Can You Use CBD/THC E-liquid in a Regular Pod Vape?

What is THC E-Liquid?

THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis and the thing that produces the sensation of feeling “high”. THC Liquids are concentrated cannabis extracts made specifically for vaporization, rather than for traditional combustion. Depending on how these concentrated compounds are processed, they might be labeled as THC Vape Juice, Cannabis Oil, Distillate, or Live Resin. Some variation in strength, quality, and effects goes along with these various products, but all can be used in the same way. 

Unlike standard vape e-liquid, which is made from a mix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), THC liquid is much thicker and stickier, more akin to honey than oil. This difference, although it may seem relatively minor, is crucial to understand because it determines the type of device required to vaporize the oil correctly. 

THC liquid also contains terpenes. These aromatic compounds give cannabis its flavor and aroma, but they are delicate and can easily be destroyed by excessive heat. This is another reason, proper temperature control, why it is important to use the correct type of device when vaping cannabinoids. 

Can You Use THC Liquid in a Regular Pod Vape?

Not all vape devices are designed to handle THC oil or liquid. A standard pod vape, the type commonly used for nicotine or flavored e-liquids, is specifically designed to cope with only thin, runny liquids. They typically use a cotton wick in the coil to absorb the e-liquid, ready to be heated quickly. THC liquid is too thick for this type of coil, as it cannot be absorbed efficiently by the cotton wick. This would lead to poor performance, an unpleasant vaping experience, and potentially, damage to the device. 

Cannabis vape pens are designed with this thicker liquid in mind. They usually feature a ceramic coil (but sometimes a quartz coil), which can heat the liquid evenly without burning it, and don’t use cotton wicks. The best devices also offer adjustable temperature controls, allowing you to fine-tune the heat that is applied to the THC liquid for smoother and more flavorful hits. 

So, while technically it is possible to use a regular pod vape with THC vape juice, it’s not a good idea, and we strongly discourage trying. The one caveat to that is if you have a device that is specifically designed to work with both types of e-liquid. We don’t know of any such devices available to the mainstream, but they may exist. 

Here’s a reminder of why most regular pod vapes don’t work with THC liquid:

• Clogging: The thicker THC oil can block the pores of cotton wicks and even the airflow holes in the device. 
• Burnt Taste: If the liquid in a standard vape coil’s wicking is too thick, it won’t be vaporized efficiently. This can result in residue building up and eventually being scorched. 
• Leaking: If oil drawn into the heating chamber of a coil isn’t vaporized properly, it can potentially leak into the pod socket of your vape. 
• Device damage: Consistent leaking and overheating will reduce the lifespan of your pods and could cause permanent damage to the vape itself. 
• Health risks: Inefficient vaporization and a build-up of residue may result in the production of harmful byproducts. 

The Right Way to Vape THC E-liquids

If you want to get the desired results (whatever they may be) from your THC liquid safely and effectively, it’s worth investing in the correct device. THC-compatible vape pens, designed specifically for vaporizing cannabis extracts, are not very expensive and will provide a much better experience than trying to use a regular pod vape. 

No matter which device you have your eye on, you should always look for features like:

• A ceramic or quartz coil for smooth, even heating.
• Temperature control settings so you can keep the heat between 160°C and 220°C. This is the ideal range for preserving terpenes and cannabinoids.
• A chamber designed for thicker oils, often in the form of 510-thread cartridges.

Pre-filled THC Cartridges

An even easier way to ensure a good THC vaping experience, particularly if you are new to it or just want to test the waters, is to opt for a vape pen that works with pre-filled THC cartridges. As long as you buy from reputable brands, using these manufacturer-sealed cartridges is the best way to avoid potential contamination and to reduce mess. Assuming you pick a cartridge that is compatible with your pen (the battery section), they are almost always calibrated to vaporize at an ideal heat, meaning you might not even have to worry about fiddling with a variable temperature control. 

Can You Use CBD E-liquid in a Regular Pod Vape?

While both THC and CBD are cannabinoids, using CBD in a regular pod vape is generally a different story compared to THC. Unlike THC distillate or cannabis concentrates, CBD vape juice is formulated much like normal nicotine e-liquid. It almost always uses a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), giving it a thinner consistency that works perfectly with standard pod vape systems. 

This means that in the majority of cases, a CBD vape liquid can be used perfectly safely and efficiently in your everyday vape, without the worry of clogging the coil or experiencing burnt hits. Aside from the flavor (and, of course, whatever therapeutic effects it might provide), it should be very similar to the experience of vaping standard nicotine juice. That hopefully means smooth, consistent hits and minimal problems or extra maintenance. It’s a great option for people who want the calming effects of CBD without investing in specialized cannabis vaping equipment.

There are, however, a few things to consider to ensure a flawless experience: 

• Coil Resistance: You can use almost any coil resistance with CBD vape liquid, but flavor is often said to be better with higher-resistance coils (1.0ohm and above). You will also generally want to inhale less CBD vapor per puff, so you won’t need to produce the big clouds associated with sub-ohm coils.
• Wattage: There is a risk that the active ingredient in CBD vape liquids will be degraded if vaporized at too high a temperature, so moderate the power setting for best results. 
• Use The Correct CBD Product: Only use CBD e-liquids that are clearly labelled for vaping. CBD oils or tinctures designed for oral use should never be inhaled, as they can damage your device and harm your lungs.

The Bottom Line

While you can use THC liquid in a vape, it is important to use the right equipment. Not doing so is very likely to lead to a bad experience, and can potentially be harmful to both your health and your vape. Regular pod vapes just aren’t designed to handle the thickness of THC e-liquids. For the best experience, choose a THC-compatible vape pen or pre-filled cartridge designed specifically for cannabis extracts. CBD, on the other hand, can be used in a regular pod vape and should provide an enjoyable and effective experience, as long as you follow a few simple rules.