Real vs. Fake THC/CBD Cartridges: How to Spot the Fakes

With the rise of cannabis legalization, THC and CBD cartridges have seen a massive increase in sales. Like in any booming market, people will always try to make quick money. This has given rise to many fake products, so it's essential to be aware of potential risks caused by counterfeit cartridges.

We've all heard alarming stories about unregulated carts containing harmful pesticides and toxic chemicals. Many fake cartridges are sold at suspiciously low prices from dubious sources, putting users at risk.

What Are Vape Cartridges?

Vape cartridges are usually sold pre-filled with cannabis oil such as THC, live resin, distillate or CBD oils. These cartridges usually have a 510 thread and are made to be used with 510 thread vape batteries such as those sold by LOOKAH. While the majority of these cartridges are disposable, some can be refilled and used multiple times.

The Risks of Fake THC Cartridges

Counterfeit cartridges prioritize profit over safety. The oil in the cartridges is often made from illicit cannabis, which has usually been grown with the aid of harmful pesticides and fertilizers that are not safe for human consumption and are banned by regulators.

One well-known harmful additive is Vitamin E acetate, linked to severe lung injuries.

Even without fillers, fake carts may include heavy metals or low-quality cannabis tainted with pesticides.

Many carts only undergo testing for a small number of chemicals, so even carts sold at dispensaries have been found to contain harmful chemicals.

These unknown substances can lead to respiratory issues and long-term health problems.

How to Identify Authentic vs. Fake THC Cartridges

Here are some practical tips for spotting counterfeit products:

1. Check the Packaging and Branding

Authentic cartridges should come with clear packaging. This should show the package date, batch number, and manufacturing date.

Reputable brands will often include a QR code on the package. You can scan this code which links to lab results for that specific batch on their website, where you can usually see the Certificate of Analysis (COA).

If you can't find the COA, you can ask the dispensary staff; they should be able to help you locate the COA for any product they sell.

Look for compliance symbols and mandatory warnings specific to your state. For instance, California requires a THC warning symbol.

Be wary of packaging with misspellings, grammatical errors, or blurry printing. However, note that counterfeiters can still produce authentic-looking packaging thats impossible to spot from the real branded items. 

2. Visual Inspection of the Cartridge

Once you've checked the packaging, examine the cartridge itself. Authentic THC oil will normally have a golden or light amber color. The oil should be a thick viscous consistency.

If you tilt the oil on it side or upside down, you will see the oil slowly running into place. If the oil is runny, dark, or filled with bubbles, it could be fake. Also, look for signs of leakage, discoloration, or inconsistent branding. Poor construction, like loose fittings or unreliable heating elements, can also indicate a counterfeit cart.

3. Pricing and Purchase Sources

We've heard the adage you get what you pay for. This is also true with THC carts. If the prices are good to be true, then they usually are. THC carts come with production costs and quality controls. If you're paying for a cheap cart, then there will likely be shortcuts in these areas, so be cautious of carts sold at unusually low prices.

Only purchase from licensed dispensaries or authorized retailers with solid reputations. Don't buy from unverified online sources or street vendors. If anything feels off about a cart, it's better to err on the side of caution and not use it.

Common Signs of Fake Vape Carts

Here are some indicators that you might be dealing with a counterfeit THC product:

• Unpleasant Aftertaste: Real cartridges should offer a smooth flavor. A burnt plastic taste, metallic tang, or harsh chemical aftertaste usually signals a low-quality or counterfeit products.

• Coughing and Irritation: Fake vapes often contain irritants that can inflame your lungs, leading to persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

• Nausea and Dizziness: Counterfeit cartridges might have unknown substances that result in nausea, headaches, or general discomfort.

• Unpredictable Effects: Legitimate THC products have well-known psychoactive effects. However, fakes may contain unpredictable THC levels or synthetic cannabinoids, leading to anxiety, paranoia, or extreme lethargy.

Note: If you experience any of these symptoms after using a cartridge, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Ensure You're Getting a Real THC Cartridge

To avoid counterfeit products, always purchase from licensed vendors. Look for dispensaries that provide lab test results easily. Request certificates of analysis (COAs), which should detail the cannabinoid profile, terpene content, and absence of contaminants.

In summary, staying informed and vigilant is key to enjoying THC and CBD cartridges safely. By following these tips and recognizing red flags, you can protect yourself and ensure a better vaping experience.