A weed cart, short for cartridge, is a small pre-filled tank of cannabis oil that attaches to a battery to make a vape pen. When you inhale, the battery heats the oil into vapor. Most carts use a standard “510” thread, so they fit most cannabis vape batteries.
Carts are popular because they are discreet, easy to use and simple to measure. Here is how they work and what to know before you buy one.
Key takeaways
- A cart is a pre-filled cartridge of cannabis oil that screws onto a 510-thread battery.
- Take one or two short puffs, then wait 5 to 10 minutes before having more.
- Buy carts only from licensed dispensaries, where products are lab-tested.
What is inside a cannabis cart?
A cart holds cannabis oil plus, usually, terpenes for flavor and aroma. The main oil types are:
| Oil type | What it is | What people like about it |
| Distillate | Refined oil that is mostly THC | High potency, consistent taste |
| Live resin | Extracted from fresh-frozen plants, often with solvents | Fuller strain flavor and aroma |
| Live rosin | Pressed from fresh-frozen plants with heat and pressure, no solvents | Solventless, closest to the plant’s flavor |
| Full-spectrum or CO2 oil | Keeps more of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes | Balanced, plant-like profile |
Licensed New York carts list THC and CBD content on the label and link to a lab report (Certificate of Analysis). Check the hardware too: carts come in 0.5 g and 1 g sizes, and all-in-one (AIO) pens have the battery built in. Carts are one form of cannabis concentrate; learn more in what is 710.
How do you use a cart?
- Charge the battery fully before first use.
- Screw the cart onto the battery Do not overtighten.
- Turn it on if your battery has a button (often five quick clicks). Some batteries activate when you inhale.
- Take a short, gentle puff of two to three seconds.
- Wait before taking more. New York’s Office of Cannabis Management suggests waiting 5 to 10 minutes after one or two puffs before deciding to have more.
If your battery has voltage settings, start on the lowest. Lower heat preserves flavor and is gentler on your throat.
How long does a cart take to kick in?
Inhaled cannabis acts fast. Most people feel effects within minutes, which is why the “start low and go slow” advice is to take one or two puffs and then wait 5 to 10 minutes. Effects vary by person, product potency and tolerance.
How long does a vape high last?
Effects from inhaled cannabis usually peak early and fade over a few hours. That is shorter than edibles, which take longer to start and last longer. Duration depends on how much you inhale, the product’s THC level and your own body. For how potency numbers work, see THC percentages explained.
How long does a weed pen last?
It depends on the cart size and how much you use. A 0.5 g cart lasts a light user much longer than a daily user. The battery usually lasts a day or more per charge with normal use. When a cart starts tasting burnt or produces little vapor, it is likely empty.
Why buy carts only from licensed dispensaries?
Unlicensed vape products have no required testing, so their potency, additives and contaminants are unknown. Licensed carts in New York must pass lab testing before sale, and their labels carry the New York universal symbol. Shop vapes at Indoor Treez in Midtown Manhattan and Howard Beach. Learn how to spot a licensed store in what is a dispensary.
Do vape carts count toward New York’s possession limit?
Yes. Vape oil is concentrated cannabis, so it counts toward the 24-gram concentrate limit for adults 21 and older.
FAQ
What does “cart” mean in weed? A cart is a cartridge pre-filled with cannabis oil that screws onto a vape battery.
What is a 510 thread? It is the standard screw connection used by most cannabis cartridges and batteries, so most carts fit most batteries.
Do carts smell? Vapor smells less and fades faster than smoke, but it still has a scent, especially with terpene-rich carts.
How should I store a cart? Store it upright at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets.
Can I use a cart anywhere smoking is allowed? Vaping cannabis follows the same rules as smoking it in New York: allowed in most places where tobacco smoking is allowed, but not in cars, parks, beaches, restaurants or bars. See where you can smoke in NYC