartridges with different CBD vape juices
Cons:
- Not always suitable for beginners
2. Pre-filled CBD cartridges
What are pre-filled CBD cartridges?
Pre-filled CBD cartridges are often known as disposable CBD cartridges. Typically “one-use” cartridges pre-filled with CBD vape juice. Once the prefilled CBD vape juice has run out, you throw the cartridge away. Recommended for beginner users before purchasing refillable CBD cartridges.
Pre-filled CBD cartridges pros & cons
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners
- Prefilled — very convenient
- Wide range of flavors and strengths
Cons:
- Expensive in the long-term
- Cannot switch CBD vape juice
3. CBD pods
What are CBD pods?
CBD pods are a type of disposable CBD vape cart. They’re compatible with Juul style devices and vape pod systems. Almost pyramid-shaped with a rectangular tank. Oftentimes smaller than regular disposable CBD vape cartridges. Holds roughly 200-250 puffs. Good for beginners. Popular with casual CBD vape users.
CBD pod pros & cons
Pros:
- Convenient and easy-to-use
- Many brands stock CBD pods — large range of strengths and flavors
- Easy to store and transport
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Small size — holds very few puffs
- Disposable — not recommended if you’re looking for refillable
- Can be expensive
Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) ratio
What is propylene glycol (PG)?
- Byproduct of petroleum (synthetic but organic)
- Low viscosity (thinner than VG)
- Odorless
- Flavorless
- Recognized as safe to consume by the FDA
What is vegetable glycerin (VG)?
- Thinning agent sourced from vegetable oils
- High viscosity (thicker than PG)
- Smoothe “throat hit” — less like a CBD hemp flower joint
- Sweet taste
- Sweet aroma
- Recognized as safe to ingest by the FDA
What a PG/VG ratio means for your CBD cartridge experience
PG/VG ratios provide you with different vaping experiences. If you have PG-heavy CBD vape juice in your cartridge, you’ll get a harder throat hit with less of a vape cloud when exhaled. If you have a VG-heavy CBD vape juice in your cart, you’ll get a smoother throat hit with a larger vape cloud.
If you’re a beginner, we recommend a 50/50 PG/VG ratio. Medium throat hit, fuller vape cloud, sweet taste (not overwhelming), and suitable liquid thickness.
How long do CBD cartridges last?
Cartridge size
The size of your cartridge indicates how long it will last. Most CBD cartridges hold roughly 0.5-1.0 mL of liquid (sometimes 2+ mL). A 0.5 mL cartridge can last anywhere between 200-250 regular puffs. A 1.0 mL cartridge can last 300-450 puffs.
CBD vape juice viscosity
CBD vape juice is another good indicator of how long your cartridge will last. A PG heavy liquid is typically thinner and will run out quicker than a VG liquid, which is generally thicker.
Short or long inhales (pulls/drags)
The length of time you pull (or inhale) on your cartridge determines how long the CBD vape juice held inside lasts. Naturally, shorter, shallower pulls will keep the CBD juice from running out too quickly, simply because you’re heating it up for a shorter amount of time. Long, deep pulls on your CBD cartridge will cause the CBD liquid to vaporize in larger quantities.
Frequency of use
How frequently you use your vape cartridge ultimately determines how long the CBD juice lasts, to be honest. If you’re a consistent vape user (puffing all day from morning until night), the CBD liquid is obviously going to run out quicker than if you use it sparingly.
Wattage/temperature
Assuming you have a CBD oil vape pen or kit with a controllable interface, higher wattage and temperature will result in your CBD vape liquid vaporizing at a quicker rate. Keep the wattage/temp low to start with. Take a few small puffs and see how the hit feels on your throat. Increase the temperature if necessary.