Pens, Carts and Pods; Potency Potential

In our last blog entry, we talked about the basic differences between the types of carts. This time we will answer some of the most common questions we get about using them.

Potential Potency

The pens we carry can range from 60% to 90% THC so always be aware of what level you are starting out with, especially if it’s your first time using a cartridge.

Generally, the 80-90% pens are straight distillate with only traces of other cannabinoids and terpenes, just enough to keep it viscous and working in the vaporizer. A single pull off one of these leads to a very psychedelic, intense cerebral high with an initial, sometimes overwhelming, rush of effects that can continue to roll through you for hours. Make sure you are sitting down and comfortable for this.

The pens in the 60-70% range generally contain a higher amount of terpenes and other cannabinoids. Solei for example contain up to 10% CBD in most of their pens. This can help to make the effects more manageable so these are the ones we would recommend to people who have used the 1:1 pens and are ready to take it a step up. These can still be just as intense though, remember that strong flower is only 25-30% so 60% will be a noticeable difference.

“How long will it last?”

Here’s a rough guesstimate equation you can use, but remember it will not give you an exact answer.

The rule of 3s when it comes to how long a cart will last :
If a cart is 0.5g we take the 5 x 3 = 15 so you’d get roughly 150 hits from it. Basically 100-200.
If a cart is 0.3g : 3 x 3 = 9 so 90 hits. So roughly 50-150.
A 1g cart (10 x 3) should be able to get you roughly 300 hits. Roughly 250-350.

This is all dependent on how hard you pull, how long you pull, the viscosity of the oil, the humidity of the environment you are in, the charge level of your battery and type of battery, amongst other things.

“How much am I getting per draw?”

Again, this will vary drastically from person to person depending on how long they pull, how hard they pull, how long they hold it in their lungs, the viscosity of the oil, the battery and heater used, the humidity of the room, their body chemistry and physiology, their tolerance and experience, their mindset, to name just a few factors. Never expect exact amounts, only rough ranges. As with all cannabis products, results will vary.

We can guesstimate a very rough equivalence of how much each pull might be based on the total % similar to how we can use the Rule of 3 to calculate roughly how many pulls you might get from a cart. If 0.1g (100mg) of oil will produce roughly thirty 3 second pulls according to the Rule of 3. Then one 3 second pull should dispense roughly 3.3mg of oil. If a pen contains 80% THC, a 3.3mg dose of oil would be roughly 2.64mg of THC. (3.3 x 0.8 = 2.64)

However, your lungs do not absorb all of the THC in each inhale even if you hold it in and a varying amount will be exhaled. Also, because of the 11-OH-THC conversion from consuming edibles, we cannot compare the efficacy of a 2mg edible to a 2mg inhalation from a joint or cartridge.

For first time users or those unfamiliar with the pens, rather than pulling your inhale right into your lungs all at once, put the vape to your lips and use your cheeks to draw just a little bit of vapor into your mouth, then breath that little mouthful in. This is a good way to regulate the amount you are intaking.

Do not keep pulling until you “feel something”. Vapes are a lot smoother than smoking and you will not feel it until you have already consumed too much. Always start with just one draw. Even if you don’t get enough from it, wait 20 minutes before doing another. It is always better to not do enough and need to do more later than to do too much and be stuck with it!