Vape cartridges, commonly called vape carts, are one of the fastest-growing product categories in cannabis retail. Whether you’re stocking your dispensary or exploring white-label manufacturing, understanding the vape cart landscape is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything dispensary buyers and cannabis brands need to know about vape carts, from how they work to what to look for when buying wholesale.
How Does a Vape Cart Work?
A vape cart is a pre-filled cartridge that contains cannabis oil. These cartridges are designed to connect with a vape battery, usually using a 510-thread connection. When activated, the oil inside the cart is heated and turned into vapor.
If you’re wondering what is a cart in the context of cannabis, it’s simply a compact oil cartridge that works with a vape pen to produce inhalable vapor.
Vape carts offer a smooth, combustion-free experience. They’re easy to use, portable, and available in a wide range of strains, potencies, and cannabinoid profiles. They have become a go-to product for both beginners and experienced cannabis users.
Whether you call them vape carts, cartridges, or just carts, the purpose is the same: a clean, convenient way to enjoy THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids in vapor form.
How Does a Vape Cart Work?
Understanding how vape carts function helps dispensary teams and consumers get the most out of each product. The components are simple, but the design is engineered for performance.
Key Components
- Cartridge: Holds the cannabis oil and contains the coil that heats the oil.
- Battery: Supplies power to the cartridge. Most use a 510-thread system for compatibility.
- Mouthpiece: The part you inhale from. The design may vary to improve airflow and comfort.
Heating and Vaporization
When the cart is connected to a battery and the user inhales, the coil inside the cartridge heats up. This warms the oil until it vaporizes, releasing cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the material. The result is a smooth, flavorful experience with less odor and no smoke.
Why Vape Carts Are in Demand
- Easy to Carry: Fits in a pocket, bag, or purse.
- Simple to Use: No tools or preparation required.
- Low Maintenance: No ash, mess, or cleanup needed.
- Discreet: Minimal odor and visible vapor.
- Controlled Dosing: Users can take one puff at a time for more precision.
- Consistent Flavor: High-quality carts maintain flavor from the first puff to the last.
For those new to vaping, learning how to use a cart is incredibly straightforward. Most consumers only need to attach the cart to a battery and inhale.
Although vape carts are often seen as beginner-friendly, they are also appreciated by long-time users who want a convenient and efficient way to consume cannabis.
Benefits for Wholesale Buyers
- Attractive Packaging: Vape carts look sleek on retail shelves with professional branding and compliant labels.
- Long Shelf Life: When stored correctly, carts maintain potency and flavor longer than many edibles or flower products.
- Low Waste: Durable and sealed cartridges mean fewer returns due to leakage or spoilage.
If you’re exploring what are carts from a retail buyer’s perspective, they represent a low-barrier entry point to offering vapor products with high consumer demand and great profit margins.
What to Look for in Wholesale Vape Carts
Not all vape carts are created equal. Here are the top things to check when evaluating a supplier.
Hardware and Build
- Look for ceramic coils if flavor and performance are priorities.
- Choose glass cartridges for a more premium presentation.
- Ensure the product is airtight to preserve freshness and prevent leakage.
Pricing and Order Flexibility
- Make sure the price reflects oil quality, cartridge design, and packaging.
- Ask about minimum order quantities. Some manufacturers offer lower MOQs to support new dispensaries or smaller retailers.
Tips for Dispensary Buyers
Before making your first wholesale vape cart purchase, consider the following advice:
Ask the Right Questions
- Has the oil been tested for potency, residual solvents, and contaminants?
- Is the packaging child-resistant and tamper-evident?
- Can I order samples before committing to a bulk order?
Add More Value
- Consider bundling carts with batteries or chargers.
- Use packaging that tells your brand story and includes compliance details.
- Offer limited-edition or seasonal strain drops to generate excitement.
Best Practices for Storing and Handling Vape Carts
Even though vape carts are easy to manage, proper handling ensures better performance and shelf life.
- Store upright: Prevents leaking and helps maintain oil positioning.
- Avoid heat and sunlight: High temperatures can degrade potency and terpenes.
- Do not freeze: This can thicken the oil and affect performance.
- Reseal unused carts: Protects against dust, moisture, and contamination.
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Partner with Jive, a brand that’s all about bold quality, consistent performance, and flavor you can count on. Whether you’re launching your first product line or expanding your shelf selection, Jive’s expertly crafted vape carts are built to impress.
Explore wholesale opportunities with Jive Cannabis and bring something better to your dispensary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inside a vape cart?
Cannabis oil that may contain THC, CBD, and/or other cannabinoids, along with terpenes and potentially flavor additives.
Can I refill a vape cart?
Most carts are not refillable. Reuse can lead to leakage or inconsistent heating,
How long does a cart last?
It depends on the oil volume and frequency of use. Many brands indicate puff count or usage guidelines on the packaging.
What do wholesale vape carts cost?
Prices typically range from $7 to $25 per unit depending on oil type, potency, cartridge build, and order volume.
